I'm so glad you posted this - I'm officially obsessed with this site. It interests me that you used the word innocence, as I found that very compelling, although at the time they were considered "radio anarchists". What fascinates me most about them (besides how great they look in suits) is how much they seemed to actually care about the people they were spoofing.

According to the site, they invented the hidden microphone interview. Very cool. I downloaded an mp3 last week called Maniacs in Living Hell. I can't find it currently on the site, but it is a must have. Seriously great stuff.
posted by iconomy at 10:28 AM PST on February 5


I used the word "innocence" because I assume that messing with people in the 1960s was still new and people would tend to believe anything you told them more readily than now. Today, people are so jaded and cynical that if you wanted to do the wonderful "druggist" bit today, you'd probably have to venture to the midwest and try several times before you found someone who would believe you and not just call security after 30 seconds of it. After a couple decades of comedy on tv, years of reality shows and jackass, I think most people can recognize a put-on easily today.

I do like the way they treated their subjects, as there doesn't seem to be any malice that you sometimes see in things like Jackass or Tom Green's bits. You laugh with the person being duped, not at them. It's a delicate balance when you're doing comedy like this that I believe most current practitioners do poorly.
posted by mathowie at 10:48 AM PST on February 5


What amazes me is their incredible ability to keep a straight face. “we’re going to do it in a station wagon and just get the thing over with.” And I agree on the innocence. I think they would've been horrified if the druggist had agreed to find a back alley surgeon for them. The joke was on the side of reason.
posted by snez at 11:16 AM PST on February 5


"I haven't had a heart attack....oh, since I was a child."

Classic. Great link.
posted by ssmith at 12:16 PM PST on February 5


These old tapes are played quite often on the morning radio show at the University of Texas' student radio show. I always wondered if the "victims" were in on the act. The audio tracks are truly surprising and delightful.
posted by pomegranate at 1:18 PM PST on February 5


I used to hear this stuff late at night on college radio. I'd forgotten all about it. Thanks.
posted by Fabulon7 at 2:58 PM PST on February 5


I'd never heard of these merry pranksters, but I'm glad we've finally been introduced. Good fun.

The Coyle and Sharpe site is excellent, and filled with great links as well.
posted by hama7 at 5:12 PM PST on February 5


Thanks Matt! I didn't get a chance to listen to these til late last night, but they are a fabulous find - hilarious! And I agree that the strength of the humor is their innocence, there are no hard edges to the prank, nothing malicious. The "marks" seem alternately exasperated and bemused - you can just feel them jumping out of their skin to tell their wives and friends about these characters.

Ah, we have gotten jaded.
posted by madamjujujive at 8:38 AM PST on February 6


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