Russell Brothers (vaudeville)

"[2] The Russell brothers' act played on their supposed simplicity, ending with the pair abusing and hitting each other, mangling the language, and causing havoc on the stage.

[3] James Russell also wrote songs, including "Where the River Shannon Flows" which the pair performed from 1905, and which was later recorded by John McCormack among others.

[4] While remaining popular, their comedy act faced increasing criticism in the 1900s for its ethnic stereotyping, from groups including the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the United Irish Societies.

In 1907, while preparing to tour with a new production, The Hired Girl’s Millions, their performance at Hammerstein's Victoria Theatre was interrupted by protesters shouting "Down with the Russell Brothers.

[1][2][5] According to writer Kliph Nesteroff, the events around the Russell brothers' performance were an early manifestation of "culture wars" affecting comedy acts.