It’s crazy to think just how much the world has changed over the years. Not so long ago, when we had to make calls away from home, we used telephone booths. If you needed to book an airline ticket, you went to a travel agent. And if you stepped into most offices, you would hear the crunch and bells of typewriters. Back in those days, they also had certain jobs that are not around anymore, such as gas station service attendants.
Today, we are very used to pumping our own gas, checking our own tires, and everything else when we pull into any gas station. However, back in the day, folks used to enjoy the benefits of a station attendant who did everything from check your car’s fluids, pump your gas, to wiping your windows. It wouldn’t be surprising if more vehicles were in better working conditions because of this service than is the case today.
In this skit, Harvey Korman plays a bank robber on the run from the cops after making off with the loot. He pulls up to a gas station and tunes into the radio only to hear that police are looking for him. However, he remarks that he’s mere minutes away from the state line and feels confident that he’ll make a clean getaway.
After honking his horn, he summons the gas station’s service attendant, Tim Conway. As you can imagine, Harvey’s in quite a hurry and orders Tim to fill up his tank.
However, Tim takes his job as a “full service” attendant quite seriously, much to Harvey’s chagrin. You can watch their hilarious interaction below.
Poor Harvey, I honestly have to commend him for holding it together and not cracking up in this one. I lost when Tim started singing!
Tim is simply fantastic at incorporating nervous energy into his dorky personas. What really tickles me about this skit is how oblivious he is to the threat Harvey poses to his safety.
Even at gunpoint, Tim is determined to deliver the best service possible! Now, who wouldn’t love that kind of customer service today?
Please be sure to send this to your friends and family so they can enjoy a good laugh and maybe reminisce on simpler times.
