Remembering 1968

and

Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In

Dan Rowan and Dick Martin

Laugh-In began January 22, 1968

Laugh-In ended March 12, 1973

after 

.. 141 episodes .. 

The show, hosted by comedians Dan Rown and Dick Martin, originally aired as a one-time special on September 9, 1967.  It was such a success it was brought back as a series replacing The Man from U.N.C.L.E.  Laugh-In quickly became the most popular television show in the United States.  

Some of the Laugh-In cast members were Dan Rowan, Dick Martin, Gary Owens, Ruth Buzzi, Judy Carne, Eileen Brennan, Goldie Hawn, Teresa Graves, Sarah Kennedy, Chelsea Brown, Jo Anne Worley, Patti Deutsch, Richard Dawson, Robin Williams, Flip Wilson, Arte Johnson, Alan Sues, Roger Perry, Dave Madden, Willy Tyler, Johnny Brown, Jeremy Lloyd and Henry Gibson.  Often times Laugh-In had guests appear on the show such as Phyllis Diller, John Wayne and Jack Benny.

Laugh-In saw the debut of a raucous TV comedy show with a frenetic pace, wild cast and punchlines that pulled no punches!  "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" was a cultural phenomenon and a silly one at that.  Correspondent, Susan Spencer talks with comedian Lily Tomlin, who was launched to stardom for her memorable characters like Ernestine, the telephone operator.

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/remembering-1968-laugh-in/

"One Ringy-Dingy"

Arte Johnson

"Verrry Interesting"

This Laugh-In scene saw Johnson parting through bushes and leering under his German war helmet.  His phrase was echoed in school yards across North America in the late 60s.

Ruth Buzzi and Arte Johnson

Johnson's dirty old man character, always harassing Ruth Buzzi on those park bench sketches, were laugh out loud funny

Gary Owens

..with his right hand cupped over his right ear..

His polished baritone speaking voice generally offered deadpan recitations of total nonsense which he frequently demonstrated as the announcer on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.

On the Air

"Edith Ann"

"The show was a perfect fit for its time because its humor was timeless". 

George Schlatter, Laugh-In Creator

The Memorable Laugh-In Wall

.. The Laugh-In Wall .. Behind the Scenes ..

President Nixon, the 37th President of the United States while running for president appeared on Rowan and Martin's "Laugh-In" delivering the catchphrase with a disbelieving, questioning vocal inflection:  "Sock it to me?"

September 16, 1968