8mm Forum: Conway and Knotts .. an under appreciated comedy Team!

This is topic Conway and Knotts .. an under appreciated comedy Team! in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on August 21, 2008, 04:10 PM:

I was watching another of thier films last night, and I was struck that Tim Conway and Don Knotts made a very good comedy team, and I can safely say, they were truly the last of the classic comedy teams.

Classic Comedy team? What makes a comedy team classic?

I'm referring to the subject matter of the material. The comedy is largely clean, (potentially a slight shift into naughtiness, but this isn't the norm) and a good deal of old fashioned slapstick.

This was definitely what Conway and Knotts were great at. They did at least four films together as a comedy team ...

The Apple Dumpling Gang (funny)
The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (very funny)
The Prize Fighter (very funny)
The Private Eyes (best of the lot)

also appeared together as police officers in "Cannonball Run 2"

(Please correct me if I've forgotten one)

These were all very old fashioned and light hearted films that would literally offend no one. This was also the turning point from light hearted comedy of the past, to the toliet humor (largely) of the present. It should be noted that nearly all the comedians of the 50's and 60's couldn't make the transition to modern humor, which largely began in the 70's with Mel Brooks classic films, (which appear tame compared to todays films).

But, for a short while, Tim Conway and Don Knotts carried on that old fashioned wonderful humor.

Don knotts (If I'm correct) died a few years back. Tim Conway toured for years with another of his old "partners in crime", Harvey Corman, who died just recently, and toured with Conway almost until the end, (thier last tour being just last year!).

I actually got a REAL signed autograph from Tim Conway in the mid-eighties, and I treasure it.

Hears to Tim Conway and Don Knotts, the last of the classic comedy teams!!

Posted by Charles Bramlett (Member # 1246) on August 21, 2008, 05:17 PM:

Agreed 100% Those guys were fabulous together as well as on their own.

Posted by Chip Gelmini (Member # 44) on August 22, 2008, 09:23 PM:

There is a print of super 8 optical, THE BILLION DOLLAR HOBO it comes up on used lists from time to time. Tim Conway plays the lead character.

cg

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on August 22, 2008, 09:37 PM:

One of the perks of my business is meeting some of my idols. Don knotts was certainly one of them. I was at a party at the Magic Castle and LO, there he WAS! WOW....I was introduced and I automatically said "you're one of my comedy Gods"
He laughed, we chatted about things..he was a VERY mellow, sweet and GENTLE man. I did reiterate that he truly was in my estimation, one of the comedy giants.He said "thank you Rob, But you want to know WHO truly is the funniest man alive"......Tim Conway". He proceeded in telling anecdotes and laughing out loud! Clearly they were good friends and enjoyed each others talents.
One of the highlights in my life was spending time with that man. One of the funniest men ever.

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on August 22, 2008, 11:09 PM:

Wow Robert! What a wonderful story! When did you meet him. Did he pass away? (Don Knotts, that is) I really don't remember. I would love to meet Tim Conway.

Yes Chip, I have a print of that film, "Billion Dollar Hobo"
It is definitely in that classification of comedies that are
gentle and definitely family friendly.

I noticed that when Conway or Knotts would deviate from clean comedy into dirty humor, ("The Longshot" 1989 is an example of that, as well as one of Tim Conway's last starring features) It didn't go over well.

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on August 23, 2008, 02:46 AM:

I've been watching a lot of the ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW re-runs on TV lately and, yes, Don Knotts is a funny guy.

-Mike

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on August 24, 2008, 07:12 PM:

hey Osi,
Sir Dear Don is no longer with us. That particular party was in 2001 december of. A sweet gentle man.
I believe he passed away, ummm, I want to say 2 years ago now.
yrs, Rob

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on August 24, 2008, 08:36 PM:

I forgot to mention Tim Conway's last major money making venture, (and quite funny).

His collection of "Dorf" videos he made for direct to video, two surrounding golf ventures, and there was a very funny one of "Dorf at the Olympics" as well. It was a funny little fellow
that had very short legs, (actually, it was an elevated stage with holes that Tim would put his legs through, up to his knees,
and he would have shoes on his knees, making it look like short legs, and it worked very well!

Posted by Charles Bramlett (Member # 1246) on August 24, 2008, 10:13 PM:

Dorf on golf was actually my first introduction to the work of Mr. Conway. That video was hilarious.

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