A CLASSIC STEVE MARTIN SNL SKETCH
Before modern medicine became what we know today, people had very different ideas about how to treat illness.
Saturday Night Live turned that historical reality into outrageous comedy with one of Steve Martin's most memorable characters, Theodoric of York.
The sketch first aired on April 22, 1978, during Season 3 of Saturday Night Live.
Steve Martin played Theodoric, a medieval barber who confidently treats his patients with bizarre and often horrifying medical procedures.
The official SNL description sums up the premise perfectly: Theodoric treats his patients with leeches and boar's vomit.
WELCOME TO THE SHOP OF THEODORIC OF YORK
Theodoric is introduced as a medieval barber, but he clearly considers himself much more than someone who simply cuts hair.
In this world, barbers also handle medical problems.
That means a visit to Theodoric can involve bloodletting, leeches, strange mixtures, and treatments that sound completely ridiculous to a modern audience.
The humor comes from how seriously Steve Martin plays the character.
Theodoric does not behave like a fool.
He behaves like a respected medical professional who genuinely believes his methods are...
