Olsen & Johnson - "Hellzapoppin" Projection Room Fight Scene with Shemp Howard and Jody Gilbert

[From "Kovacs Corner" on YouTube.com] - Returning to what I believe was a great influence on Ernie Kovacs' comedic style is the zany 1941 film "Hellzapoppin'" starring Ole Olsen (the taller member of the team) and Chic Johnson. Virtually unknown today, Olsen &Johnson were stars of vaudeville, radio, movies and television from 1914 to their deaths in the early 1960's. In this clip from the movie we perhaps see the seeds of Kovacs' inspiration, as virtually every visual comic raised through that era has been influenced by their madcap comedy. Not only is "the fourth wall" broken but there is the supposed juxtaposition of a different movie within the main film, in addition to making mechanical elements theatre film projection integrated into the movie's plot line. It is taking the audience out of it's normal realm of perception about watching a movie. Perhaps it can be attributed more to the film's writers, Nat Perrin and Warren Wilson, and director Harry Potter (that was the actual screen credit!) than Olsen & Johnson themselves but it appears to be one of the first times that such a plot and visual device was used. This relates perfectly to Kovacs' subsequent zany creative style. Also featured in this clip is Curly and Moe Howard's brother Shemp, in addition to actors Jody Gilbert and Lewis Howard. Classic cartoon viewers get a chance to see the real image of actor Hugh Herbert. He is the gentleman in the bowler hat who enters the screen from behind a curtain. Once you see him, you'll make the voice and visual connection! Mel Brooks pays tribute to Olsen & Johnson in his movie "Blazing Saddles" by naming one of the residents of the Old West town of Rock Ridge "Olsen Johnson". You can check out that scene at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70iNkQA8YU4&feature=related .

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• Ole
• Olsen
• Chic
• Johnson
• Hellzapoppin
• Shemp
• Howard
• Jody
• Gilbert
• Hugh
• Herbert
• Lewis
• projector
• projectionist
• film
• movie
• Mel
• Brooks
• Blazing
• Saddles

[IrenaMV]

Thank you, Richard for video, and most of all short introduction. I like to know and understand the background of scene and I appreciate your effort.

Video is hilarious! Thanks again,

Irena

[rolko52]

@IrenaMV Thank you again Irena for your kind comments!

[cyryc]

2:00 LOL!

[RandallBay]

Ole Olsen's daughter (Moya) married Bill Lear and survived him to carry on with his last project the LearFan.