Sock It To Me?

While it initially appeared as a special in September of 1967, this is the day that Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In official premiered as a TV Series on NBC.

The show was considered somewhat radical for its time. In retrospect, it seems pretty mild, but for its time it did take some risks.

Among the catchphrases it made popular were:

"You bet your sweet bippy!"

"Verrry Eeenteresting!... but shtupid"

"Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls!"

"Oh, that Henny Youngman."

"Blow in my ear and I'll follow you anywhere."

"Here come de' judge!"

"One ringy-dingy...two ringy-dingies...A gracious good afternoon. This is Miss Tomlin of the telephone company. Have I reached the party to whom I am speaking?"

& of course:

"Sock it to me!"

Then there were such unforgetable characters as Ernestine, the telephone company operator, The Farkel Family - featuring Frank & Fanny Farkel, such kids as Simon & Gar Farkel (the twins, both girls, 1 black 1 white), Sparkel Farkel (Hiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!) & their next door neighbor Ferd Berfel, whom all the children bore an amazing resemblence to, Wolfgang the Nazi soldier (who had a crush on Lucy), Piotr Rosmenko, Gladys Ormphby & her dirty old man with the walnetos beau Tyrone F. Horneigh, Edith Ann & my favorite sportscaster Big AL (Hi there sports fans!

Anybody who was anybody appeared on the show. It launched Tiny Tim's career. An appearance by Richard Nixon has been credited with helping him get elected. Maybe, maybe not. But still fun to watch him.

Anyhow here are a few clips. Time for me to "Sock it to You: