Talk with The Smothers Brothers

The Smothers Brothers, consisting of Tom Smothers and Dick Smothers, were an American folk singing duo who became famous in the 1960s for their blend of music and comedic television performances. Born in New York, Tom (the older brother) and Dick Smothers became one of the most beloved and controversial comedy teams of their time.

Their act typically involved Tom playing a somewhat dim-witted, slow character trying to sing a song, only to be constantly corrected or interrupted by his younger brother, Dick, who played the straight, more sensible role. This dynamic often led to comedic arguments and catchphrases like "Mom always liked you best!"

The Smothers Brothers achieved significant success with their television show, "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," which aired from 1967 to 1969 on CBS. The show was known for its satirical approach to current events, political humor, and social commentary, pushing boundaries that often clashed with the network's censors. Their willingness to tackle controversial issues and include countercultural and politically active guests made the show a platform for some of the era’s significant movements but also led to conflicts with CBS, ultimately resulting in the show’s cancellation.

After their show ended, The Smothers Brothers continued to perform in various venues and made appearances on television shows and specials. Although their peak period was in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the duo remained influential figures in the realm of comedy and entertainment, recognized for their unique blend of musicianship and comedic talent.

The Smothers Brothers were known for blending comedy and music with satire, oftentimes addressing various political and social issues in their performances. During the 1960s, a time of significant social change and political upheaval in the United States, they used their platform on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" to spotlight and critique these challenges.

Some of the political themes they addressed included the Vietnam War, civil rights, censorship, and freedom of speech. Their humorous skits and musical performances often contained subtle and not-so-subtle messages that critiqued government policies and societal norms. For instance, they provided a space for anti-war messages and were vocal in their opposition to the Vietnam War, which was a controversial stance at the time.

Their engagement with such themes did not come without consequences. The brothers faced significant censorship from CBS, the network that aired their show. This battle over content led to frequent disputes with the censors, and ultimately, their show was canceled in 1969, largely due to their insistence on addressing these contentious issues. This action itself became a part of the broader conversation about censorship and freedom of expression during that era.

"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" was known for its stellar lineup of guest stars that included many prominent figures of the time. Some recurring guest stars on the show included:

1. Pat Paulsen - His deadpan comedic style made him a favorite, and he frequently appeared in his own editorial segments, which parodied political commentary of the time.

2. Leigh French - She was known for her segment "Share a Little Tea with Goldie," where she played a flower child, offering a satirical take on the counterculture movement.

3. Mason Williams - As a comedy writer and musician for the show, Williams also performed, notably playing his hit instrumental "Classical Gas."

These guests, among others, contributed to the show’s unique blend of comedy, music, and political satire, engaging a wide range of audiences and often challenging societal norms of the era.

After "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" was canceled in 1969 amid controversies over its political satire and content, The Smothers Brothers, Tom and Dick, continued to have successful careers, although their path shifted more towards live performances rather than television.

Post-show, they focused on their comedy and musical act on the live performance circuit, touring extensively across the United States. Their act remained popular, often featuring a mix of comedy, folk music, and the playful brotherly banter that had made them famous. Their live shows drew on elements that had been popular on their television show, such as satire, social commentary, and political humor.

While they made fewer television appearances, they didn’t completely leave the medium behind. They appeared in occasional TV specials and guest spots on various shows. In 1988, they returned to prime time with a revival of "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," but it was short-lived.

Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, they continued to perform live until their retirement in 2010. Their influence on American comedy and their role in breaking down censorship barriers on television are often highlighted as significant aspects of their legacy.

"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" featured a variety of memorable sketches that blended comedy with social and political commentary. Some famous sketches from the show include:

1. "Share a Little Tea with Goldie" - A segment featuring Leigh French as Goldie O'Keefe, parodying hippie culture. Goldie would often use double entendres and discuss topics related to the counterculture of the 1960s.

2. "The Presidential Physical Fitness Awards" - This sketch poked fun at the fitness campaign endorsed by President Johnson. It humorously depicted what would happen if a president were as physically unfit as the average American.

3. "Pat Paulsen for President" - These segments starred comedian Pat Paulsen delivering deadpan monologues about his faux presidential campaign. His absurd policy proposals and earnest demeanor parodied the actual political speeches of the time.

4. "Father Sarducci's Five Minute University" - Featuring Don Novello as Father Guido Sarducci, this sketch humorously condensed an entire college education into five minutes, critiquing the educational system's effectiveness.

5. "The Smothers Brothers at the Playboy Club" - This recurring bit featured Tom and Dick Smothers performing in a setting that parodied the famous Playboy Clubs, complete with humorous interactions with "bunnies".

These sketches often pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on network television at the time, contributing to both the show's enormous popularity and its controversies with censors.

The Smothers Brothers, Tom and Dick Smothers, are renowned for their career as a comedic and musical duo, particularly known for their show "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," which aired during the late 1960s. Their blend of comedy and political satire made them famous but also led to controversies, particularly with their outspoken views against the Vietnam War and their criticisms of the political establishment. This ultimately resulted in their show being canceled by CBS in 1969, citing reasons related to content and their continual pushing of boundaries against network censors.

Post the cancellation of their show, The Smothers Brothers continued to perform in various venues such as live performances and other TV guest roles. They maintained a successful career in entertainment, focusing largely on their musical-comedy act, and toured for several decades. They officially retired from touring in 2010 but have made occasional appearances since then. Tom and Dick Smothers are both still alive, having left a significant legacy in the realm of comedy and free speech in entertainment.

Yes, "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" was known for its battles with censorship. The show, which aired from 1967 to 1969, frequently pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for television during that era. It often addressed controversial topics such as the Vietnam War, racism, and censorship itself, which led to conflicts with CBS, the network that aired the show.

CBS censored several segments and episodes, often cutting or editing performances and sketches that were deemed too controversial or politically sensitive. This censorship became a point of contention, contributing to the show’s eventual cancellation in 1969. The Smothers Brothers often used humor to highlight the absurdity of the censorship they faced, making it a recurring theme in their show.

Pat Paulsen, a comedian known for his satirical spoofs of political campaigning, became a popular feature on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour." While it might be an overstatement to say he saved the show, his segments certainly contributed significantly to its success and cultural impact. Paulsen's deadpan delivery and mock-serious monologues appealed to audiences, enhancing the show’s reputation for cutting-edge and politically charged humor. His presidential campaign parodies, which began on the show, became a beloved part of his repertoire and a recurring theme throughout his career, reflecting the show's ability to blend comedy with social and political commentary.

Therefore, while Pat Paulsen was an integral part of the show's appeal and success, the show’s overall success was due to a combination of its talented cast, controversial content, and the way it pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on national television at the time.

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