Breaking the fourth wall - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Bill S. · 05-24-2007, 08:29 PM

I was watching "New Neighbors" recently and noticed that they sort of broke the "fourth wall" during the first scene, when Lucy & Ethel are looking out the window on the other side of the room. I don't recall that window ever being shown or even mentioned before. Did they do this in any other episodes, or was this the only one? Thanks.

Frischman_Fan · 05-24-2007, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill S.

I was watching "New Neighbors" recently and noticed that they sort of broke the "fourth wall" during the first scene, when Lucy & Ethel are looking out the window on the other side of the room. I don't recall that window ever being shown or even mentioned before. Did they do this in any other episodes, or was this the only one? Thanks.

Yea I noticed that too. And I wondered if the girls were looking at the front of the building or side.

Ireneparalegal · 05-24-2007, 09:28 PM

Yes, it was the only time they showed that window or the fourth wall as you stated.

Janice · 06-07-2007, 08:29 PM

Showing that wall isn't what's known as the 'breaking the fourth wall'. That's when the actor acknowledges the audience. Mr. Roper on Three's Company and Will Smith on Fresh Prince used to do that -- smirk or wink at the audience, that sort of thing.

Bill S. · 06-08-2007, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

Showing that wall isn't what's known as the 'breaking the fourth wall'. That's when the actor acknowledges the audience. Mr. Roper on Three's Company and Will Smith on Fresh Prince used to do that -- smirk or wink at the audience, that sort of thing.

Yes, you're right, since they didn't break character, but what they did involved the fourth wall, that's why I worded it that way. I guess a more accurate way of putting it would be to say that they "created" or "added to" the fourth wall.

Janice · 06-08-2007, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill S.

Yes, you're right, since they didn't break character, but what they did involved the fourth wall, that's why I worded it that way. I guess a more accurate way of putting it would be to say that they "created" or "added to" the fourth wall.

Sure, that sounds about right Bill. They were definitely doing something to get the viewer's attention, and it succeeded. I'm surprised that Lucy, in all her zaniness didn't give her television audience a sign, a hello of sorts. I know she was a consumate professional, but that would be quite a moment. Perhaps she did, and I'm not aware of it.

Ireneparalegal · 06-08-2007, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

Sure, that sounds about right Bill. They were definitely doing something to get the viewer's attention, and it succeeded. I'm surprised that Lucy, in all her zaniness didn't give her television audience a sign, a hello of sorts. I know she was a consumate professional, but that would be quite a moment. Perhaps she did, and I'm not aware of it.

As far as I Love Lucy, she never did break that fourth wall.

Madame X · 06-09-2007, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

As far as I Love Lucy, she never did break that fourth wall.

Never!

05-24-2007, 08:29 PM	#1
Bill S. Member Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2003 Posts: 1,112	Breaking the fourth wall I was watching "New Neighbors" recently and noticed that they sort of broke the "fourth wall" during the first scene, when Lucy & Ethel are looking out the window on the other side of the room. I don't recall that window ever being shown or even mentioned before. Did they do this in any other episodes, or was this the only one? Thanks.

05-24-2007, 09:28 PM	#3
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	Yes, it was the only time they showed that window or the fourth wall as you stated.
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06-07-2007, 08:29 PM	#4
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Showing that wall isn't what's known as the 'breaking the fourth wall'. That's when the actor acknowledges the audience. Mr. Roper on Three's Company and Will Smith on Fresh Prince used to do that -- smirk or wink at the audience, that sort of thing.