More than any of my comics, this one is an homage influenced by an existing joke and timed for the upcoming Father’s Day in the States. For international readers, it’s another greeting card company-created holiday in which Dads get taken to brunch and get a few gifts, usually neckties (in the old days).
Neckties. I put one on the other day and it was stifling, but I digress.
I have a distinct memory of watching The Dean Martin Show with my father when I was a kid. In the sketch, “Dino” is at a bar calling home and explains to his wife “Honest honey, I’m only stopping off for one drink with the fellas”. As he hangs up, the bartender says “The usual?” and produces this preposterously large martini glass prop. And, of course the “fellas” are a bunch or mini-skirted, giggling women.
My father’s chuckling and the distinct glimmer in his eyes at this gag is a memory that is razor-sharp to me, and I can recall it as if it was yesterday. I have no better evidence of the long-lasting power of a great gag.
Happy Father’s Day to all.