The Sale Of Manhattan

Introduced as ‘The Lost Colony’, this is another episode of The Goon Show which sees Neddie Seagoon being duped by Grytpype-Thynne and Moriarty. In this case, they convince him that he is a Native American who rightfully owns New York – his ancestors having sold the land to Dutch settlers in the 1620s for a piece of brown string, eleven pence in notes, a Mickey Mouse watch, remains of a small boiled chicken and a life-sized statue of Sabrina. Seagoon paddles to America in a zinc bath tub and through a dubious transaction secures a Native American birth certificate. He tries to sue the US government, claiming New York belongs to him, but ends up in jail. Once free and bent on revenge he attempts to blow the city sky-high – but at what cost?

Joining Tyler this week is writer & producer Tom Salinsky, whose new podcast – All British Comedy Explained – is an exercise in introducing British comedy to his American friend, comedian Abigoliah Schamaun. Abigoliah has lived in the UK for many years but her knowledge of British comedy history is limited so Tom is trying to put that right. At the time of recording they have covered Monty Python’s Flying Circus, The Young Ones and Not Only But Also – all three of them game-changers – and coming up they will be examining The Goon Show, so Tyler figured it was a neat idea to get Tom onto discuss an episode which rarely gets talked about. The Sale Of Manhattan was broadcast almost exactly seventy years ago and while it contains some questionable stereotypes there is plenty to enjoy and it was a great opportunity to gain Tom’s perspective on the series.

All British Comedy Explained can be found HERE: https://shows.acast.com/all-british-comedy-explained