Frank Gannucci
01-08-2021, 09:02 PM
Honeymooners Episode Reviews: "Man Under The Street - Ed Sullivan (aka “Private Life Of A Sewerworker)”, “We're Off To See The Wizard" & "Operation Protest":
“Man Under The Street -Ed Sullivan” (aka “The Private Life of A Sewerworker.”) :
TV: In 2019, Decades started showing this sketch despite it technically not being a Honeymooners episode and it is paired with the Ed Norton interviews called "People To People" & "Cost of Living- Jackie Gleason."
DVD: On disc 16, it is attached to radio versions of “Letter To The Boss” & “Love Letter”, “Additional Sketches & Commercials”, “New Featurettes” & scripts to “Easter Hats” & “Alice’s Birthday.”
Air Date: Sat. 2/6/54
Note: I haven’t seen the “Incredible World of Ed Norton.” Some people say that this was a pilot for a show that was going to star Art Carney and Al Lewis. The pilot was said to be a disaster and it never aired. However, some people say that the show wasn't that bad and it did air on 1/17/70.
I did dig up some info. on it and despite an earlier post that said it was similar to a sketch called "Man Under the Street" (aka "Private Life of A Sewer Worker") that had Ed Sullivan (as himself) interview Ed Norton, I was wrong. According to tv.com, guests mentioned that there was two scenes ever in this sketch. First one was Ed Norton in the sewer, cleaning his teeth and singing. The second one took place at a restaurant. I am thinking that Ed Norton sang "Song of The Sewer" and/or his own version of "Va-va-va-voom" during the first scene and/or during the later scene. "Song of The Sewer" sung by Art Carney in the 50s can be heard here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TKv23td-fw. The latter song can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQGJ2kzew9g
The Jackie Gleason Show that has this sketch is on the tape trading circuit BUT the sketch is not seen because someone super-imposed another clip from an earlier Jackie Gleason Show episode on top of it and you can tell because at the end of the super-imposed clip, the show unnaturally (as in abruptly right in the middle of the clip) jumps to the closing credits. Why? Well, this is what I found out curtesy of what sitcomsonline.com member cloggedmind wrote on the Trading Post section:
"Well, it is all speculation and I, for one, do not believe the "it was so awful Gleason cut it to protect Carney's reputation," and so on. What I do believe is that, having traded, bought and sold a few collector prints of various films, and having owned (and still do!) a few obscure homebrew telecine copies of third and fourth-hand films, it could be:
a) A Mistake. Simply, when cobbling together a full-length program to dupe for armed forces, personal archiving, or overseas sales, mis-matched elements were used. Hell, I got a couple of 16mm Stooges film prints that have The End titles spliced in from the wrong eras, and even some of those Screen Gems logo plastered hack jobs (a widescreen era Columbia Pictures logo, tacked on one!).
b) A rights issue. Quite often, for unspecified reasons (usually involving $$) authors may choose to not allow programs to be shown, sold, traded or otherwise. It happens, and it could have happened when JG's folks were making these film copies.
c) Lost elements. Broken or ruined footage may have been replaced. Or, with so few copies in circulation, someone may have taken a shine to that particular footage, hoping to retire upon its later "discovery" and subsequent sale to the right person. So they put in something else laying around to fill time. This kind of cut and paste leads to the next possibility:
d) Hoarding. This happens too often in the film collectors' circles. One gets hold of rare footage and is scared to let anyone near it for fear of devaluing the material. Best examples I know of are things like the Three Stooges Cartoon/live action combo films "Stooges Scrapbook" and "The Spain Mutiny". People have them but will not share, sell or allow viewing. 2 people have also claimed in the last 12 years to have superior 16mm copies of the Stooges' swansong "Kook's Tour" but allegedly could not agree on a ransom price.
I would guess it is a combination of A and D, with someone subbing in some footage and selling the print as is. I'd bet somewhere long ago, someone knew they had something rare and cannibalized the footage. The kinescope ends with Johnny Olsen reminding you to tune in to the Honeymooners next week, and it has the Bressler/Duddy song credit which hints at it maybe coming from another Honeymooners episode, which would be incorrect, as well, and flown in from separate elements
AND, the print just runs out as broken film. Poof. Proving (?) that the elements were kinda iffy anyway.
