Thursday, March 27, 2008

Some Things Never Change

   Aristophanes wrote the first sit-com in 482 BC.  It won the first Emmy.

   It was hilarious. Lucy overhears Ricky and Fred Mertz talking about an expiring goldfish, (sick goat in the original) and she believes she is dying.  Only they weren't named Lucy, Ricky, and Fred in the original: they were Electa, Aristo, and Mellios.  Lucy (Electa) gives away her prize possessions.  When she learns that she is not really dying the fun begins. She has to negotiate their return, and has to make horrible, to her, concessions. She has to give up smoking. (drinking mead in the original) and go a week without telling a lie (the same in the original.)  You can imagine her consternation.

   Of course you probably didn't see the original, but perhaps you remember the television version. It aired in 1952, and been seen in re-runs ever since. 

   Aristophanes would be proud.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

slap stick comedy got to love it

Anonymous said...

Very interesting about the original. I never knew that. Helen

Anonymous said...

knew about the aristophanes but not the Lucy version. I grew up watching Lucy.what a talent she was. poor ethel, never have i had  such a loyal friend. but the lucys of the world sure do brighten life for the rest of us.
so glad you are home and well! Bravo!  june

Anonymous said...

Ummm-hmmm and just how did you know about the original.LOL
I miss Lucy-she was a grand dame'.They broke the mold and made no more 'STARS'...............

Anonymous said...

LOL.  Aristophanes would be proud of you, too, as would Lucy.