PBS special featuring a collection of Gleason's most memorable characters and skits from his long-running CBS television series The Jackie Gleason Show.
Running time: 60:00.
NOTE: This special is available on MPI DVD at
http://www.mpihomevideo.com/Store/Detail.asp?ProdID=10346
328 Chauncey Street, Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York is where the apartment residences of the Kramdens and the Nortons stand. These four people, fifteen years after the depression are still struggling to make ends meet. Ralph Kramden and Alice Gibson married following his acquiring… More employment as a bus driver with the Gotham Bus Company. Edward Lillywhite Norton, a sewer worker, and his wife, Thelma 'Trixie', live above the Kramdens. The stories depict the sincere attempts of two men attempting to better their lives, and the ensuing frustrations when their schemes to strike it rich inevitably backfire. Although "The Honeymooners" is one of the best remembered comedy highlights of TV's golden age, it was seen for most of its history as a segment within other programs. In 1951, "The Honeymooners" was first seen as a sketch within DuMont's "Cavalcade of Stars", with Pert Kelton originating the role of Alice and with Art Carney's first appearance as a cop. (See season 12 - Special: Really Lost Debut Episodes). In 1952, Jackie moved his show to CBS as "The Jackie Gleason Show" (see seasons 1-3), Audrey Meadows assumed the role of Alice. On 3/30/1952 Jackie Gleason and Art Carney perform a 10 minute "Honeymooners" sketch on "Toast of the Town" (Season 5, Episode 30) titled "The Ring". Ralph is Jealous of Joe the Jeweler. This sketch can be found on rare "Best of Ed Sullivan" VHS's that float around the internet through various traders. On 5/4/52 Jackie Gleason, Art Carney & Pert Kelton perform a 10 minute "Honeymooners" sketch on "Toast of the Town" (Season 5, Episode 35) titled "The Dance". Ralph & Alice getting dressed for a night out. This sketch can be found on rare "Best of Ed Sullivan" VHS's that float around the internet through various traders. Note: This would be the last time Pert Kelton would portray Alice. In 1955 Gleason wanted a respite from the full-hour live weekly variety show. Thus the "Classic 39" were born (see season 4). It was decided to film a full season of half-hour Honeymooners shows. In 1956, after the less-than-anticipated response to the filmed "Honeymooners", Gleason returned to a regular variety format for 1 additional season (see season 5). In 1957 as part of the final season of "The Jackie Gleason Show", Jackie brought aboard Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy to create what is now known as the 1957 - Trip To Europe musical episodes. On 1/26/1958 Audrey Meadows, Jack Benny and Dennis Day perform a "Honeymooners" sketch on "The Jack Benny Program". Jack Benny portrays Ralph & Dennis Day portrays Ed. This sketch can be found on very scarce "Best of Jack Benny" VHS's that float around the internet. In 1962, after a 5 year hiatus from Television, Jackie returned to TV with "Jackie Gleason and His American Scene Magazine" (see season 6). From 1962 to 1964 this show was from New York. Only 2 "Honeymooners" sketches were performed with Sue Ann Langdon taking on the role of Alice and Patricia Wilson as Trixie. In 1964 Jackie moved his "American Scene Magazine" from NY to Miami. To move the entire crew and staff Jackie chartered a train of 14 cars for over 100 passengers and dubbed it "The Great Gleason Express". This would be where the remaining "Honeymooners" would be filmed, though still set in Bensonhurst. In 1966, Audrey Meadows returned for 1 special episode, "The Adoption", a classic Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy musical episode featuring Ralph & Alice's attempt to adopt a baby. This would be the last episode filmed in black & white and is a precursor to what is now known as the "Color Honeymooners" over the next 4 seasons. From 1966 to 1970, the majority of these episodes were Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy mini-musicals, now known as the "Color Honeymooners". Sheila MacRea would portray Alice and Jane Kean as Trixie. These episodes can be seen on the "American Life TV Network" with all 4 seasons now on DVD. On 1/7/1967 Audrey Meadows & Ray Bolger portray Alice & Ralph Kramden in a "Honeymooners" sketch on "The Hollywood Palace". On 9/30/1968 Jackie appears uncredited as