Frustrating, but there you have it."
I will post what is supposedly the original version of “The Incredible World of Ed Norton”, “The Private Life of A Sewer Worker (aka “Man Under The Street”):
This interview is actually a very sought after piece of footage. One belief that I had was that I thought this was a rarely seen “Honeymooners sketch” that didn’t involve Jackie because of his broken leg as well as during the sketch Ed sang “Song of The Sewer.” I also thought that this sketch was “remade” in 1970 as “Incredible World of Ed Norton” with various changes (like the previous title was “The Private Life of A Sewer Worker.”) I also thought that this was filmed in the spring of ’55. After Jackie broke his leg, various people substituted for him. This was filmed on Feb. 6, 1954.
Ed Sullivan is on the street at the manhole in which Ed works. Ed Norton rises up. Ed Sullivan: “I’m from CBS. I need to ask you a few questions. What is your name?” Ed Norton reveals that he had an uncle that worked on as a painter on a skyscraper for a long time and nothing happened to him while he worked 20 to 30 feet in the air. He slipped on a cake of soap while he was working up all the way in the air. Ed Sullivan: “That is the way it goes. It’s light boy.” Ed: “No, it was Ivory.” Ed Sullivan gives Ed Norton a look which causes Ed to say: “What a grouch.”
Ed Sullivan wants to know what happened to his uncle. Ed Norton says that he fell 17 feet but he didn’t get hurt because he landed on two old ladies. Ed Sullivan asks Ed Norton how long he has been working in the sewer. Ed Norton says 10 years (despite the fact that he said 17 years in “Teamwork Beats The Clock.”). Ed Norton revealed that despite being lucky, he got the job because his old man worked in the sewer. Ed Sullivan then asks did he have any trouble getting this job. Ed Norton: “They made 50 applicants take an intelligence test and the guy with the five lowest scores got the job.” Ha! Question: In the lost episode and radio versions of “Letter To The Boss”, didn’t Ed Norton say that in order for Ralph to work in the sewer that he would have to pass the floating test?
Bruce from the yells to Ed that he needs help fixing the busted water main. Ed Sullivan says that the public has never appreciated the heroism of the people who work under the New York streets. Ed doesn’t know about that because they made a picture about them called: “Hell & High Water.” Ed Sullivan gives him a look which causes Ed Norton to say: “This guy is worse than Ed Sullivan.” Ed Sullivan shoves him.
Ed Norton says that his job can be real dangerous especially when it pours and it starts gushing. When that happens, all the workers hook a rope around each other. One guy’s rope snapped and he got washed into Newark. It wasn’t a tragedy because he lives in Newark. He also says that it does get boring but they have a radio. Ed Norton’s favorite band is Chepfielder’s Rippling Rhythm. Ed Sullivan: “I am happy to find out a man who is happy to be working in the sewer.” Ed Norton: “What am I supposed to do, open my own sewer?” Ed Sullivan is laughing during this. Bruce says that the water is causing a problem. Ed Norton sees this and puts his hat on his chest. Ed Norton: “That is what I get for working with a man who is 4’11.” Ed Sullivan says that he is sorry that he lost his friend but thanks him for the interview. Ed calls Ed Sullivan a sweet kid. Shouldn’t they be more concerned about Bruce? That is the end of that sketch. The “remade” version was probably longer. As far as the earlier sketch, I think somebody on the old board said that during this interview, Ed Sullivan gets told by Ed Norton that they pay for things on time and when the creditors come, Trixie scares them by playing the piano badly. This piece of information is not on the DVD.
Episode #221 (Syndicated episode #41)
TV: Hour (edited).
DVD: Attached to "The Match Game", "Double Trouble", "Operation: Protest", "Women's Lib" & "A Talk With Trixie."
Air Date: Sat. 2/21/70
In the Nick Clooney intro, Nick says that he was asked a question from a viewer about Shelia MacRae. The person asked if Shelia did any TV shows following the Jackie Gleason Show and whether her and her husband, Gordon did any shows. Nick said yes and the show that she did was Parenthood in '90 and she and her hubby co-hosted the Revlon Review in '60. Nick said he would answer any questions from viewers by going to the website goodtv.com (that was still the website for American Life TV even though it sounds strange until the network was renamed Youtoo TV in 2011.). I don't know if you can still ask Nick questions since Youtoo TV deleted his intros in March '05 as well as the network changing its philosophy with the name change.
