Seinfeld - The Library Cop

[@northwestprof60]

Bookman did not just steal the scene, he stole the whole show. The writing sparkles and seems tailor-made for Hall's "Dragnet-style jabbing the air" style, delivered like a machine gun. One of the best comedic scenes of all time. It's Gold, Jerry, Gold!

[@c3bhm]

It might actually be the single best scene in the entire series, which is possibly the best sitcom of all time. The whale/golfball is a competitor...maybe better. Latex-salesman is famous but not as masterful...just simple-funny.

[@aavv1818]

It's Gold Jerry! GOLD! (I NEVER LAUGHED SO HARD!)

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

RIP Phillip Baker Hall One of the GREATEST comedy performances ever on this show!!!

[@mr.0lvera922]

I just heard. Sucks. R.i.p.

[@metsr18rhq]

Seen this episode dozens of times and he makes laugh every single time. R.I.P.

[@willy970]

Why I came here.

[@brucef310]

He had a heart attack from seeing a dominatrix

[@Ashbash-kf5xd]

I’ve loved him as an actor since I saw this. I’m sad he’s gone. Tremendous Actor.

[@mattwoolley]

This guy should have won an Emmy just for this scene. One of the best in the whole series.

[@Monster_Mover_Stocks]

+Matt Woolley I was thinking exactly the same thing.

[@MAMP]

Do you think it was all done in 1 take, unedited?

[@Monster_Mover_Stocks]

lilbromarky1 After watching some of the Seinfeld blooper videos on KZbin, I'd be surprised if they did it in one take. Seems the cast broke character quite a bit due to the hilarious writing.

[@leststoner]

excellent scene. wow

[@drServitis]

He could have done a better job, though this was good. He came across too hesitant and uncertain of himself. When he took the check from Jerry, for example. He took it kindly and gratefully almost, and in the next moment he was speaking harshly, which is his style. He should have grabbed the check harshly from Jerry too, in keeping with the theme. I am a critic, and so I'm right.

[@outlander234]

"You and your goodtime buddies." might be my single favorite line of all time

[@lisak603]

Joy Boy!!!

[@musek5048]

the goodtime buddies, up to no good.

[@luminousbulb]

That line was never my bag

[@jasonbower7763]

me too man lmao

[@TeddyRumble]

Genuis writing, genius delivery.

[@txkid123]

Just heard an interview he did a few years ago. He said after this brief role, he never had to audition for a part again. His agent would call and say “if you want this part, it’s yours” What an episode!

[@patrickmosley5085]

Yer got that right!!!!!!

[@geraldstephens6612]

Batman, Punisher & Wolverine can learn at lot from the Bookman.

[@Espina907]

Brilliant

[@joemckim1183]

He really did go from small character actor to getting a lot of roles in big movies after this.

[@AngstG]

​@@joemckim1183I think he was in The Truman Show . .

[@seasnake333]

Has there ever been another actor who did this much in such little screentime? I can't think of anyone who even comes close. This was lightning in a bottle.

[@BDUBZ49]

Stephen Tobolowski as holistic healer Tor Eckman. Very different vibe though.

[@corpse_master567]

The only one I can think of is the mohel in ”The Bris”-episode. He’s fantastic as well and always makes me crack up.

[@stevezelaznik5872]

I nominate "Timmy", the character who called out George for double dipping. No idea who the actor was, but man he nailed it!

[@steved100]

Bubble Boy.

[@garylobo3]

@seasnake333 Yes, if other shows are included, I'd nominate Jack Webb in his own show, Dragnet, every single week. From whom this scene with Bookman is based.

[@kmlgraph]

Phillip Baker Hall took a four minute cameo and turned it into a masterclass in acting.

[@revvyhevvy]

The 'Hard Eight' PTA movie, with John C Reilly! All three favorites of mine!

[@LuckyCharms777]

Lt. Bookman reminds me of a combination of Sergeant Joe Friday from Dragnet, and Mr. Woodman, the principal in Welcome Back, Kotter.

[@paradoxward2533]

@@LuckyCharms777 You're right...., that is probably where he got his inspiration for the role....

[@marladavis9232]

So true!

[@Zak6959]

One of the best straight man comedy skits ever.

[@thomasnelson5758]

This is easily, hands down, without a doubt, the greatest guest appearance on the history of the show and arguably one of the greatest guest appearances of all time.

[@fascinatinglist9654]

What about the moyel

[@robharris5467]

Larry used him in Curb. He was the Dr who got upset because LD called at his house.

[@spencer_jackson542]

I don't see that

[@robharris5467]

@@spencer_jackson542 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ2ogaqEoah1nZo

[@MoltenFungus]

@@robharris5467 he was also in a movie called sour grapes, which got killed by the critics but I thought it was a pretty funny movie.

[@Afrikanxl]

It's sad that after all these years of rewatching this clip, I'm just NOW realizing that Bookman is checking random books in Jerry's apartment to see if they belong to the library. 😄

[@shai.loves.tacos.]

Afrikanxl it’s sad that your comment made me realize that too 💀😂😂

[@surferdude44444]

I thought he was checking Seinfeld's books to make sure they were appropriate.

