The Smothers Brothers look back on infamous CBS firing
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- The Smothers Brothers remain one of the most enduring and controversial comedy teams in the history of television. ALL ARTS sits down with Tommy and Dick, and author / TV critic David Bianculli, and discuss their lasting influence.
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Thomas and Dick recently donated artifacts from their landmark 1960s show "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" to the National Comedy Center to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of their firing from CBS - a decision that reverberated throughout the entertainment industry. Watch as the pair reunited for the first time in nine years, unveiling a display of archival material including their iconic red suit jackets, Tom’s guitar and Dick’s bass; along with scripts and creative papers, a letter from President Lyndon Johnson, which was read by the Smothers Brothers on their TV show, as well as legal documents from their landmark 1970s litigation against CBS in defense of their First Amendment rights.
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I'm 75 years-old now, and I watched the Smothers Brothers t.v. show when I was in high school. Most of us teens thought the show was great and told what needed to be said. Myself, along with many other young American men, ended up fighting for our lives in Vietnam even if we didn't want to be there. I served in 'Nam with the Army in 1969, and I'm glad we had the Smothers Brothers on our side fighting for us baby boomers. May you RIP Tommy Smothers. God bless you Dick and so sorry for your loss, and America's loss as well.
Thank you, TOMMY SMOTHERS for doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift, talent, activism and all the laughs over the years. Your legacy is sealed.
Tommy smothers. He could sing , dance , play the guitar , act ,do magic , impersonations and , above all , was the one and only YO-YO MAN
As a kid, I loved their comedy and sensed their authenticity. I am really pleased that they were honored. Long overdue.
These guys were saying things that hit me at age ten.Ten! Their show was classic and to me unforgettable and forever relavant.we need a show like this now.
Loved them since I was a kid, as well. So glad they've been honored.
But most important, two brothers loving and respecting each other for so many years. God bless you guys!!!
These guys are brilliant! I would love to see a special on Netflix!!!!
Netflix sucks!
We watched every show and loved it. The 70’s was a wild period of our history. People point out the fashion and music as if it was an easy time -- which it was not. Wadding up in
I never missed their show. I was 12 years old when their show started and learned how politics and protests work. I will miss Tommy and I am sorry for your loss Dick..Thank you for years of fun!!!
I could not watch one without the other. Hats off to both these men. RIP Tommy.
I loved the Smo Bro long before the Comedy Hour, and I loved them more even after it. I wish they could still be active today.
Before there was the Smothers Brothers, there was “The Goon Show” on British radio, with Peter Sellers, Harry Seacombe, Michael Bentine, and Spike Milligan, “Beyond The Fringe” on Broadway, with Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Jonathan Miller and Alan Bennett, and “That Was The Week That Was” with David Frost. Dickie and Tommy Smothers took all that and pushed it a step further, thus paving the way for such shows as “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In”, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”, “Saturday Night Live”, practically all of the shows Norman Lear created (who passed away himself earlier this year at 101), and later, “In Living Color” with the Wayans Brothers and Jim Carrey. So there were already shows that pushed the envelope, but Dickie and Tommy did it even more! Thank you Tommy! May you Rest In Peace and Power.
I can still remember my parents talking one morning in 1960 about the great show they had seen the evening before at a supper club in Chinook, MT. Yep, it was the Smothers Brothers. My parents were long-time fans of theirs.
Their show was off-the-air by the time I was watching television, but grew up listening to these guys on record. Their music and routines have lone been touchstones in my life.
I can and have made academic arguments about the direct line between the song & satire of Dick & Tommy to that of Matt & Trey's.
They said what needed said. I remember how my mom was troubled by them especially since my dad was in Nam because they weren't wrong. At the time the networks toed the propaganda line (as they still do) and these two dared to cut it.
So, Tommy Smothers, who wrote much of the Smothers Brothers material and liked to portray himself as the "dumb" one...well, he was the one with the stronger opinions about the 1st Amendment right of free speech. And as a corollary, Tom and Dick knew they could be funny as hell with political humor. OMG, how could they say such things? But the Brothers were a TV phenomenon. Hard to express it. You had to be there, I guess. You shoulda been there. What a time it was.
Tommy was the brains in every way. He ran the whole business end of it. Dick was the "straight man" of all straight men and the musical voice. They would have been lost without each other.
My ultra conservative father absolutely loved that show.
It's a blessing for your father to listen to different viewpoints instead of being fed all the propaganda in one political party or believe start thinking and questioning things. Freedom to listen to all sides is a freedom we are losing steadily. Political views are becoming more staunch than religion. Either your for one side or the other you can't think on your own
They were great! You really did have to be living in those times to truly appreciate them.
Probably a good thing that Tommy won’t be around to see the worst this nation has to offer in 2024. May he rest in peace.
Im so happy we still have them here. What a life to have lived. Im 23 and I fell in love with these two earlier this year. Im so used to finding out about the legends of yesteryear and mourning at the same time as I dive into their work for the first time.
