JaneEspenson.com
Home of Jane's blog on writing for television-
April 16th, 2007Friends of the Blog, On Writing
Clams revisited! Clams, remember, are jokes that have grown detestable through overuse. You know the ones. Ones like “did I say that out loud?” Gahh!
But there’s a certain kind of joke that’s related to a clam, and yet it doesn’t get old. That’s because it has little slots in it into which new material can be inserted. Let’s call it a clamshell. (Thanks to friend-of-the-blog Erin for the terminology assist.)
I’m sure there are many of these out there, but tonight I’m just presenting the first documented clamshell that has captured my attention. Remember these lines?
You smell like aftershave and taco meat. (Blades of Glory)
You smell like beef and cheese. (Elf)
You smell like sweet red plums and grilled cheese sandwiches. (The Wedding Planner)
You smell like old people and soap. (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)Fascinating, isn’t it? It’s permafresh!
Lunch: I might just smell like pizza and a peanut-butter cup
CORRECTION: The above quote is from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the newer movie, not Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the Gene Wilder version. Apologies!