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Below you'll find photographs, and a few words from, Robert Benchley who, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated (and nearly forgotten) humorists of the early Twentieth Century. Robert wrote humor for Vanity Fair, beginning in 1914, until he gave up writing for good in 1943.
He wrote a small collection of books, had a radio show, and did bit parts in a few movies. He also made a number of short subjects for; Fox, RKO, M-G-M, Paramount, and one titled, I'm a Civilian Here Myself, for the U.S. Navy. His most well-known short film was How To Sleep, which earned him an Acaemy Award. He often attended the Algonquin Round Table.
Robert was notoriously late sending in his articles, and would send excuses by telegram. Some of my favorites are:
"Am in Detriot inspecting new Packard Engines."
"Am in Florida judging Orange Blossom Festival."
"Am in New Mexico being inducted into Indian tribe."
"Am in Boston. I don't know why, but it must be important because here I am."
He sent these and several others within minutes of each other. His editor finally wired back, "Gather you haven't finished the piece."
This first photo is, "A series of parody screen test shots, or, How to Get Expression with a Derby Hat."
This one is titled, The Boulevardier. (There's a term you don't hear anymore.)
I copied these from Robert Benchley: A Biography by Nathaniel Benchley, and just re-read the first page. I hope you'll indulge me in sharing some of my favorite classic humor by way of re-printing it here:
One day, while Robert Benchley was scanning a pile of newspapers in searh of something to write, he came across a report from the American Psychiatric Association, listing the primary symptoms of dementia praecox, or schitzophenia. He almost didn't read it, but one of the symtoms caught his eye, and with growing horror he read the entire list, then put down the paper and went out for a long walk. When, two days later, he returned, he sat down and made his own list, showing how he qualified on the various counts. A slightly abridged version of the symtoms and his comments:
(1) "Defective Judgement." Well, I could keep you here all night giving you examples of my defective judgement that would make your blood curdle. I couldn't even judge a sack-race. On this count I qualify hands down.
(2) "Retarded Perception." I didn't even know that the fleet was in until I read Time ten days later.
(3) "Restrictions in the Field of Perception." My attention can be held only by strapping me down to a cot and sitting on my chest. Even then my eyes wander.
(4) "Silly Laughter." I hold the Interscholastic (New England), Intercolligiate, East Coast Amateur and Open Professional cups for silly laughter. I laugh at anything except a French clown. You can't be sillier than that.
(5) "Lack of Skill in Motor Performance." I was asked to surrender my license while driving an old Model T Ford in 1915 because I could not co-ordinate in time to press the clutch at just the right moment. I also had a little trouble with "right" and "left." Next to "silly laughter," "lack of skill in motor performance" is my forte.
(6) "Stupor." We need not go into this. The last thing I remember clearly is that elaborate parade for Admiral Dewey under the arch at Twenty-third Street. There are hundreds of people willing to bet that I have never had my eyes open. I have no proof to the contrary.
According to the next paragraph, "Some of this was exagerated, but not as much as might be supposed."
You can find more information on him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Benchley
I was introduced to Robert Benchley's humor by a high school algebra teacher, Mr. Fox. Wherever you are, Mr. Fox, thank you, and I hope you're still enjoying Robert Benchley's humor.
Lee
__________________________________
In case you were wondering: Robert Benchley begat Nathaniel Benchley, who begat Peter Benchley, who begat Jaws.
He wrote a small collection of books, had a radio show, and did bit parts in a few movies. He also made a number of short subjects for; Fox, RKO, M-G-M, Paramount, and one titled, I'm a Civilian Here Myself, for the U.S. Navy. His most well-known short film was How To Sleep, which earned him an Acaemy Award. He often attended the Algonquin Round Table.
Robert was notoriously late sending in his articles, and would send excuses by telegram. Some of my favorites are:
"Am in Detriot inspecting new Packard Engines."
"Am in Florida judging Orange Blossom Festival."
"Am in New Mexico being inducted into Indian tribe."
"Am in Boston. I don't know why, but it must be important because here I am."
He sent these and several others within minutes of each other. His editor finally wired back, "Gather you haven't finished the piece."
This first photo is, "A series of parody screen test shots, or, How to Get Expression with a Derby Hat."
This one is titled, The Boulevardier. (There's a term you don't hear anymore.)
I copied these from Robert Benchley: A Biography by Nathaniel Benchley, and just re-read the first page. I hope you'll indulge me in sharing some of my favorite classic humor by way of re-printing it here:
One day, while Robert Benchley was scanning a pile of newspapers in searh of something to write, he came across a report from the American Psychiatric Association, listing the primary symptoms of dementia praecox, or schitzophenia. He almost didn't read it, but one of the symtoms caught his eye, and with growing horror he read the entire list, then put down the paper and went out for a long walk. When, two days later, he returned, he sat down and made his own list, showing how he qualified on the various counts. A slightly abridged version of the symtoms and his comments:
(1) "Defective Judgement." Well, I could keep you here all night giving you examples of my defective judgement that would make your blood curdle. I couldn't even judge a sack-race. On this count I qualify hands down.
(2) "Retarded Perception." I didn't even know that the fleet was in until I read Time ten days later.
(3) "Restrictions in the Field of Perception." My attention can be held only by strapping me down to a cot and sitting on my chest. Even then my eyes wander.
(4) "Silly Laughter." I hold the Interscholastic (New England), Intercolligiate, East Coast Amateur and Open Professional cups for silly laughter. I laugh at anything except a French clown. You can't be sillier than that.
(5) "Lack of Skill in Motor Performance." I was asked to surrender my license while driving an old Model T Ford in 1915 because I could not co-ordinate in time to press the clutch at just the right moment. I also had a little trouble with "right" and "left." Next to "silly laughter," "lack of skill in motor performance" is my forte.
(6) "Stupor." We need not go into this. The last thing I remember clearly is that elaborate parade for Admiral Dewey under the arch at Twenty-third Street. There are hundreds of people willing to bet that I have never had my eyes open. I have no proof to the contrary.
According to the next paragraph, "Some of this was exagerated, but not as much as might be supposed."
You can find more information on him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Benchley
I was introduced to Robert Benchley's humor by a high school algebra teacher, Mr. Fox. Wherever you are, Mr. Fox, thank you, and I hope you're still enjoying Robert Benchley's humor.
Lee
__________________________________
In case you were wondering: Robert Benchley begat Nathaniel Benchley, who begat Peter Benchley, who begat Jaws.