[@JacksonWithrow82]

@@surferdude44444 Yeah seeing if he can get a window into the perp's mind. lolol (and probably seeing if they're library property)

[@toddinthemiddle]

@Brown Recluse Bear dude... that info is discussed in the episode by Kramer

[@joevictor53]

Oh my days. I've always been so focused on how funny he is but I never looked at what he was doing

[@linkfan160]

I love how this guy only appears for one episode and yet he somehow managed to be one of the most iconic characters.

[@bobcranston3414]

I believe he was in two episodes.

[@redacted2275]

He reappears in the series finale at the trial.

[@blabla-rg7ky]

it's happened with many side characters throughout the years. It's happened with the Soup Nazi, with Babbu But (or whatever his name is spelled like), with the woman in the fix-up episode (can't remember her name at the moment), and many others, honestly. There have been many one-time appearances in this sitcom of great side characters, like the virgin woman for example from the episode called "the virgin" (or was it "the contest"?? I don't remember), or ben shneider, or the guy in the apology episode, and many others....

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Yeah, James Spader plays the recovering alcoholic who goes nuts behind the ice cream counter in The Apology episode. I’d never seen him before, but he took over his scenes so completely that I figured he wasn’t your standard one-off character.

[@blabla-rg7ky]

@@chasbodaniels1744 yeah, that's the guy I was referring to, but in the good old fashioned way of me remembering shit when it matters (sarcasm) I forgot his name, even though he's pretty famous. That's him alright...

[@DrClawizdead]

The best non-recurring character.

[@11matt11]

So many young actors got a Seinfeld bump after the 4th season, it became the most important show on TV for an actor to get on. I always felt Philip Baker Hall came on too early in the third season, and he missed his chance. Then you look at his IMDB page, you realize the exact opposite happened. Because the show went into syndication in 1995, He went from guest spots on TV shows and TV movies, to supporting roles in major motion pictures. Nice to see he also benefited from one of the best and funniest Seinfeld characters ever.

[@troy16]

@@11matt11 Bill Irwin as Mr.Fields was pure gold too. I always wondered why he never came back, perhaps it was health reasons.

[@domcodirect8921]

2nd is the Mohel

[@charleswalter2902]

He really should have been re-occurring.

[@nickknowles8402]

@@charleswalter2902 i agree, but i dont see how he could have been incorporated in the script lol

[@dublinjazz1]

RIP Philip Baker Hall. This scene was one of the best in the entire series. How he kept his face straight is beyond me.

[@richardpaulhall]

"This scene was one of the best in the entire series. How he kept his face straight is beyond me." > This scene is not funny at all.

[@sharonsmith2771]

@@richardpaulhall what Seinfeld scenes do you consider funny? This always makes me laugh,and i have seen it many times.

[@jimhirsch4482]

PBH should have won an Emmy for this performance!! RIP sir.

[@mothertwinkles4198]

A real actor.

[@Alma_Gertrude]

I agree. He reminds me of Joe Friday from Dragnet.

[@sidmanazebo]

He single handedly made this one of the best seinfeld episodes ever. I never get sick of watching that scene.

[@procrastinator9]

No lie, I've rewatched this at least 2 dozen time.

[@TheSmithDorian]

That was a master class in comedy acting. A perfect example of how the use of timing and pace in the delivery can turn what were probably only moderately funny lines on paper, into comedy gold.

[@jorg1206]

Truest of comments, SmithDorian!

[@robertdefrank2550]

TheSmithDorian Agree that "Bookman" was a priceless character.....as was the Soup Nazi...

[@guguigugu]

+TheSmithDorian comedy without timing is just a bunch of talk.

[@darinpearson2554]

Perfect comment.

[@jfitz3133]

It was done in several takes.

[@tommyhaynes521]

Absolutely hilarious. I think Jerry was having a really hard time keeping a straight face during the apartment scene

[@irishmarine3]

You can tell there was just no way he wasn't going to laugh, I think that's why it made it into the final cut!

[@thomasfrye8996]

Definitely couldn't keep straight face

[@MichaelPolios]

nah he just can't act haha

[@francainable]

They always laugh in Seinfeld, they laugh at the comedy of the situation, rather than pretending it's not funny. That's why it has such a natural feel to it. If this was happening you would definitely be pissing yourself, I think it makes it funnier

[@pittland44]

You can absolutely tell that he's just struggling to keep it together and stay in character.

[@bradynorris1653]

The way his face changes when he says “Maybe that turns you on, Seinfeld.” Lol

[@StudioMod]

His snaps are the best. “Well let me tell you something, funny boy.” “Well lemme give ya a hint, junior!” “Well I got a flash for ya, joyboy.”

[@mr.0lvera922]

Lol. Love it!

[@Ashbash-kf5xd]

And Jerry almost breaks every time.

[@StudioMod]

And now he passed! RIP!

[@peterpetito3835]

I don’t know how Jerry didn’t completely lose it at “JoyBoy”.

[@Ashbash-kf5xd]

@@peterpetito3835 it honestly makes you wonder if he add libbed a lot of that, or if it was actually scripted

[@ronwhite8324]

The applause he received when exiting after the first performance was well deserved. Brilliant acting!

[@joemckim1183]

Philip Baker Hall is an amazing actor.

