Mel Brooks On Sid Caesar's Masterful Gibberish | CONAN on TBS

Sid didn't actually speak French, German or any other language but English, but he definitely faked it like a pro.
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Airing weeknights since 2010, CONAN on TBS is home to topical monologues, remote segments, celebrity interviews, musical performances and stand-up from the top comedians in the world. Watch highlights, outtakes and behind the scenes footage of Conan palling around with sidekick Andy Richter, tormenting Associate Producer Jordan Schlansky and playing the latest video games on Clueless Gamer.
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Mel Brooks On Sid Caesar's Masterful Gibberish | CONAN on TBS
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[@chrisgross5409]

Dude- the Sid Caesar show was LEGENDARY. His writers were Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Carl Reiner, Neil Simon, and more. Awesome show.

[@Subparanon]

Ever year Mel Brooks is still with us is another year I feel fortunate to be alive.

[@MasonicKryptonite]

As a German myself: Damn, he absolutely nailed the way we sound, without sounding like he's ragging on the language (which is rarer than you might think)

[@ball_is_lifelife_is_a_ball4682]

"Du hast gespritzt auf den General?!" Der war gut 😂🤣 He really sounded like a 60s or 70s german 😂👍

[@mizrahiwithattitude2733]

@@ball_is_lifelife_is_a_ball4682 more like 30s or 40s german lol

[@ball_is_lifelife_is_a_ball4682]

@@mizrahiwithattitude2733 nah, go watch some movies they made in the 60s and 70s

[@derinderruheliegt]

“Du hast geklippt die Schkinn, Dummkopf” It’s like the perfect mix of real and fake German.

[@thejuiceweasel]

Man, I'm German and even I couldn't say if he was talking the real deal or not. It's total gibberish, but it *sounds* so weirdly familiar.

[@ajshynoda2213]

Sounds like a mix of dutch and german

[@Traumglanz]

***** Yeah, he nailed the melody of the language really perfect. Even the english words he used sounded like he is having a german accent. Beside that, I have the feeling that he prepared well enough to have some central words in correct german even.

[@everyoneSalegend]

Lol "...but it sounds weirdly familiar" This is the biggest compliment that someone who speaks fake language could get. I am curious if someone started a conversation with you in this gibberish german (without you knowing that he is joking), would you think that there is another dialect that you were not aware of? Hahahhaha

[@timffkl]

everyoneSalegend He says a few German words. Sounds like Switzadutch

[@TommyChardonneret]

+Traumglanz Great point you make! Like true genius in any profession, Sid, Mel and Conan (we've been old pals like forever - I wish!) make it look so easy because they've worked hard to perfect their craft and further hone their genius talent. Man alive, what a treat to get a break from the economic ills, tragic worldwide social crises and the politics of vituperation that inundate much of our quotidian lives; great gifts to humanity these folks are!

[@jamesfeldman4234]

For those who might not know film history, as Mel Brooks admitted, the ending for his sketch with the German "general" was basically taken from the great German silent movie, The Last Laugh, made in 1924. That movie--a tragic drama--was written by Carl Mayer, who also co-wrote another German silent masterpiece, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. As a child I owned an 8mm print of the movie and watched it many, many times. The movie was directed by F.W. Murnau, one of the greatest silent movie directors. Sid Caesar's character was based very loosely on the character that Emil Jannings played in The Last Laugh. Obviously, Mel Brooks was a big fan of the great silent movies to not only know this film, but to find a way to incorporate one of its ideas with a theme of pathos into a brilliant comic and surprise ending.

[@kingsleyzissou1120]

Mel Brooks will go down in history (already had really) as one of the greatest comedians of his time. Glad he's still around, appreciate every minute he's still with us.

[@LenHummelChannel]

+Kingsley Zissou probably the zaniest wit of all time. it's obvious why he and Sid teamed up so well.

[@Mikej1592]

I know, I would love to meet him, but being that I am just a nobody from Pittsburgh PA I will probably never get the chance. He truly is a comic genius. The schwartz is definitely with him.

[@schuylerjohnson3051]

Mike, never think you are a nobody, you are somebody and just as important in your world to your family and friends, as they are in theirs. Take care.

[@chrismofer]

yo mike, i've met a few celebrities though i'm the farthest thing from it. guys like mel, sometimes do live interviews and before or after the show they have meet and greets. I had a chance to meet john cleese this way, unfortunately was unable to. I've corresponded with astronauts over the mail; if you send a headshot and a nice letter to Mel with some stamps, he'll probably send it back signed with a nice letter. Come up with some cool art depicting Mel in an interesting way and post it, and that could turn in to a phone call with him. keep your hopes up, you're somebody, and if you seek out your heros you can meet them.

