The Groove Tube

The Groove Tube is a hilarious cult classic from 1974 which features a series of irreverent comedic sketches, satirical advertisements, and bizarre parodies of contemporary television shows. Directed, co-written, and starring Ken Shapiro, the movie showcases some of the most talented comedians of the era, including Richard Belzer, Chevy Chase, and Buzzy Linhart.

The movie is essentially an extended skit show, made up of a series of loosely connected sketches that gleefully poke fun at everything from drug culture to daytime television. Told through the lens of a fictional television network, the movie features a variety of programs that range from the ridiculous to the absurd. For instance, one of the recurring sketches is a parody of a cooking show, where Richard Belzer plays a comically inept chef who struggles to prepare even the simplest of dishes. Another is a mock-educational program that teaches viewers how to shoplift effectively without getting caught.

Other highlights include a segment where a man gets high on what he thinks is marijuana, only to discover he has accidentally smoked poison ivy, and a hilarious commercial for a fictitious "towel dispenser", which inexplicably includes a sequence involving a gorilla. There's even a sketch that parodies the infamous 1969 moon landing, complete with intentionally cheesy special effects and an absurd twist ending.

Throughout the movie, Shapiro and his fellow comedians constantly push the boundaries of good taste and political correctness, often to outrageous effect. In one sketch, a black man (played by Linhart) delivers a scathing critique of the Democratic Party and its treatment of African-American voters, before suddenly bursting into a bizarre blues song about his loyalty to the Republicans. In another, a female news anchor (played by Shapiro in drag) delivers reports on outrageous stories such as a man who claims to have given birth to a litter of kittens.

Despite its irreverent nature, The Groove Tube is also surprisingly inventive and technically impressive at times. The movie was one of the first to use video effects and green screen technology, allowing for some truly surreal and visually stunning sequences. There's also an impressive musical number towards the end of the film, which features Shapiro and a group of his fellow comedians engaging in a psychedelic jam session that wouldn't be out of place in a Pink Floyd concert.

Overall, The Groove Tube is a wildly entertaining and frequently hilarious movie that remains a cult classic to this day. While it may not be for everyone (especially those who are easily offended or put off by coarse humor), it's a must-see for fans of alternative comedy and satire. With its energetic performances, clever writing, and outlandish set pieces, The Groove Tube is a one-of-a-kind movie experience that's sure to leave you in stitches.