As usual, the June Taylor Dancers come out all dressed up in costumes and sing: "Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras." After that, they leave. The Kramdens & Nortons arrive in New Orleans. The guy at the hotel mixed up their reservations. Now they are in need of a room. It's Mardi Gras week and each one of them is filled up. Ed's solution: Going to a furniture store, getting three beds and putting five dollars down on the furniture. Ed: "It's cheaper than a hotel." Ralph says that is crazy. Ralph: "Where are we going to put the four beds? We don't have a room." Ed: "We go to a costume place, put the beds on a float and dress up as the three bears." Ralph: "We can't do that. There are four of us." Ed: "Pleased to meet you Goldilocks." Ralph: "You are going to be Sleeping Beauty." Trixie says that Ed has a relative down here. Ed looks up her address. Ed: “I think her name is Emma Beauregard. That means I have to look under the Rs.” Ralph: “Her last name is Beauregard and you have to look under the Rs?” Ed: “Her middle name is Beau and her last name is Regard.” That is what the subtitles on the MPI DVD say. He can’t find the address, so he asks a person to help them find the place. Ed: "Can you direct me to P.O. Box 263?" Ralph spots the address. It's Jambolia Lane Route 47. Alice suggests them renting a car and asking the guy at the office where the car is. A guy comes up dressed as Goldilocks (it's probably Sammy Spear) and has a balloon. Guy: "I can't find a room. Did you see a float go by with three bears on it?" Ed (pointing to his right): "I think they went that way." Guy: "Thank you." They leave.
At Ed Norton's relative's broken-down house, the camera zooms in on a signs that say lucky charms and voodoo stuff. It turns out that Ed's relative is a spiritualist. A guy named Clarence comes around. The audience claps for him. Mr. Morgan comes around and greets Clarence. Clarence offers him a voodoo doll, a rabbit's foot and a magic ring. He says no. Mr. Morgan asks him to get his mother out. The mortgage is due on the house. She comes out and it's the same lady who played Alice's Aunt Ethel. She is wearing some long necklaces. Mr. Morgan asks for the $200 for the mortgage. She says no but she will get in touch with her father so he can tell her where the money is. Mr. Morgan says he wants the money by Tuesday or he will take over the house. Mr. Morgan says that he doesn't believe in all that mumbo jumbo (her witchcraft). The only thing he believes in is $200. He leaves. Clarence is worried that he will take the house away. Mom: "It's such a shame since we got it fixed up." A car horn is heard and it's Ralph driving with Ed & the girls pushing it. What a lazy person that Ralph is. Ralph: "You can stop pushing. I'm tired of steering." Ralph got them all a cheap car and it ran out of gas. It turns out that Ralph didn't buy enough. Ed: "You should be grateful to him. When that alligator came out of the swamp, Ralph said: 'Push faster. He's gaining on us.'" They run into Clarence. Clarence sells them a rabbit foot, voodoo dolls. He introduces his mom as Emma. Emma: "My name is Emma Bo Regard." Ralph: "We are just down here for a few days to see the Mardi Gras." Emma: "The parade doesn't pass here." Ralph: "We will pay you for anything you get." Ralph offers her $200 for a room. Emma agrees to let them stay, put turns down the money. Alice introduces her & Trixie. They go inside to make themselves at home. Clarence carries their luggage and asks her why she turned him down. Emma says that she is going to use her supernatural powers and call upon the spirit world. If that doesn't work, she will use voodoo. If that doesn't work, she will use black magic. If that happens, she will use her most powerful weapon: Sex. Clarence: "Don't do it Ma. I can't stand seeing him put his paws on you." Emma says that everyone believes in the supernatural. Clarence & Emma sing: "Need A Little Helping Hand." Ed asks Emma if they can have the soup that is in the kitchen. She says yes. Emma: "The spirits are working already."