[@jakesnake165]

A friend of my son seen blazing saddles for the first time in edited version laughing his ass off

[@kenchristie9214]

Mel Brooks the master: insults everybody - offends no one.

[@Stevo935]

"We don't wait 'til someone dies, to do that!" The way that caught Brooks off guard, makes me laugh every time, lol

[@lugaretzia]

He nods in appreciation of Conan's comic chops

[@aslanmane]

I love Conan for often paying tribute to the past.

[@valfardskrigare9407]

He lived in the past.

[@krisscanlon4051]

he is a writer performer and oh doesn't do game show schlock. honors the past.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Yes ! He's a very respectful gentleman ! I greatly admire that !

[@aresef]

Your Show of Shows was a huge inspiration to him.

[@AmericaLexicon]

He got the good Harvard experience.

[@joannilson2900]

Classic Mel Brooks line: You have to know where to steal from!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DarthRelkew]

Yes sir it is!

[@tetsujin_144]

He should know prepositions aren't a thing he should end a sentence with!

[@calisongbird]

Tetsujin I see what you did there 😏

[@amandatan9092]

Man they just don't make comedy like that anymore...simple yet brilliant.

[@emgee44]

Always steal from the best

[@amcc666]

I'm 19, that German general skit was the funniest thing I've ever seen!! Thanks Conan 4real for showing some of the greatness of the past

[@JimmyDaKoik]

Sid's brilliant gibberish was following in the footsteps of Chaplin, who did the same when he mocked Hitler in the 1940's in "The Great Dictator".

[@wp62]

I am glad I wasn't the only one who thought of that the minute I saw Sid's performance.

[@GlitchMonki]

Blazing Saddles! Mel Brooks is a walking legend.

[@michellePBrainBubblybutt]

I'm zo tired off playing zee game, ain't eet a crying shame? Let'z face eet, I'm tired!

[@thisismagacountry1318]

More beans Mr. Taggart? I'd say you've had enough!!!

[@wellsleyhehr]

Hes old, hes a limping legend

[@gaylasmith5279]

Watched "Blazing Saddles" again the other night and relived the brilliance of it all. Couldn't go NEAR subject matter like that now, but Mel Brooks, Richard Pryor and the other writers had fun making fun of racism and bigotry. And did it well.

[@iconocrat]

I sense a genuine mutual respect between Conan and Mel, and that makes me feel good.

[@Vyselink]

A laugh, a handshake, and a "That was good!" from Mel Brooks. Yup. That's a career highlight right there.

[@tuxguys]

This is Multi-leveled Gold: Brooks is Genius; the Sid Caesar/Howard Morris clip is Genius; the reference to Emil Jannings, by Brooks, is cultural Genius (and accurate); and Conan gets to show that he's a Genius-in-Training.

[@tuxguys]

Natmanprime Beg pardon?

[@neil2905]

loved Sid Caesar in It's a Mad, Mad Mad World.

[@dorothyjohnson6743]

Sid Caesar so inventive, so funny

[@ConanTheLibrarianUHF]

Man they just don't make comedy like that anymore...simple yet brilliant.

[@AGC-ElUncleCoach]

Nowadays it would be considered offensive against Germans, the German Association of America (or something similarly called) would issue a statement, and the news would be covered by every network and news outlet out there.

[@gustavgnoettgen]

@@AGC-ElUncleCoach I'm german and I love that we can enjoy stuff like Jojo rabbit on the big screen. The nazis used to be a taboo for some time, but jokes and exploitation are what we need to digest this stuff and to learn better.

[@streetrat48]

No, they do, it's just the majority doesn't find it funny anymore. They see it and everyone says "Ugh, SEEN IT!!! I WANT SOMETHING NEW!!" Only old comedians are allowed to do old stuff now, new guys can't do it because it's an automatic comparison game "Oh he's just 'x' with ripping off 'x's' style."

[@bluceree7312]

I haven’t a clue he wasn't actually a General. Conan is right; that ending was amazing.

[@2490debrick]

What's wonderful about it is it's inoffensive and clean! It's perfectly silly and your right no one can write this anymore!

[@Gablesman888]

The "general's" valet in that old sketch is none other than Howie Morris, a wonderful comic and comic writer in his own right.

[@0megacron]

In case anyone else is looking for the whole thing, the skit is called "The German General" and was on his show "Caesar's Hour" back in 1954. This is barely a third of it.

[@samsignorelli]

I actually ran into Conan at a sporting event today where I was on event staff and one of his kids was participating. He was very gracious when I got his attention and thanked him for bringing Mel onto the show....because I had never seen the German General sketch and later found the entire thing....genius!

