- Network: CBS
- Series Premiere Date: Sep 20, 1952
Summary:
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 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...
Details
| Network: | CBS |
|---|---|
| Genre(s): | Comedy, Variety Shows |
| Seasons: | 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 |
