Farfel?

There was some smug talk about Gavin's dog's name a few days ago. Pardon my ignorance, but what the heck does it mean? --A

Quoth [email] (AlkMal):

Back in the 60's (I think) there was a ventriloquist who had a dummy named Danny O'Day, whose dog (also a dummy, of course) was named Farfel. Their show was sponsored by Nestle's, and on a commercial, Danny O'Day would sing the jingle "N E S T L E S, Nestles makes the very best..." and then Farfel would sing the last word, "Chocolate". That's the only Farfel I'm aware of.

To reply by email, delete the *NO_SPAM* from my email address.

In , ldavis@*NO_SPAM*roanoke.infi.net writes:

Webster's New College Dictionary: Farfel (Yiddish) - Noodles shaped like small grains or pellets.

I don't remember all of the references, but at least one of them had to do with the fact that Farfel was the name of a "puppet" dog (shaped something like a dachshund, but with a long, exaggerated snout) used by a ventriloquist who had a Saturday morning TV show in the '60s. A companion "human" type puppet was named Danny O'Day, but I can't remember the name of the ventriloquist... I think it was maybe Jerry something. Farfel and Danny O'Day were always bickering over something.

They also did quite a lot of commercials (generally shown on Saturday morning) for Nestle's chocolate. Either the ventriloquist or Danny O'Day would sing "N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestle's makes the very best... and Farfel would sing in a very gruff, drawn out matter, CHOCOLATE and his puppet mouth would snap shut would a loud "click" (sort of like an explanation point).

Until the Seinfeld episode, I had never heard of another dog named "Farfel".

One more nuance left over from the last time the Farfel thread appeared: Farfel is yiddish for noodle. I myself can't remember the name of the ventriloquist but he dates back to the late 50s & did commercials for Nestle's Chocallate.

Quoth [email] (Dave Johnson):

In the late 50's or early 60's there was a ventriloquist (can't remember his name) who had two dummies: Danny O'Day, and his dog Farfel. Their show was sponsored by Nestle's (maker of Quik, a competitor of George's beloved Bosco). Danny O'Day would sing the Nestle's jingle: "N E S T L E S, Nestle's makes the very best...."

and Farfel would deliver the last line, "Chocolate".

... followed by a very noticable "clack" as Farfel's wooden mouth clapped shut. He wasn't very well-made, apparently, but then this was over 30 years ago.

To reply by email, delete the *NO_SPAM* from my email address.

"In the late 50's or early 60's there was a ventriloquist (can't remember his name) who had two dummies: Danny O'Day, and his dog Farfel. "

That was Jimmy Nelson, who showed up again a few years ago on some variety program although I've heard he's retired now. (Seinfeld and Larry David surely remembered him and Farfel the Wonder Dog...) Bob Smith, afternoons WXXI-AM 1370, Rochester NY

Nope it wasn't Paul Winchell . This was the other big ventriloquist from the 50s.

I guess my life is right in the middle of the latest ice-age.

George like his chicken spicy.

mark

Quoth [email] (David A. Tharp):

Apparently, Jimmy Nelson, though the name doesn't sound that familiar. The following is from an ad for video tapes of old t.v. shows:

3. THE PAT BOONE CHEVY SHOWROOM (12/5/57), also complete with original 1958 car commercials. This show features lots of Christmas music, as well as guests Stubby Kaye and Jimmy Nelson with Danny O'Day and Farfel.

To reply by email, delete the *NO_SPAM* from my email address.