In the dining room, Ralph & Ed are eating soup. Ed is making noise because he has a bay leaf in his teeth. Ralph asks Emma if she can make another bowl of soup. She says no she can't for another month because there will be a full moon. Emma is glad that a Norton is here. Emma wants to find out where are her gold-blooms (gold coins). Emma: "There is a million dollars worth." Ralph says if that is so, why her and Clarence doesn’t dig them up. Emma says because the land is a swamp. Emma says that the famous pirate, Juan-Layette Norton, buried them 200 years ago. He said that he wouldn't reveal them until the first male Norton visited her house. Emma says that she can use her mystic powers to call Juan and have him tell where the money is. Ralph: "Call after 9pm. The rates are much cheaper then." Emma knows that Ralph doesn't believe the spirit world. Emma knows that Ralph is skeptical so she made a voodoo doll of Ralph (I wonder if that doll was a real toy that was marketed.) Ralph: "It looks like me." Emma says it isn't made to be cute. Emma: "Whatever happens to this doll will happen to you." Ralph doesn't believe her and leaves the room. Emma sticks something in Ralph and Ralph screams in pain. Ralph comes back in and says that he felt pain. Ralph still doesn't believe the voodoo mumbo-jumbo. Ralph sticks the pin in the doll and as he's doing it Clarence sneaks up behind him and drives a pin into Ralph's backside. Ralph & Ed don't notice. Emma leaves to commune with the spirits. Ralph says he wasn't pretending that he was hurt, he was hurt. Ed talks about Emma talking with Ed's dead relative and telling where the million dollars worth of gold coins are. Gee, I wonder what idea Ralph is going to get. Ralph says that they will be rich. Ralph: "She has supernatural powers." Ralph says that they will join Emma as she talks with Ed's dead relative and have him say where the money is and they will be rich. Ralph slams the doll on the table and says he doesn't feel the pain because he's used to it. The girls come in and Ralph talks about his plan. Alice says that Ralph has lost his mind. Ralph explains what Ed's dead relative did and Emma will talk to him in a séance. Ed: "Because I was the first male Norton to visit here." Trixie: "You are also the first male Norton to visit the nut house." Alice laughs at the thought of Ralph & Ed believing in ghosts. They sing: "We believe in voodoo." Alice says that Ralph is baloney. Ralph tries to prove her wrong by having Norton stick a pin in him. Norton misunderstands and actually sticks a pin in the real Ralph. Ralph is in pain as the girls laugh.
Later on Clarence sets everything up. Emma says that this will be the first séance they have done in a long time. Clarence says that the boys are dumb but the wives are so smart, that they won't fall for the set up. Emma is taking care of that. Emma made Ralph make the girls leave in the room. Emma is going to meditate. Clarence & Emma leave. Ralph & Ed come in. Ralph thinks about them discovering the million coins and because of that, he will be a rich man along with Ed. Ed is talking about talking to other people in séances like who made the sewer etc. Ed & Ralph (sing): "Talk To The Spirits." Emma comes in. She is ready for the séance and they hold hands. Emma asks Ed to turn off the lights, but he forgets to let go of her hand at first. He turns off the lights and stumbles to try to find his seat. They hold hands again. Emma begins the séance. Emma: "Here my spirit. Here me." Ed eats his soup. He got it from the kitchen because he was so nervous. The lights get turned on a little bit. Emma asks for absolute silence. A loud noise is heard. Ed (in regards to the noise): "I think a bay leaf flew over my head." Emma: "I am in the spirit world. Oh Great Spirit, do you hear me? Do you hear me?" An invisible door on the wall on top of the fire escape opens and Clarence is there. Clarence: "I hear you! I hear you!" The door closes. Emma: "Give us a sign if you are among us." A trumpet floats down and for some reason Ralph & Ed can't see the strings holding it. Clarence through the door plays the Jackie Gleason theme song on the trumpet. The trumpet floats back up and the door closes. Emma asks for the ghost of Juan Layfette Norton to appear. Trixie comes in with a nightgown and a hairnet. Ed doesn't recognize her. Ed: "Are you Juan Layfette Norton?" Trixie: "I'm Trixie Norton. I'm going to brush my teeth." She