1 00:00:01,720 --> 00:00:06,240 comedy4cast is the official podcast of the mandolin, type that is way too 2 00:00:06,320 --> 00:00:09,780 small to read, and teaser trailers. 3 00:00:10,680 --> 00:00:15,060 The comedy4cast Network. Let's dog-ear that for now. 4 00:00:18,540 --> 00:00:22,220 Oh, hi! You're here! Welcome to the show. 5 00:00:22,300 --> 00:00:29,440 I'm Clinton, and this is a very special episode of comedy4cast, episode 860. 6 00:00:30,020 --> 00:00:35,980 The Bob and Ray Show. This past summer, I participated in the Mutual Audio Network's 7 00:00:36,060 --> 00:00:41,079 annual Summer Stock event, where audio theater enthusiasts give new interpretations 8 00:00:41,159 --> 00:00:43,140 of classic audio productions. 9 00:00:43,240 --> 00:00:48,160 I decided to do a compilation of sketches by the comedy team of Bob Elliott 10 00:00:48,240 --> 00:00:51,600 and Ray Goulding, better known simply as Bob and Ray. 11 00:00:51,920 --> 00:00:56,180 For this episode, I've cut down the number of sketches from that Summer Stock 12 00:00:56,260 --> 00:00:59,260 production to give you a taste of the full show. 13 00:00:59,340 --> 00:01:03,480 More about all of that at the end of this episode. But right now, 14 00:01:03,720 --> 00:01:07,640 let's have some fun with my salute to Bob and Ray. 15 00:01:09,310 --> 00:01:14,349 Now, from approximately coast to coast, it's the Bob and Ray Show. 16 00:01:16,590 --> 00:01:20,730 And it's all possible thanks in part to two of our old sponsors. 17 00:01:21,550 --> 00:01:26,890 Einbinder, the greatest name in flypaper. This year, more than ever before, 18 00:01:27,209 --> 00:01:30,510 make flypaper an important part of your life. 19 00:01:30,709 --> 00:01:35,510 And by the Monongahela Metal Foundry, makers of shiny steel ingots. 20 00:01:36,150 --> 00:01:41,350 Monongahela, the metal foundry that casts its ingots with the housewife in mind. 21 00:01:49,210 --> 00:01:54,530 Hi there, boys and girls. Let's all gather round for another session of fun 22 00:01:54,610 --> 00:01:57,350 and learning on Prodigy Street. 23 00:01:57,670 --> 00:02:01,290 I know how anxious all of you little people are to become smarter than your 24 00:02:01,370 --> 00:02:05,690 mommies and daddies, So let's not waste another minute to find out what Mr. 25 00:02:05,870 --> 00:02:08,210 Wise Old Owl has to teach us today. 26 00:02:08,590 --> 00:02:11,850 I see you have your blackboard all set up ready to begin, Mr. 27 00:02:11,990 --> 00:02:15,650 Owl. Yes, I sure do, Wally the Word Man. 28 00:02:15,970 --> 00:02:20,690 And today, boys and girls, we're going to learn a lot more about numbers as 29 00:02:20,770 --> 00:02:23,110 we study the numeral one. 30 00:02:23,590 --> 00:02:29,730 First, I'm going to put a figure one on my Wise Old Owl blackboard. 31 00:02:30,310 --> 00:02:35,770 And, to help you remember, we'll write out the word one right next to it. 32 00:02:36,169 --> 00:02:38,850 O-N-E. 33 00:02:39,290 --> 00:02:44,010 Now we'll put... Excuse me, Mr. Wise Old Owl, but I think the boys and girls 34 00:02:44,090 --> 00:02:49,130 should notice that the word one begins with that W sound I was telling them 35 00:02:49,210 --> 00:02:51,290 about yesterday on Prodigy Street. 36 00:02:51,389 --> 00:02:54,790 But it isn't spelled with a W. How about that? 37 00:02:55,350 --> 00:03:01,949 Well, that's certainly interesting, Wally the Word Man. but today's lesson is about numbers. 38 00:03:02,110 --> 00:03:07,990 So I want all of you boys and girls to hold up one finger and then count it. 39 00:03:08,150 --> 00:03:13,650 But first, kids, you should take a moment to notice that one is spelled as if 40 00:03:13,730 --> 00:03:17,190 it should be pronounced Oni. But always remember... 41 00:03:17,930 --> 00:03:23,350 It isn't. Pardon me, Wally the Word Man, but I don't think we should confuse 42 00:03:23,430 --> 00:03:28,490 the boys and girls with too many ideas at once here, and I just asked them to 43 00:03:28,570 --> 00:03:32,410 count a finger when I'm afraid you got them off onto something else. 44 00:03:32,730 --> 00:03:37,070 I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Wise Old Owl. It's just that we were learning about 45 00:03:37,150 --> 00:03:41,270 the letter W yesterday, and I thought it would be good to bring it up at this 46 00:03:41,350 --> 00:03:46,350 point while it's still fresh in mind. But that was all, so please, continue. 47 00:03:46,750 --> 00:03:52,050 Thank you. Now, kids, hold up one more finger and count again. 48 00:03:52,470 --> 00:03:56,230 How many are there this time? That's right, two. 49 00:03:56,830 --> 00:04:00,210 So one plus one makes two. 50 00:04:00,570 --> 00:04:08,370 Now, I'll put the figure two on the blackboard and write next to it the word two, T-W-O. 51 00:04:08,850 --> 00:04:13,370 Well, look there, boys and girls. Our old friend, the letter W, 52 00:04:13,710 --> 00:04:17,910 is peeking out at us from the middle of the word two. Look, Wally, 53 00:04:18,250 --> 00:04:22,130 I really wish you'd knock it off with this letter W business. 54 00:04:22,510 --> 00:04:25,370 I'm trying to teach the kids simple addition. 55 00:04:25,850 --> 00:04:31,570 Well, actually, that's not very important to know. But the word to is unique in our language. 56 00:04:32,110 --> 00:04:37,330 See kids, it's spelled as if it should be pronounced twow. But always remember. 57 00:04:38,080 --> 00:04:42,940 It isn't. Wally, nobody needs to know how it's spelled to do arithmetic. 58 00:04:43,140 --> 00:04:46,480 For all I know, Einstein couldn't spell it. 59 00:04:46,600 --> 00:04:50,220 Well, I don't think our producer is going to be too happy to hear you implying 60 00:04:50,300 --> 00:04:53,240 to the boys and girls that Einstein was illiterate. 61 00:04:53,500 --> 00:04:55,080 Oh, I didn't say that. 62 00:04:55,360 --> 00:04:59,960 I just mean it's completely beside the point. You don't have to be able to spell 63 00:05:00,040 --> 00:05:02,680 numbers to do arithmetic. It's irrelevant. 64 00:05:03,120 --> 00:05:07,960 Now, hold up another finger, kids, and we'll... Well, I certainly don't consider 65 00:05:08,040 --> 00:05:11,160 any phase of the correct use of our language to be irrelevant. 66 00:05:11,220 --> 00:05:15,699 And I think you may be right out on your ear when the foundation that finances 67 00:05:15,779 --> 00:05:17,700 this show hears what you said. 68 00:05:17,880 --> 00:05:23,660 Why do you have to twist around everything I say? You English grammar smart 69 00:05:23,740 --> 00:05:25,700 alecks are always doing that. 70 00:05:25,960 --> 00:05:30,580 And I've got millions of kids out there holding up three fingers waiting for 71 00:05:30,660 --> 00:05:34,780 me to tell them what to do next. Well, I suppose you're going to have them count 72 00:05:34,860 --> 00:05:38,960 to their fingers again. So count your fingers, kids. Big deal. 73 00:05:39,339 --> 00:05:45,440 Now, hold on. Are you trying to make me look foolish in front of all these children? 74 00:05:45,839 --> 00:05:50,080 I sure don't have to try very hard to do that, fella. Okay, Buster. 75 00:05:50,360 --> 00:05:53,899 Well, if you're looking for a knuckle sandwich, you've got one. 76 00:06:03,529 --> 00:06:10,730 Time's up for today's lesson, kids. But join us again tomorrow on Prodigy Street for more. 77 00:06:11,410 --> 00:06:15,470 You can stop holding your fingers up in the air now, boys and girls. 78 00:06:15,810 --> 00:06:21,530 Yeah, stop that. But remember to tune in tomorrow for more fun and learning. 79 00:06:21,610 --> 00:06:26,110 Same time, same station, on Prodigy Street. 80 00:06:26,510 --> 00:06:31,810 See you then, Mr. Wise Old Owl. Yeah, I suppose so. 81 00:06:34,490 --> 00:06:39,370 A word to you ladies now from our subscriber, the Monongahela Metal Foundry. 