Henny Youngman heckles Milton Berle 1966

[@maxhoffmann6821]

This must have been the inspiration for Milton Berle being heckled on the Muppet Show.

[@David-yw2lv]

Irv Benson was the regular heckler on this short lived show He was called Sidney Spritzer on the show.

[@lastrada52]

In the 1970s I worked in publicity at WABC-TV in New York. One of the men who worked on my floor was a comedy writer for Henny Youngman. Henny would come up after hours to buy jokes from this man but if I was working overtime Henny would wander into my office, plop down & as I looked up he said, "I have some new ones from your friend down the hall, if you don't laugh I won't buy them." Many times I wouldn't laugh but I tried hard not to. The way Henny would deliver the joke was often incredible. But I began to understand the vaudeville comedian genius he possessed in how he would rehearse the pacing of the words in the joke to make it more effective. Now, these weren't always one-liners, Henny had some stories that he told similar to Myron Cohen. When he relaxed he would talk to me about many of the old-timers, Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello, how they worked routines out. I got little work done that night. It was fun in those days not knowing who would walk into your office on that floor. PR had many famous actors, politicians, comedians, sports figures, musicians, authors coming, and going. The sad thing is that I have stopped telling many of the stories because many don't believe me. So, I usually stop. Here, I'm anonymous. And it's just a Henny Youngman story. It wasn't a Bob Hope or Lenny Bruce. Most people would say that I must be telling the truth. Who would tell a story about letting Henny Youngman audition material with him late at night in an office? Me. Because it's true. Youngman was quite good. Last of a dying era.

[@dmanwainright2132]

He was great and your post was great, made my day! Thanks

[@lastrada52]

@@dmanwainright2132 - Henny was quite a personality to talk with.

[@Leonchuckmoutsoulas]

I believe you. Me and my friend Alan called Henny while we were at the U of Miami. He was a musical theatre major, and me, a jazz pianist. We wanted to bootk him to perform at the U. To our amazement he was listed in the phone book. 😊

[@lastrada52]

@@Leonchuckmoutsoulas-Yes! That's how that radio team, Opie and Anthony in NYC, got actor Buddy Ebsen's phone number-and he answered the phone.

[@rufust.firefly4890]

Guy sitting next to Youngman is Benny Baker. Character actor in several B movies and later on, on the small screen. Showed up in Perry Mason, F Troop and Surfside 6 among others.

[@CoronadoBruin]

Thank you for the ID. He looked familiar but I couldn't place him.

[@nathanaellee8356]

The great Henny Youngman and the legendary Milton Berle.

[@chrisk8187]

BRILLIANT comic repartee between two masters of humor. I always bring my clarinet to any show just in case of an emergency.

[@Doorsteps]

Masters of embarrassing humour for dumb Americans.

[@hardren101]

there are many performers that would never share the spotlight or stage with another performer for fear of being upstaged....but see these guys share the stage with one another n have fun with it.....just wonderful to see...

[@judemelroses9920]

Indeed ✨

[@stormbringercoming8105]

Berle ALWAYS had to be the center of attention, even if it means being upstaged.

[@hardren101]

@@stormbringercoming8105 i get your point, and actually agree.

[@Darkness-ie2yl]

apparently his son didnt find him to be so generous

[@cameronhamilton7439]

This kind of comedic talent doesn't exist anymore that I know of.

[@daviddeida]

jimmy carr

[@Darkness-ie2yl]

JK Simmons brought me here....

[@Kwak444]

Said the generation before that, and the generation before that, and the generation here that…

[@MichaelBrookham]

These two were actually good friends. There was only two years difference in their ages (Henny was older). This act was probably the way they would perform -- one is the comedian and one is the heckler. I always loved how Milton handled Hecklers

[@pgh45rpms]

Henny Youngman turned 60 the year this was taped. Uncle Miltie was 58.

[@the_real_mister_ed]

Yes, was a common routine with Berle. It was all part of the act.

[@ernestsire1924]

They're brothers-in-law.

[@ongbruhlol]

Do you think we're idiots?

[@bobbyhanly3466]

He was destroyed by Statlar and Waldorf.

[@hellsing3062]

God the one liners! And Youngman was a master of it. So hilarious! Pure brilliance.

