The Babysitter (Rifftrax Shorts)

Rifftrax Year:  2017
Riffers:  Bridget Nelson, Mary Jo Pehl

This instructional short from the 1940's teaches girls how to properly babysit while being trustworthy and honest.  As Bridget and Mary Jo waste no time in pointing out, babysitting has become a much more abbreviated affair in modern times, involving ordering a pizza and watching TV.  Here it's extravagantly detailed, as the mother of the children walks the babysitter through the house and teaches her everything about it, including how the light switches work.

"So is the husband just waiting in the car while all this happens?  HONK HONK!"

The short does encourage being active with the children, which is good, as sometimes babysitting can be lax about that (especially when I'm babysitting).  The short also strives to point out frustrating tendencies children have and how to work around them.  There's some solid advice in this short, though I foresee everything not going according to plan when put into practice.

"Little girls love setting a table!"
"WHOA WHOA WHOA!  CITATION NEEDED!"

Bridget and Mary Jo either have experience babysitting or have had babysitters themselves (perhaps both) and seem to get a kick out of how simple the short makes it seem.  They definitely giggle to themselves about the old-timey ideals while inserting their own babysitting advice as well, and insert things that likely do happen during babysitting that aren't addressed (such as a visit from a boyfriend).  I wouldn't say The Babysitter is a laugh riot, though it's a pleasant time had by all with solid humor.

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