100 Funniest Moments of the 20th Century

Of course when viewing a collection like 100 Funniest Moments of the 20th Century, everyone hopes their favorites are included. The two I watch for are Betty Furness trying to sell me a refrigerator with a door that won't open and Lucy's vitameatavegamin routine. Both are included, along with several other knee slappers from television's live broadcast days, in this 3-volume compilation. Volume one features comedy routines of the stars, including legendary bits by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Burns and Allen, Chaplin's dancing rolls, and of course Abbott and Costello's “Who's on First.” Volume two focuses on bloopers, mostly from television, with a few movie outtakes featuring Bogie, Cagney and others. Much to my disappointment, however, a few clips of home video footage are added as filler, the high point being the clip of a drunk slug falling off a beer glass. Volume three features 70 years of slapstick from Buster Keaton to Dana Garvey. Very affordably priced ($19.99!), this is a great choice for public libraries and film and theater programs at academic institutions as well. Definitely recommended. Aud: C, P. (L. Stevens)