Jackie Gleason Specials

[Benno123]

Besides the reunion shows in the 70s, Gleason had many specials. I mentioned his 1970 special that had a Honeymooners skit in it. Any information on that would be great, I can't find my information I had on it. Also, did his specials "Step On the Gas" and "The Big Sell" feature Kramden on them? I'm think I read they did, but I don't remember.

I know we had this discussion on the old message board, but I thought I'd bring it up here as well! Plus, I'm trying to remember myself!!!!

[T-Greg]

Ben. I think I was the one who first brought those up on honeymooners.net. Here are summaries:

The Big Sell 10/9/60 (CBS-53 min.)- A take-off on the advertising industry.. Gleason is featured in comedy sketches, and as Kranden in one. Art Carney also appears and they do a Honeymooners sketch. Starring Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Phil Harris. Phil Harris joins Jackie Gleason in a tongue in cheek salute to the American salesman. This program was broadcast live.
Step on the Gas 10/19/60 (CBS)- a show featuring skits that spoof drivers and driving in America.

The Big Sell was advertised without a mention of Carney being on it, but it was shown live, and he was a guest. I gather it was a surprise or a last minute addition.

The other one I'm looking for is Million Dollar Incident, which was a TV movie. Here's that summary:

Million Dollar Incident 4/21/61 (CBS-75 min.) Jackie Gleason, George Jessel, Jack Klugman, Everett Sloane, Peter Falk, Ed Sullivan. Screenwriter, arranger, conductor and actor, Jackie Gleason stars in this unusual tale of a kidnaping and ransom. Co-stars include Everett Sloane, Jack Klugman, Peter Falk and cameo appearances by Ed Sullivan and George Jessel.

[VIDEOWACK]

Ben. I think I was the one who first brought those up on honeymooners.net. Here are summaries:

The Big Sell 10/9/60 (CBS-53 min.)- A take-off on the advertising industry.. Gleason is featured in comedy sketches, and as Kranden in one. Art Carney also appears and they do a Honeymooners sketch. Starring Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Phil Harris. Phil Harris joins Jackie Gleason in a tongue in cheek salute to the American salesman. This program was broadcast live.
Step on the Gas 10/19/60 (CBS)- a show featuring skits that spoof drivers and driving in America.

The Big Sell was advertised without a mention of Carney being on it, but it was shown live, and he was a guest. I gather it was a surprise or a last minute addition.

The other one I'm looking for is Million Dollar Incident, which was a TV movie. Here's that summary:

Million Dollar Incident 4/21/61 (CBS-75 min.) Jackie Gleason, George Jessel, Jack Klugman, Everett Sloane, Peter Falk, Ed Sullivan. Screenwriter, arranger, conductor and actor, Jackie Gleason stars in this unusual tale of a kidnaping and ransom. Co-stars include Everett Sloane, Jack Klugman, Peter Falk and cameo appearances by Ed Sullivan and George Jessel.

A clip from "The Big Sell" was shown on the special, "Jackie Gleason: The Great One" hosted by John Candy in 1988. They showed a few minutes of the Reggie sketch with Phil Harris.

[Bill S.]

Hmm...never knew there was a Honeymooners sketch on that "Big Sell" show. Any idea who played Alice & Trixie?

[Benno123]

Thanks Greg for the post. I really think that these shows are some that MPI should be made aware of as well. You just never know what may be added as bonus material to a DVD someday!

I was thinking about this today on the way to work (who knows why!) and I think given time, MPI and the Gleason Estate can and will work together to create Gleason DVDs taht we the fans will be proud to own and MPI the company will be happy to release. Since it's a smaller market for these, then the prices will probably be higher since less would probably be produced, but I for one would be happy and willing to pay the higher prices!

By the way, Bill, since the Honeymooners skit on The Big Sell isn't documented anywhere other than in a Gleason biography with a really quick mention, I don't know who would have played the wives. Perhaps another actress, or Alice and Trixie didn't appear.

[T-Greg]

Hmm...never knew there was a Honeymooners sketch on that "Big Sell" show. Any idea who played Alice & Trixie?

I really think it was a Ralph and Norton only thing. Has anyone ever seen "Julie and Jackie: How Sweet It Is"? Jackie as Ralph and Julie Andrews as Norton...and that was it.

[VIDEOWACK]

I really think it was a Ralph and Norton only thing. Has anyone ever seen "Julie and Jackie: How Sweet It Is"? Jackie as Ralph and Julie Andrews as Norton...and that was it.

Great special Greg, and I believe it was the last time Gleason ever performed Reggie, The Poor Soul and Joe the Bartender.