Ralph Kramden in one of the funniest episodes of "Here's Lucy" titled "Lucy Visits Jack Benny". Jack Benny appears as himself. Tis episode appears on "Here's Lucy" DVD Season 1. On 10/11/1973, Jackie Gleason brought "The Honeymooners" back in a 1 time special that aired on CBS titles "Women's Lib" (see season 11). On 5/22/1974, Jackie Gleason and Julie Andrews portray Ralph Kramden & Ed Norton on the special "Julie & Jackie: How Sweet It Is". This would mark the only time Jackie would portray Ralph to anyone else portraying Ed Norton. Jackie always said he could never do Ralph without any other guy other than Art Carney. He kept his word!! And from 1976 to 1978, the last 4 "Honeymooners" were filmed in Miami and Atlantic City (see season 11). These holiday themed specials that aired on ABC would see the return of Audrey Meadows as Alice and Jane Kean as Trixie. On February 6, 1985 Jackie Gleason holds a press conference at New York's "21 Club" with Audrey Meadows and Joyce Randolph by his side. It is here that Jackie announces that the "The Honeymooners: The Lost Episodes" will make their television debut on Showtime in September 1985. On May 13, 1985 NBC airs "The Honeymooners Reunion" a new special showing numerous clips and scenes of upcoming "Lost Episodes". From May through August 1985 the "Museum of Broadcasting" presents "Discovery: Lost Episodes" airing 17 "Lost Episodes" ready for public viewing. On September 2, 1985 Showtime airs a 3 & 1/2 hour "Lost Episodes Marathon" airing 8 complete "Lost" classics. In September 1986 the "Lost Episodes" made their non-cable debut bumping the total # of "Honeymooners" episodes in syndication from 39 to 118. Thank you Jackie Gleason!! NOTE: This episode guide contains all episodes of "The Honeymooners" that were either sketches as seen on "The Jackie Gleason Show" and "American Scene Magazine" as well as the "Classic 39" and TV specials. Season 12 is set up for "Honeymooners" specials as well as specials that celebrated Jackie Gleason in which "Honeymooners" clips and sketches aired. A new website maintained by the Gleason estate is now up & fully running... http://www.jackiegleason.com/
328 Chauncey Street, Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York is where the apartment residences of the Kramdens and the Nortons stand. These four people, fifteen years after the depression are still struggling to make ends meet. Ralph Kramden and Alice Gibson married following his acquiring… More employment as a bus driver with the Gotham Bus Company. Edward Lillywhite Norton, a sewer worker, and his wife, Thelma 'Trixie', live above the Kramdens. The stories depict the sincere attempts of two men attempting to better their lives, and the ensuing frustrations when their schemes to strike it rich inevitably backfire. Although "The Honeymooners" is one of the best remembered comedy highlights of TV's golden age, it was seen for most of its history as a segment within other programs. In 1951, "The Honeymooners" was first seen as a sketch within DuMont's "Cavalcade of Stars", with Pert Kelton originating the role of Alice and with Art Carney's first appearance as a cop. (See season 12 - Special: Really Lost Debut Episodes). In 1952, Jackie moved his show to CBS as "The Jackie Gleason Show" (see seasons 1-3), Audrey Meadows assumed the role of Alice. On 3/30/1952 Jackie Gleason and Art Carney perform a 10 minute "Honeymooners" sketch on "Toast of the Town" (Season 5, Episode 30) titled "The Ring". Ralph is Jealous of Joe the Jeweler. This sketch can be found on rare "Best of Ed Sullivan" VHS's that float around the internet through various traders. On 5/4/52 Jackie Gleason, Art Carney & Pert Kelton perform a 10 minute "Honeymooners" sketch on "Toast of the Town" (Season 5, Episode 35) titled "The Dance". Ralph & Alice getting dressed for a night out. This sketch can be found on rare "Best of Ed Sullivan" VHS's that float around the internet through various traders. Note: This would be the last time Pert Kelton would portray Alice. In 1955 Gleason wanted a respite from the full-hour live weekly variety show. Thus the "Classic 39" were born (see season 4). It was decided to film a full season of half-hour Honeymooners shows. In 1956, after the less-than-anticipated response to the filmed "Honeymooners", Gleason returned to a regular variety format for 1 additional season (see season 5). In 1957 as part of the final season