leaves. Clarence appears through the door and says in a falsetto voice: "Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na." Ralph: "It's him." Ed: "Sounds more like his hairdresser. How's it going? What's new or what's old?" Ralph tells Norton to tell him where the money is. Ed says that when you meet a person that you haven't met in a long time, you should make him feel more at home. That is important to him. Ralph says that if he doesn't ask him where the money is, he will blast Norton into outer space. Clarence (through door): "Gentlemen please." Ralph (seeing Clarence in the door and not knowing that it is him, says): "Stay out of this." It should be noted that Ralph & Ed still don't know that the "spirit" they are talking to is Clarence who's appearing through the door. Ed, seeing Clarence in the door and not knowing that it is him, asks him where the gold-blooms are. Trixie comes out and says that she couldn't find a toothbrush. She exits back where she came from. "Juan" says that in order for him to tell them where the money is, he must get $200. Ed doesn't have the money, but Ralph does. "Juan" accepts the money and a treasure box is lowered. "Juan" says for him to put the money in the treasure box and remove the map. He does. The treasure box raises and the lights come on after Emma says that the séance is over. Ed: "What will the ghost do with the money" Emma: "Buy towels"
The next day, the girls come in to the séance room. They are MAD at their husbands for doing what they have done. Alice: "Ralph fell for the oldest trick in the world. They have been digging since 9am." Trixie says that they will tell them what Emma really is. The boys come in without the money. I really would have liked to have seen the scene where Ralph & Ed digging for money. Alice: "I see you have brought back your shovel. Where is the sand pail?" Ralph is angry and tells Ed to get some sleep so they will resume digging at 4am. They were digging right where the ghost said the money was buried and they didn't get any money. The girls reveal the real truth and the buttons that Emma pushed to lower & raise the things. Ralph says that him & Ed saw the ghost in the door on top of the fire place. Alice pushed the button that opened and closed the door. Gee, Ralph & Ed saw a dead person looking like he was alive and not dead? Ed: "What button did she use to make Trixie come out of the bathroom?" Ralph says that they have been taken. Ed says that they have been taking for $202. They needed the $2 to get the shovel from Clarence. Ralph gets Emma to come into the séance room and says that she cheated him and Ed and the tricks she pulled. Ralph: "You are a fraud." Emma doesn't deny it. Emma says that she did what she did because she was desperate because she needed the money to pay the mortgage for the house. The only house that she and Clarence ever had. Considering that Clarence looks like he's over 40, shouldn't she already have been done paying the mortgage on the house? Emma: "We are sort of attached to it. I'm sorry." She gives the money back. Alice: "She didn't mean it." Trixie: "It wasn't her fault." The girls sing: "To A Woman, There Is Nothing Like Her Home." Ralph gives the money back to her so she can pay the mortgage She doesn't need it now since she already sold their car. Everybody is still happy.
At the curtain call, Jackie says: "How sweet it is." Ralph says that there was one scene in this episode in which an audience member came on stage while they were filming (only the studio audience saw that) and because of the audience member's involvement, they had to film the whole scene again. According to Jackie, he saw Sammy Spear ready to take the member off the stage with force. Jackie says that the cast held up pretty well under those circumstances and introduced each one of them. When Art comes out, he has a broom and says: "Someone has got to clean up this show." Jackie then praises the Miami Beach audience and says: "Goodnight!"
During the credit roll, Johnny says: "Don't miss next week's episode."
Episode #222 (Syndicated episode #42)
TV: Hour (edited).
DVD: Attached to "Double Trouble", "We're Off To See The Wizard", "The Match Game", "Women's Lib" & "A Talk With Trixie."
Air Date: Sat. 2/28/70
In the Nick Clooney intro, he mentions the youth protests that were going on during the time that this episode was made. He also said it would be interesting how the audience reacted to this sensitive issue.