[@hansgrueber8169]

yes, if you haven't seen it, check out the movie "Hard Eight". PBH is the main character and its directed by Paul Thomas Anderson of Boogie Nights fame.

[@joemckim1183]

@@hansgrueber8169 That is a great movie. PSH is also great in his Seinfeld guest appearance as the library cop.

[@claudiocorleone7856]

His speech on Boogie Nights to Burt Reynolds was iconic.

[@nomanor74]

@@claudiocorleone7856 He will always be Floyd Gondolli to me.

[@freelancerAM]

Talented Mr. Ripley

[@mikefm4]

I love how he’s randomly checking books around Jerry’s apartment to see if they’re library property 😂

[@TheBeatles..]

oh..is that why!!! 👍👍👍

[@americanwoman7078]

Hysterical

[@JonManko]

I just realized that too after all these years hahaha😂 so funny

[@kaycey7361]

You always get some new information from the comments which gets overlooked.

[@mf8838]

My favorite guest on the show ever. He never cracked a smile or looked like he was trying not to laugh. He was perfectly in control of his character the whole scene even while Jerry is smiling and trying not to laugh. Great acting skills 👏 👏 👏

[@dennisgallagher]

I guess you missed the Terry Hatcher episode. It was spectacular.

[@kuruptzZz]

Yeah, a great actor vs a terrible one lol

[@danielzimmy69]

I read somewhere that that "Sure go ahead and laugh if you want to" line from 1:21 to 124 was improvised because Jerry genuinely couldn't stop laughing.

[@christofferjenzen78]

Philip Baker Hall was a real pro. Great collabs with P.T Anderson,his work in Magnolia is great,he doesnt tip his hat either way and despite the horrible accusations against him,he cant even remember what he did which atleast would make gim be able to feel guilt or ne forgiven but he is just lost,dying and he cant even feel regret,jist shame,you pity this man who presumably did something vile and unforgivable and since Anderson doesnt develop the character terribly, Hall has to do the heavy lifting and he does,its all in his eyes and posture. And Hard eight has a great cast and that he has the lead is so unconventional and for him it mustve felt like a reward for all those decades of character work. I always liked PBH and if you look at his resume,it is very impressive.

[@lunarialoonatic]

@@kuruptzZz well of course. Jerry said multiple times he’s not an actor

[@pickle8649]

"..you and your good time buddies.." LMAO

[@chrisperez1004]

Epilogue ...best line ever on the series

[@polipolimaui]

Joy boy

[@BillGraper]

I've seen your type before. Flashy. Makin' the scene.

[@pickle8649]

@@chrisperez1004 lmao yeah.. this show was so ahead of its time. best sitcom ever (with frasier)

[@MightyYoungSir]

Sure, go ahead, laugh if you want to..

[@albundy6008]

I got a flash for you, joy boy, party time is OVER!

[@ImmortalDisciple]

The whole scene was great but that comment made me laugh for minutes after it was over. Joy boy...so funny.

[@richardconnelly4508]

I know your type, Seinfeld... Flashy...making the "scene".

[@DEADG6D]

LOL

[@outlaw9657]

"Yeah I know your kind...going around watching funny KZbin videos...laughing and commenting. You think this is all a joke right? Well I got news for you cute fingers..."

[@janedoe-ex5wo]

LOL!!!!

[@rumplestilskin5776]

Phillip Baker Hall richly deserved an Emmy for this episode.

[@joemckim1183]

Sadly I don't think they had Emmy's for guest actors back when this episode aired.

[@josephbostrom5344]

I love how Jerry is trying so hard not to laugh lol

[@magtovi]

No, he is not trying at all.

[@MightyYoungSir]

i bet you do joyboy

[@jalexandertdavies]

But not too hard

[@summitgrewal]

@@MightyYoungSir q

[@owenrees7544]

Let me tell you something funny boy....

[@ms-vv2gg]

He never breaks character. You'd never want him to break character.

[@Unz360]

I bet you and your good time buddies break character all the time don't ya?

[@andyinoregon]

@Mind Absorber ... he didn't have a character.

[@bskee001]

He never breaks character huh? You never want him to break character do ya now? “Well let me tell you something about character sir, character is something you never break! Understand?”

[@BillGraper]

Character? What do you know about character? Ever draw a picture of Mickey Mouse? Or doodle a picture of Garfield?

[@podunkcitizen2562]

@@Unz360 Ya, I thought so, joy boy!

[@WakandaBabe]

Jerry can barely keep from laughing.

[@WakandaBabe]

You know, that is true, but if he could act the sitcom wouldn't be as funny!

[@stepheng9746]

+ohsnapiam59 There have been alot of scenes throughout the Show where you can tell they laugh and try and hold it in.

[@Intellect1618]

+Stephen Glatsky The one scene Jerry said he had the hardest time not laughing was when Kramer was bent back by the red glow from his apartment. It took them numerous takes and Jerry just couldn't contain himself.

[@ardalla535]

Jerry can always barely keep from laughing

[@TheSagaContinuesWu]

thats why i like jerry's mediocre acting, he finds the material so hilarious he cant help from smiling

[@lpri]

The script, the delivery and the timing! Perfection💯💯

[@pho3nix-]

I bought instant coffee because of the library cop

[@perfectsense3240]

Rebphoenix it's freeze-dried, freeze-dried crystals

[@w.vanheck6392]

Rebphoenix LOL,ME TOO.