[@gnirol]

Timing, pace and delivery. Timing, pace and delivery. Every great standup comedian has to have it, and the jokes have to fit. These stars gave us rapid-fire one liners often delivered in a matter-of-fact fashion, especially Youngman. He sounds like he's reading line from a luncheonette menu until to process what he said and then at precisely the right moment, the next zinger comes along. Fun,fun, fun. Thanks for the post.

[@gnirol]

OK, let me type that correctly: He sounds like he's reading lines from a luncheonette menu until you process what he said... Sorry 'bout that.

[@presto709]

So this is where The Muppet Show got Statler and Waldorf!

[@vinyltapelover]

I'd never seen this before, although I have seen Berle and Youngman, at different times, many times through the years. I'm a fan of dvd extras, producers, director, actors insight into films. You got my curiosity up to see if I could find more info on the Statler/Waldorf heckling origin story. I couldn't find anything, at the moment, but based on how there were licensing and legal issues regarding making puppets of celebrities, I'm hazarding a guess that the lack of info may be more to prevent any legal issues with the estates of Messrs. Berle and Youngman. I like your comment. If it is true, great and if it isn't, as far as I'm concerned, it's still great. Have a great day.

[@presto709]

I think they would be safe from legal issues because it's not the characters that are being copied it's the situation. Two old men in a theater balcony heckling. It's really cool when you look at older movies you often see likey origins like this. When I was watching the Hammer Frankenstein movies I realized that Rocky Horror Picture show was influenced by those rather than the Universal Horror Frankenstein that I was familiar with. That explains why the monster was suspended in a large glass case resembling an aquarium.

[@vinyltapelover]

I am such a cynic, when it comes to lawyers. I have faith that "they" would find way to make a buck off the situation. Thanks for the Frankenstein input. Something , that Mel Brookes, said in an[y.t.] interview I saw yesterday, came to mind. He was responding to how ideas and concepts came about. To paraphrase, "you find a way to steal [them] from others:)". So it just seems that everyone, at one time or another, is being influenced by someone else or someone else's ideas. It's good for us if we enjoy the result. Check this out. I came across this, totally by accident, while looking and laughing at old segments. I was looking at some avation vids, Ralphie May and John Pinette and came across this. I think you'll like it, if you haven't seen if before. Watch what happens after the sparring with Irving Benson. THE MILTON BERLE SHOW 1966 Irving Benson as Sidney Sphritzer sparring with Berle kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ3Cn4Olf75qhNk . Have a great day.

[@tomitstube]

i actually thought it would be a muppet show skit, that statler and waldorf would be sitting next to henny. and i'd guess this bit goes back even further.

[@briansheil9763]

This and Sidney Shpritzer.

[@bobturnley2787]

Classic banter from two masters of the craft.

[@douglasrock9414]

I re watch this every so often. OMG! SO funny I was laughing same as the first time. Brilliant Jewish borscht belt comics and thank GOD for them and the many many other one’s from that area, NYC/ Catskills. I believe there is a special talent among those people that is not coincidental. Think of all the comics, actors, writers, TV and movie business people , vaudeville and musicians, composers and song writers and on and on coming out of this somewhat small segment of our population. I’m greatful for the Jewish Americans that put in the time and discipline to create much of this wonderful entertainment. Thanx a lot folks and Happy Hanukkah👍🏻

[@ScottParisi]

Henny Youngman is an absolute legend in comedy. Great clip.

[@NathanThePrezPretlow]

Man I miss as a kid these shows back in the 60's.Family television which don't exist today.

[@RobTheNotary]

The Prez And no cuss words

[@60bigmoe]

Best Henny Yougman one liner I ever heard, "A guy walks into a Psychiatrist's off and says 'I don't what's wrong with me, Doc, but I just can't seem to make any friends. You've gotta help me, you big fat slob!'"

[@andymassingham]

“We’ll be right back with Martha Raye and Batman,” is something I need to hear a couple of times a week.

[@JohnJApanovitch]

This was hilarious! Milton Berle and Henny Youngman were at each other's throats! This was too good, and too funny!

[@SD-mc2ef]

"You see, now that's a funny line." "Yeah, it always was!" So simple, so hilarious.

