The Banana Man was an American vaudeville act created by A. Robins who lived from 1886 until 1950. During the act, great numbers of objects came out of his jacket---much to the surpise of the audience. A. Robins did not speak in the act, but rather uttered expressions in a falsetto register. The act was rejuvenated after A. Robins's death when another performer, Sam Levine, bought the act. Levine appeared as the Banana Man on numerous television shows like Captain Kangaroo and Ed Sullivan in the 1950s and 1960s. Like his precessor, Levine also opted for the non-speaking character who uttered "ohs" and "wows" in a falsetto tone.
I would like for you to watch a video of Sam Levine appearing on the Captain Kangaroo show in the late 60s or early 70s. This was the era that I regularly tuned in to watch the Captain. I don't remember the Banana Man, but this act has fascinated me a bit. I don't know quite how I feel about this strange and bizarre act, but it is interesting nonetheless. Are the falsettos annoying? Is the eccentric nature of the act uncomfortable to watch? Or is it good old entertainment from the vaudeville days? You decide.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et6Jt2YX44o
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