Quote: Curt @ September 13 2008, 11:17 PM BSTThe last show I saw was a WW2 interpretation of Macbeth.
World War Two be or not to be?
Audience laughter Page 3
Some American cartoons even used to have canned laughter, e.g. that old one about the shark and the catfish. Anyone remember it? I think the shark may have had a German accent.
In the majority of modern studio sitcoms, the recorded laughter is largely genuine and unedited. Yes they do tweak in the edit but as long as it's unobtrusive and doesn't insult the viewer then it mostly enhances most people's viewing. If it didn't they wouldn't do it!
Because of our social make-up, humans respond to the emotional vibes of those around us. If you're in a group of people and they laugh at something, you automatically laugh along with them because it's contagious. Ever been to Blackpool? Check that annoying laughing clown on the Pleasure Beach. It's there because just the SOUND of laughter is enough to make us laugh empathetically. The old Charles Jolly record "The Laughing Policeman" is the same. There's no joke - just the sound of someone laughing, and you can't help but smile, despite yourself.
Of course. when in a crowd of people at a comedy club or comedy movie, there's always somebody sat poe-faced in the laughing crowd who buck the trend and refuse to be swayed by public opinion. But by and large, YOU WILL find a joke funnier if your peers are laughing at it. It's just human nature. And that's why I'm all for studio sitcoms.
Can you imagine Only Fools And Horses without a laughter track? It'd be dire.
Quote: catskillz @ September 13 2008, 11:50 PM BSTSome American cartoons even used to have canned laughter, e.g. that old one about the shark and the catfish. Anyone remember it? I think the shark may have had a German accent.
Sharky and George, the crime busters of the sea, Sharky and George clear up any mystery.
Quote: Perry Nium @ September 14 2008, 2:02 AM BSTCan you imagine Only Fools And Horses without a laughter track? It'd be dire.
Isn't that Eastenders?
Quote: Perry Nium @ September 14 2008, 2:02 AM BSTCan you imagine Only Fools And Horses without a laughter track? It'd be dire.
Totally agree. And lots of other shows too.
Nicely observed sootyj. You could well be right.
And perfectly put, Perry. Spot on. 
I'd also say there's more than one kind of laugh. I'm reading the new Pratchett at the moment, and there's a section pastiching 19th century hymns. It's very funny, it produced in me a big sincere grin.
But it didn't make me laugh.
I often like unravelling a clever joke, and marvelling at it's construction.
Saying all comedy films should make you laugh out loud, is like saying all romance films should give you an erection.
Quote: Perry Nium @ September 14 2008, 2:02 AM BSTCan you imagine Only Fools And Horses without a laughter track? It'd be dire.
Quote: sootyj @ September 14 2008, 2:07 AM BSTIsn't that Eastenders?
Awww ... CLASS! 
(Wish I said that).
You mean you weren't having a crafty wank to Bridget Jones's Diary?
I saw it in the cinema, so I'd have had to be craftier than Country Ways.
Nah but I liked Pretty Woman and I thought it was very funny.
Quote: Aaron @ September 14 2008, 2:16 AM BSTYou mean you weren't having a crafty wank to Bridget Jones's Diary?
I was.
That Colin Firth! Cor.
Quote: zooo @ September 14 2008, 2:23 AM BSTI was.
That Colin Firth! Cor.
Thing is though you're probably not even joking!
Ah see, that was one of the few names my brain was coming up with, zooo! >_<