of "The Jackie Gleason Show", Jackie brought aboard Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy to create what is now known as the 1957 - Trip To Europe musical episodes. On 1/26/1958 Audrey Meadows, Jack Benny and Dennis Day perform a "Honeymooners" sketch on "The Jack Benny Program". Jack Benny portrays Ralph & Dennis Day portrays Ed. This sketch can be found on very scarce "Best of Jack Benny" VHS's that float around the internet. In 1962, after a 5 year hiatus from Television, Jackie returned to TV with "Jackie Gleason and His American Scene Magazine" (see season 6). From 1962 to 1964 this show was from New York. Only 2 "Honeymooners" sketches were performed with Sue Ann Langdon taking on the role of Alice and Patricia Wilson as Trixie. In 1964 Jackie moved his "American Scene Magazine" from NY to Miami. To move the entire crew and staff Jackie chartered a train of 14 cars for over 100 passengers and dubbed it "The Great Gleason Express". This would be where the remaining "Honeymooners" would be filmed, though still set in Bensonhurst. In 1966, Audrey Meadows returned for 1 special episode, "The Adoption", a classic Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy musical episode featuring Ralph & Alice's attempt to adopt a baby. This would be the last episode filmed in black & white and is a precursor to what is now known as the "Color Honeymooners" over the next 4 seasons. From 1966 to 1970, the majority of these episodes were Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy mini-musicals, now known as the "Color Honeymooners". Sheila MacRea would portray Alice and Jane Kean as Trixie. These episodes can be seen on the "American Life TV Network" with all 4 seasons now on DVD. On 1/7/1967 Audrey Meadows & Ray Bolger portray Alice & Ralph Kramden in a "Honeymooners" sketch on "The Hollywood Palace". On 9/30/1968 Jackie appears uncredited as Ralph Kramden in one of the funniest episodes of "Here's Lucy" titled "Lucy Visits Jack Benny". Jack Benny appears as himself. Tis episode appears on "Here's Lucy" DVD Season 1. On 10/11/1973, Jackie Gleason brought "The Honeymooners" back in a 1 time special that aired on CBS titles "Women's Lib" (see season 11). On 5/22/1974, Jackie Gleason and Julie Andrews portray Ralph Kramden & Ed Norton on the special "Julie & Jackie: How Sweet It Is". This would mark the only time Jackie would portray Ralph to anyone else portraying Ed Norton. Jackie always said he could never do Ralph without any other guy other than Art Carney. He kept his word!! And from 1976 to 1978, the last 4 "Honeymooners" were filmed in Miami and Atlantic City (see season 11). These holiday themed specials that aired on ABC would see the return of Audrey Meadows as Alice and Jane Kean as Trixie. On February 6, 1985 Jackie Gleason holds a press conference at New York's "21 Club" with Audrey Meadows and Joyce Randolph by his side. It is here that Jackie announces that the "The Honeymooners: The Lost Episodes" will make their television debut on Showtime in September 1985. On May 13, 1985 NBC airs "The Honeymooners Reunion" a new special showing numerous clips and scenes of upcoming "Lost Episodes". From May through August 1985 the "Museum of Broadcasting" presents "Discovery: Lost Episodes" airing 17 "Lost Episodes" ready for public viewing. On September 2, 1985 Showtime airs a 3 & 1/2 hour "Lost Episodes Marathon" airing 8 complete "Lost" classics. In September 1986 the "Lost Episodes" made their non-cable debut bumping the total # of "Honeymooners" episodes in syndication from 39 to 118. Thank you Jackie Gleason!! NOTE: This episode guide contains all episodes of "The Honeymooners" that were either sketches as seen on "The Jackie Gleason Show" and "American Scene Magazine" as well as the "Classic 39" and TV specials. Season 12 is set up for "Honeymooners" specials as well as specials that celebrated Jackie Gleason in which "Honeymooners" clips and sketches aired. A new website maintained by the Gleason estate is now up & fully running... http://www.jackiegleason.com/
