Tag Archives: #Comedy

‘Mort Sahl: Last Man Standing’ by James Curtis

Posted on May 2, 2017 by lmharnisch

Folks, please give a little love to the publication today of “Last Man Standing,” James Curtis’ new biography of Mort Sahl, who transformed standup comedy from mother-in-law gags to cutting political commentary. James, known for his biographies of W.C. Fields, … Continue reading →

Posted in 2017, Books and Authors, Stage | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

How I Almost Killed Garry Shandling

Posted on March 24, 2016 by lmharnisch

This would be a much funnier story if Garry Shandling were still alive, but if he were, I wouldn’t be telling it. I was partially responsible — in a roundabout way — for nearly killing Garry back in the 1970s. … Continue reading →

Posted in Obituaries, Television | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Garry Shandling: A Tour of L.A. Comedy Clubs in 1981

Posted on March 24, 2016 by lmharnisch

I rarely dig into my old clips, but here is my feature on Garry Shandling, who died today at the age of 66, from the Arizona Daily Star, Nov. 24, 1981. The ending isn’t exactly mine; it was altered  by … Continue reading →

Posted in 1981, Nightclubs, Obituaries, Television | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: Ned Sparks — Hollywood Grouch

Posted on May 20, 2013 by lmharnisch

Ned Sparks in “George White’s 1935 Scandals.” Photo courtesy of Mary Mallory. Throughout the history of film, many supporting players have functioned as the spine or safety chord upon which motion pictures have been built. Making the most of sometimes … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Mary Mallory | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Laurel and Hardy Meet Laurel y Hardy

Posted on January 20, 2013 by lmharnisch

I thought it would be fun to compare “Chickens Come Home” and “Politiquerias,” which aired recently on Turner Classic Movies. A shot-by-shot comparison shows that even though they use the same plot and camera setups, the English- and Spanish-language versions … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Happy Birthday, Mack Sennett!

Posted on January 17, 2013 by lmharnisch

Mary Mallory notes that today is Mack Sennett’s birthday. Read Mary’s post on Sennett here.

Posted in 1880, Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Mary Mallory | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Eve Golden / Queen of the Dead: Margaret Dumont

Posted on October 23, 2012 by lmharnisch

A photo of Groucho Marx and Margaret Dumont in “A Day at the Circus,” listed on EBay for $5.95. Margaret Dumont 1882 – 1965 I think we can all agree that Groucho Marx was a real sonofabitch, can’t we? A … Continue reading →

Posted in Eve Golden, Film, Found on EBay, Hollywood, Obituaries, Queen of the Dead | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Eve Golden / Queen of the Dead: Ada Jones

Posted on October 16, 2012 by lmharnisch

Ada  Jones 1873 – 1922   You youngsters can have your Ladies Gaga and Pinks and Katy Perrys. Give me the great Ada Jones. Ada was the first—and for ten years, the only—female superstar of the early record industry.

Posted in Eve Golden, Hollywood, Music, Obituaries, Queen of the Dead | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

‘Hellzapoppin’ " Opens in Los Angeles

Posted on February 10, 2012 by lmharnisch

Feb. 10, 1942:  The Hawaii Theater at Hollywood and Gower becomes a first-run theater (adios, Charles Foster Kane) with “Hellzapoppin.’ ” The “Congaroos” are “colored performers” who do “snappy dances.” “Stand-ins of the Hollywood stars” sounds like a gag, but … Continue reading →

Posted in 1942, Film, Hollywood, Theaters, World War II | Tagged , , | 6 Comments