Sam Goldberg was a salesman who
bragged that he knew everyone in the world. Now his neighbor Sol
Katz found this to be hyperbole to say the least. Goldberg took
exception to his neighbor's skepticism and made the following
proposal:
We'll take a year and go anywhere in the world you choose. If you
find ANYONE who doesn't know me, I'll pay for the entire trip and
a year's wages. If you don't, you pay. Katz, poor fool, agrees.
They go first to Washington and walk up to the White House gate.
The guard greets Sam warmly and allows them into the grounds. The
go up to the door and the usher greets Sam and says,
"I'll inform the President you're here." Immediately
the President leaves a cabinet meeting and comes to greet Sam.
They go to England. The Queen, the Prime Minister, every member
of Parliament, etc. greet and welcome Sam as an old friend. The
same thing happens in the countryside. No matter where they go,
everyone seems truly glad to see Sam.
Next it's off to Paris where the recognition is similarly
universal. From Left Bank artists, Momartre hookers, to the
President of the Republic, everyone greets Sam by name. By now,
Sol is getting just a mite worried, but figures that Sam's family
came from Europe so maybe he had lots of relatives there. He
decides to go to the Far East. They go to China, Japan, the
Phillipines, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc. They have a wonderful time
seeing the sights, enjoying the scenery, etc.; but EVERYONE knows
Sam.
Sol decides to try Australia. Same things happen there. They go
out into the outback where the Aborigines all know Sam by sight.
Nine months have gone by, and still Sol hasn't found a single
soul who doesn't know Sam. The same thing happens throughout
Africa and South America.
In desperation, they go to Iran, Iraq, Palestine, etc. Despite
Sam's being Jewish, he is embraced as an old friend by Arafat,
Saddam, King Saud, etc. as well as by the folks just walking
through the bazaars. Finally, it is the last day of the year. Sol
is on the hook for well over $300,000 if he can't find anyone.
Suddenly, inspiration hits, and Sol says,
"We go to Rome. I am sure you don't know the Pope and he
doesn't know you."
Upon arrival in the Vatican, there is a huge crowd below the
Papal balcony awaiting an appearance by the Holy Father. Sam says
to Sol,
"Wait here. I'll appear on that balcony with the Pope in 5
minutes."
Sure enough, in five minutes the Pope and Sam come out together
arm in arm. Sol is absolutely dumbfounded. In a final act of
hope, he turns to a wizened old nun and asks, "Who is that
up on that balcony?"
She replies, "Well I don't know who the guy in the funny
robes is, but he's with Sam Goldberg."