Edgar Bergen (a ventriloquist whose lips moved!) was perfect for the radio. He was also perfect when it came to comic timing and innovation. The gifted laugh-getter received an honorary Oscar for creating his sidekick, the wooden dummy Charlie McCarthy. (The top-hatted, monocled Charlie now resides at the Smithsonian.) Bergen also brought his talents to the vaudeville stage, movies and TV. Revisit the comic genius of Bergen, Charlie, and Mortimer Snerd in these two rarely seen presentations. Charlie's Haunt: In this Technicolor short with a supernatural twist, Edgar and Charlie visit a town whose citizens are safety-conscious at work, but accident-prone at home. Once Edgar takes an interest in their plight, the disembodied voices of Charlie and Mortimer begin invading the homes, yards and cars of local citizens. Directed by Robert Florey. The Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy Show: This Thanksgiving special includes special appearances by Charlie, Mortimer, Diana Lynn, Jim Backus and band leader Ray Noble. Original Coca-Cola commercials are included. Directed by Alan Dinehart.
|
