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CAVALCADE OF STARS {THE HONEYMOONERS -- THIRD SKETCH} (TV)

Summary

One in this comedy/variety series. Jackie Gleason stars in this variety program, which features the third sketch of "The Honeymooners"; this ongoing sketch would later develop into the television series about blustery bus driver Ralph Kramden, his long-suffering but understanding wife, Alice, and their neighbors, Ed and Trixie Norton. Gleason begins the show by explaining that, due to a guest's cancellation, he will have to fill time with celebrity impersonations. He takes on the personas of many Hollywood stars of the era, including Charles Laughton, Charles Boyer, Peter Lorre, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Lionel Barrymore, and Jimmy Durante. He then introduces a performance by the June Taylor Dancers. Julie Wilson sings two songs including "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans." Announcer Don Russell introduces "The Honeymooners" sketch, explaining that the Kramdens' marital bliss is about to be interrupted once again, this time by a new television set. In the sketch, Ralph becomes angry when he returns home from work and discovers that his wife, Alice, has had a television installed for a free trial period. This sketch marks the first appearance of the Kramdens' upstairs neighbors, the equally embattled Ed and Trixie Norton, played by Art Carney and, in her single appearance as Trixie, Elaine Stritch. Following the sketch is a performance by dancers Phyllis Gehrig and Don Weismuller, along with the June Taylor Dancers. Gleason then appears as Joe the Bartender, whose loose lips unleash all the local gossip. Finally, Russell introduces recording star Don Cornell, who performs his 1950 hit single, "It Isn't Fair." Gleason, Stritch, and Carney conclude the program with a skit called "Happy Jack Goes-A-Courtin'" -- a tribute to silent movies. Includes commercials and a public service announcement.

Cataloging of this program was made possible by The Coca-Cola Company.

Details

  • NETWORK: DuMont
  • DATE: November 2, 1951 10:00 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 0:59:08
  • COLOR/B&W: B&W
  • CATALOG ID: T:28247
  • GENRE: Comedy/Variety
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Films, silent - Parody; Impersonations; Music, popular (songs, etc.)
  • SERIES RUN: DuMont - TV series, 1949-1952
  • COMMERCIALS:
    • TV - Commercials - Heed deodorant
    • TV - Commercials - Luden's Menthol cough drops
    • TV - Commercials - Serutan laxatives
    • TV - PSA - National Amputation Foundation

CREDITS

  • Milton Douglas … Producer
  • Frank Bunetta … Director
  • Harry Crayne … Writer
  • Jackie Gleason … Writer
  • Sammy Spear … Music (Misc. Credits), Orchestra directed by
  • June Taylor … Choreographer
  • Don Russell … Announcer
  • Jackie Gleason … Cast, Ralph Kramden, Joe the Bartender, and Happy Jack, Host
  • Pert Kelton … Cast, Alice Kramden
  • Art Carney … Cast, Ed Norton
  • Elaine Stritch … Cast, Trixie Norton
  • June Taylor Dancers, The … Dance Company
  • Julie Wilson … Singer
  • Don Cornell … Singer
  • Don Weismuller … Performer, Dancer
  • Phyllis Gehrig … Performer, Dancer
  • Lionel Barrymore
  • Humphrey Bogart
  • Charles Boyer
  • Jimmy Durante
  • Clark Gable
  • Charles Laughton
  • Peter Lorre