Let's talk Alice.

[*ClassicPinUp*]

I know we've done the Pert Kelton talk & most didn't care for her but what are some opinions about her & how she affected the show (be it positive or negative)? Do you think if Pert had stayed as Alice that it would have lasted? Let alone be as popular today?

I for one didn't find them funny. I mean an occasional giggle but nothing like the ones with Audrey. I gave Pert a fair chance but I really thought she dragged the show down. Jackie & Art were fresh but still terrific however all it takes (IMO) is one bad actor & the show loses it. With Pert I could not have seen it lasting in the 50's let alone today.

Any other opinions?

[The Great One]

I know we've done the Pert Kelton talk & most didn't care for her but what are some opinions about her & how she affected the show (be it positive or negative)? Do you think if Pert had stayed as Alice that it would have lasted? Let alone be as popular today?

I for one didn't find them funny. I mean an occasional giggle but nothing like the ones with Audrey. I gave Pert a fair chance but I really thought she dragged the show down. Jackie & Art were fresh but still terrific however all it takes (IMO) is one bad actor & the show loses it. With Pert I could not have seen it lasting in the 50's let alone today.

Any other opinions?

I think Pert Kelton's personality was way too rough and it hindered the development of Ralph's character to the point where he wasn't very likable. Once Audrey stepped into the role of Alice, Ralph took on a much softer
personality. He was still the loud mouth but you knew he loved Alice and was just trying to strike it rich with one of his schemes so that he could provide
Alice with the best things in life. If Pert Kelton stayed I don't think the Honeymooners would have lasted very long~JMO

[Bill S.]

Yeah, I don't think The Honeymooners would've been as popular without Audrey. Jayne Meadows said it best, "Audrey was born to play Alice." Everything about her was perfect, her voice, her sarcastic attitude, Audrey WAS Alice. And while I'll admit the DuMont sketches don't have nearly as much replay value as the Lost Episodes & Classic 39, I still pop them in from time to time, just because it was history in the making and I consider it a privilege to see how it all started. It's interesting to see how this little sketch developed into such an amazing show.