82 00:06:39,570 --> 00:06:44,350 Ladies, we don't expect you to take our word that Monongahela steel ingots are 83 00:06:44,430 --> 00:06:47,550 brighter and shinier than old-fashioned brands. 84 00:06:47,650 --> 00:06:52,610 Make a simple comparison test for yourself. Just drag one of your present-day 85 00:06:52,690 --> 00:06:57,210 ingots out in the yard on a sunny day and place it next to one of ours. 86 00:06:57,570 --> 00:07:03,270 If the Monongahela ingot doesn't shine more brightly, even without long hours 87 00:07:03,350 --> 00:07:06,690 of polishing, your money will be cheerfully refunded. 88 00:07:06,910 --> 00:07:11,490 Remember too, ladies, you know how ashamed you feel serving dinner guests when 89 00:07:11,570 --> 00:07:14,550 there are dull, corroded steel ingots piled on the table. 90 00:07:15,070 --> 00:07:21,610 That's why the folks at Monongahela have introduced new extra shiny ingots for home and office use. 91 00:07:21,890 --> 00:07:26,610 You'll be proud to display them along with your finest china and silverware. 92 00:07:26,930 --> 00:07:30,670 Ask about them at your local Monongahela Foundry salesroom today. 93 00:07:38,850 --> 00:07:42,230 Greetings and the warmest of felicitations to you, sports fans. 94 00:07:42,470 --> 00:07:46,790 This is Biff Burns, emanating from mic side here in the Biff Burns Sports Room. 95 00:07:47,010 --> 00:07:51,210 In the moments that lie directly ahead, we shall be scrutinizing all the highlights 96 00:07:51,290 --> 00:07:53,310 and sidelights from the world of sports. 97 00:07:53,590 --> 00:07:58,630 In addition, we'll be chatting with one of the truly dominant figures in sports, Edgar Barhorst. 98 00:07:58,890 --> 00:08:02,290 And Edgar, suppose we begin with a most penetrating question. 99 00:08:02,570 --> 00:08:06,210 What have you ever done to become a truly dominant figure in sports? 100 00:08:06,290 --> 00:08:10,250 Well, it's really not what I've done so far, Biff. It's what I'm about to do. 101 00:08:10,430 --> 00:08:14,910 I'm going to end all the legal fights over contracts and salaries that professional 102 00:08:14,990 --> 00:08:17,810 athletes have been getting into lately with the team owners. 103 00:08:18,130 --> 00:08:21,990 Well, I'm sure that such an achievement would indeed be hailed by all the leaders 104 00:08:22,070 --> 00:08:24,450 of the sporting fraternity, including myself. 105 00:08:24,550 --> 00:08:28,810 But how do you propose to keep sports stars from getting into contract disputes 106 00:08:28,890 --> 00:08:30,170 with team management, Edgar? 107 00:08:30,470 --> 00:08:35,090 Well, I've got an ingenious idea for that, Biff. You see what I- Excuse me for 108 00:08:35,170 --> 00:08:39,849 interjecting, Edgar, but before you begin, I'd just like to say that this is 109 00:08:39,929 --> 00:08:45,330 my show, and therefore I'll make the decision as to whether your idea is ingenious or not. 110 00:08:45,510 --> 00:08:49,490 Oh, sure, Biff. I didn't mean to be stepping over into your territory, 111 00:08:49,570 --> 00:08:53,210 but I'm sure you'll think the idea is pretty ingenious. 112 00:08:53,390 --> 00:08:58,830 You see, I plan to change the rules for all sports so they'll be a lot easier to play. 113 00:08:59,049 --> 00:09:02,490 Then athletes won't have the nerve to demand so much money because they'll know 114 00:09:02,570 --> 00:09:04,429 they're not doing anything very difficult. 115 00:09:04,809 --> 00:09:09,229 Well, that may or may not be an ingenious idea, Edgar. It all depends upon what 116 00:09:09,309 --> 00:09:14,570 you're talking about when you infer that sports will be easier to play under your proposed rules. 117 00:09:15,030 --> 00:09:18,650 Well, I think basketball is a good example of what I'm talking about, Biff. 118 00:09:18,870 --> 00:09:23,050 Right now, you've got young guys just out of school squabbling with management 119 00:09:23,130 --> 00:09:25,309 over a million dollar contracts. 