328 Chauncey Street, Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York is where the apartment residences of the Kramdens and the Nortons stand. These four people, fifteen years after the depression are still struggling to make ends meet. Ralph Kramden and Alice Gibson married following his acquiring… More employment as a bus driver with the Gotham Bus Company. Edward Lillywhite Norton, a sewer worker, and his wife, Thelma 'Trixie', live above the Kramdens. The stories depict the sincere attempts of two men attempting to better their lives, and the ensuing frustrations when their schemes to strike it rich inevitably backfire. Although "The Honeymooners" is one of the best remembered comedy highlights of TV's golden age, it was seen for most of its history as a segment within other programs. In 1951, "The Honeymooners" was first seen as a sketch within DuMont's "Cavalcade of Stars", with Pert Kelton originating the role of Alice and with Art Carney's first appearance as a cop. (See season 12 - Special: Really Lost Debut Episodes). In 1952, Jackie moved his show to CBS as "The Jackie Gleason Show" (see seasons 1-3), Audrey Meadows assumed the role of Alice. On 3/30/1952 Jackie Gleason and Art Carney perform a 10 minute "Honeymooners" sketch on "Toast of the Town" (Season 5, Episode 30) titled "The Ring". Ralph is Jealous of Joe the Jeweler. This sketch can be found on rare "Best of Ed Sullivan" VHS's that float around the internet through various traders. On 5/4/52 Jackie Gleason, Art Carney & Pert Kelton perform a 10 minute "Honeymooners" sketch on "Toast of the Town" (Season 5, Episode 35) titled "The Dance". Ralph & Alice getting dressed for a night out. This sketch can be found on rare "Best of Ed Sullivan" VHS's that float around the internet through various traders. Note: This would be the last time Pert Kelton would portray Alice. In 1955 Gleason wanted a respite from the full-hour live weekly variety show. Thus the "Classic 39" were born (see season 4). It was decided to film a full season of half-hour Honeymooners shows. In 1956, after the less-than-anticipated response to the filmed "Honeymooners", Gleason returned to a regular variety format for 1 additional season (see season 5). In 1957 as part of the final season of "The Jackie Gleason Show", Jackie brought aboard Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy to create what is now known as the 1957 - Trip To Europe musical episodes. On 1/26/1958 Audrey Meadows, Jack Benny and Dennis Day perform a "Honeymooners" sketch on "The Jack Benny Program". Jack Benny portrays Ralph & Dennis Day portrays Ed. This sketch can be found on very scarce "Best of Jack Benny" VHS's that float around the internet. In 1962, after a 5 year hiatus from Television, Jackie returned to TV with "Jackie Gleason and His American Scene Magazine" (see season 6). From 1962 to 1964 this show was from New York. Only 2 "Honeymooners" sketches were performed with Sue Ann Langdon taking on the role of Alice and Patricia Wilson as Trixie. In 1964 Jackie moved his "American Scene Magazine" from NY to Miami. To move the entire crew and staff Jackie chartered a train of 14 cars for over 100 passengers and dubbed it "The Great Gleason Express". This would be where the remaining "Honeymooners" would be filmed, though still set in Bensonhurst. In 1966, Audrey Meadows returned for 1 special episode, "The Adoption", a classic Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy musical episode featuring Ralph & Alice's attempt to adopt a baby. This would be the last episode filmed in black & white and is a precursor to what is now known as the "Color Honeymooners" over the next 4 seasons. From 1966 to 1970, the majority of these episodes were Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy mini-musicals, now known as the "Color Honeymooners". Sheila MacRea would portray Alice and Jane Kean as Trixie. These episodes can be seen on the "American Life TV Network" with all 4 seasons now on DVD. On 1/7/1967 Audrey Meadows & Ray Bolger portray Alice & Ralph Kramden in a "Honeymooners" sketch on "The Hollywood Palace". On 9/30/1968 Jackie appears uncredited as Ralph Kramden in one of the funniest episodes of "Here's Lucy" titled "Lucy Visits Jack Benny". Jack Benny appears as himself. Tis episode appears on "Here's Lucy" DVD Season 1. On 10/11/1973, Jackie Gleason brought "The Honeymooners" back in a 1 time special that aired on CBS titles "Women's Lib" (see season 11). On 5/22/1974, Jackie Gleason and Julie Andrews portray Ralph Kramden & Ed Norton on the special "Julie & Jackie: How Sweet It Is". This would mark the only time Jackie would portray Ralph to anyone else portraying Ed Norton. Jackie always said he could never do Ralph without any other guy other than Art Carney. He kept his word!! And from 