The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Chuckles Bites the Dust

Season 6, Episode 7, Aired 10/25/75

Episode Summary

Chuckles the Clown is crushed to death by a rogue elephant in a parade, which leaves all the newsroom staff in hysterics except Mary.

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Cast & Crew

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Mary Tyler Moore

Mary Richards
Edward Asner

Lou Grant
Gavin MacLeod

Murray Slaughter

Fan Episode Reviews (1)

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The WJM-TV children's clown is killed by an elephant during a parade. The fact that he was dressed as a peanut leaves the newsroom in stitches. The jokes disturb Mary, who admonishes them for their lack of respect. And then a funeral....moreless

10

"Perfect"

By BuskieBoy, Sep 21, 2011 Report Abuse

**SPOILER WARNING**
This is one of the most beloved and funniest Mary Tyler Moore episodes and is one of television history's most famous moments.
Not only are the jokes corny and funny, the situation in which Chuckles dies is hilarious, and Mary's reaction is amusing, against all the laughing. She tries so hard to make them show more reverence for a fallen comrade.
This all leads to her own demise at the funeral. As the priest performs the eulogy, he lists all of Chuckles various characters from the show. Mary finally sees the humour and begins to snicker and snort, trying in vain to stop herself from laughing at what should be a very solemn moment.
We've all been there. Trying desperately to stop laughing in church or during a speech, or anywhere inappropriate. It is very hard once it starts, and we are treated to a virtuoso performance by Mary Tyler Moore. Her snickering and embarrassing attempts to conceal it are priceless! She laughs and looks around innocently, as if she too is attempting to see who is laughing.
Finally, she lets out a series of snorts, giggles and a big huge guffaw. She is whimpering from the strain of holding in the laughs, as she listens to the minister tell her that it is ok to laugh, that's what Chuckles wanted here today, not tears, but laughter. Tears and crying were an insult to him. He encourages her to laugh for Chuckles, and bursts out in sobbing tears!
It is without a doubt one fantastic episode, and is one of televisions most memorial moments indeed!moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- It is revealed that the credo of a clown was little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants. Edit
- "Chuckles Bites the Dust" was chosen by TV Guide and Nick at Night/ TV Land as the greatest TV episode of all time (as of 6/25/97) for ANY series. Edit
Notes
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- During the 2008 Emmy awards, Mary laughing during Chuckles' funeral was on the list of the Most Memorable Comedy TV Moments. Edit
- The sets used in this episode were: The Newsroom, Mary's Living Room, Lou's Office, Mortuary Chapel, and Small Area off Chapel. Edit
- Series director Jay Sandrich chose not to direct this episode, so directing duties went to Joan Darling - who was nominated for an Emmy Award. Edit
Quotes
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- (Ted's on-air obituary.) Ted: Chuckles the Clown died today from. . . from, uh. . . he died a broken man. I remember Chuckles used to recite a poem at the end of each program. It's called 'A Credo of A Clown.' I'd like to offer it now in his memory: a little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants! Edit
- (At the funeral.) Lou: [low voice] I wonder which ones are the other clowns. Murray: You'll know soon. They're all gonna jump out of a little hearse. Mary: Oh, Murray! Enough is enough! This is a funeral. A man has died! We came to show respect, not to laugh. Murray: I'm sorry, Mary. All right. No more jokes. Rev. Burns: (beginning the eulogy) Chuckles the Clown brought pleasure to millions. The characters he created will be remembered by children and adults alike: Peter Peanut, Mr. Fee-Fi-Fo, Billy Banana, and my particular favorite, Aunt Yoo Hoo. (Mary begins to laugh, stifles it, then feigns coughing.) Rev. Burns: Not just, not just for the laughter that they provided. There was always some deeper meaning to whatever Chuckles did. Mr. Fee-Fi-Fo would always pick himself up, dust himself off, and say, 'I hurt my foo-foo.' (Mary stifles another laugh and everybody in the row ahead of her turn around.) Rev. Burns: From time to time we all fall down and hurt our foo-foos. (Mary again tries to hide her laughter and everybody assembled looks at her.) Rev. Burns: And what did Chuckles ask in return? Not much. In his own words: 'a little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants.' (Mary breaks out in loud laughter and everybody looks at her, including Rev. Burns.) Rev. Burns: Uh, excuse me, young lady. . . (Mary looks behind her but nobody is there.) Yes, you. Uh, would you stand up, please? Mary: Uuuh. Rev. Burns: Please, please, won't you? (Mary stands up.) Rev. Burns: You feel like laughing, don't you? Mary: Uh huh. (stifles more laughing and makes futile gestures) Rev. Burns: Don't try to hold it back. Go ahead, laugh out loud! Don't you see, nothing would've made Chuckles happier. He lived to make people laugh. Tears were offensive to him, deeply offensive. He hated to see people cry. So, so go ahead, my dear--laugh for Chuckles! (Pause--then Mary breaks down in uncontrollable crying.) Edit
- (After Sue Ann gives Mary the food mobile) Sue Ann: Just the thing to brighten up your new apartment. Mary: Oh well gee Sue Ann, I'd have to check the lease to make sure there isn't a regulation against, you know, hanging food. Sue Ann: Well I know you'll find just the right spot for it. I know why don't you put it in your bedroom? You must need something in there to release the tedium. Edit
Allusions
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