Fans discuss the origin of Kramer's "eenie-meenie" variation chanted in the rickshaw scene, noting it appears to be borrowed from Marx Brothers films rather than an authentic playground rhyme.
In the "Bookstore" episode when Kramer and Newman are trying to decide who will pull the other in the rickshaw, Kramer chants a variation of "eenie-meanie-minie-moe":
one spot, two spot, zig-zag-tear. pop-die, pennygot, tennyum, tear. harem, scare 'em, rip 'em, tear 'em, tay-taw-toe.
I'm wondering if this was made up for the show or had any of you heard this before in your childhood days on the playground?
Sue K Gurnee, IL
I have never heard it in real life, but in the old 1930's Marx brother's film, "Duck Soup", Chico Marx does this exact same rhyme while choosing with his brothers! Check it out! Also, in an episode Jerry says the line, "I've swept me off my feet!" I think it was when he met Jenny Steiman. That line is also borrowed from Groucho Marx in "Animal Crackers!
Perhapsthey were a sly nod to yet another comedy team.
Spylocke wrote:
Thanks for another great movie reference - I've added it to my lists site.
Sakoz wrote in message ...
Chico Marx used a "Choose" very similar to this one in " A Night At the Opera" 1937 when they were locked in a ships brig and they were choosing to see who would climb out the porthole to try and free the rest- Harpo lost.