1976 to 1978, the last 4 "Honeymooners" were filmed in Miami and Atlantic City (see season 11). These holiday themed specials that aired on ABC would see the return of Audrey Meadows as Alice and Jane Kean as Trixie. On February 6, 1985 Jackie Gleason holds a press conference at New York's "21 Club" with Audrey Meadows and Joyce Randolph by his side. It is here that Jackie announces that the "The Honeymooners: The Lost Episodes" will make their television debut on Showtime in September 1985. On May 13, 1985 NBC airs "The Honeymooners Reunion" a new special showing numerous clips and scenes of upcoming "Lost Episodes". From May through August 1985 the "Museum of Broadcasting" presents "Discovery: Lost Episodes" airing 17 "Lost Episodes" ready for public viewing. On September 2, 1985 Showtime airs a 3 & 1/2 hour "Lost Episodes Marathon" airing 8 complete "Lost" classics. In September 1986 the "Lost Episodes" made their non-cable debut bumping the total # of "Honeymooners" episodes in syndication from 39 to 118. Thank you Jackie Gleason!! NOTE: This episode guide contains all episodes of "The Honeymooners" that were either sketches as seen on "The Jackie Gleason Show" and "American Scene Magazine" as well as the "Classic 39" and TV specials. Season 12 is set up for "Honeymooners" specials as well as specials that celebrated Jackie Gleason in which "Honeymooners" clips and sketches aired. A new website maintained by the Gleason estate is now up & fully running... http://www.jackiegleason.com/
328 Chauncey Street, Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York is where the apartment residences of the Kramdens and the Nortons stand. These four people, fifteen years after the depression are still struggling to make ends meet. Ralph Kramden and Alice Gibson married following his acquiring… More employment as a bus driver with the Gotham Bus Company. Edward Lillywhite Norton, a sewer worker, and his wife, Thelma 'Trixie', live above the Kramdens. The stories depict the sincere attempts of two men attempting to better their lives, and the ensuing frustrations when their schemes to strike it rich inevitably backfire. Although "The Honeymooners" is one of the best remembered comedy highlights of TV's golden age, it was seen for most of its history as a segment within other programs. In 1951, "The Honeymooners" was first seen as a sketch within DuMont's "Cavalcade of Stars", with Pert Kelton originating the role of Alice and with Art Carney's first appearance as a cop. (See season 12 - Special: Really Lost Debut Episodes). In 1952, Jackie moved his show to CBS as "The Jackie Gleason Show" (see seasons 1-3), Audrey Meadows assumed the role of Alice. On 3/30/1952 Jackie Gleason and Art Carney perform a 10 minute "Honeymooners" sketch on "Toast of the Town" (Season 5, Episode 30) titled "The Ring". Ralph is Jealous of Joe the Jeweler. This sketch can be found on rare "Best of Ed Sullivan" VHS's that float around the internet through various traders. On 5/4/52 Jackie Gleason, Art Carney & Pert Kelton perform a 10 minute "Honeymooners" sketch on "Toast of the Town" (Season 5, Episode 35) titled "The Dance". Ralph & Alice getting dressed for a night out. This sketch can be found on rare "Best of Ed Sullivan" VHS's that float around the internet through various traders. Note: This would be the last time Pert Kelton would portray Alice. In 1955 Gleason wanted a respite from the full-hour live weekly variety show. Thus the "Classic 39" were born (see season 4). It was decided to film a full season of half-hour Honeymooners shows. In 1956, after the less-than-anticipated response to the filmed "Honeymooners", Gleason returned to a regular variety format for 1 additional season (see season 5). In 1957 as part of the final season of "The Jackie Gleason Show", Jackie brought aboard Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy to create what is now known as the 1957 - Trip To Europe musical episodes. On 1/26/1958 Audrey Meadows, Jack Benny and Dennis Day perform a "Honeymooners" sketch on "The Jack Benny Program". Jack Benny portrays Ralph & Dennis Day portrays Ed. This sketch can be found on very scarce "Best of Jack Benny" VHS's that float around the internet. In 1962, after a 5 year hiatus from Television, Jackie returned to TV with "Jackie Gleason and His American Scene Magazine" (see season 6). From 1962 to 1964 this show was from New York. Only 2 "Honeymooners" sketches