Speaker A
♪♪
A comedic sketch from SNL portraying an exaggerated, absurd 'Gentlemen’s Code' involving formal insults and glove slapping.
Key Takeaways
- The sketch satirizes upper-class social codes and formal disputes.
- Physical comedy is used through glove slapping as a humorous insult.
- Repetition of phrases emphasizes the absurdity of the conflict.
- The exaggerated politeness contrasts with the aggressive behavior.
- SNL uses this sketch to mock outdated social customs.
Summary
- The sketch features aristocratic characters engaging in a formal and exaggerated dispute.
- Characters include Lord Kedley, Lady Delacort, and Lord Farrington.
- The conflict arises from an insulting remark about riding boots worn to luncheon.
- The 'Gentlemen’s Code' humorously permits removing a glove to slap an insulted party’s face.
- The dialogue escalates with repeated challenges of 'How dare you?' and glove smacks.
- The tone is satirical, mocking upper-class etiquette and formal disputes.
- Laughter and gasps punctuate the scene, highlighting the comedic timing.
- The sketch ends with a call to stop acting like commoners, ironically.
- The setting implies a high-society environment with references to croquet and estates.
- The humor derives from the absurdity and formality of the exaggerated gentlemanly behavior.
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
Speaker A
It turns out the poor bastard had worn his riding boots to luncheon. [Laughter]
Speaker A
Oh, the absolute shame!
Speaker A
Lord Kedley.
Speaker A
Lady Delacort. A pleasure.
Speaker A
I quite look forward to our croquet match this afternoon at my father's estate.
Speaker A
Then you obviously haven't seen Kedley play. [Laughter]
Speaker A
[Curt chuckle]
Speaker A
Well, I will leave you gentlemen to your discourse. Good day.
Speaker A
Good day.
Speaker A
I resent that insulting remark, Lord Farrington. And I ask, sir, how dare you?
Speaker A
[Gasps]
Speaker A
He asks him how he dares.
Speaker A
Such an affront, according to the Gentleman's Code, permits me to remove my glove and slap your face.
Speaker A
[All gasping]
Speaker A
How dare you? I ask twice, sir—how dare you?
Speaker A
I rebuke you, sir, and give it to you twice. [Glove smacking]
Speaker A
Mnh!
Speaker A
How dare you? I deny your rebut thricefold! [Glove smacks]
Speaker A
How dare you?
Speaker A
[Glove smacks] How dare you? Ha! Dodge!
Speaker A
How dare you?! [Glove smacking]
Speaker A
How dare you?
Speaker A
How to the absolute dare you?!
Speaker A
Gentlemen! You are beginning to act like commoners. [Both gasp]
Topics:SNLSaturday Night LiveThe Gentlemen’s Codecomedy sketchsatirearistocracyglove slapupper class humorformal insultscroquet
