Oh how we laugh at the funniest things! No, I’m not stating the obvious here. It’s about why physical mishaps tickle our collective funny bone. So, I searched for the origins of physical comedy and stumbled (hey, give me a break!) on an article “The Origin of the ‘Slipping on the Banana Peel’” by Matt Blitz on a website “Today I Found Out…”
According to the article, physical comedy (think pratfalls) dates back to ancient Egypt in 2500 B.C. It’s a brand of humor that derives pleasure from the misfortune of others. Well, that’s pretty apparent. Even Greek and Roman theatre had performing clowns and mimes that smacked each other around to the delight of their audiences. Sometimes they used a stick (“slapstick”) to “heighten the sound of the whack to give greater comedic appeal.” Yes, “The Three Stooges” brand of noggin-thumping humor is nothing new!
In the 19th century, Vaudeville acts heightened physical comedy with performers slipping on banana peels and other antics that elicited peals (couldn’t resist) of laughter from audience members. And then we have the first film appearance of the banana peel gag with the Charlie Chaplin movie “By the Sea” in one of his serial roles as “The Tramp.” Matt’s web article states, “The Tramp tosses a banana peel on the ground…only to slip on his own garbage later.” Comedic film luminaries, like Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd, continued the banana peel slip and all forms of sight gags in silent films throughout the 1920s, a seeming heyday for physical comedy. Of course Harold Lloyd took his antics to the extreme with hanging off building ledges and other death-defying stunts that still kind of take my breath away. Even Woodie Allen continued the banana peel slip in his movie “Sleeper” in 1973.
Some psychologists will tell you the reason why we laugh at physical comedy is that it makes us feel superior. I’m not sure that’s always the case. I asked family members if they would laugh at someone slipping on a banana peel. The answer? A resounding “no.” especially if it really happens. So, it appears there must be an element of make believe or staging to find the pratfalls humorous. Although my sister, Maria, recalls a moment when she fell on her way to elementary school one morning. Two boys across the street found her calamity amusing to which she yelled back, “It’s not funny!” Regarding the classic banana peel slip, she explained why she wouldn’t laugh. “I don’t think it’s funny. It’s obviously going to happen and it’s not creative enough There’s no nuance to it.”
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So there you have it. Predictable pratfalls aren’t a guaranteed laugh as they were in past years. A lot depends on the circumstances and, let’s face it, not everyone likes clownish antics. I was never a fan of the ever popular “The Three Stooges.” I don’t think I sat through an entire episode of the television reruns. By contrast, I’m a huge fan of Lucille Ball in “I Love Lucy” and her physical comedy because of her facial expressions and reactions that built a scene with a bit more complexity and creativity. Her classic Candy Factory episode is one of my favorites with Lucy stuffing chocolates in her mouth and the front of her uniform as the conveyor belt speeds up with confectionaries. The “Lucy Does a TV Commercial” episode from the show’s first season is my favorite with the with “vitameatavegamin” product that she samples with every take and hilarious results. I’ve alluded to the scene in my book “Unearthing Christmas” with the main characters acting it out and forming a bond with familiar territory.
Also, I wrote a screenplay with physical comedy galore. It’s called “Strike it Rich” about a Manhattan wealth advisor who inherits land in Ireland and befriends a leprechaun threatened with banishment if she decides to sell. The script recently made it to the semifinals in Screencraft’s Family Film Competition which was a great thrill! Lenny, my leprechaun, the trickster with all of his antics is most definitely ready for his close up. “Strike it Rich” is discoverable in Coverfly and I welcome reads and comments on my website!!
Physical comedy will always be popular in some form, whether it’s the less sophisticated “pie in the face” or a character or plot line that gives it more depth. Find what makes you laugh and enjoy the ride!!