were performed with Sue Ann Langdon taking on the role of Alice and Patricia Wilson as Trixie. In 1964 Jackie moved his "American Scene Magazine" from NY to Miami. To move the entire crew and staff Jackie chartered a train of 14 cars for over 100 passengers and dubbed it "The Great Gleason Express". This would be where the remaining "Honeymooners" would be filmed, though still set in Bensonhurst. In 1966, Audrey Meadows returned for 1 special episode, "The Adoption", a classic Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy musical episode featuring Ralph & Alice's attempt to adopt a baby. This would be the last episode filmed in black & white and is a precursor to what is now known as the "Color Honeymooners" over the next 4 seasons. From 1966 to 1970, the majority of these episodes were Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy mini-musicals, now known as the "Color Honeymooners". Sheila MacRea would portray Alice and Jane Kean as Trixie. These episodes can be seen on the "American Life TV Network" with all 4 seasons now on DVD. On 1/7/1967 Audrey Meadows & Ray Bolger portray Alice & Ralph Kramden in a "Honeymooners" sketch on "The Hollywood Palace". On 9/30/1968 Jackie appears uncredited as Ralph Kramden in one of the funniest episodes of "Here's Lucy" titled "Lucy Visits Jack Benny". Jack Benny appears as himself. Tis episode appears on "Here's Lucy" DVD Season 1. On 10/11/1973, Jackie Gleason brought "The Honeymooners" back in a 1 time special that aired on CBS titles "Women's Lib" (see season 11). On 5/22/1974, Jackie Gleason and Julie Andrews portray Ralph Kramden & Ed Norton on the special "Julie & Jackie: How Sweet It Is". This would mark the only time Jackie would portray Ralph to anyone else portraying Ed Norton. Jackie always said he could never do Ralph without any other guy other than Art Carney. He kept his word!! And from 1976 to 1978, the last 4 "Honeymooners" were filmed in Miami and Atlantic City (see season 11). These holiday themed specials that aired on ABC would see the return of Audrey Meadows as Alice and Jane Kean as Trixie. On February 6, 1985 Jackie Gleason holds a press conference at New York's "21 Club" with Audrey Meadows and Joyce Randolph by his side. It is here that Jackie announces that the "The Honeymooners: The Lost Episodes" will make their television debut on Showtime in September 1985. On May 13, 1985 NBC airs "The Honeymooners Reunion" a new special showing numerous clips and scenes of upcoming "Lost Episodes". From May through August 1985 the "Museum of Broadcasting" presents "Discovery: Lost Episodes" airing 17 "Lost Episodes" ready for public viewing. On September 2, 1985 Showtime airs a 3 & 1/2 hour "Lost Episodes Marathon" airing 8 complete "Lost" classics. In September 1986 the "Lost Episodes" made their non-cable debut bumping the total # of "Honeymooners" episodes in syndication from 39 to 118. Thank you Jackie Gleason!! NOTE: This episode guide contains all episodes of "The Honeymooners" that were either sketches as seen on "The Jackie Gleason Show" and "American Scene Magazine" as well as the "Classic 39" and TV specials. Season 12 is set up for "Honeymooners" specials as well as specials that celebrated Jackie Gleason in which "Honeymooners" clips and sketches aired. A new website maintained by the Gleason estate is now up & fully running... http://www.jackiegleason.com/
Love, Brooklyn style. hide show
When I was a teenager back in the 70's, growing up in Brooklyn, here was the late-night lineup on Channel 11 WPIX:
11:00-The Odd Couple
11:30-The Honeymooners
12:00-The Twilight Zone
12:30-Perry Mason
Talk about a great lineup. The first to make an impression was The Honeymooners. Set in Brooklyn on Chauncey Street (which is nowhere near Bensonhurst) Ralph a hard working busdriver lives in apartment with Alice the housewife. They are friends with the Norton's upstairs, Ed the sewar worker and his wife Trixie. There's also from time to time Alice's mother making an appearence and a few character actors that play more than one role. This show has every formula used, so many hijinks involved and what usually happens is Ralph does something boneheaded, Ed is in on it or gives equally knuckleheaded advice and the games are underway. Alice is greatly annoyed, Trixie says not to be too harsh on Ralph and Alice and Ralph make up at the end. Week after 39 weeks, almost the same, but oh so funny.