120 00:09:25,510 --> 00:09:30,510 And the only reason they're able to ask for that kind of money is because they're seven feet tall, 121 00:09:30,850 --> 00:09:33,790 but still graceful and able to move around well. 122 00:09:34,049 --> 00:09:38,070 Well, with all due respect, Edgar, I don't see how you propose to make a young 123 00:09:38,150 --> 00:09:42,030 man more clumsy if he has a natural tendency to be graceful. 124 00:09:42,150 --> 00:09:44,790 Well, I think you'll see that's now what I'm proposing to do, 125 00:09:44,929 --> 00:09:47,690 if you'll just clam up and let me explain the thing, Biff. 126 00:09:47,950 --> 00:09:51,470 You see, under my rules, the basket will be lowered about two feet, 127 00:09:51,650 --> 00:09:54,570 and guys will be allowed to run with the ball if they want to, 128 00:09:54,690 --> 00:09:58,290 and we may also make the basket bigger around so it's easier to score. 129 00:09:58,370 --> 00:10:05,049 That way, I figure any middle-aged man standing five feet six should have enough talent to play pro ball. 130 00:10:05,270 --> 00:10:09,730 I see. And if this idea of yours proves to be as ingenious as you think, 131 00:10:10,030 --> 00:10:13,630 this will cut down on unreasonable salary demands in the NBA? 132 00:10:13,950 --> 00:10:17,370 Well, sure it will, Biff. How can a guy demand a million bucks when he knows 133 00:10:17,450 --> 00:10:22,090 that almost every man in the country under the age of 60 is able to play as good as he does? 134 00:10:22,330 --> 00:10:27,530 Well, that does indeed have all the superficial earmarks of being an ingenious idea, Edgar. Thanks. 135 00:10:27,809 --> 00:10:32,450 I believe my new rules will have an even bigger impact on Major League Baseball. 136 00:10:32,770 --> 00:10:36,290 There, I plan to make the ball a lot bigger and softer. 137 00:10:36,710 --> 00:10:40,930 Kind of like a volleyball. Test results indicate that it'll take a lot less 138 00:10:41,010 --> 00:10:43,610 talent to play in the major leagues under those conditions. 139 00:10:43,990 --> 00:10:47,810 I assume the ball will be easier to hit and also to field if it's large and 140 00:10:47,890 --> 00:10:51,730 soft. That's right. As I said, I've got test results on that, Biff. 141 00:10:52,010 --> 00:10:55,710 We tried the proposed equipment in a little league in my hometown last season, 142 00:10:55,870 --> 00:10:58,429 and even the worst hitter batted at 927. 143 00:10:58,790 --> 00:11:02,370 So I don't see how Rod Carew could ask for anything more than a couple hundred 144 00:11:02,450 --> 00:11:06,809 dollars a week, knowing that any eight-year-old kid can play ball as good as he does. 145 00:11:07,070 --> 00:11:11,110 Well, that's a fascinating concept for the imagination to toy with, Edgar. 146 00:11:11,429 --> 00:11:15,490 Thank you, Biff. Coming from you, that means more than it would normally. 147 00:11:15,850 --> 00:11:20,750 I suppose that's true. But there's one question that I continue tossing over in my mind. 148 00:11:21,030 --> 00:11:27,429 Why would fans pay money to come out and watch sports that don't require any playing skill? 149 00:11:27,730 --> 00:11:32,150 Well, I think the fans are going to have to lower their standards and stop expecting 150 00:11:32,230 --> 00:11:35,510 to see professional athletes who have talent. I see. 151 00:11:35,890 --> 00:11:42,490 And do you expect the fans to cooperate by lowering their standards that way? Uh, no. 152 00:11:42,809 --> 00:11:46,250 I don't think they'll do that, Biff. I don't think they will either. 153 00:11:46,330 --> 00:11:50,090 But thanks for stopping by to tell us about your impractical idea. 154 00:11:50,410 --> 00:11:54,410 And now, this is Biff Burns saying that until it's time for our next get-together 155 00:11:54,490 --> 00:11:58,950 in the sports room, this is Biff Burns saying, So long, fans! 156 00:11:59,799 --> 00:12:03,420 Say, here's good news for the busy gift shopper. 