[@jameshalleluyah8133]

Holy shit I thought I was the only one! I don't even drink coffee.

[@catsadilla324]

did you put it in the cupboard and forget about it?

[@davisjugroop3782]

and when you need it , is it still there?

[@WraxTV]

To this day, I still use "You and your good time buddies" when giving someone a hard time.

[@morenteria2988]

That's pure gold

[@LKsVids]

Same

[@LAGreg123]

In honor of the passing of Philip Baker Hall, I will start using this Great line today and for as long as I can remember it.

[@morenteria2988]

@@LAGreg123 Go ahead! You and your good time buddies!!

[@TheMary0831]

It's too good not to reuse. Thank you.

[@gaius_enceladus]

Brilliant! This guy is a carbon-copy of a tough-guy 1940s or '50s cop! He definitely deserved an Emmy for this!

[@harizotoh7]

I think he's doing a Dragnet parody.

[@RichardTetta]

@@harizotoh7 yeah, Id say hes obviously riffing on Joe Friday

[@no1guy825]

they don't hand out Emmy's for every good performance out there. It's a prestigious award. I want you to really think....just how many times you've seen someone make this exact fucking comment on some random KZbin clip from a movie or a show. You've seen it a lot, haven't you? A whole heck of a lot? These are rhetorical queries. The answer is....there's an army of you putzes, swooning over every halfway decent acting job out there. Countless shows. Countless movies. You think they ALL deserve Emmys?! Every actor who does their fucking job? Who sells a scene? Emmys are for fucking Brandos and Daniel-Day Lewises!!! They're for champions!

[@jwc3o2]

@@RichardTetta nah, Friday was a lot more monochrome: this guy comes off more like Scanlon on Barney Miller with his sudden jerky movements

[@billc5378]

And he looks just like the sheriff from The Rifleman too! I was half expecting Lucas to come in and blow Seinfeld away like the cable cops.

[@markherring3513]

What sells it is the finger point, the quick pause THEN the delivery. Well executed.

[@CommonSenseless1993]

Til' this day I still don't know why this character wasn't brought back as a semi-regular. His execution is brilliant.

[@mikeread4329]

BigBad Bryant But it makes the experience special

[@CommonSenseless1993]

Michael Reed I guess you're right but the greedy viewer inside of me wants to see more

[@mikeread4329]

BigBad Bryant Same

[@KevinSimmons8888]

BigBad Bryant Larry David did bring him back, but on Curb Your Enthusiasm as Larry's grumpy doctor/neighbor. He has the same demeanor in both series.

[@Grant25]

Kevin Simmons yes there was one prick involved

[@billpendarvis1163]

Don’t forget the writers who wrote those lines. Pure genius.

[@chrissantos5580]

True but this scene was all about the performance

[@eyeswideshut7354]

Those are the REAL “goodtime buddies”

[@TheNYCGoldenGlover]

This is all about delivery and direction. The lines are good but the whole package is brilliant... I will say, the "Pee Pees and Wee Wees" and "joy boy" is as good as it gets. Everytime

[@paulernst9955]

@@chrissantos5580 you

[@CheyennefromTaos]

Bill... SHUT UP, FUNNYBOY !!!

[@kfiralfiavideo]

I've never seen a more dead pan delivery. It's a miraculous comedy performance and I never tire from watching this amazing scene. To me it defines the essence of why I love this show.

[@jfitz3133]

It was done in several takes.

[@craigbusick9676]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@icemachine79]

I think it was based on Jack Webb's character "Detective Joe Friday" from Dragnet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqrHiWqrgKyLhZI

[@Sena-co1ug]

J Fitz can you blame them? Who could keep their shit together in that situation, much less Jerry, who apparently sucks at keeping a straight face.

[@garysolorzano3216]

@@icemachine79 It absolutely was. The writers went all out to capture Friday's staccato, no nonsense style, and they nailed it. Webb himself couldn't have written this any better.

[@garytheo]

“Well, I got a flash for ya, Joy-boy: Party time is over.” Bookman from Seinfeld, my favourite guest character of all time. I've never laughed so hard. RIP Phillip Baker Hall.

[@douggrey6253]

“Hard feelings, what do you know about hard feelings “..... Definitely Seinfeld’s greatest one episode character...

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

"While you're thinkin' about that think about this" kills me literally every time. LOL!

[@davidpolston2643]

That would be interesting...A list of the best five one episode characters...Another one I liked was Wilfred Brimley ..

[@scottrollins6045]

That bit in Jerry's apartment has got to be the best 2 and a half minutes in television history.

[@davecee4459]

Agree.

[@berwick777]

Yep, I’d say so. Makes me afraid to go to the library 📚😀

[@11matt11]

I just read a Rolling Stone article that said Philip Baker Hall never had to read for a part again after being on Seinfeld, it made him so much in demand. He went from guest sports on TV shows and TV movies to supporting roles in major motion pictures. I'm so happy for him and he deserved it, as this is one of my favorite laughs ever.

