Nichols & May at the 1959 Emmys

My dad (Jess Oppenheimer) produced the Emmy Awards telecast in 1959. In the midst of all the other award presentations, Mike Nichols and Elaine May surprised the audience with this brilliant bit. It was so far ahead of its time that this same routine could be done today without changing a single word.

[@59gregster]

Classic: this same routine could be done today without changing a single word.

[@jamesfeldman4234]

I came here because I saw this bit on an American Masters documentary about Mike Nichols. Robin Williams was interviewed in the movie and spoke of this bit and remarked how brilliant it was. I first enjoyed Nichols and May as a child listening to their records and seeing them on TV. They virtually invented a new type of comedy that makes you think, as well as entertained. And even though much of their comedy was inspired by topical events, their material is still amazingly fresh and relevant after scores of years.

[@twatmunro]

I came here because I was reading a book that discussed how this routine actually offended the TV bigwigs so much that while it went out live on the East Coast, the bit was cut when the show was screened on a delay for the west coast.

[@ziggersz4899]

Love Mike Nichols ❤

[@barbaralyons3978]

I am so happy to be able to see these skits again. I saw many of them in the 1950s and they are still perfect.

[@DeborahHornstra]

What a great clip! This was the year I was born. You are completely right about this bit being far ahead of its time!

[@spactick]

The comedians of the 50's and early 60's were very instrumental in shedding light on the absurdity of contemporary life at that time. Nichols and May were in that short list of the absolute best at what they did. I was shocked that they broke up

[@tauntonlake]

So much real charisma right here.

[@TotzkeMike]

Absolutely brilliant ... !

[@filmmekker]

Not offending anyone at any time. That sounds like the entertainment world today.

[@afrorhcp]

April for May.

[@valeried8542]

Is that Hot Saucerman?

[@chetkazalski1925]

Blank it

[@dalearmstrong4262]

Thank it

[@tomservojr]

This sketch is definitely a nut.