[@tombranch2261]

Mel Brooks is still sharp as a tack, like Betty White, they dont make em like they used to.

[@walterkoziol3822]

Conan has way more talent than any of the talk shows out there now. He also truly shows how much love, respect, and admiration of the ones who literally built-up Hollywood's glitz & glamor and his guests know that he's truly sincere with his passion. I am just really glad that TBS picked him up.

[@Gunbudder]

Mel Brooks looks like he is slowly turning into a bronze statue of himself

[@robertlaughlin7318]

Mel would laugh at that comment and then steal it. ;)

[@BrendanJimenez]

The real life Yogurt

[@roygossjr]

Sid looking "a lot" like Robert De Niro back in the day. What a great clip to share and great job Mel and Conan. The ending of this clip. Conan making Mel laugh, clap his hands together and say, "that was good". I'm sure Conan will NEVER forget making Mel laugh.

[@MaskedMan66]

roy goss As I understand it, it really isn't that hard to make him laugh, but Conan was truly hilarious at that point.

[@onpsxmember]

+roy goss try that Sid Ceasar Overture 1812 video. A lot of the facial expressions reminded me of De Niro too. If anyone has a good source to watch all the "Your Show of Shows" episodes, you'd really make my day.

[@sidcaesaryourshowofshowsca2250]

Sid Caesar: Your Show of Shows/Caesar's Hour channel on YT.

[@BloodofPatriots]

De Niro is a midget if he stood next to Sid Caesar.

[@idiotflower]

Exactly what my immediate impression was of Sid.

[@howardkoor2796]

The waiter knew that there was some french there...

[@MarcillaSmith]

"the other things... the pastry..."

[@grandexandi]

The bulk of the sketch is silly fun, mostly a display of the actors' physical talents, but the ending is brilliant.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Mel should get the Mark Twain Award for Comedy in 2019; it's a travesty that he's gone this long without it. Thanks for all the laughs, Mr. Brooks!

[@shanecline7885]

You can truly see the admiration that Conan has for Mel... I have never seen Conan laugh like he does around Mel Brooks. It seems that it was an honor for Conan to have that opportunity to speak with him and I'm glad he showed clips of his work (which were amazing!!!).

[@Filip_emo_music]

Conan has such an amazing appreciation for the old greats that you just don't see very much anymore.

[@aruyashi]

as a german fellow I have to say. During the clip, I felt like the waiter in mel's story. Funny.

[@Dietpepsiahh]

I'm going to cry when he passes away.

[@reaverofsouls]

No lie, I shed a few tears when Gene Wilder passed just recently..

[@RogueA.I.]

For sure. He’s a national treasure.

[@SteveShaha]

The great Mel Brooks + Conan O'Brien=Comedy gold.

[@davidkyle5017]

Mel's my hero, Sid was a god. Thanks for showing that Conan, my Dad loved when Sid did those foreign language skits (there's many more). I grew up watching them in the 60s

[@celiumpictures]

The punch line to the sketch is just absolute genius.

[@merowald]

Thanks for introducing me to sid caesar

[@DarthRushy]

"So lemme tell you something...!" "Yessir." I love how Conan is on his tippy-toes around this guy, immediately shutting up whenever he says a word, showing reverence to the film legend(and probably personal hero).

[@Jorganti]

Mel Brooks is a legend.

[@mattkemp7186]

Look up the clip from "Your Show of Shows" with Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca as a couple on a first date at a movie theatre. Not a word spoken. .but a comedy masterpiece.

[@daviejay]

Seeing interviews like this makes me more angry that NBC shafted Conan.

[@kris4637]

jokes on them

[@thematt523]

Leno brought in more ratings.

[@chrismofer]

lol why you get to see it on demand for free the world round on this channel!

[@thematt523]

Chrismofer Well, NOW you can, but back in 2009, things were a little different.

[@chrismofer]

this comment was only made 5 years ago.

[@rickonami]

That was awesome !

[@hoodwillhunting]

amazing. Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner seem like they'd be the nicest guys ever if you met them. Sid Caesar was an absolute legend. I'm 29 years old, and I can't get enough of reading about these guys. rest in peace Mr. Caesar.

[@porculizador]

i love mel one of my all-time favourite comedians, actors, producers, directors, composer, writer, anything that deals with comedy, he was (IS) a master

[@porculizador]

the best low budget comedy of all time has to go to history of the world part 1

[@annalee117]

Wow! The skit was flawlessly done as it made it's comedic flourish end.👏🏽👏🏼👏👏🏻

[@DaveSimonH]

"Schlippery from da saliva" lol

[@davefordavefor]

Conan O’Brien is easily the funniest of all the current talk show hosts.

