What A Drag
May 22, 2023 at 4:47 p.m.
By -
Way back in the 1950s in the “Golden Age of Television,” a family show was born. The star of that show was Milton Berle. He and his comedy show were so popular that he became the reason that a record number of televisions were sold in the mid to late ’50s. Every Tuesday night families watched, laughed and loved Uncle Milty, Mr. Television. One of the funniest bits Berle offered on his show featured him in drag. Yes, he dressed as a woman, and families loved it.
In the late ’60s and ’70s, another comedian rose to fame and fortune. His name was Flip Wilson. Do you remember Geraldine? “She” was the drag character Wilson created, and she was hilarious. Wilson was a guest on many TV shows during that period and eventually had his own variety show just as Uncle Milty did. For years families watched, laughed, and loved Flip — and Geraldine.
Next, in the ’70s, came the Carol Burnett variety show, and who did not love Carol, Vicky, Lyle, Tim and Harvey? Some of the funniest skits in TV history were presented by this cast of beloved characters - even some with Harvey performing in drag. His character was a very large, very funny “woman.” Occasionally, Tim Conway became a drag character as well. Now who did not laugh till they cried when watching Harvey and Tim?
Also, who can forget Jamie Farr (Cpl. Klinger) who for 11 years on M*A*S*H dressed in drag in hopes of being sent home from the war in Korea? Even his fellow stage soldiers knew he was playing a humorous, harmless role.
Back to the ’50s again and we can recall a movie (now considered a classic) titled “Some Like It Hot.” In this movie, actors Tony Curtis and Jack Lemon performed their roles — in drag — in hilarious, memorable fashion. The movie was rated PG (Parental Guidance suggested). In 1982, the movie “Tootsie” was released. Dustin Hoffman performed his memorable role — wait for it — in drag. The movie was rated PG — but later R because of language and some violence (a woman punched a man) not because the lead character was in drag! Finally, who can forget “Mrs. Doubtfire” in 1993, one of Robin Williams’ most unforgettable roles? Yeah, he performed in drag and the movie was rated PG.
It seems that as far back as the ’50s and as currently as 1993 (and even today) families had the right to decide what entertainment was appropriate for their own children. I do not seem to recall any of these television shows or movies being called out or banned because they were in any way inappropriate or evil or sinful or harmful to childhood development. I do not recall asinine accusations, cruel judgments, or baseless condemnations based on conspiracies and lies being hurled at the above named performers — beloved performers.
What changed? Ah, yes, politics! Politicians have provided a shiny new object to distract voters from the real issues.
What a drag!
Jeanne Schutz
Winona Lake, via email
Way back in the 1950s in the “Golden Age of Television,” a family show was born. The star of that show was Milton Berle. He and his comedy show were so popular that he became the reason that a record number of televisions were sold in the mid to late ’50s. Every Tuesday night families watched, laughed and loved Uncle Milty, Mr. Television. One of the funniest bits Berle offered on his show featured him in drag. Yes, he dressed as a woman, and families loved it.
In the late ’60s and ’70s, another comedian rose to fame and fortune. His name was Flip Wilson. Do you remember Geraldine? “She” was the drag character Wilson created, and she was hilarious. Wilson was a guest on many TV shows during that period and eventually had his own variety show just as Uncle Milty did. For years families watched, laughed, and loved Flip — and Geraldine.
Next, in the ’70s, came the Carol Burnett variety show, and who did not love Carol, Vicky, Lyle, Tim and Harvey? Some of the funniest skits in TV history were presented by this cast of beloved characters - even some with Harvey performing in drag. His character was a very large, very funny “woman.” Occasionally, Tim Conway became a drag character as well. Now who did not laugh till they cried when watching Harvey and Tim?
Also, who can forget Jamie Farr (Cpl. Klinger) who for 11 years on M*A*S*H dressed in drag in hopes of being sent home from the war in Korea? Even his fellow stage soldiers knew he was playing a humorous, harmless role.
Back to the ’50s again and we can recall a movie (now considered a classic) titled “Some Like It Hot.” In this movie, actors Tony Curtis and Jack Lemon performed their roles — in drag — in hilarious, memorable fashion. The movie was rated PG (Parental Guidance suggested). In 1982, the movie “Tootsie” was released. Dustin Hoffman performed his memorable role — wait for it — in drag. The movie was rated PG — but later R because of language and some violence (a woman punched a man) not because the lead character was in drag! Finally, who can forget “Mrs. Doubtfire” in 1993, one of Robin Williams’ most unforgettable roles? Yeah, he performed in drag and the movie was rated PG.
It seems that as far back as the ’50s and as currently as 1993 (and even today) families had the right to decide what entertainment was appropriate for their own children. I do not seem to recall any of these television shows or movies being called out or banned because they were in any way inappropriate or evil or sinful or harmful to childhood development. I do not recall asinine accusations, cruel judgments, or baseless condemnations based on conspiracies and lies being hurled at the above named performers — beloved performers.
What changed? Ah, yes, politics! Politicians have provided a shiny new object to distract voters from the real issues.
What a drag!
Jeanne Schutz
Winona Lake, via email
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