157 00:12:03,660 --> 00:12:07,420 Do you have trouble selecting just the right present for Christmas, 158 00:12:07,679 --> 00:12:09,760 birthdays, and other special occasions? 159 00:12:10,420 --> 00:12:14,179 Then why not offer the token of love and esteem that's welcomed by all? 160 00:12:14,700 --> 00:12:18,040 A gift certificate for Einbinder flypaper. 161 00:12:18,360 --> 00:12:25,060 They're available in denominations of $10, $50, and $100. and they can be redeemed 162 00:12:25,140 --> 00:12:29,820 for whichever size and style of flypaper best suits the needs of the recipient. 163 00:12:30,140 --> 00:12:34,120 Friends will love you for your thoughtfulness and they'll also admire your good 164 00:12:34,200 --> 00:12:39,360 taste in selecting a gift certificate for genuine Einbinder flypaper, 165 00:12:39,640 --> 00:12:44,300 the brand you've gradually grown to trust over the course of three generations. 166 00:12:45,200 --> 00:12:50,420 And now the Monongahela Metal Foundry, makers of extra shiny steel ingots for 167 00:12:50,500 --> 00:12:55,960 home and office use, invite you to ride with the men of Squad Car 119. 168 00:13:05,770 --> 00:13:10,430 My name's Sam Finch. Me and my partner, Ralph R. Kruger Jr., 169 00:13:10,510 --> 00:13:12,950 are the unsung heroes of the police force. 170 00:13:13,290 --> 00:13:15,370 We ride a prowl car at night. 171 00:13:15,750 --> 00:13:17,930 Winter. Summer. Spring. 172 00:13:18,530 --> 00:13:22,450 Labor Day. Always on the lookout for trouble. The other evening, 173 00:13:22,610 --> 00:13:25,650 we'd just gone on duty, when my partner, Ralph R. 174 00:13:25,790 --> 00:13:30,770 Kruger Jr., turned to me and said, I'll sure be glad when this night's over, Sam. 175 00:13:30,970 --> 00:13:33,210 I haven't had any sleep in two days. 176 00:13:33,750 --> 00:13:37,650 Just lie there trying to think of a town in Washington that begins with W. 177 00:13:38,190 --> 00:13:42,390 What do you need to know that for? Well, I don't need to know it, Sam. 178 00:13:42,610 --> 00:13:46,950 It's just a way to get to sleep. You know, think of a town in every state that 179 00:13:47,030 --> 00:13:49,050 begins with the same letter as the state. 180 00:13:49,250 --> 00:13:51,290 You mean like Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? 181 00:13:51,690 --> 00:13:54,810 No, Sam, the same letter. Honolulu, Hawaii. 182 00:13:55,350 --> 00:13:57,910 Anchorage, Alaska. Milwaukee, Minnesota. 183 00:13:58,650 --> 00:14:03,690 Like that. Milwaukee is not in Minnesota, Ralph R. Kruger Jr. Really? 184 00:14:04,280 --> 00:14:08,340 Well, there's some town up there next to St. Paul. I'll try to stay awake and 185 00:14:08,420 --> 00:14:10,540 think of it. Calling car 119. 186 00:14:10,920 --> 00:14:15,520 Car 119. Go to the corner of Rossmont and La Brea to meet up with the officers 187 00:14:15,600 --> 00:14:18,600 from Unit 71 and help apprehend a suspect. 188 00:14:18,880 --> 00:14:21,840 Gee, they want us to meet the guys from Unit 71, Sam. 189 00:14:22,120 --> 00:14:25,040 Have we ever met them before? I don't think so. 190 00:14:25,460 --> 00:14:29,420 Sure would have worn my good suit if I'd known we were going to be meeting new people. 191 00:14:29,740 --> 00:14:33,900 I hate meeting people for the first time. Makes my palms get sweaty. 192 00:14:34,280 --> 00:14:37,120 I know what you mean. I never know what to say to them. 193 00:14:37,380 --> 00:14:41,480 Wearing this rumpled suit just makes it worse. With me, the bad part is having 194 00:14:41,560 --> 00:14:43,660 to shake hands when my palms are sweaty. 