'Mystery Hour' prank video nets 2.2 million views on U.K. Facebook page

A comedy sketch video by local TV talk show "The Mystery Hour" racked up 2.2 million video views after it was posted to LAD Bible on Sept. 9.

LAD Bible is a U.K.-based Facebook page and website that also traffics in videos such as one posted yesterday of Dame Judi Dench performing with rap star Lethal Bizzle.

Filmed in Springfield, "The Unnecessary Bouncer" features local comedian Timothy Messersmith as he checks IDs and tries to assess cover charges from people entering places around Springfield where those things would not normally be required.

Examples include the bookstore at Ozarks Technical Community College, Hurts Donut and public parks.

Some of the people interacting with Messersmith in the 2-minute, 44-second video get a bit testy.

"What organization are you with?" one man repeatedly asks.

In perfect deadpan, Messersmith states he's a "freelance bouncer."

"Well, I aint' paying you [expletive redacted]," the man replies.

Reached by the News-Leader Friday afternoon, Messersmith said, "Overall, it was a fun experience with a dash of 'holy crap, this guy is about to punch me.'"

"I look forward to confusing more Springfieldians in the future," he added.

Since it was published on "The Mystery Hour" YouTube page on Sept. 7, "The Unnecessary Bouncer" netted about 50,000 views.

"It's always hard to tell with internet videos," Jeff Houghton, host of "The Mystery Hour," told the News-Leader. "You just can't really know how successful they will be."

Houghton said it's an idea he's had for 8 or 9 years, but that he's glad the "Mystery Hour" team waited to film the video. 

"Tim Messersmith made it hilarious," he said.

Read more: 

Meet the man who's played for Springfield Symphony Orchestra 65 years

Two former presidents and Kevin Costner, Dierks Bentley on WOW gala guest list

Wonders of Wildlife: What you need to know about the new museum at Bass Pro