Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy And Mortimer Snerd
This clip is from the 1938 film "Letter of Introduction" directed by John M. Stahl. I have never seen this movie, so I can only vouch for the quality of this clip.
This week I would like to feature the work of Mr. Edgar Bergen.
Most well known for his work with Charlie McCarthy, Mr. Bergen also created another great character named Mortimer Snerd.
Both Charlie and Mortimer represent the absolute best in cartoon fun by avoiding any pretence of logic that might interfere with their pure entertainment value.
Both are portrayed interchangeably as children and adults at the same time. Sexual innuendo and alcoholism are considered completely acceptable from these "children", as is the fact that a grown man sticks his hand inside them.
If only today’s "entertainment" could be so honest!
I can not even begin to express how funny the character of Mortimer Snerd is! Most people these days have probably never even heard of Mr. Bergen, or these two characters, but many will at least be familiar with the personality of Mortimer thanks to Bob Clampetts Beaky Buzzard character. Beaky, who famously sang about catching a baby bumble bee in those Bugs Bunny cartoons that everyone remembers, was a loving tribute to Bergen brilliance by one of his biggest fans.
This clip provides a pretty solid introduction to Mr. Bergen’s work, and I really hope that you enjoy it!
NOW… since next week is Halloween, I thought that I would take a moment to help get you in the proper holiday mood with a TRUE story of real life personal HORROR related to this weeks subject!
When I was a kid, around five years old I would guess, I was sleeping on the couch in my families' living room, and at the far end of the couch I had my Juro Charlie McCarthy Toy Ventriloquist Dummy stuffed in its box.
I was always a bit creeped out by the figure, and for the most part I usually only played with his top hat and monocle. Like any normal Five year old I wanted to look the part of an early twentieth century Fat Cat Industrialist. Thanks to Charlie's cool accessories, and along with the help of a certain Mr. Potato Head's pipe... I was one sharp looking child to say the least.
SO... on this particular night I remember lying there, when all of a sudden the figure of Charlie McCarthy began to rise slowly out of his box! He floated over me, staring directly into my eyes the entire time until finally, with arms outstretched, he GRABBED my throat and began to choke me!!!
A moment later I awoke from the traumatizing event… APPARENTLY it was only a dream.
Dream or not, Charlie and his box soon found their way into the basement where he remained for the majority of my childhood.
The End.
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