Random Musings FROM GERRY MANDEL
GERRY MANDEL writes plays, short stories, essays, blogs and an occasional novel. He also plays blues and boogie, which you can enjoy on Facebook. Enter his name in the Facebook Search.
Whatever Happened to Those Second Bananas?
I
R A N D O M
M U S I N G S
Louis.
CLM
8
passed a diner recently in Washington, Missouri. Wimpy’s Sandwich Shop. I didn’t stop but the name stayed with me as I continued driving, headed back to St.
Wimpy. Here was one of the great characters of the comics, Popeye’s buddy. I assume Popeye is still around, in one media format or another. But Wimpy seems to have faded away, remembered only by his hamburgers. Frankly, I could never understand this duo: Popeye was energetic with big muscles and ate spinach from the can. Wimpy was overweight, wore ugly ties, picked up discarded cigars, and ate hamburgers. Still, they were buddies. Wimpy was Popeye’s straight man. He was the “Second Banana.” I love that designation: Second Banana. As compared to Top Banana. The term originated in burlesque as a designation for comedians. The Second Banana’s role was to make the Top Banana look good. That set me wondering about other forgotten or discarded Second Bananas. I’m sure you know Porky Pig. But do you remember his girl friend? If you said “Petunia,” you win a pound of bacon. Introduced in 1937 by animator Frank Tashlin at Warner Brothers, Petunia went from co-star to minor roles to a discarded has-been several years later. A sad story indeed. I think Porky had feelings for her, but wonder if he still thinks of his lost love. I hope Petunia has found happiness playing bridge or bingo
with friends at a pig-friendly retirement facility.
Which brings me to a most interesting group of Second Bananas - the Seven Dwarfs. When Snow White met these little guys, they assumed an important role in this beloved story, made popular by Disney in 1937. But how did it all end? Snow White and The Prince get together and ride into the sunset on a magnificent steed, leaving behind her seven little friends. “So long, it’s been good to know ya.”? Sorry, Snow. Not acceptable.
Remember their names? Happy, Bashful, Sneezy, Grumpy, Doc, Sleepy and Dopey. Minnie Mouse fared much better. Maybe Those were the names Walt gave them because Disney had a more compassionate anyway. In the original story of Snow heart than Jack Warner. I was not a big fan White, the Brothers Grimm didn’t name of Minnie but was pleased to learn that she the little fellows. I don’t know the back and Mickey got married, in 1933. Unfortustory on these guys. Maybe a bowling team nately it didn’t happen on-screen. But Walt or folk-rock band. But they got together in attested to their tying the knot, off-screen. that mine and were a supportive group for Seemed the American thing to do back Snow. Seven Second Bananas. They gave in those days. I’m still waiting for news of each other purpose in that cute cottage. My their children. Assuming they had them. thoughts are with the dwarfs occasionally, Mice are prolific. as I try to imagine what life brought them later. They had a cameo in a couple of the Other Second Bananas come to mind: Robin (Batman), Elmer Fudd (Bugs Bunny), “Shrek” movies, but nothing after those. Barney (Fred Flintstone), BooBoo (Yogi Today I can see them at Golden Mines Bear), Tigger (Pooh). And the list goes on. Manor, “Assisted Living for Retired MinThey all helped further the careers of the ers.” Though much older now, with a hint Top Bananas but somehow got lost in the of memory loss for Grumpy and Sleepy, dust of memory and they are in relatively good health. Once a competition. month they get together and sing for the residents. “Hi-Ho” is the most requested tune, followed by “Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf.” Dopey has written his autobiography, “Hear Me Talking: Stories from the Mines.” Sneezy and Bashful recently took first place in the Manor’s pickle ball tournament. Happy felt jilted by Snow and is now dependent on anti-depressants. But he looks happy. Doc learned to play the banjo and is a big hit at the monthly manor gatherings. “Snow White” is a name they rarely speak, but each day they look for a post card, a letter, anything from “those magical days.” The life of a Second Banana is a lesson for us: Enjoy your lot and just be glad you got in the game.
