Created by veteran vaudevillian "Senator" Edward Hastings Ford, Can You Top This? was inspired by joke-telling sessions at a New York theatrical club. Ford, a master of wordplay and quick wit, envisioned a radio show where comedians would compete to tell the funniest jokes on a given topic. The concept was simple yet ingenious, and it quickly caught on with listeners.
At the heart of Can You Top This? were its regular panelists, affectionately known as the "Knights of the Clown Table." This comedic trio consisted of Ford himself, Harry Hershfield, and Joe Laurie Jr. Each brought their unique style and vast repertoire of jokes to the show, collectively claiming to know over 15,000 jokes.
The show's popularity soared, and in 1942, it was picked up by NBC, expanding its audience nationwide. Listeners were eager to participate, submitting their own jokes in hopes of being featured on the air. An average of 3,000 jokes poured in each week, testament to the show's interactive nature.
To add an element of competition and objectivity, the show introduced a "laugh meter," which measured audience reaction on a scale of 0 to 1,000. Listeners whose jokes scored high on the laugh meter were rewarded with cash prizes and the satisfaction of hearing their joke featured on the air.
Can You Top This? was more than just a comedy show; it was a cultural phenomenon that captured the hearts and minds of millions. Its influence can still be felt today in modern comedy panel shows and the countless comedians and comedy writers it inspired.
If you're an old-time radio enthusiast, you can relive the magic of Can You Top This? by listening to preserved episodes. Several recordings are available allowing you to experience the wit and humor of this classic series firsthand and I am please to say we have 39 of these ready to add to RUSC over the coming weeks.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughter of yesteryear as you tune in and discover the timeless appeal of this radio comedy legend.
Happy listening!