[@sinoroman]

two and a half menutes? lel

[@t.b.player7102]

That and SNLs cowbell skit.

[@ouroboros6125]

I consider this the biggest missed opportunity in television history. If they had added the library cop to the toilet book episode with George it would have been perfect. George decides to throw the toilet book in the river but can't do it, so he hands it to Jerry. The library cop is out for a walk and spots Jerry throwing the book into the river. It would have been so damn good.

[@NJGuy1973]

Maybe someday the world will be ready for that.

[@sabrinaphillips916]

Ouroboros612 nice!! You're right about that, woulda been classic!! Nice way to close the loop on the characters

[@Isidorios]

As I recall, Bookman testifies against Seinfeld in the trial in the final episode, so the loop got closed!

[@jaslynkingston7533]

Ouroboros612 lol!!!!!

[@johnstucko2740]

Awesome idea!!

[@markjackson6134]

"Maybe that's how you get your kicks?":):):) I caught Seinfeld right after it went into syndication, it was just OK (the early seasons). But it was this episode that got me hooked on Seinfeld. Thankyou Phillip Hal, RIP.

[@Noxchiborz146]

I love this show ...when I moved to Canada I didn't speak English very well. I had a small TV but didn't have cable. I could only get 3 channels via antenna.I learned everything about American culture/ street language it all from Seinfeld. My favorite show of all time.

[@EVILWAFFLE543]

So pretty much brainwashed by whitewashed tv

[@InfinitiCyberSolutions]

And now check you out! You’re are typing in excellent English. Good job man you’re doing great.

[@YS-el3hm]

You should have called Kramer. He would have hooked you up to cables easily. He knows some guys...

[@grawakendream8980]

The world needs a library cop like that right now

[@nezrock]

Rest in Paradise, Mr. Hall. One of the most memorable special guest appearances on this show.

[@simples7758]

RIP Philip Baker Hall. A good man and outstanding character actor. He was well known and respected for a variety of serious roles but here turned in one of the funniest comedy roles that most of us have ever seen. Larry David said that no one on the show ever made him laugh as hard as PMH. “Party time is over.”

[@markeggins890]

Guess that is why he asked him back for Curb...

[@richiealcocer]

I just love the fact the character is named Mr. Bookman 😂😂

[@stevejay5503]

"That's like having an ice cream man named Cone!" Lol

[@mayhemjr.803]

And he's a library cop

[@kpkndusa]

I had a shop teacher named Klinkhamer, no joke.

[@mayhemjr.803]

@@kpkndusa shop teachers should have names like... Lefty...Three Fingers McGee....or One Eye Horowitz🙂

[@thebrinx9632]

@@mayhemjr.803 Haaahaaaa Haaa Haaa

[@neonwilliams5722]

The thing that always amazes me, almost above all else, is just how fantastically cast every one of these characters are. Whoever is in charge of casting deserves a special award of their own.

[@frankstein9982]

I agree, one of the delights of Seinfeld was the episodical characters, starting with some of these super girlfriends of Jerry and George, and the super weird guys like the Soup Nazi, Buchman, the psychiatrist, etc ad inf.

[@canyoubelieve2167]

“Pee pees & wee wees” 🤣. One of the funniest scenes in the entire series. I don’t know how Jerry kept his composure through all that.

[@GoSolar]

Not very well. (They had to do several takes; he broke too much.)

[@mikeferguson5935]

I don't know Bookman got through the scene without laughing. Best scene in the entire run of the show.

[@radhiadeedou8286]

Did he?

[@johdominic]

Every bit of PBH’s performance here is pitch-perfect: his hard-boiled detective idioms, his comedic timing, his shutting Jerry’s smarminess down at every turn, his accusatory tone and gestures. He’s matching wits with Jerry perfectly, where Jerry is often painted as the smartest or most level-headed person in the room. It’s what makes PBH arguably the best guest star to ever feature on the show, and a truly memorable performance out of his whole career. He will be sorely missed.

[@JK-br1mu]

Jerry still looks like the smartest and most level-headed person in the room in this scene.

[@paulromsky9527]

He was channeling Jack Webb from "Dragnet". kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqvCgI2MoMR4qZI

[@dannigro8794]

RIP Phillip Baker Hall. One of my favorite character actors literally was just thinking about him and seen a few days ago knowing that he was getting to such a high age. Such a great actor.

[@mr.0lvera922]

R.i.p.

[@nicolahmbrook9002]

My family and I have been watching movies together remotely since COVID and last night we watched Midnight Run. He had a serious role but we all commented about how we can still hear Bookman in it. What a great actor. A loss for everyone.

[@ElliottNest41]

Check out Hard Eight - Philip Baker Hall is outstanding.

[@jamesbarlow6423]

He was incredible in "Magnolia"

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

See that guy in lots of movies instantly "Hey its BOOKMAN!!!!"

[@tpitman]

This was the best clip of the entire Seinfeld franchise. This guy never broke character. I don't know how he did it.

[@brucef310]

It's called doing your job. Plus it wasn't done in one take.

[@rossomac21]

Jerry broke character multiple times though 🤣

[@gullybop1695]

"You know that little stamp the says New York Public library...well it means alot to me...one whole helluva lot." The "one whole helluva lot" was funny as hell.

