Pete Smith

Pete Smith (1892-1979) produced and narrated a long-running series of comedy short films for MGM, under the title "A Pete Smith Specialty," produced from 1931 to 1955. While some hewed closer to documentary footage, most consisted of staged scenes demonstrating commonplace problems, how-tos, or domestic comedy. Smith's nasal voice offered sardonic commentary over generally pantomimed footage (except for utterances and ambient sounds). He produced over 150 shorts and received multiple Academy Award nominations for best live action short subject, winning twice.
Smith's wry delivery and near sing-song manner was often imitated in commercials and comedy narration, particularly in the 1960s. Several Sesame Street inserts featuring the human cast employed the Smith-style of comedy and especially the voice-over (usually imitated by Len Maxwell).
==References==
*The "What Happens Next?" series of short scenes in Episode 0267 is labeled "a la Pete Smith" in the script.
*Bob and Gordon cooperate to put a beachball in a box. The same voice and style are used, although not specified in the script. 
*Another "What Happens Next?" segment in Episode 0312, with Tom, specifies the announcer voice-over as a "Pete Smith Type."
*The same "Pete Smith VO" (this time credited specifically to Len Maxwell in the script) comments on empty chairs for a none/some/all segment. .
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Category:Movie References