Pratfalls, intentional exaggerated falls used for comedic effect, have been a staple of entertainment since vaudeville days. They were popular in silent films and variety shows, and continue to be used in modern comedy.
Pratfalls are a classic technique used in the history of stage and screen. In essence, a pratfall is a type of intentional exaggerated fall that is used as a comedic device to make the audience laugh. Perhaps the classic example of a pratfall is that of an individual slipping on a banana peel that has just been discarded by another person. The combination of unexpected events, exaggerated movement and the embarrassment of falling to the floor has delighted audiences for ages.
While the basic elements of the pratfall have been part of entertainment for as long as recorded history, the device became established during the early 20th century and vaudeville days. Many vaudeville shows were staged to move at a fast pace and elicit an immediate response from the audience. This led to many of the day’s comedy theater acts including sequences in their routines for people slipping on a freshly mopped floor or tripping and landing on a table full of cream pies. While predictable even in those early years, the pratfall rarely failed to achieve the desired result.
With the dawn of motion pictures, the pratfall also became a common visual device used in silent films. Because the medium relied heavily on sweeping motion to convey emotion between players, the pratfall was an ideal device to employ in many of the most popular plays of the time. After movies moved to include sound and visuals, pratfall was enhanced with the addition of screams, warnings intended to warn someone of an imminent but ultimately humorous fall, and various observations of the person who just took the fall. Comedy teams like Laurel and Hardy have often put the pratfall to good use.
Television continued the legacy of the pratfall well into the latter part of the 20th century. The variety television format that was popular from the 1950s to the 1970s often used the device as part of a large sketch comedy format that was the staple of some of the biggest shows of the day. Many people consider comedian Carol Burnett to be the consummate artist when it comes to sketching physical comedy and the use of pratfalls.
Pratfalls wasn’t limited to variety shows when it came to television. Situation comedies often included the use of pratfall as part of the action with the main characters in the productions. In this respect, Lucille Ball is often cited as one of the most beloved actresses and most adept at employing the use of the pratfall within a comedy setting.
Today, the pratfall remains a staple of entertainment on both stage and screen. While perhaps not as prominent as it used to be, the device continues to delight audiences and will no doubt continue to do so for many years to come.
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