Comedy History On Stage and Screen: Top 5 Comedy Teams of All Time

This former vaudeville act, also known as a "double" at the time, appeared in some of the black and white films of the 1930s and 1940s.

I first saw them late one night in an entertaining movie and kept their act in the back of my mind, because I found them humorous and because I had seen the musical Minnie's Boys and learned about the vaudeville act's connection with the future Marx Brothers comedy team.

Within a few weeks of seeing the film with Gallagher and Shean, I read one of the many good books about Groucho Marx that includes many of his letters and memos from a lifetime career. It was there that what I'd learned was confirmed - that Mr. Shean was Groucho's uncle, his mother's brother (I'd thought the hair looked familiar).

Dr. Demento has played recordings of the singing and spoken word number Mr. Gallagher And Mr. Shean over the years as an example of best comedy acts and has made it available on CD collections from his radio show.

These gentlemen are like Abbott and Costello, but with music and a bit more wit. Their work is thoroughly enjoyable. Here is a sample of their act:

Shean-

Oh Mister Gallagher, Mister Gallagher

When you get home you'll get a great surprise

When your ship is drawing near

it will make you shed a tear

to see the lights of New York shining in the sky

.

Gallagher-

Oh Mr Shean, Mr Shean

I have made that trip so I know just what you mean

But there's one that shines so bright

it's the brightest one in sight

.

Shean- Statue of Liberty, Mr Gallagher?

.

Gallagher- Coney Island, Mr. Shean!

.

The rest of Al Shean's family was also funny, including the Marx Brothers: Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo, and Zeppo; all sons of Minnie (Al's sister), who pushed them into show business.

If you ever get the chance to see the musical Minnie's Boys, you'll see the history of their characters unfold onstage.

Radio, film, books, TV shiows - the Marx Brothers were everywhere. Visit their tribute website: MARX BROTHERS and my Hub on Groucho and his brothers: Monkey Business (1931).

Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy worked in vaudeville and in early film. Today, many people take on the persona of Stanley in comedy clubs and on stage and particularluy in a one-man show once frequently performed by Brent Spiner (Data of Star Trek®).

World famous science fiction author Ray Bradbury has also included Laurel and Hardy in some of his short stories, including The Laurel and Hardy Love Affair --

In this story a young couple visit the long staircare in California down which a piano chased the comedy team as they tried to move it upstairs in a famous film sequence. The ghosts of Stan and Ollie seemed to both haunt and bless the couple - she playing Stan and he, Oliver - until she should could no longer commit to the relationship. Years later and both married with a child, their families pass each other on the Champ D'Elyse in Paris. As they pass, she tousles the top of her hair and he flutters his tie while no word is spoken.

In another sci-fi tale, a sort of hologram of the comedy team travel from world to world, spreading laughter. To be remembered through science fiction is a particular honor.

This ensemble flmed Monty Python's Flying Circus for TV in Britain and America in the 1970s and went on to make several hilarious films thereafter. Their skits are classics and their albums are heard on the Dr. Demento Show and on CD.

Many of this comedy team met at upper class universities in the UK. The filmed:

• And Now For Something Completely Different
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail
• Monty Python's Life of Brian
• Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
• Monty Python's The Meaning of Life

Tim (original name Tom) Conway was discovered by Steve Allen on a local Cleveland show and went on to entertain audiences in McHale's Navy and as an accident prone ensign. he joined The Carol Burnet Show and perfected such talent as falling up a flight of stairs in slow motion and playing a midget.

Harvey Korman was showcased on the hilarious Danny Kaye Show in the 1960s, worked on The Carol Burnett Show and made films with Mel Brooks, including The Producers and Blazing Saddles. Mr. Brooks had played The 1000 year Old Man on the old Syd Ceasar Show and the Steve Allen Tonight Show.

Both commedians won several Emmies and other awards, and Mr. Korman was recognized as well for portraying Bud Abbott in a drama about comedians