I had all their albums even before they did the TV show. Doing the TV show was a huge risk for them, both artistically and in the business sense, but even with the trouble with CBS, it paid off for them money wise and it sure did plant them firmly as a part of American culture that will endure.
RIP Tommy. The end of an era.
I remember at only 11 years old hearing that The Smother Brothers was off the Air, I was very depressed 😔 over hearing about this. It took me weeks to get over, Rip Tommy 🙏 My favorite comedians in the world back then. 💔
They were the better conscience of the nation. Loved their show bc they called it as they saw it. Remember as a kid wondering why and not fully understanding why they were yanked from TV. My first lessons in censorship. War is always wrong.
You were the real deal, the absolute best. Thank you for the laughs, thank you for the truth.❤ May you RIP Tommy, all my love Dick.
I loved this show when I was a kid. My parents were fairly conservative , but enjoyed their humor and always encouraged a wide range of opinions. We were disappointed when they were shut down.
I was only 6-7 when their show was on TV and yet I remember it because my (very conservative) parents loved it as much as my sisters and I did. Nobody could make us laugh like they did! We also listened to their Think Ethnic album so many times that we wore it out! 🤣
I look forward to every Sunday night to watch the smothers brothers comedy hour! 😂
They were the best! 👍
I think some network should bring them back!
Maybe even a late night talk show… it would be a hit. 🎉🎉🎉
Best regards
Greg Coogle
They're probably not up to doing a series like they did - they are 50 years older now (Tom is 86, Dick is 84).
I never knew that you were cancelled. Reminds me of the old adage: A good man should be as proud of his enemies as he is his friends.
I was about 14 and they made me think, "big brother must be mad" and men in dark suits knocking on my door asking if I knew where someone was, anti war demonstrations, I knew something was going on, it was a strange time to be growing up in America. When I saw my friend's picture on the news of her beside a dead body at Kent State, I thought the war had come here. Thank you for making me pay attention Tommy.
Shaped me in a way that can't be measured.
I found on youtube a few years ago, the clip of Classical Gas tied to the Three Thousand Years of Art that the Smothers Brothers showed twice so that people couldn't miss it. I was able to chat with MASON WILLIAMS, OMG.
Best show on television and my lefty MOM let me stay up to watch it because IT WAS IMPORTANT.
I'm so happy they're still around ☺️ I saw them live in ks in 87.
RIP Tom 🕊️Thank You For ALL The Laughter & Memories ♥️
I was recently reminded of something that happened somewhere in the middle 70s to middle 80s - can’t remember exactly when, but I was standing in line to cash my chips in at Caesar’s Palace, I looked great, beautiful clothes, beautiful jewelry, my hair looked beautiful and I noticed people looking at me - smiling - I smiled back - some pointing in my direction - and I thought - “”damn - I must look really good tonight” - Then the guy standing right in front of me turns around after cashing in his chips and it was Tommy Smothers.
😂😂😂😂
How can you *not* love the Smothers Brothers???
Easy.
My whole family loved their show. We would gather round the black and white TV in the basement and laugh. If we didn't have all their records we at least had most of them.
I am 74. I remember those days so well! They were amazing shows and they should be reshown but with some footnotes for the younger people. (I actually saw a question online wanting to know what draft dodger meant!!)
I loved their show and it's sad that Tom is gone now. End of an era and sad to think they're not together anymore. RIP Tommy Smothers. (from Sandi)
Loved their show!
The really were the greatest comedy team of the sixties and forward. They blazed the trail for many to follow. Tommy, you will be missed. Dicky, do NOT go join him for a long time, please. When you do, tell him how much we all miss you both.
My dad used to love that show.
So do I! I'm guessing I'm your dad's age!
Thanks, you guys.
Authoritarianism is no laughing matter but The Smothers Brothers made us laugh by questioning authority and poking holes in its falsehoods. Tommy is having the last laugh on CBS. But it still makes me sad he's passed on.
We love you too, Dick! Remember: "Mom always loved you best." Who else but The Smothers Brothers could sum up Dr. Spock on sibling rivalry in a few words and cure us of it, too?
I'm old too, guys keep going... REALLY
I love the them I watched it growing up. and now I stii do. love the music and them arguing so funny
We had their albums in the early 60s, long before their TV show.
Dick Smothers had a fantastic singing voice, and he carried the load whenever they broke into song.
Absolutely brilliant duo. I'm 48 but I know all about these two comic geniuses thanks to my dad (who thank goodness, is still around and still with it!) I remember loving the album on which they performed, "John Henry" when I was about 5 or 6 years old.
Props to dad for passing down the good comedy!
@@ALLARTSTV Right on!
I used to love the Smothers brothers. They aged beautifully.
Well I came here looking for a clip of Tommy Smothers shadow dancing to Mr. Bojangles.I saw him do it on their show when I was just a kid.I thought it was beautiful Never forgot it...