At the Panasonic Theater in Brooklyn, dancers are seen (June Taylor Dancers, of course) and sing: "Broadway On Opening Night." After that, they enter the Panasonic Theater. (I wonder if Panasonic sponsored the show) Johnny Olsen announces the people who are coming. The people who are going to be interviewed for the premier are going to be shown on TV. A person goes to interview a person who named Mr. Ronald Lovelace who is with his girl (Greta Von Hagge). He calls his girl Miss. Wonderful. The Kramdens & Nortons are going to arrive back home at the theater for the opening night of "Love On A Bus." The Kramdens & Nortons arrive but not before they crashed their cars into each other. They walk the red carpet as "Love On A Bus" is played. The host interviews the Kramdens & Nortons. The Kramdens & Nortons haven't been home yet. The host has a special surprise for Ralph. Ralph's boss, Mr. George Marshall (John Beil) is there. Wasn't his name J.J. Marshall in several past episodes? He arrives to tell Ralph that since Ralph has been with the company so long, he now knows him as a friend. He praises Ralph some more and shakes Ed's hand thinking that it is Ralph's. Ed is happy. Ralph introduces himself. Mr. George Marshall says that since Ralph has publicized the song "Love On A Bus", he has now been promoted to Public Relations Director of the Gotham Bus Company. Everyone is happy. Mr. Marshall says that since he has helped Ralph publicize the song, he has hired him as Ralph's assistant. Ed gets on the microphone and says that he wishes that his boss from the sewer was here so he can make Ralph's assistant. Austin, the name of the host signs off from the Panasonic Theater. Alice says that her nephew, Clifford (Tom Logon) has been at the Kramdens since they have been away. Alice: "I told him to meet us at the theater." The way Shelia pronounces "theater" says that she still had an English accent (she was born in London.) Clifford just got out of college. Clifford (yells): "DOWN WITH 'LOVE ON A BUS'. IT'S PRO POLLUTION." Clifford has a protesting sign that says: "Down With 'Love On A Bus'." When Ralph questions him, he says that he is doing his thing. Ralph threatens to beat Clifford up. Clifford digs confrontations. Ralph orders him to give him this sign. A policeman blows his whistle. He arrives. Ralph explains the problem. Ralph: "He says that 'Love On A Bus' is pro pollution." Clifford: "It's polluting the minds of the American public." Ralph explains the whole summary of the picture. The summary not only has little resemblance to the title but I think it guarantees that the movie will be a flop. He also makes a couple of Florida references. What a surprise. After hearing the summary, the policeman grabs the sign and says that the movie stinks. He marches with the sign.
At the Kramden home, there are a lot of signs that say: "Down With Capitalism", "Down With Communism", "Flower Power" & "Love." There is also a lot of late 60s/early 70s decor. Ralph isn't amused and neither is Alice. Ralph hates the small sculpture of a fat man that is on Ralph's table (one of Clifford's possessions). Ralph says that with all the signs, he says that the kid is against everything. Alice defends him by saying that he is in his early 20s. Ralph doesn't want the neighbors to know what is going on inside. He pulls down the shades only to see "Down With Shades" written on them. Ralph says that he will kick Clifford. Alice says that he has nowhere to go and he can't go back to his mom since he hates momism. Ralph: "Send him to his papa." Alice: "He can't." Ralph: "Where is his dad hiding?" Alice says that he is in the Navy. Alice: "He is up on the North Pole counting seals." Ralph: "He's hiding." Alice is against the idea of Clifford being kicked out. Ralph wants the signs and decor thrown out since he is an executive and he doesn't want his house to look like a crazy house. Ralph goes into the bedroom. He comes back with leaflets that say more protesting-like things. He orders them to be thrown out too. He goes back into his bedroom and pulls out a drunk young guy. The drunkard gives Ralph the peace sign as Ralph kicks him out. Ralph throws out more things. Alice doesn't think that Ralph has any right to do what he is doing. Ed comes in through the fire escape with groceries. He tells Ralph that Clifford has been picketing the building. Ed: "He has a sign that says: 'The landlord is a fake." Ralph is mad. Ralph says that Clifford has no respect for anything. Alice goes inside to fix up the bed. Ralph asks Ed to wear a tie for their first day on the job. Ed has ideas. One of his ideas is to reduce the number of buses on the street by making a 12-decker bus. A 12-decker bus. Wow! Ralph likes the idea which shows that Ralph is stupid. Ralph: "How are you going to get it through tunnels?" Ed: "You come up with the solution to that problem." Ralph says that they should come up with ideas to come up with ideas to make bus riding more convenient and efficient for people. Ed suggests long straps for drunk people to lay on the floor on Saturday night. Ralph likes the idea. Ralph has another idea: Bringing a stewardess. Ralph says that they will revolutionize the bus industry. They sing: "Wait Until You See The Bus Of Tomorrow" in which Ed mentions that the buses of the future will have TVs so people can watch movies and Ralph mentions that people would be able to watch X-rated movies on the bus at night. In reality, some of the buses of today have that feature but I doubt they play X-rated movies.