[@gullybop1695]

@@rossomac21 no he didn't....most people would react with the same facial expressions.

[@rossomac21]

@@gullybop1695 he was practically pissing himself with laughter and disbelief. I don't blame him.

[@gamerbrock3066]

"hippies burning library cards"

[@jaslynkingston7533]

GAMERBROCK lol😂

[@clayz1]

I’m only now getting how good that little reference is. Hippies burned their draft cards. But to Bookman that memory would become library cards. The rest of this whole scene is so good though that its just another well written joke among many.

[@MightyYoungSir]

bet'ya get a real kick outta that

[@silverdrillpickle7596]

Ya Got me too

[@p.g.reitsma7245]

I have been using that quick draw finger move ever since I saw this when it aired. Thanks Mr. Bookman.

[@davidguido4811]

"I remember when the librarian was a much older woman: Kindly, discreet, unattractive. We didn't know anything about her private life. We didn't want to know anything about her private life. She didn't have a private life."

[@pittland44]

I've had the good fortune to know three librarians that were all stone cold foxes. They made reading fun.

[@uruiamnot]

Librarian meme: imgur.com/9PWJdeZ

[@Skelly5962]

@Wolf Alpha 900 Blame Facebook.

[@steveg8322]

Got that, kewpie doll......

[@wandaperi]

…but can she eat just one pig ?! :P \ #MarriedWithChildren

[@BlackKettleRanch]

One of the best skits they did. And it was all clean.

[@Sonoftutuchoppy]

Clean? He said pee-pee, AND wee-wee.

[@Stoney-Jacksman]

that gets you off huh? you and your good time buddies... well I got a flash for you joyboy..Party time is over!

[@fromthehaven94]

Too bad they had to make an episode about the f-word.

[@fromthehaven94]

@jigyoda I am not a prude, sweetheart. I swing with the best of them.

[@fromthehaven94]

@jigyoda If you thought I was complaining, I laughed my ass off with that episode. Two of my high school classmates at the time, they stopped watching Seinfeld afterwards. Their loss.

[@RhangDao]

One of the most underrated actors in history. Deserves an Oscar.

[@pforgottonsoul]

@meaturama i thought he was referring to bookmen.

[@PatternLand]

He was.....

[@vanishan]

I'm 34 years old and I can say I grew up with this show. I salute you from Romania

[@perunplague9794]

There are only a few characters on the show that ever eclipsed the main 4 cast members, Bookman was 100% one of those few.

[@ianmcpherson2171]

Soup Nazi is another

[@jamesanthony5681]

The mohel was another.

[@richardkrilljr.8711]

J. Peterman Bookman Jackie Chiles Mr. Kruger The Soup Nazi Frank & Estelle Costanza And of course Newman ! Those were the best guest actors on the show!

[@TonyEggg]

Jackie Chiles

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@richardkrilljr.8711 Frank and Estelle are absolutely hilarious beyond belief. I've actually met the guy that played the Soup Nazi and he's one of the nicest people I've ever met. He said it was really fun being on the show.

[@chainreaction1703]

Hands down one of the best guest appearances in a tv show.

[@LandPirate62]

RIP Philip Baker. His performance here is absolutely legendary.

[@LoneLee2022]

It is..................

[@ke6319]

I can't believe how good this bit is. It's certainly in the top ten Seinfeld. Most hysterical scenes

[@elmerofairo]

Seinfeld definitely wrote the best minor characters, possibly of any show ever. There are so many characters with five minutes on screen or less and you still remember them

[@skiptowne5724]

I always remember the girl taking tickets at the theatre when they all trying to meet up for a movie. Exactly what you said.

[@joannpierce5865]

Uncle Leo...... HELLO!

[@laurahoward5426]

And Larry David, co-creator

[@elmerofairo]

@@laurahoward5426 Of course. I meant Seinfeld the show, rather than person. I would guess most of these great characters are Larry David's doing

[@sfitz2000]

Hello, Neumann.

[@thepoofication]

This delivery is out of this world, especially since Jerry is semi-laughing most of the time

[@emintey]

He couldn't contain himself...could anyone?

[@Edyth_Hedd]

I wonder how many takes it took to get through it. Philip Baker Hall is a genius.

[@rondegray5312]

I'd love to see the outtakes of Jerry just losing it trying to get through this scene. 😆

[@Ztormie]

Still the best scene in the history of the show, bar none. Jerry cracking up even works by the way Hall incorporates it into his speech.

[@Eidlones]

I don't think it was. The line after it is "I know your type. Flashy, makin' the scene". It flows, but it's not really a continuation.

[@civlyzed]

RIP Philip Baker Hall, I'll propose a toast to the library cop the next time I'm making the scene with my good time buddies!

[@fiarandompenaltygeneratorm5044]

A toast with INSTANT coffee!

[@aliashrafcandid]

"I've got a flash for you joy boy... party time's over" 😎 like a boss

[@ricardowilliams8887]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@thecavman]

I don't judge a man by the length of his hair or the kind of music he listens to. Rock was never my bag. But you put on a pair of shoes when you walk into the New York Public Library, fella!