I watched them growing up. They were hilarious, brilliant, and entertaining. They had amazing timing I watched with my mom. Their comedy made you think. The show was popular but CBS were cowards! It was a sad day when they left tv. I'm glad they are being recognized for their brilliance and talent. We needed them then and contrary to unpopular views we need them now!
Goodnight Tom.
You and Dickie helped change the world for the better.
That was my favorite show. The Smothers Brothers
God blessed us with the Smothers Brothers. Thanks, Brothers, for all the comedy. God be with you now and forever. Amen
These guys are / were the best of the best of the best
You guys ARE entainers and I love you
Why aren't their shows being shown today. Surely Netflix or some other network, could have the guts to show them again.
RIP Tommy, I have been a huge fan of you both for all my adult life.! Prayers are with Dick and all members of your family!! Now you can entertain in Heaven where everyone has an understanding and sense of truth and humour! 🇨🇦👏👏🙏🌹🇨🇦
Even my grandchildren can quote their albums and find them hilarious! Love you always and forever Tommy and Dickie Smothers!
The Smothers Brothers were GREAT 👩🏻🏫👏🏻🥰‼️
Glad to see people still love these guys. As a kid, I had only 1 of their comedy albums growing up - "Curb Your Tongue, Knave" and I listened to it a lot. I got the see their NBC shows in the early 1980s and later their revisit to CBS in the late 1980s which by then I recorded on VHS. They run a winery today.
I may not agree with what you say but I'll defend with my life your right to say it
They dared to stand up, and say "The Emperor Has No Clothes". They are Legend.
I love The Smothers Brothers.
I loved the Smothers Brothers show.
Not really relevant to their TV show, but Tommy told the funniest joke I ever heard. He talked about going to Dickie's wedding and then going upstairs to the conception. Dickie yells, "REception! REception!" and Tommy, his halting "Oh...." delivery said, "I must have gone in the wrong room."
LEGENDS!
GREATEST SHOW EVER.
It was no "My Mother the Car", but the Smothers Brothers' show certainly did have its moments !
Watched every show, they were amazing!!!
The networks still shut down anyone against war.
I appreciate them a lot more then I did back in the day
CBS really screwed up on this one and for several years we did not watch CBS because of their stupidity
@@charleBerglund I live in the woods, do not get a tv signal here and have never missed it. Thanks for the comment
@@charleBerglund The days of Jesus?? How??
CBS is utter shit now. Just another left wing propaganda machine masquerading as journalism.
They were replaced with that conservative country sketch comedy show Hee Haw
@@rafaelsale6364 and two years later purged all the rural shows, replacing them with "All In The Family," "Mary Tyler Moore," "M*A*S*H" and Bob Newhart. Somebody there got the message. AITF took the Smothers comedy to another level.
They are the best
Two good and true Americans
The bit that always stuck in my mind was when Pat Paulsen explain three different models of society by using milk cows, Communism, Socialism, and Capitalism. I thought he should have been given a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago so he could teach class next to Milton Friedman.
Rest easy, Tommy ❤
They brought politics to light in a humorous manner. I learned a lot in my teens, always loved them.✌🇨🇦👵
President Johnson got pissed off and called his buddy at CBS and told him that he,Johnson, wanted them fired. Saw that on a documentary
Thank you, Tommy. We can never fully repay you boys.
I last saw them in Jupiter, Fl watching Harry Blackstone magic show.
Debbie Reynolds was in the crowd too
If I remember right I think they were fired twice
I will miss the YOYO MAN. Thanks for all the laughs Mr Smothers. R.I.P.
America: love it or change it!
Was it about the Moron vs Less on scene, loved it 😂😂😂
Hey let get to see the reruns of their show! 👍
Some Cable net work should show them again! 😂
I will never forgive William S. Paley for canceling this brilliant show. How dare he.
Yes, he was a coward.
RIP, Tommy.
I suffered trauma that destroyed me into a silent world, well mostly. As I'd listen and observe the Smothers Brothers perform, I would soak up every word, become thoughtful about more than myself and I would jump up and explode with an excited, "YES!!!" whenever they stuck themselves right out there, giving it to "the man" and waking up sleeping society. My mother would excitedly humorously say out loud, "He's Alive!" because for all she knew I was dead and petrified in a sitting position in front of the tv. That was me just trying to "bee fun knee", like I always do. Maine says to say, "hello", I think.
And just look at us today…
loved them both
Just like today....CENSORSHIP
CBS and “taste” don’t belong in the same sentence. The Smothers Brothers were amazing.
I liked their appearance on the Glen Campbell Music Show.
I’m still pissed off too Tommy
So Amusing they were. Heard about Tommy's death. Another icon is gone.
And the beat goes on! Same shit, different day.
Always loved the shows
Don’t play with your knob cause Tommy will be right back after this important message.
So cute! Even in old age.
RIP
1:25 Pat Paulsen: "Ronald Reagan is a known heterosexual"😂
When I was a kid I felt sorry for Tommy,but now I think he is a genius.
It's always funny seeing Tom with a mustache.
I remember all of this