195 00:14:43,960 --> 00:14:49,520 New people always notice sweaty palms right off. Yeah, but you've got a knack for words, Ralph R. 196 00:14:49,780 --> 00:14:54,380 I never know what to say. I suppose I talk to them while you shake hands. 197 00:14:54,600 --> 00:14:56,680 Then they won't know I've got sweaty palms. 198 00:14:56,980 --> 00:14:58,980 They'll still see my rumpled suit, though. 199 00:14:59,320 --> 00:15:04,600 Maybe if I just stayed in the car and reached out the window to shake hands. That might work. 200 00:15:04,900 --> 00:15:07,640 I sure hate meeting new people for the first time. 201 00:15:07,960 --> 00:15:14,140 Car 119, Car 119, disregard that call to meet Unit 71 and help apprehend a suspect. 202 00:15:14,460 --> 00:15:18,540 The situation is now under control. The suspect has been apprehended, 203 00:15:18,740 --> 00:15:20,120 booked, and brought to trial. 204 00:15:20,400 --> 00:15:22,480 In a moment, the results of that trial. 205 00:15:25,820 --> 00:15:30,840 Now let me remind you that only two days remain to enter the giant sweepstakes 206 00:15:30,920 --> 00:15:34,620 contest now going on at your Monongahela Metal Foundry. 207 00:15:34,860 --> 00:15:38,240 There's nothing to buy and only a certain amount of obligation. 208 00:15:38,280 --> 00:15:44,000 But you could win a full new set of extra shiny ingots every month for as long as you live. 209 00:15:44,240 --> 00:15:47,680 Or one of 528 smaller prizes. 210 00:15:48,080 --> 00:15:52,260 And the sweepstakes is so simple to enter. Just visit your local Monongahela 211 00:15:52,340 --> 00:15:55,160 dealer and give him your estimate of the total number. 212 00:15:55,400 --> 00:16:00,500 If your guess is close, you're a winner. But you must act before midnight tomorrow. 213 00:16:00,580 --> 00:16:04,560 So get on your thinking cap and start preparing your estimate now. 214 00:16:24,280 --> 00:16:26,000 Are punished under state law by a 215 00:16:26,080 --> 00:16:29,840 term of no less than five years in the Correctional Institute at Soledad. 216 00:16:37,840 --> 00:16:43,700 Well, that's it for today, folks. We hope you enjoyed yourself. We sure did. Sure did. 217 00:16:44,140 --> 00:16:47,460 So this is Ray Goulding, reminding you to write if you get work. 218 00:16:47,620 --> 00:16:50,960 And this is Bob Elliott, reminding you to hang by your thumbs. 219 00:16:58,740 --> 00:17:02,960 Now take a few minutes to relax with Clinton after the episode. 220 00:17:03,840 --> 00:17:08,800 I hope you enjoyed that. It was a lot of fun. and also nerve-wracking. 221 00:17:08,960 --> 00:17:13,880 Because like Stan Freeberg, Bob Newhart, and Albert Brooks, Bob and Ray have 222 00:17:13,960 --> 00:17:16,540 been a big influence on me when it comes to comedy. 223 00:17:16,680 --> 00:17:21,060 But this project was the first time I've done an episode consisting entirely 224 00:17:21,140 --> 00:17:23,840 of someone else's work verbatim. 225 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:26,980 Compiling the material, I picked lesser-known sketches. 226 00:17:27,380 --> 00:17:31,280 You see, I was worried that if I attempted their most famous bits, 227 00:17:31,440 --> 00:17:35,220 I'd end up doing them exactly the way Bob and Ray performed them, 228 00:17:35,300 --> 00:17:38,619 instead of interpreting the work in their style. 229 00:17:38,980 --> 00:17:43,160 The version I produced for the Mutual Audio Network contained an additional 230 00:17:43,240 --> 00:17:47,580 five short sketches, and I'll include a link to that in the show notes for this 231 00:17:47,660 --> 00:17:49,780 episode, The Bob and Ray Show. 232 00:17:50,119 --> 00:17:53,520 If you're unfamiliar with Bob and Ray, here's a bit of background. 233 00:17:53,859 --> 00:17:59,420 They began their careers working together at Boston radio station WHDH in the 234 00:17:59,500 --> 00:18:05,640 1940s. Bob Elliott was a disc jockey, and Ray Goulding was a newscaster. 