One of my favorite movies of all time is the 1982 comedy, My Favorite Year. Film legend, Peter O’ Toole plays a washed up swashbuckling actor, Alan Swann, who needs money, so he accepts a guest spot on a television comedy variety show. Hollywood newcomer, Mark Linn-Baker is the enterprising junior comedy writer, Benjy Stone, who idolizes Swann and works himself silly to keep Swann on the straight and narrow. Side note here, this is LIVE television and Swann is not used to having to get it right, the first time. There are some heavy hitters in this movie and their comedic timing is impeccable.
“Screams, I guarantee you, screams”
At one point in the film, Swann sums up his philosophy on going from the world of drama to this television program, by quoting the great Shakespearean actor, Edmund Kean. On his deathbed, Kean is rumored to have said,
“Dying is easy, comedy is hard”
Over the years, I found being an actress in local community theatres to be most rewarding. I did my share of drama, won awards and worked with some terrific people. But the comedies were definitely more taxing! We had to sync our timing, keep the energy flowing and remember where we were when we had to “hold” for laughs. If we “broke character” we could have ruined the entire production. If you didn’t do it right, then you absolutely DIED on the VINE!
Smiling and laughter
Comedy’s side benefits
Earned through sweat and tears
©2016 Annette Rochelle Aben
https://silverthreading.com/2016/08/31/wqwwc-theme-is-comedy-cathartic-or-tragic-yes/
I would love to have seen you performances in comedies. I’ve not seen “My Favorite Year” but plan to do so soon based on your post. Thank you!
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Aw, I did have fun, that’s for sure! This movie is a blast… Looking forward to hearing what you thought of the flick.
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I wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face! LOL! You must have been amazing in theater. Have a perfect week. This editing is killing me, but I am staying with it. Hope to have something for you to beta read soon. ❤
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It was a grand time, that I look forward to having again! Keep it up girlie, great things ahead for you,
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Thanks, Annette. You are such an inspiration. Hugs. I would love to see your acting! 😀 ❤
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I could tell you about the movie I was in but that wasn’t acting… we were called atmospheric personnel
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Nice! Sounds like another WQWWC! Atmosphere is a great description. 😘
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Every kind of work needs a die heart dedication to get 101/100. Nice article
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Thank you for you enthusiasm and most kind words. ❤
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You are correct, your quote fits perfectly, comedy/humour is harder than straight forward character acting which is bloody hard. Timing and flow are everything. I would have liked to have been in the back row watching you perform. 😇
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Thank you, my friend. My life has been good to me and one day I look forward to returning to the stage. 🙂
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As long as you breathe you grow, when you grow up you could be a star. Think big! 😇
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I agree, comedy is very hard. I think that is why most comedians are brilliant people.
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I agree… There is such precision required to create something magical. Editing helps drama or comedy, if you have the luxury of NOT performing LIVE. Thanks for reading!
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My pleasure. Looking forward to reading more.
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Hi Annette! I’ve always known that being funny is hard work. I so admire those few people that are natural comedians. You’re a very amusing and entertaining person, so I can see how you’d be an award winning actor in the theater. Your haiku is both good and true. 🙂 xx
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Thank you, I appreciate your kind words and that you took the time to comment! Seriously, (huh?) we are all wanting to have a laugh probably as much as we need a good cry from time to time. Yet, I believe that we need the laughter so much more! ❤
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I agree. Laughter is definitely more needed. ❤
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Hi Annette, Colleen asked me if I would like to start this challenge back up again. What do you think? Did you love it? Would you be interested in partnering with me if I start it again? My email is marshaalwayswrite@tchistorygal.net.
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The challenge was fun, true! I shall email you.
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Great!
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