These Are The Jokes People Told In 1973
1973 was not a great year for the US of A, thanks to President Nixon and his crime spree. But the comedy does not stop - sorta like now. Except then there were far less comedians and far fewer outlets for them to tell their jokes. The early 70s were an era when the old guard like Bob Hope were still around but figures that emerged from the counterculture like George Carlin were pushing the boundaries of what jokes could be and what people found funny.
Whether it's for an almost anonymous one-liner, a whole standup routine, or a five-minute monologue on The Tonight Show, these are the jokes people told in 1973. Some hold up, some don't, but here they are.
Allen Version 73
The 1970s, New York, and Woody Allen are synonymous.
Watergate Year
Watergate was a serious issue, but a series of unfortunate events gave comedians freedom to make fun of the government.
Bob Hope's Selection
At the end of 1973, Bob Hope picked what he thought were the best jokes of the year, celebrating the humor in the middle of disappointing politics.
The Tonight Show
Johnny Carson wasn't used to delving into too much politics, but this was too juicy to miss out on.
Old Jokes
All about politics and finance, not like today's jokes.
Immortal Rodney
He was the best in 1973.
Phyllis Diller
It wasn't easy being a woman comedian in the '70s, but making fun of yourself was the best way to start.
Pat Paulsen for President
He'd win today, easy.
Not Your Typical Housewife
Phyllis Diller always catches you by surprise.
Are you there, God?
Religion, like politics and capital, was a common subject of many jokes in the '70s.
Energy Crisis
No boring month in 1973.
Featured Guests
The Tonight Show featured a lot of great comedians of the time.
Carlin Method
The best to ever do it.
Good ol' Irish Jokes
Nothing wrong with that. In 1973.
The Johnny Carson Incident
Johnny Carson said this during one of his monologues, and people believed him although he was making it up. The next day, everyone got out to stock up on toilet paper, and a real shortage happened.