[@toddinthemiddle]

Cavan King: i love that little exclamation the most, and recite it from time to time. It's right up there with: I remember when the librarian was a much older woman; kindly, discreet. unattractive. We didn't know anything about her private life...we didn't want to know anything about her private life...she didn't have a private life. bookman was the best!

[@thecavman]

@@toddinthemiddle That's gotta be up there with the best episode.

[@casualobserver2380]

@@thecavman thanks for the recap. Just a hunch but I think most got it the first time.

[@thecavman]

First day on KZbin @@casualobserver2380? Welcome. Clearly you're not gonna like it.

[@casualobserver2380]

@@thecavman nope I have been around long enough to notice that way too many people are zombies like yourself that think quoting a video from KZbin in the comment section is a worth while endeavor.

[@silvershelbygt500]

This is one of my favorite side characters in the show's history. He is hilarious. Like a comedic version of Dragnet, but for books.

[@chuckcookus]

Dan Aykroyd did the same exaggerated Jack Webb impersonation in the movie version of Dragnet kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLbaIKjdpujnbM

[@tinafoster8665]

Yepper depper, the Dan Akroyd of Dragnet act with a library police Joe Friday lol

[@tinafoster8665]

@Schaden Freud yepper hehe that was priceless "yes well ma'am I should point out that you could be cited for swearing at us like that," n returned with a bunch more profanity and Strebeck just clicks his pen lol

[@tinafoster8665]

@Schaden Freud the writers were really on their game with that one, they have Friday leading up with a description of this place and then saying it's not a place you want to be caught in after dark standing around whistling, and there is Friday, standing around smoking a cigarette and whistling LOL

[@tinafoster8665]

@Schaden Freud WAIT I thought only Harry Morgan was in it, I got to check it out this is too good to miss because I think I did LOL

[@joannpierce5865]

R.I.P Philip Baker Hall. Thank you for the laughter📚📖😊👍6/13/22

[@lifecloud2]

The guy who plays Bookman is someone I've seen before on those old 1950s police dramas like Dragnet. This whole scene is a tribute to those old shows. Perfectly done!

[@skiptowne5724]

You nailed ii.

[@infjintegrityvsnarcissism7295]

Exactly, all that was missing would be a colt detective special revolver in a shoulder holster.

[@joshn938]

Definitely Inspired by Sgt. Friday of Dragnet and those old cop shows like Code 3 and Adam-12.

[@trevorlane]

RIP Bookman

[@johnscanlon2598]

@@joshn938 he was on dragnet

[@georgebowling842]

Absolutely hilarious performance from Philip Baker Hall. Definitely my favourite scene. He was also brilliant as Larry's dentist in Curb.

[@vinnynet]

I liked him in magnolia

[@Ciclopea2]

My favorite thing about this sitcom EVER, can't stop laughing the whole time, too brilliant, so glad to know that as i write this comment Philip Baker Hall, the actor who played this hysterical character is still with us, 88 years old, what a legend

[@zoltanurmosi1143]

@Tsukasa Kadoya he is only interested in unreturned books

[@EJT9000]

And he also was hilarious in Curb as Larry David’s drooling doctor

[@Stevo935]

Seinfeld was on the verge of cracking, this entire scene. What a masterful performance by Hall. 😆 Gotta be one of the best "minor characters" in the history of the show.

[@stevekov6740]

I agree. I love this show and I do like Jerry Seinfeld as a person but the character Jerry is very idle-hands like as are Kramer and George. Elaine isn't but she is indifferent like they are. Needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed the finale except Newman should have gone to jail with them too for all of his fraudulent actions (most notably hoarding mail bags).

[@sonnyroy497]

I was working at the Tulsa City-County Library when this episode aired. We all got a good laugh out of it 😀.

[@AlystrZelland]

Howdy from another side of T-Town!

[@sonnyroy497]

Howdy!

[@collinmurr3207]

Immediately came here when I heard he passed. Absolutely brilliant. RIP

[@keithramsey2505]

"I remember when the librarian was a much older woman, nice, discrete, unattractive. We didn't know anything about her private life. We didn't want to know anything about her private life."

[@kalzaAlza]

She didn't have a private life

[@gullybop1695]

All true hahahahahahah

[@RJ1999x]

Al Bundy had the classic librarian

[@IrishCarney]

See now if you'd visited your library more often you'd know to use "discreet" (inconspicuous) instead of "discrete" (specific, individual). I know you and your fancy friends think the library is just a place to leaf through the muscle car and girlie magazines, but did you ever think to crack a dictionary? Who's laughing now, pal?

[@sammomin8115]

@@IrishCarney Are you a spelling cop?

[@bridgecitynews]

An award winning performance Mr. Hall

[@kimberleecatena]

I have a cute memory of hearing my mom howling laughing in her room and so I went to go see what she was laughing at and it was this episode of Seinfeld. ^_^

[@SunBunz]

Awww. That IS cute. I crack up so hard to this too. How could anyone not!? 😂

[@billmers3219]

Kimberlee that's awesome!!!

[@Norrbottning]

You're cute

[@zainop2359]

That's so cute

[@Absurdword]

That’s sweet.