Today's Curb Your Enthusiasm is similar but that show is a little more high brow. Perhaps the Honeymooners charm is that Ralph is always well meaning but he has "A Biiiiiiig Mouth!" He berates Alice too and threatens her...Bang-Zoom...You're going to the moon!" Of course Ed is always causing trouble in his unknowing way, Ralph yells at him too, "Cut It Out Norton!" (Rats, it won't let me type them in CAPS) But in the end Ralph always tells Alice "Baby, you're the Greatest!" That's another thing. These are all memorable lines that have entered the vernacular. This is the mark of a classic show. Additionally and perhaps because there are only 39 (39 regularly played not including the lost episodes) episodes I can recite the lines before the cast can.
Even today, Channel 11 will have a Honeymooners marathon on either Christmas or New Years and we all sit around and laugh uproariously. This is one of the best shows ever.
To the moon Alice to the moon. hide show
This show is really funny even though I wasnt alive I still really enjoy it. I watch it every New Years Day with my family and it is one of the reasons why New years is such a cool holiday. My favorite characters are Ed and Ralph. It is funny because of all the trouble Ralph gets into with his big mouth. Ralph and Ed are always trying to use easy get rich schemes that dont work. Ed is always going along with Ralphs plans and getting into trouble with his wife. I really enjoy this show and I cant wait to see it every New Years Day.
Honeymooners is the best TV viewing of its time. I also enjoy the opening when the fireworks begin and the moon shines over Brookly, NY. I love the image of Ralph's face on the moon. GREAT STUFF!!! hide show
One of the funniest episodes is when Norton takes Ralph's temperature and uses a lighter to read the result on the thermometer of 111*F. I still laugh out loud. Another favorite is when Ralph and Norton are going on a fishing trip without Trixie and Alice. I also love the apartment Norton and Trixie had. Very fashionably up-to-date with a beautiful couch, TV and the greatest wall paper. Norton always bought everything "on time". The bank wouldn't give him any more credit. The Kramdon's apartment was alway dreary even though Alice kept it neat. I think she should have washed the walls-- it really needed it. Trixie was always taking food from the Kramdon's. Apples, oranges, onions. Trixie was ahead of her time wearing a bracelet that resembles the Tiffany heart bracelet that almost every women owns.
Classic, funny, poignant, and somewhat ahead of its time. hide show
As a kid in the 80s I was, for some unknown reason, a fan of these "classic" sitcoms, like Sid Caesar, Burns and Allen, etc. Though I enjoyed them all, the humor in most of those seemed too set-up, too predictable, maybe even too "Vaudeville-ian" at times. The thing that stood out in the Honeymooners to me was its sense of spontaneity. The humor seemed more natural and realistic than those others. I think, for shows of that time period, it had a bit more wit to it. Sometimes the jokes were a little more subtle, which adds an idea of intelligence to them, that they're not just "banana peel" jokes.
Although all shows at the time were "family friendly," this one did have a bit more of an edge to it, without being mean spirited.
This series shows how a man mantains a good marriage, even when they do have ups and downs. hide show
This is the best show that I have ever seen! There are times that whenever I do watch it, it teaches me something valuable from it (for example, learning from someone else's mistakes so that one doesn't do it again; taking stock of oneself; and the like). But there are also jokes that I can't stop laughing about, and indeed it does fit perfectly in this show. I think Jackie Gleason and Audrey Meadows make a very good couple! Too bad I only get to see this series once a year (every New Years day, of course!) You've got to watch this.
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