Word: impromptu
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...years, Hollywood partygoers have shrieked with laughter at the impromptu gags and satirical songs of Radio Writer Abe Burrows (TIME, Feb. 11, 1946). But his celebrated fans have kept Abe jealously to themselves, assuring him that the sentimental public would never appreciate his acidly unsentimental humor. Columnist Earl Wilson once gloated: "Only us hot shots get to hear him." Last week, anyone with a radio set could hear Abe do his stuff. CBS had given him a one-man sustaining spot (Sat. 10:30 p.m., E.D.T.). Beefy, 36-year-old Abe Burrows was so delighted at getting...
Speaking with Tongues. Each Sunday the Shakers gathered in meeting to receive the direct inspiration of the Lord without benefit of clergy. They executed complicated marches and dances, sang impromptu songs, some of which have been jotted down. Sample...
...first and most unabashed tune thieves, once told Movie-man Irving Thalberg, "When you buy me, you're buying Chopin, Liszt and Mozart. You're getting the very best." His most successful steal was Chasing Rainbows from Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu. He got the title for Peg O' My Heart from the play (1912) starring Laurette Taylor, which had been a hit before Fisher borrowed its well-plugged name for his song. Fisher once sued Jerome Kern, accusing him of stealing the theme of his Kalula from the rumbling bass part of Dardanella. The jury awarded...
Toast to Themselves. At a parliamentary lunch at Chateau Laurier, Harry Truman rose for an impromptu speech. He thanked his hosts for his red-carpet welcome and tigerish ovation. Then he raised his glass of port in a toast: "The Parliament of Canada." The M.P.s broke into 0 Canada, and followed it with five verses of Alouette, while Harry Truman beat out the rhythm on the table...
Even a modern bandit (not necessarily a common footpad but, say, one of those Hangchow hotelkeepers who right now are charging five days' key money for two days' hotel reservation) might solace himself with Li Shê's impromptu verse which so delighted the brigands who had seized him that he was set free...