Jack Paar's WC. Joke on TV in 1960
Author Unknown
On February 11, 1960, Jack Paar famously walked off his show for a month after NBC censors edited out a segment, filmed the
night before, about a joke involving a WC.
He abruptly quit [The Tonight Show] four minutes into programming after discovering that a joke of his that included the
letters WC, meaning water closet (a polite term for a flush toilet) had been censored. As he left his desk,
he said, "I am leaving The Tonight Show. There must be a better way of making a living than this."
Paar returned to the show on March 7, 1960, strolled onstage, struck a pose, and looked right into the camera.
"As I was saying," he said "before I was interrupted."
"Of course, the (audience erupted in applause). He continued, When I walked off, I said there must be a better way of
making a living. Well I've looked and there isn't. Be it ever so humble, there is no place like Radio City. Leaving the show
was a childish and perhaps emotional thing. I have been guilty of such action in the past and will perhaps be again.
I'm totally unable to hide hat I feel. It is not an asset in show business, but I shall do the best I can to amuse and entertain
you and let other people speak freely, as I have in the past. Any who are maligned will find this show a place to come and
tell their story. There will be a rock in every snowball and I plan to continue exactly what I started out to do.
I hope you will find it interesting."
An English lady, while visiting Switzerland, was looking for a room. She asked a schoolmaster if he could recommend one,
he told her to look at several. And, when everything was settled, she returned to make preparations for the move.
When she arrived home, it suddenly occurred to her that she had not seen a "Water Closet" (toilet) in her room.
She immediately wrote a note to the schoolmaster asking him if there was a WC around. The schoolmaster was very poor in
English so he asked the Parish Priest if he could help him in this matter. Together they tried to discover the meaning of the
letters WC, and the only solution they came upon was the Wayside Chapel. (Remember, the letters WC and the real meaning
of them!) The schoolmaster then wrote the following note to the English lady seeking the WC in her room:
Dear Madam,
I take great comfort in informing you that the WC is situated nine miles from the house, in the center of a beautiful grove and
pine tree surrounding, all lovely grounds. It is capable of holding 200 people, and is open Thursdays and Sundays only.
As there are a great number of people expected during summer months, I would suggest that you would come early,
though there is plenty of standing room. This is an unfortunate situation especially if you are in the habit of going regularly.
You will no doubt be glad to hear that a good many bring their lunch and make a day of it, while others who can afford
to go by car, arrive just in time. I would especially advise your ladyship to go on Thursday when there is an organ accompanist.
The acoustics are excellent and even the most delicate sounds can be heard everywhere.
It may interest you to know that my daughter was married in the WC and it was there she met her husband. I can remember the
rush for seats. There were two people to a seat that usually was occupied by one and it was wonderful to see the expressions
on their faces.
The newest attraction is a bell donated by a wealthy resident of the district. It rings every time a person enters or leaves.
A bazaar is to be held to provide plush seats for all since this is the people's long felt want.
My wife is rather delicate so she can't go very often. It is almost a year since she last went. Naturally, it pains her very much
not to be able to go regularly.
I shall be delighted to reserve the best slot for you if you wish, where you will be seen by all. For the children, there is a
special time so that they will not disturb the elders.
Happy to have been of service to you,
Yours very truly,
The Schoolmaster
P.S. If there is anything else that troubles you, be sure to ask. I shall not hesitate to answer as best I can.
After reading this letter, the English lady decided that she had better find another room!