One of the first comedic movies I remember connecting with was The Jerk.
I watched it with my dad when I was, I don’t know, 7 maybe?
It was the first time I saw something and instantly connected with it. The crude jokes, the timing, the backhanded sarcasm.
How Steve Martin could take an everyday moment, and make it hilarious. A moment that wouldn’t otherwise be funny or cheeky, and turn it into something that made me laugh and cry at the exact same time.
This is one of my favorite scenes.
I see loads of women wanting to be the next Erma Bombeck, and she was fantastic.
But, I want to be like Steve.
Maybe you are making a joke and I am missing it – it is kind of early yet – but this is the fabulous Bernadette Peters, not Erma Bombeck. WAY TO BE THAT GUY, GIN. Sorry.
Oh wait, you were *actually* referencing the actual Erma Bombeck, and I am an idiot. UGH.
Ok this made me laugh. I love watching the revelation unfold!
“The new phone books are here. The new phone books are here. […]Johnson. Mavin R. I’m somebody!”
Yeah, I could relate to the movie on some level. It was a great, but really, “Why does he hate these cans?”
my mom says that line EVERY TIME we get a new phone book. she’s said it for my entire life. :)
A classic. Pure sweet genius.
I, too, adore this movie and this scene. In fact, it’s weird that you posted this, because I’ve been singing this song incessantly for the past three days.
GET OUT OF MY HEAD.
(Favorite: Bernadette pulling a trumpet out of her ass during the bridge. Classic.)
Aaaand now I’m singing, “I’m picking out a thermos for you! Not an ordinary thermos for you! But the very best thermos you can buy…”
Sigh. Why don’t I own this movie?! I need to be able to watch it at all times.
…and the only thing I need is this. Just this ashtray, and this paddle game, and the remote control..
Best Steve movie, *ever*.
Steve Martin convinced me to marry my husband. Total trueness!
We were ending a fun, banter-filled call when Steve waltzed in and showed me that ‘true love’ really can complete your sentences.
I said ”I don’t need you. I don’t need anything! accept this ashtray.’
My hubs’ reply “…..and this paddle game. That’s all I need. and this chair. ”
Thanks for a great start to my morning,
Kjo
ps Sorry your guy is so far from home, but, remember ‘the Lord loves a workin’ man.
hee hee
LOL! I just read the title and knew what your post would be about. That is one of THE best comedies of all time. Thanks for bringing it back!
Why does he hate these cans!!! Stay away from the cans!
My husband and I frequently sing “I’m Picking Out A Thermos For You” to each other. And one of my favorite lines is, “It’s not the money. It’s the stuuuufff.”
Love this movie, and quote it quite frequently. Even went on a thermos hunt for my stepdad, who looks and acts just like Steve, found the perfect thermos and it goes nicely with his robe.
I need to rent this for old times sake. I also remember watching this as a kid many, many, many times with my parents. I had forgotten how funny it really was!!!! Thanks for the reminder :)))))))
Best line of all times, for me I mean, is: “It was never easy for me. I grew up a poor black child.” Aaaannnddd then I saw he was a white guy:) I love this movie:) I didn’t know how to link to this clip so I included the link, I’m all kinds of special today I know:)
http://youtu.be/rfAvQp-Uk5I
i was born a poor black child. (it makes me sad how many people don’t know i’m quoting a movie when i say that. and i say it kinda a lot. people think i’m pretty atrocious – but i know it’s them)
genius, genius, genius.
greatest movie. ever. i find a reason to quote it everyday of my life. usually because most days feel like 3 days. or because i have to have a hissy fit about ALL I NEED. or because i wish someone would make the cuppa pizza. or because i see someone with no rhythm. or because i find myself drinking new wine. why hasn’t everyone seen this movie?