Ep 13. The Ernie Kovacs Show-July 30, 1956

The Ernie Kovacs Show, which aired its thirteenth episode on July 30, 1956, was a comedic television series filled with sketches, gags, and musical performances. As with previous episodes, this one made use of black-and-white film and innovative camera techniques that broke new ground in the medium of television.

The show opened with Ernie Kovacs himself delivering a humorous monologue to the camera, followed by a live performance by earthy blues singer Martha Davis. Next up was a sketch in which Kovacs played a salesman trying to sell a razor to an irritable customer. This was followed by a spoof of a soap opera, with Kovacs dressed up in drag and delivering exaggerated lines in a stilted, melodramatic fashion.

Another highlight of the episode was a sketch called "The Nairobi Trio," which became one of the most famous recurring bits in the series. In this sketch, three actors dressed in monkey suits played musical instruments and engaged in surreal, slapstick comedy. As with many of Kovacs' skits, the humor was driven by absurdity and unexpected twists.

Other segments in the show included a spoof of a game show called "Wheel of Fortune," a Mickey Rooney impersonation, a send-up of a live TV commercial, and a musical performance by the Ray Charles Singers. The episode ended with Kovacs delivering another monologue, this time accompanied by a visual gag involving a partially-filled water glass.

While the humor in the Ernie Kovacs Show was often quite silly and absurd, it also showcased a level of sophistication and experimentation that was unusual for television comedy at the time. Kovacs was known for his willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on TV, and this episode was no exception. Fans of classic comedy and early television history will find much to enjoy in this slice of mid-1950s entertainment.