The stage manager scowled from backstage as Funny Philly sang his opening song, “I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts…” Since Billy Cotton and Danny Kaye's deaths, the vaudeville acts went wild with imitations. And Funny Philly was famous for his spirited performances that endeared him to audiences across the country.
However, it was unknown to audiences that Funny Philly was a tightwad, paying his crew paltry salaries. The schism this created was reaching monumental proportions.
With no motivation, the stage and prop crews became sloppy and some walked away. Funny Philly found his bookings sinking lower and lower. It took two weeks for Funny Philly to extrapolate the cause.
This are a Wed. Words challenge from Delores in 2015. I love this stuff. Playing with words is so fun.
Funny this, my girl recognized Phil from her seat next to mine on her computer. He still did not rign a bell until she told me who he was. Of course Sherry's family had a TV in the 50's we did not. LOL
ReplyDeleteI love the play on words you do. And you do it so well.
Love from over here.
Sherry & jack (side by side, different computers!)
Thinking back about those performers leads me to recognize these people.
DeleteHe got his then.
ReplyDeleteWhat goes around...
DeleteSounds great fun, and so cleverly completed 🤗
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carole! On b/w TV, such acts were common.
DeleteNice piece. You had me wondering if Funny Philly were a real person.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good question. there were probably guys like this, making a living singing songs like this.
DeleteUndoubtedly! The more things change, the more they stay the same.
DeleteI had not heard od Funny Philly. I do remember many others singing Lovely Bunch of Coconuts. I have seen old clips of Merv Griffin Singing it. Great song.
ReplyDeleteFunny Philly is a name I made up. For some reason I liked the F and Ph sounds. No idea why, but there you go.
DeleteA lovely tribute to Delores. She will be missed (and is already).
ReplyDeleteI cannot seem to access her site!
DeleteYou certainly spun a fun tale. I had no idea who Merv Griffin was. I enjoyed the song, though.
ReplyDeleteI think he went on to be one of the life tv talk shows, and also created many shows over the years.
DeleteThey don't write songs like this any more! Do you remember "May be because I'm a Londoner" and "Knees up Mother Brown?"
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Oh, Mother Brown! Strange but great entertainment.
DeleteYa gotta love karma. I do remember Merv and you really worked the words in well.
ReplyDeleteWords are fun, good entertainment.
DeleteThis is why one should always pay one's employees more than they're worth.
ReplyDeleteHard to convince some bosses. When our district superintendent shot down a COLA negotiation, he offered 1.34% pay raise. Yup
DeleteIf you don't pay your crew, you won't have one. Fun story!
ReplyDeleteMass exodus.
DeleteI haven't heard that song since the early 70s. My step-dad used to sing lots of funny songs when he was drunk, until he fell asleep, and that was one of his favourites. He always fell asleep right after singing "Show me the way to go home".
ReplyDeleteWhat a memory to have.
ReplyDeleteDear Susan, I so enjoyed Merv and the early days of television. I don't remember hearing Merv sing this one. (I do remember the song!) Oh the fun of things when it didn't have to be smutty or suggestive. And Merv, of course, helped bring us Carol Burnett! Thanks for the memories, Susan. Peace.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that Merv could sing. Carol Burnett, of course.
DeleteI'm going to have to try one of these, someday...
ReplyDeleteGive it a whirl.
DeleteThe Merv clip was so fun. Of course, now I have an ear worm. Probably similar to Funny Philly. Hopefully, he has learned every workman is worthy of his hire.
ReplyDeleteI suspect he will change professions, one where honesty is not required.
Deletethey were great artists indeed my friend!
ReplyDeleteThey were the groundbreakers when it came to b/w tv.
DeleteThat song was always played as the crowd left the soccer stadium of our little hometown team, but only when they won. Fred was a lifelong supporter of the team but it was still a surprise to hear "I've Got A Luverly Bunch Of Coconuts" being played - at the end of his funeral! Everyone left the church smiling.
ReplyDelete