And despite the film's apparent respect for intelligence, smartness is the butt of some hoary absent-minded-scientist jokes.

Rochefort remembered telling lower classmen that it was three demerits if you didn't laugh at the hoary joke.

Granted, the show's nutty story, with its hoary jokes and unhinged luxury-liner passengers provide the fixings for goofy fun.

It's the punch line of some of Hollywood's hoariest jokes: everyone wants to direct.

And even in the midst of passionate, soul-searching conversation, a hoary joke is likely to pop in like a prankster at a funeral.

His father, annoyed that he hadn't followed family tradition and become a solicitor, had made the hoary old joke about marrying a rich man's daughter.

Franklin tried to smile at the hoary joke, but his effort was not very successful.

"Woof drive," he murmured, resurrecting the hoariest joke from Propulsion 101.

It is possible that in a more relaxed, intimate environment the show's galumphing blend of slapstick gags and hoary jokes might have worked better.

Jamie remembered the hoary old joke of the parachute packers: "Don't worry about it.