[MUDDOG]

I'm not always against irreverence and breeziness. Vincent Price is very likeable as the Saint. But Dick Powell's Richard Diamond comes off as snarky and unlikeable.

Sam Spade and Effie are the worst at it.

Same for comedians. Some can pull it off, some can't. Jack Benny's shows are still fresh and funny. Bob Hope's are cringeworthy.

[Vision]

Funny. I listened to a richard diamond this weekend, starting june allyson, who's great. But, she was putting on this lame crying voice in order to be manipulative...the show was murder. Had to turn it off.

I need to listen more to Hope. Red Skelton is unlistenable.

Jack Benny's stuff is the gold standard, but he did get funnier with age. The shows from the ‘30’s are hit and miss. Phil Harris is the funniest of OTR IMO. They're treasures which will stand up forever.