'Ford Theater' faux pas

[snopes]

Comment: I'm a television editor and have been for more than 30 years. I'd
love to know if you have ever heard this story. I believe it was a TV show
called "Ford's Theater" The show began with the host coming through the
theater doors which opened to the lobby, he would introduce himself, then
say "...and welcome to Ford's Theater". Since this was live TV, there were
no retakes. On one particular night, just as he came through the doors, he
passed gas, loudly. Without missing a beat, he said..."Excuse me. I'm
(whatever his name was) and welcome to Ford's Theater..." I'd love to
believe it's true.

[vison]

I think it's probably too good to be true. Stuff like that always is, I find. The world can be such a dreary place.

[RealityChuck]

Well, there was no TV show named "Ford's Theater," since it wasn't until well past the live TV stage that the name had anything by negative connotations.

There was a "Ford Theater Hour" and "Ford Television Theater," both sponsored by Ford. I'm not sure if either had a host.

As for the story, it seems unlikely the microphones of the day could pick up the sound. Remember, they had to be quite close to the person's mouth to hear his speech.

So, I suppose it was possible, only no one would have known it happened other than the host himself and those on stage with him.

[Johnny Slick]

Was this before or after Lincoln was shot?

[Brad from Georgia]

From a little-known history book, of which I possess the only known copy:

Booth fired his Derringer, then leaped to the railing of Lincoln's box seat, farted loudly, and jumped to the stage, shouting "sic semper tyrannis!" (Latin for "Excuse me, it must have been the burrito.") He caught his spur in the American flag and broke his leg. Brandishing a knife, he limped offstage and made his escape through the side door of the theater. Most of the audience thought it was part of the show.

[Morrigan]

YOMANK, Brad!

Morrigan

[RayPV]

Having that happen is possible. On a mexican variety show called "siempre en domingo" (always on Sunday) several years ago there was a young gal named Lucerito singing, as she finished her song, she placed her hands down by her side with the mic in one hand, she bowed to thank the crowed and at that moment ripped one. The theater heard it and it was recorded and even the host acknowledge it by saying that it can happen to any of us.

[Bettie Page Turner]

Several years ago, my theater group did "A Christmas Story." The actor playing Ralph was standing far downstage delivering a monologue right after he had made a quick costume change. Unfortunately, he had neglected to zip during this change. A lady in the audience actually interrupted his lines to say "Your fly is open." Without missing a beat, he said "Thank you," turned and zipped, and continued on, keeping in character the whole time. It was hilarious.