[@shecklesmack9563]

Low bar

[@polishfish]

DU HAST KLIPPT DA SHKIN!!! DU HAST KLIPPT DA SHKIN DEM KLIP!!!!!!!!

[@hermit6208]

Lol. So funny.

[@samsignorelli]

Sid actually said "dumkopf" for the last word...literally "dumb head." One of the few actual German words in the sketch from him.

[@knytrydr73]

@@samsignorelli - and the counting when the other guy was buttoning the jacket.

[@davefordavefor]

😆

[@yvettejones5323]

SCHPIK UN SCHPAN! 🤣

[@StevenTorrey]

My favorite: Sid Caesar and Nanette Fabray arguing to the 1st Movement of Beethoven's Fifth. That is priceless!

[@astroglide420]

Golden comedy. No cursing, nothing. Just a funny, German, General like doorman.

[@yanivproselkov4555]

No need to curse when your Hitler impression doesn't need swearing

[@TheMk1960]

Great acting + great writing=great sketch.

[@marshmallowarkleseizure3742]

exactly...this is the subtle brilliance of a master comedian

[@Dymez510]

What an ending, bro. Lmao!

[@starzcreamvs]

Thank god for actual celebrities like conan still spotlighting the real great performers like mel brooks. God bless them both

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

Why thank God? Making people laugh or singing to people or making them happy or being a soul singer or a maverick politician or a hero or a veteran or never killing anyone has nothing to do with eternity or salvation. "for by God's grace we are saved through FAITH, not by Works, it is the free gift of God, not that anyone can boast of their salvation." "for all have sinned, all fall short of God's glorious standards." "no one is righteous, no not one." James 4:4 New Living Translation 4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

[@earltrombley7646]

Thank God for Mel Brooks

[@yyaelie]

And thank God for Sid Ceasar

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

Why? Making people laugh or singing to people or making them happy or being a soul singer or a maverick politician or a hero or a veteran or never killing anyone has nothing to do with eternity or salvation. "for by God's grace we are saved through FAITH, not by Works, it is the free gift of God, not that anyone can boast of their salvation." "for all have sinned, all fall short of God's glorious standards." "no one is righteous, no not one." James 4:4 New Living Translation 4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

[@jeffgalus8454]

They don't make them like they use to

[@onraj9mm]

SCHLIPERRY FROM THE SCHALIVA

[@rayoflight9709]

Why did the NBC sack this man . To me he's much better than anyone else hosting at this time.

[@NxDoyle]

It's a kind of lucky irony that I was introduced to Sid Caesar so young, but it's only with age that I realize how I was so lucky. In the late 1970's Sid starred in an Australian T.V. movie called Barnaby and Me. Now, it's one thing for a legend to book a T.V. movie, especially in the 1970's. But to do an _Australian_ T.V. movie in the 1970's? Let's just say that Barnaby and Me was not a 'passion project' for Mr Caesar. While the movie _must_ have been a pay-the-bills necessity for Sid, for me it was a revelation. Every frame in that movie was made funnier by Sid Caesar being in it. Sadly, in looking for 'related content' about Sid & the movie, I was greeted immediately by negative, mean-spirited obituaries and companion pieces.

[@Grmario85]

love them both

[@xstugee]

Great interview Conan...you wipe the floor with the other so-called late night hosts that we have to choose from...your class and humanity allow your guests the dignity they deserve.

[@MrSalad-om8td]

Absolutely

[@dashwerks]

Absolute legends!

[@diogo.rodrigues.1884]

I wish Conan would have Mel over more often

[@mjkay8660]

how wonderful of mel to share this w us...sid was gr8, it was worth sneakin out of bed 2c his show..& omg..Louis Nye...wow

[@skaf008]

what a legend growing up remember watching space balls ,hilarious

[@TheAwesome2626]

Two of my favorite people together. Great clip

[@howardlovecraft750]

Sid was hilarious.

Talking about a great way of ending a sketch, Conan just did it at the end of this bit. That's wit.

[@martinwoyzeck2634]

No really the definition of what 'wit' is. But it showed Conan could also do gibberish dialect

[@BlazenWinchester]

I Salute the Army Corporal Red Leg in Field Artillery. I trained at Ft Sill also and it gives me great pride. Melvin was a comedy genius.

[@LenHummelChannel]

Great tribute to a truly GREAT performer and comedic mind. thanks.

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

Loved Sid Caesar, love Mel Brooks and I think Conan is hilarious! Three home runs in one!