[@rahulk1195]

"What is my problem? Punks like you .... that is my problem!!" Awesome!!!

[@jaslynkingston7533]

Rahul K punks lol

[@theophilusahene-akwa4736]

I like how he is going through Jerry's book to make sure he didn't take any other books

[@mr.0lvera922]

Hahaha I didn't realize that lol

[@kristiankiki4048]

One of the people that followed me through my life. He has been a sight for sore eyes, just a good vibe kind of guy. He will be missed in cinema for me, i hope he did everyrhing he wantes to do in life. RIP

[@rubedogg6969]

Philip Baker Hall is 85 now and still kicking!

[@SuperFastEddies]

Have you seen Magnolia? Amazing film!

[@patrickoliver9133]

@@SuperFastEddies Hard eight is another one

[@pauljackson2409]

The Talented Mr Ripley

[@gattiyon]

Larry's neighbour in *Curb*

[@dirkopdebeeck684]

By now 88 already. And still counting...

[@darkprince9064]

Because of the library cop, I got my act together then started reading novels with instant folgers coffee. Thank you sir😁

[@IrishCarney]

I hope you went back with an eraser to clean up the nasty drawings you and your party pals made too!

[@JonCombo]

We don't want to know about your private life.

[@deebee9917]

“Joy boy”....that was great

[@kimfank1716]

RIP Mr Bookman. This was a masterpiece

[@88Doug]

This will always be one of the best TV scenes!!

[@antrimlariot2386]

That gesture with his coat at the end was the perfect full stop to yeah what should have been an Emmy Award. Timeless!

[@kevinw9073]

I love Mr. Bookman, so real a character. Reminds of a teacher I had in high school. I love how he uses his finger to make a point.

[@siobhandeguerin9221]

To be honest, his scenes never get old. His performance, classic!

[@richardconnelly4508]

Without question, one of the finest walk-on performances in TV history. And if you notice, he gets applause from the audience after exiting his first scene. Did anyone else on "Seinfeld" ever receive that? Maybe, but I don't think so.

[@lrhoneyghan9203]

Acting genius!

[@prow6]

Wasn't this a laugh track?

[@212frankiefame]

@@prow6 Back in the day they would film in front of a live studio audience. In the early days they'd even have a little disclaimer at the start of the show.

[@eriks8382]

The busboy scene

[@WizardOnAWhale7]

One of my favorite scenes of the series. Rest In Peace, Mr. Baker-Hall

[@albertrosa5716]

Personally, this is to me the most all time funniest Seinfeld scene in the sitcom's history.

[@arthurcurry2003]

“We didn’t know anything about her private life, we didn’t WANT to know anything about her private life!” lol 😂 perfect

[@StonedMeadowOfDoom]

She didn't have a private life!

[@gullybop1695]

All true hhahahahah

[@azzurriblue65]

Every time I hear this scene, it reminds me EXACTLY of the two older, robust craggly women who used to be the librarians at my elementary school. Absolutely spot on.

[@billmers3219]

@@azzurriblue65 I know right !!funny shit

[@lucasemerimmarques9355]

That was gold

[@tophatandtails]

Best guest character on Seinfeld of all time!

[@michaelphilip3926]

R.I.P. Mister Hall...whenever i saw your name in the credits of a movie,i had to watch it for your performance alone...going to watch Hard Eight again,in your memory.

[@gabrielalopetegui]

what a superb scene ! This one and The Moyle are my favorites...don't get tired of watching them...keep laughing like it's the first time I see them...SEINFELD FOREVER!

[@boblewin7099]

+Gabriela Lopetegui Those are my 2 favorite scenes as well! Just watched the Moyle again yesterday....cracking up.

[@MoeGreensRightEye]

I agree, The moyle and Bookman are two of the funniest characters on Seinfeld.

[@gabrielalopetegui]

I was just telling a jewish friend about The Moyle last night :-) but I have to find it with spanish subtitles for him.

[@Bauermayers]

This is amazing, one of my favorite scenes from Seinfeld. Philip Baker Hall man, he deserved all the tv awards in the world for his performance on that first scene alone.

[@Borrow919]

1:47 and finding drawings of peepees and weewees - I'm officially dead!

[@DetectiveTrupo203]

😂😂😂😂 deceased

[@pierrebibeau9861]

I can't stop looking at the video. Priceless. RIP. Really good.

[@SnoopCatts]

Listen, I think every single one of us can admit Seinfeld has a lot of fantastic scenes over 9 years of episodes... But this, THIS scene right here, has got to be the absolute best BAR NONE!! I just love the scene soooooooooo much, I put it on repeat and can watch it at any time... Bookman's performance is fucking fantastic

[@Patsy_Parisi]

The Chinese restaurant is a close second

[@Bob66]

Yes good-but I like the mandelbaums!

[@keshoasubuhi]

Let's talk about the Soup Nazi

[@mr.c8033]

Snoop Cat is spot-on. No doubt.

[@Grasfh]

cable boy

[@ianmclean5541]

Bookman was epic. I loved every second of his acting. Simply amazing. His rhythm was spot on.

[@Rellbronjames9]

The coffee bit was genius 💯

[@bryanphoenix9702]

3:27 He's so serious. Look at how he yanked that briefcase 😂