The Jackie Gleason Show

FOLLOWING HIS HIGHLY successful return to network television's weekly grind, it was time for a course correction. The new program had been given the handle of JACKIE GLEASON'S American SCENE MAGAZINE and attempted to sort of update the focus of the comedy being produced. They also wanted to "modernize" the production with short, attention span friendly "blackout" type of skits.

BY THE END of the fourth season, that which had been considered "fresh" and "innovative" was now thought to be commonplace. So, what to do in order to fix things? Perhaps the thought crossed someone's mind that it was time to return to the well once again; but this time it would be to the old and familiar waters of THE HONEYMOONERS.

YES IT WAS true, the Gleason show was returning to Delancy Street and to the tenements of the Kramdens and the Nortons. It was a case of the old becoming fresh and "new" because of an extended absence. (Remember Schultz, "Absence makes the heart fonder!") SO WITH THIS news, the new segments were about to undergo some cast changes. Sheila Mac Rae would be Alice and Jane Kean would take over as Trixie. But without a doubt, no one could envision anyone else in the part of Ed Norton but Art Carney. We were right as it was indeed a reunion of what many believe to be the "Laurel & Hardy of TV" were now being reunited.

OTHER THAN THE live television aspect of the original incarnation of THE HINEYMOONERS, there were several items that could only be viewed as being updates. In addition to the aforementioned application of videotape, the series was now to be a musical. Original songs and production numbers would be the order of the day.

A PREVIOSLY USED IDEA that had both the Norton and Kramden families sharing a winning ticket in a contest and traveling away from their blue collar (Proletariat) existence and seeing Planet Earth from the decks of an Ocean Liner. They would also be taping the shows in beautiful color.

SOME GREAT MAN once said that "You can't go home!" But it would appear that THE HONEYMOONERS succeeded in doing it.

If one would likes to see how a husband should treat his wife and how his wife reacts to his ways, this is the show, no matter how bad this turn out, they always fix it at the end on the day. I hope we can have more of there shows aired to let us know how in a funny way to deal with regular lives problems we face today with couples. I know that cleaning is a very hard work. This reminds me on the Honeymooner (1966-1970), they had an episode on the wives at work, Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) told his wife that she did not work and that he was the bread maker in the house. Alice Kramden (Sheila MacRae) said, "A women's work is never done from sun up to sun down" and that is so true. While the husband was working outside she did the work at home and when he got home she still worked on taking care of him. Thank You!

The talent of Jackie Gleason and Art Carney made for an awesome chemistry on stage/screen. Anyone who can't see that should envy bats. "The Great One" has not only secured his rightful place in the history of show business but also in the hearts of millions of his fans for all time!!

GoodLife TV has been running reruns of the color episodes of The Honeymooners, which ran on The Jackie Gleason Show from 1966 to 1970. The production may seem overblown, but the shows themselves are fun to watch. They bring back great memories for me, as I saw them as a kid. Even when Gleason had the "variety," this show was still fun to watch. I especially remember seeing this show in 1968 in the basement of an Elks lodge in Owego, NY, and remember the pretty girls who would introduce the shows! Yes, it may be "comfort food," but it sure is fun. And it is a show CBS could be very proud of!!

Jackie Gleason, his television shows and movies (i.e., The Toy) will always and forever be etched in my memory as family favorites. Starring at the beginning and up to sadly the end were great times for us at home. We always made sure to sit and watch, laugh in awe from the comedy to the stunts by guests. All of us always made sure to stay still when the presentation of Frank Fontaine (as Crazy Guggenheim) came on. Jackie would be behind the bar, Frank would would go through his skit, but always at the very end, coming from Jackie was the familiar, Hey Craz ! How about singing us a little song. For that even the dog had to be outside, Grandmother would come down from upstairs. Mr. Fontaine would sing some lovely melody that would really stick to you and your emotions. It was a favorite and wonderful time for us and something that was left in my parents, grandmother and brother's hearts ! For me, I'm the last of the family living (at age 66) and identify with a wonderful time whenever I hear talk of Jackie Gleason's name. He was a tremendous talent, actor (I even have early films that he was in with Humphrey Bogart) and especially comedy. His ability to keep you laughing without having written lines and everything from memory was something very few (if any) today can do. My favorite comedian ? Why of course, the GREAT Jackie Gleason.