235 00:18:05,900 --> 00:18:10,779 Their often absurdist improv banter led to a gig filling airtime when Boston 236 00:18:10,859 --> 00:18:12,640 Red Sox games were rained out. 237 00:18:12,880 --> 00:18:16,840 Hey, you have to start somewhere, right? It eventually led to their own weekday 238 00:18:16,920 --> 00:18:21,260 radio show, Matinee with Bob and Ray, in 1946. 239 00:18:21,840 --> 00:18:26,860 That cemented the billing order as Bob and Ray, and it's where they coined their 240 00:18:26,940 --> 00:18:30,359 Right if you get work, hang by your thumb sign-off. 241 00:18:30,619 --> 00:18:34,600 The pleasant slash unpleasant nature of the wording is just another example 242 00:18:34,680 --> 00:18:36,460 of their poking fun at tradition. 243 00:18:36,990 --> 00:18:43,910 The duo eventually moved to New York City, where they were an on-air staple for over 40 years. 244 00:18:44,369 --> 00:18:49,670 They also had their own TV show, did commercial voiceovers, and even staged 245 00:18:49,750 --> 00:18:54,310 a hit Broadway show, Bob and Ray, the two and only, in 1970, 246 00:18:54,390 --> 00:18:57,590 as well as playing Carnegie Hall in 1984, 247 00:18:58,210 --> 00:19:00,410 because that practice paid off. 248 00:19:00,570 --> 00:19:06,590 The duo won three Peabody Awards and were inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1995. 249 00:19:07,270 --> 00:19:12,090 And that just scratches the surface of their careers. You might also be familiar 250 00:19:12,170 --> 00:19:14,290 with Bob Elliott's son, Chris Elliott, 251 00:19:14,570 --> 00:19:17,630 probably best known for his work on Late Tonight with David Letterman, 252 00:19:17,869 --> 00:19:24,190 as the cameraman in Groundhog Day, and as the town mayor on the TV series Schitt's Creek. 253 00:19:24,410 --> 00:19:27,550 Chris's daughter, and by extension Bob Elliott's granddaughter, 254 00:19:28,150 --> 00:19:32,570 Abby Elliott, was a Saturday Night Live cast member for four years. 255 00:19:33,010 --> 00:19:38,630 Now that is one long comedy lineage. If you get a chance, please check out some 256 00:19:38,710 --> 00:19:42,250 Bob and Ray material performed by the actual Bob and Ray. 257 00:19:42,510 --> 00:19:46,950 Their Broadway show, Bob and Ray, The Two and Only, is available as an audio 258 00:19:47,030 --> 00:19:48,830 recording made in front of an audience. 259 00:19:49,090 --> 00:19:52,769 It's available on Spotify, and I'll have a link to it in the show notes for 260 00:19:52,849 --> 00:19:55,430 this episode, The Bob and Ray Show. 261 00:19:57,430 --> 00:20:02,230 That about wraps it up. But first, a very special shout out to the folks who 262 00:20:02,310 --> 00:20:06,130 help power comedy4cast, my Patreon patrons, 263 00:20:06,790 --> 00:20:11,090 including producer level patrons, Paul Barrie from the A Window to the Magic 264 00:20:11,170 --> 00:20:15,630 podcast, Kirby Bartlett Sloan from the 20 Megabyte Doctor Who podcast, 265 00:20:16,150 --> 00:20:20,310 Chuck Tomasi from the Technorama podcast, and Kyle Nishioka. 266 00:20:20,530 --> 00:20:22,010 You too can support comedy4cast 267 00:20:22,650 --> 00:20:27,490 and get episodes before everyone else for as little as $2 a month. 268 00:20:27,650 --> 00:20:33,710 Just search for comedy4cast, all one word with the number four, on Patreon.com. 269 00:20:33,930 --> 00:20:37,310 Or just click on the link on the comedy4cast homepage. 270 00:20:37,790 --> 00:20:42,730 What could be easier? This episode was, of course, written by Bob Elliott and 271 00:20:42,810 --> 00:20:46,670 Ray Goulding with additional material by me, Clinton Alvord. 272 00:20:46,849 --> 00:20:51,609 I also did the voices and wrote the original music. Copyright 2025. 273 00:20:52,349 --> 00:20:55,750 All rights reserved. Talk to you again next time. But for now, 274 00:20:56,070 --> 00:20:58,990 that's it. We're done, done, done, done, done. Bye-bye.