[@huss1205]

How humble and respectful, mentioning the source for the ideas of his sketches..

[@Tmanaz480]

I love the mixture of 1950s audience laughing in the center, with the modern audience on the left and right.

[@beaumorris5289]

,Howard Morris one of the most Underrated Character Actors Ever.

[@AKNeal81]

I love watching Conan and Mel interact!

[@cam_DA_Hawkdriver]

I’ve never seen this, but fondly remember Sid Caesar’s comedy genius.

[@samdiego1965]

I’m so glad that out of all shows, Mel Brooks came to reminisce about Sid Caesar with Conan

[@Sinnerswing]

This was awesome.

[@IQ-of-a-Goldfish]

One of the saddest thoughts I've ever had was when I realized I'll never see a new Mel Brooks movie again. Some of my favorite movies ever made are his.

[@MauriceFlower]

What a wonderful sketch! AND Mel Brooks! Oh, Mel Brooks, don't ever ever die...

[@mrrpggamer2]

Everyone dies at some point in their life. He will die sooner or later, it's part of life. And he is getting up there, I think he's close to 90 at this point, I'm not saying he's dying soon, just the fact that he might go sooner than later given his age, unless he proves me wrong and lives past 100 (which is rare).

[@LiveLoudandLiveAlive]

mrrpggamer2 ... Are you Drax the Destroyer and don't understand anything hypothetical? I'm not trying to offend you or am angry, but if that reply was on purpose, I suggest you work for Mel Brooks because that was hilarious.

[@mrrpggamer2]

Wasn't my intention to be negative, I'm just stating the facts of life. And, no, I'm not Drax the Destroyer, I have never even heard of the guy.

[@LiveLoudandLiveAlive]

mrrpggamer2 Ah, now I have a small glimpse into your world. You don't really do 'fun', do you.

[@MrHartApart]

KillerDuckasaurus Nothing goes over my head... my reflexes are too quick.

[@Chesterton7]

My fav sketch.

[@JamesEvans97]

Great interview, great clip, great ending.

[@laannw4263]

I know they are but I seen his comedy many times and he was fantastic. The great Comics will truly be missed for the laughter they bring to the world. And I love the skit, it was one of my favorites

[@testodude]

Sid Caesar and Howard Morris together is almost too much genius on stage.

[@jeffnettleton3858]

I've worn that kind of collared tunic; that's not much of an exaggeration! Brilliantly funny man, with the best writers in television.

[@DrumsTheWord]

The other guy was really good as well. Loved the little salute wiggle at 4:45. Nice touch.

[@ShawnaGraham50]

Master at this! He was extremely funny! Mel is an amazing writer director in his own right for sure

[@smokeybirdman]

Gr8 interview

[@backup4ever]

thought of phil hartman during this

[@549BR]

Nice to see the old set and Conan dressed nicely....oh for the good ol' days.

[@NuncNuncNuncNunc]

Love that Sid Caesar clip everytime!

[@williamriley2489]

Conan’s German gibberish at the end was gold!

[@misssmargo]

Mel brooks just seems like such a nice man :)

[@hansolofthiderman2719]

That is where the word twist comes from !! And this only happens when 2 comedy genius-guys meets !! Amazing , and its time-less , like always when Mr Brooks is involved !! Cheers…..

[@1TopGunPaintballer]

Pathos. I know what he meant! Actually a vocab word for a quiz that I had today.

[@pleiadesdragon1391]

I love Mel Brooks he brought somuch fun in my life . He is the best

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Danny Kaye was also very talented at making up various gibberish dialects

[@victorbanuelos8139]

Thanks Conan and Mel .comedy at its finest

[@TheAlfsterino]

Not only is Mel one of the great comedic talents he is also so warm, generous and down to earth with no airs and graces. Listen to any interview with Ross Nobel about Young Frankenstein to find out how wonderful the man is.

[@SB-hc1nt]

My favorite skit Brooks wrote it, Caesar and Morris nailed it."Your Show of Shows" Sid Caesar show is still one of funniest I've ever seen. My great great Aunt used to have him on in her house reruns of course. Most Vaudevillian and slightly after had the best timing and delivery they had to or they didn't eat. Burns and Allen were spot on as well as Jack Benny.

[@garysterle]

I just found out that Mel Brooks was one of the writers on Get Smart - no wonder I loved that show!

[@BlakieTT]

The ending TO THIS was hilarious! XD

[@spencerlindsay7135]

Best man in show biz!

[@pliskinn0089]

I watched The Last Laugh yesterday and finally got the reference. I'm just amazed at how he condensed the whole idea of the movie in a 5 min sketch.