I've loved the Wiere Brothers and always wondered why more people have not discovered their unique style of comedy.
The appeared in a few films over the years, playing sidekicks to everyone from Bob Hope and Bing Crosby in "Road to Rio" to Elvis Presley in "Double Trouble". Their act was captured on film for the Alice Faye musical "The Great American Broadcast", and their eccentric dance and hat juggling moves are truly incredible.
They played mostly nightclubs and theaters, but did the rounds on the early days of telvision variety shows like Ed Sullivan and Hollywood Palace. They did have their own show for one season in the late 1950's called "Oh Those Bells" where they ran a prop company in Hollywood. The series was concieved and directed by longtime Three Stooge director Jules White and his knockabout style clashed with their gentle personas. The last appearance of all three Wiere Brothers was on "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" in 1970.
I always thought they were very funny (I remember "Oh, Those Bells") in a gentle, almost courtly European way.... Didn't realize "Bells" was a Jules White project! Makes perfect sense... --Michael Karp
I've loved the Wiere Brothers and always wondered why more people have not discovered their unique style of comedy.
ReplyDeleteThe appeared in a few films over the years, playing sidekicks to everyone from Bob Hope and Bing Crosby in "Road to Rio" to Elvis Presley in "Double Trouble". Their act was captured on film for the Alice Faye musical "The Great American Broadcast", and their eccentric dance and hat juggling moves are truly incredible.
They played mostly nightclubs and theaters, but did the rounds on the early days of telvision variety shows like Ed Sullivan and Hollywood Palace. They did have their own show for one season in the late 1950's called "Oh Those Bells" where they ran a prop company in Hollywood. The series was concieved and directed by longtime Three Stooge director Jules White and his knockabout style clashed with their gentle personas. The last appearance of all three Wiere Brothers was on "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" in 1970.
-Greg
I remember all of the shows you mentioned Greg. I grew up catching their act off and on over the years. It was terrific.
ReplyDelete'Your in the groove Jackson.'... 'Your telling me?'... 'Dis is murder!'
I am sure I 'copped' a move or two from these guys.
I always thought they were very funny (I remember "Oh, Those Bells") in a gentle, almost courtly European way....
ReplyDeleteDidn't realize "Bells" was a Jules White project! Makes perfect sense...
--Michael Karp