Nichols & May "$65 Funeral" classic skit

The classic skit performed by Mike Nichols & Elaine May on the old Jack Paar show.

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• mike
• nichols
• elaine
• may
• comedy
• funeral
• cheap

[victoriaphibes]

Does anybody know if this is the entire sketch? It seems like it might be cut off.

[ChrisOnStage2]

@victoriaphibes

Yes, this is the entire clip!

[VIEWTUBE00000]

This kind of brilliant and intelligent comedy is nearly extinct nowadays. Todays comedians could learn a thing or two from these 2 pioneers of comic timing and anecdotal skits.

[EmmetEarwax]

$65 Funeral WAS cut off.

There was a final bit where the bereaved is asked about the music for the service - also not included in the &65. He was given the choice of (1) E.Power Bigs who would be flown in, or (2) Joanie Greenfield, a high school student who knows only one song - Blues in the Night. At that point, the man opted for no music at all ! The receptionist then said "It's your funeral". End.

I have the complete sketch on a 33RP LP record along with other tidbits.

[victoriaphibes]

@EmmetEarwax Is there a possibility that you might upload the entire sketch with say just a picture of them as per above? I'd love to hear the entire thing.

[EmmetEarwax]

65$ funeral actually caused a government investigation - NOT of Nichols & May but of the funeral industry !

I heard the entire sketch on a 33RP LP Grab-bag record of unknown production, and it included the music options.

[EmmetEarwax]

This sketch caused a government investigation . NOT of Nichols & May, but of the funeral industry.

The 33RP LP grab-bag record I have with this band on it, used the soundtrack of a performance where they sat behind some old boxes ! WNET also cut the end off the sketch, app. so some windbag can get his spiel in !

[EmmetEarwax]

This IS cut off. There was a final bit at the end, about the music -also not included in the $65. He had the choice of either E.Power Bigs as the organist OR Joanie Greenfield, a high school student who only knows one song- Blues in the Night. At that point, the bereaved opted for no music at all. The funeral receptionist then said "After all, it's your funeral." End.

[ninchLOsomarichYO]

I LOVE IT... FIRST TIME I LAUGHED SINCE MY DAD DIED....

THANX FOR POSTING IT

[SinanZee]

@ChrisOnStage2

I think what he's asking entails the quote at the end that begins "you run the danger with satire". It seemed to be part of a documentary or something. The skit seems over. Where did you get this clip?

[sonofderno]

My memory of the cheap music option was that a young/teenage girl could play the organ but she only knew one song--Blues in the Night. As the options for additional extras continued, Nichols cuts May off with "(I'll take) the middle one" before she can even begin to describe them. I also remember Nichols crying more into his handkerchief to mask laughing out loud and May asking, "Are you alright, sir?|

[dchiapello]

@victoriaphibes It is cut off. I remember there was an offer of music at the funeral. The cheap option was Mrs. [Somebody] at the organ singing Blues in the Night.