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April 20, 2005

The Aristocrats

The Aristocrats is no killing joke but it has a distinguished history nonetheless.

Directed by Penn Jillette and Paul Provenza, the doc tracks the origin, history, and cultural significance of the world’s funniest joke. The joke, which has been traveling around since the Vaudeville days, follows a basic structure which I won’t reveal in this review. Let’s just say it’s a platform on which comedians can showcase not only their style, but also the outer limits of their tastelessness.

Due to the offensive nature of the joke, it has remained within the inner sanctums of comedy for decades. It’s told in the back rooms of comedy clubs by comedians to comedians—until now.

Just so we are clear on this point... "the Aristocrats" is meant to be as over-the-top offensive as possible. Before you read the next sentence: please do not even consider following the next link at work or in mixed company. In fact, do not even consider following the next link! Here is the unaired South Park rendition of the joke which may have served as an inspiration for the new documentary.

Posted by Ghost of a flea at April 20, 2005 06:23 AM

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