"GERT AND DAIS"
Sir-I was interested in what "Materfamilias" had to say about the Fibber McGee show, and Gert and Dais. We can take it that "Materfamilias" did not find the Fibber McGee show funny: if she had she would not have run round asking psychologists why thousands of other people had found it funny. If she finds Gert and Dais funny she feels it is not the most wholesome of humour, as her laughter is condescending. I can understand a sense of superiority causing pity or causing disgust but not amusement except in a satirist whose amusement I imagine is more akin to weeping than laughter. I find the McGees funny not for psychological reasons, for I do not identify myself or my friends with the McGees. Perhaps if I had to listen often I should grow tired of the programme and it is probably owing to a deficiency of comedy in radio fare that I listen at all. My opinion of Gert and Dais will not go for much with "Materfamilias," for I must confess I enjoy. the jokes in Punch, Here again I do not react in a
psychological manner: there is no condescension in my laughter or love of Gert or Dais. Dais’ voice and chuckle never fail to remind me that there are such things as cockles to one’s heart and that it is very pleasant having them warmed. If there are any sensations apart from sheer fun, they are a mild regret, and a nostalgia and an anger with a type of education that can stop the flow of native intelligence and dry up the wells of laughter. I am waiting with interest for "Materfamilias" to find something she regards as true comedy in the programmes. I am sure her ree actions will be correctly psychological.
JOCASTO
(Dunedin),
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19440317.2.10.3
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 10, Issue 247, 17 March 1944, Page 5
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304"GERT AND DAIS" New Zealand Listener, Volume 10, Issue 247, 17 March 1944, Page 5
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