[@sydhamelin1265]

"did you see my last palace show?" "I hope so" That took me 2 seconds.

[@SavageGreywolf]

Everyone bringing up Statler and Waldorf- Berle actually did this routine with them on the Muppet Show.

[@WytZox1]

Yet before Muppet show Berle often did routine with heckler planted in audience. When heckler did a good joke Berle said "Gee, I wish I'd said that!" Heckler replied "You will." ☺

[@Mxyzptlksac]

I can see the inspiration to his muppet show appearance.

[@SaltpeterTaffy]

And yet this one is so much more vicious. It's like a heckler bit written for comedians instead of for a general audience.

[@ggggg8853]

Berle: I know the secret of comedy!Youngmen: you sure know how to keep it a secret.

[@ClarkeMarek]

"I got a million funny jokes in the back of my head." "How come they never reach your mouth?"

[@timmooney6910]

Berle started out in comedy doing a heckler act like this with his mother who was a well known vaudeville entertainer.

[@TrajanaFortis]

My stomach hurts from laughing so much. This is gold.

[@bryanmiller5060]

Excellent comedy from two masters thank God for video.

[@judz8535]

always have and always will love Henny Youngman.

[@stevenfanale4553]

Best gag I have ever seen in my life. These two are the greatest that ever lived period.

[@tashayovanin3698]

"I got away with the joke." "You got away with a lot of jokes." "Shut up!!!" 😂😂😂😂 The best comedy's are the oldies.😉

[@DrummerDucky]

They had a strong ear for one-liners, which is sorely missed from the popular comedy trends. Most of the major comedians are still terrific, but they could push their act even further by adding a few meticulously-designed one-liners in their bits.

[@lordseelenfresserdemonking1168]

Waldorf and starter joined the chat

[@brainwaiver1]

Tasha, it is actually "I got a way with the joke." "You got away with...."

[@ballthemblack]

😂😂🤣🤣

[@Johnnycdrums]

"Did you see my last show?" "I hope so."

[@haggis655]

Berle repeats that heckling skit on other shows, often with the same jokes, but this one with Youngman is the best. I love the way even the unsmiling plant cracks up when Berle jokes about Youngman's stammered reply. You can see the plant laughing in long shot but he composes himself again.

[@DarkPaladin24]

I liked that Milton was on the Muppet show and Statler and Waldorf were heckling him.

[@SonnyBubba]

Milton Berle wrote a book with a lot of his jokes and secrets. He wrote that the “man in the box” skit was a classic vaudeville routine. Too bad today’s comedian’s egos are too big and fragile to pull this off.

[@rand_-mk5lb]

What do you mean unsmiling plant?

[@jedgar63]

@@rand_-mk5lb The man sitting next to Youngman is not part of the audience. He is part of the routine. He has been "plant"ed there for a purpose (to not react to Berle's jokes).

[@rand_-mk5lb]

@@jedgar63 Ok thanks. So what did he mean by the "My brother's living joke?"

[@abbelnichola3792]

The Hollywood palace... on Vine Street. In the heart of Hollywood, Los Angeles California.

[@a.b.s_productions]

Damn, this is hilarious! This is funnier than some of these comedians today. It's clean and just pure I'm entertainment and their deliveries are amazing!

[@bacht4799]

Adam B. Smith in my country Denmark 🇩🇰 we have a beloved comedian and actor called Dirch Passer who in time said “the easy is the hardest.. “ in that making something without cursing, pop culture reference or just keeping it clean is some of the most difficult things to do.. that’s why I actually like cartoons for kids and young people.. you can’t cheat if you making a good show like Gravity Falls is a great cartoon show because they good at the humor and timing..

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

This is all you need to show of Henny Youngman for people who do not know. Two class acts.

[@SteveWhalenMrJokes]

This is one of my all-time favorite videos! Thanks for re-posting this!

[@Aurik-Kal-Durin]

"If you're a fiddler, go up on the roof!"

[@steveforbes7718]

Didn't anyone but me remember that when this show was airing that Fiddler on the Roof was a recent box office hit? That's what made it so funny.😂

[@vksasdgaming9472]

Milton Berle is such a genius straight man of this skit. Perfect setup for Youngman's heckler.

