And While We're Being Positive

Continuing in this new, more positive vein: last week saw the addition of a perfect comedy line to the canon, this time from Robert Popper and Peter Serafinowicz's 70's science TV spoof "Look Around You". The scene - the head of The Royal Pop and Rock Association (ROPRA) is seated behind his desk, being interviewed. In the background someone is seen knocking on the door. The head of ROPRA says "Go out" in exactly the tone of voice normally used for "come in" - viewers fall about laughing. On paper it's almost impossible to say how those two words produce their effect (in fact, if you didn't see the programme and have just read the preceding sentences you're probably wondering if I've been sprinkling those special mushrooms on my omelette again) but on screen they're hilarious. The same is probably true of 3 other lines which still make me fall around laughing just at the mere thought:

1. "I brought you some hard boiled eggs and nuts" - Laurel & Hardy, County Hospital.
2. "Good news! It's a suppository!" - Professor Farnsworth, Futurama.
   
3. "Pardon me ... my ear is full of milk" - Laurel & Hardy, Going Bye-Bye.

They may not look like it when written down, but I promise they're all works of genius.