[@mattk750]

"Ive been a comedian half my life" "So why'd we get this half!"

[@ericstenzel6835]

Uncle Milty was always a class act and often endured jokes at his expense -- which always paid in dividends to his audience.

[@swami1]

I remember watching this scene as a 7-year old. Thanks for posting!

[@d.e.b.b5788]

Comedy gold! I had forgotten all about the Hollywood Palace TV show.

[@Locktwiste72]

I think I was born too late, I could've gone to watch these shows live. This is classic comedy, better than what we have to suffer through today...and no profanity or put-downs needs. Who in this universe could give this a thumbs-down? Do you not know the secret of comedy? Or maybe you're keeping it a secret...

[@craighicksartwork]

There are some phenomenonal stand up comics all over the place. Problem is they don't have mainstream exposure. They can be found though.

[@gnirol]

Berle: I think I was born too late. Youngman: Your mother should've gotten up earlier that day. Berle: But I was born at 6 in the morning. Youngman: Then she shouldn't have gotten up at all.

[@covatembelmusic]

Every single one a gem LOL

[@suzyflorida1193]

This is really funny! Great lines and great comedy timing. They were hilarious on Dean Martin Roasts as well. I wonder why there are no comedy teams anymore. I haven't seen one in years. We need another Martin & Lewis team.

[@MatthewChristianMurray]

Key and Peele would kind of count there.

[@josephclift3662]

There's no comedy duos because there's no comedy singles

[@artroraback8663]

This is an absolutely brilliant bit. True talent unlike what passes for comedy these days....Thanks!

[@DakariKingMykan]

This must be how Jim Henson got the idea for those two old guys

[@judemelroses9920]

I love this sense of humor ✨

[@brettbewley5798]

This was really well done.

[@lighthouse44]

Comedy gold from two comedy legends.

[@crazycappy01]

Berle: I KNOW COMEDY!!! I HAVE A FUNNY BONE!!! Youngman: Then wear a hat. 🤣🤣🤣

[@greginnyc7546]

This Is such a special post. These guys are true (Catskill) mountain comics. This is an exhibition of articulate professionalism.

[@postscript67]

The curtain joke was in the 1939 film "Rose of Washington Square" with Al Jolson the performer being heckled.

[@Goodfella1960]

Brilliance!

[@simplenough]

"Quiet!" "Yes, isn't it?" jesus xD

[@aaroncoffman88]

It just goes to show great comedy remains great comedy no matter how old it is and this was fantastic

[@lordseelenfresserdemonking1168]

Waldorf and statler are proud

[@mitchkenvin259]

No my brother’s living😂

[@melotone3305]

While I haven't seen a lot of Henry, I'm surprised at the speed of his delivery. Such a quick clip. And funny, too.

[@jimroebuck9341]

Outstanding! Now THAT'S entertainment!

[@user-nq9gz4xf7f]

Thats pretty incredible the timing and the one liners...not easy to do!

[@jeffreyjeziorski1480]

Milton has great stage presence, timing, eye contact. Seems very comfortable on stage. Lets let him do a show..

[@peterbooth793]

Henny Young Youngman, king of the one liners. Also violinist extrordinare, second only to Jack Benny.

[@jeffreyjeziorski1480]

With Morry Amsterdam on cello, Steve Allen on piano, and Johnny Carson on drums..you got a group there....maybe Weird Al Yankovic on accordian.. and Jim Nebors as guest vocalist.

[@bryanmiller469]

2 master comedians having fun.

[@juliecaudill2845]

The year I was born! Wow!

[@KevCo174]

Milton Berle also did this bit on the Muppet Show with Statler & Waldorf (the two old cranks in the balcony). It's hilarious. If you enjoyed this video, you'd love that one.

[@Oneg321]

+KevCo174 Look up Sidney Shpritzer heckling Berle. Most of the jokes from the Statler & Waldorf routine came from those bits.

[@vinyltapelover]

See: THE MILTON BERLE SHOW 1966 Irving Benson as Sidney Sphritzer sparring with Berle kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ3Cn4Olf75qhNk .

[@richardb6260]

Berle: I'll have tou know I've been a comedian for half my life Woldorf: How come we got this half? Woldorf: Hey Berle, I think I know what your problem is Berle: Yeah, What? Woldorf: You're too close to the audience Berle (steps back): How's this? Woldorf: Farther Berle((steps back again): What about this? Woldorf: A little farther Berle: How far do you want me to go? Woldorf: You gotta car?

[@leslieackerman4189]

Not one bad word and ten times funnier

[@victorblakey4260]

Oh, that Henny Youngman, (Thanks to Laugh-In)

[@RFED2O]

No swearing...no racial jokes...no t shirts...no jeans...no tattoos...just brilliant 2 funny people

[@ebayerr]

Brilliant!

[@kennethmelnychuk9737]

Awesome banter from two of the greats

[@howardlevin2753]

This one just came to my head: What does Jack Benny and Henny Youngman playing a duet from the boxes sound like? A broken stereo!

[@deloreslandeis1008]

Never old.. ❤❤

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Love this clip!!! 10 thumbs up!

[@afr1952]

You must have a problem buying gloves for yourself...

[@RVTraveler]

That was actually funny. It stood the test of time!

[@dalezegarelli5553]

Very good!!!

[@josepherhardt164]

Was this the inspiration behind the Muppets' "Statler and Waldorf" shtick? OMG.

[@keithleeuwen877]

FANTASTIC !

[@lesterking5861]

Strong Statler and Waldorf vibes

[@Radius477]

A friend: "How's your wife?" Youngman: "Compared to what?"

[@michaelhamubotu3106]

Funniest thing I've seen today. 😂

[@ShawnaGraham50]

Absolutely fantastic!!!

[@jamesfeldman4234]

Milton and Henny would have made a great comedy team. But a very unusual one. Two straight men.

[@incognitoatunknown2702]

I just watched the Muppet Show clip with Milton Berle and Stadler and Waldorf doing their version of heckling him. This was obvious inspo.

[@krakatoaj.kraken8451]

The laugh track is phenomenal

[@arejetko]

Best back and forth ever.

[@untruelies]

I love this stuff.

[@stevenfanale4553]

Who though of this? This was brilliant!! The best that ever was.

[@kewlthings]

I was the MC at my nephew's wedding. In writing my speech for that , I looked to old time comedy routines, such as in this video, to find material and to find my timing. My speech killed. I just didn't want old tired wedding speech routines that aren't very funny anymore.

[@josephclift3662]

Take my wife. Please, take my wife

[@rkgaustin]

True legends never die.

[@julioaranton461]

"Miss those guys!"...♡

[@StevenTorrey]

Still funny after all these years....

[@SweatyRabbit19]

tI was born in 1989 and he was alive until 2002, the fact that I never heard of him until 2016 is sad. I wish I could have seen him live

[@billy1673]

58 years later and this bit is still funny AF!🤣👍🏻

[@spudhead169]

1:32 Great stuff, Henny fluffs the line a little bit and repeats it, then Milton instantly adlibs about a record being put on to recover. Henny's reaction breaks character a little due to it being unexpected and funny.

[@josephgodfrey8468]

Henny Youngman, in his later years, was interviewed at his home. His wife came out from the kitchen. She said, "Take my husband ... Please! "

[@rufust.firefly4890]

The scene with Milton Berle in The Loved One was hilarious.

[@RFED2O]

To make one person laugh you have to have talent...to make an audience have fits of laughter,well you cannot be normal !!!!!!!!!

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

Couple of old pros doing a classic bit 😊

[@robertthomas5196]

Having a blast doing it.

[@marine4lyfe85]

Is that your brother? No, my brother's living.

[@jrb1802uk]

Henny was so funny. 'You get away with a lot of jokes' 🤣🤣🤣

[@toni-onisavage3374]

The last time that I played at the palace you could hear them laughing across the street. What was playing over there?? 🤣🤣

[@cameraman655]

Youngman was in the zone, and Berle gave it right 🤣😂back.

[@1Cruzer4u]

The Legends of early Americana Pop Culture. Henry was funny just to look at Berle with those teeth was hysterical. Berle was known to be a hard core loyal friend he would have stars who maybe were in a slump on his show. To try and keep them in the public eye.. A good man