At the entrance of the Gotham Bus Company, Clifford and his friends are protesting. Hippie music is playing. Some of the signs are: "Down With Soap" in which the "S" is backwards. There is another sign that says: "Free Tuition For All." Policemen come by and arrest some of the protesters. They sing: "We Protest" in which they harass a poor guy by putting him in a trash can. It is so strange seeing a scene like this in a Honeymooners episode. At the end, the studio audience actually claps. Clifford orders some protesters to chain themselves to a bulldozer, to go to a library and some to city hall. Clifford and his drunk friend leave to protest somewhere else. Ralph & Ed come out after a successful first day on the job in which they were in a meeting. Clifford (yells): "GOTHAM BUS COMPANY EXPLOITS THE WORKING MAN!" Ralph & Ed are not happy that Clifford and his friend. Clifford: "The bus company will not let my friend ride on the bus without his shoes." Ralph says that Clifford will not make him miserable while he is on the job. He grabs Clifford's sign that says: "Mr. Marshall is a capitalistic creep" and Ed grabs Cliff's friends sign that says: "Free Bus Fare." Clifford and his friend (who Ralph threw out in the previous scene and who is called Ratzo) leave. Mr. Marshall comes out and sees Ralph & Ed with those signs. He asks what does those signs say since he can't read. Ed, being stupid, says that the sign says: "Mr. Marshall is a capitalistic creep." Mr. Marshall gets the wrong idea and fires Ralph & Ed. He also says that they are not allowed in the building and if they do go in, they will be thrown out. He leaves to talk to his engineer to make a 12-decker bus. I guess that Mr. Marshall is dumb to believe that a 12-decker bus is feasible. Since they lost their jobs, they protest about the bus company.
At home, Trixie tells Alice that Ralph & Ed have been fired. Clifford comes in with a sign that says: "Down With Everything." Trixie: "There (Clifford) is the reason." Trixie says that because of Cliff's protesting, Ralph & Ed lost their jobs. Alice asks Cliff for the truth. Cliff: "We picketed the airport, the U.N., the 34th Street Police Station. Yeah, we picketed the bus company today. Hey, I saw Uncle Ralph today." Alice explains: "You don't know what you have done." Ralph (from the subway which is two blocks down, yells): "ALLLICE!" Isn't the subway three long blocks away from the apartment building? Regardless, Ralph must have very good vocal chords for his voice to be heard all the way to the apartment building. The girls try to hide Cliff from Ralph. This is so strange seeing this on a Honeymooners episode. This scene almost looks like something you will see on I Love Lucy. Alice says that because of Cliff's picketing, Ralph got fired and Ralph will murder Cliff. Cliff: "That is okay Alice. I practice non-violence." They try to hide Cliff behind their backs. Ralph comes in all angry. Clifford reveals his face and Ralph orders Alice to get out of the way so he can kill Clifford. Alice: "You are going to hate yourself in the morning." Ralph: "True, but I will be happy tonight." Clifford tries to handle it by saying: "Peace." Ralph grabs one of Cliff's fingers and says Alice to grab the other one to make a wish. Ralph says that he will leave him alone for now but will take care of Alice first. Ralph: "This is your fault." Ralph threatens to send Alice to the North Pole, where Cliff's dad is, to count stars. Alice asks Ralph to be reasonable. Ralph says that because of Cliff, he lost the best job he ever had. Ralph: "Every time I get mixed up in a member of Alice's family, it's trouble for me." Alice says that he can't blame her whole family because of one mistake that Cliff made. Ralph: "It was five mistakes. Your mother was the first one. She had you, then she had your sister, then your sister had him. Then I married you." Ralph then says he is not sorry he married Alice. Cliff has been driving him nuts. Ralph: "He is like all the kids today. They don't listen to their elders because their hair is so long, they can't hear." The girls then sing a song in which Alice sings her half to Ralph and Trixie her half to Cliff. They sing: "Understanding." One of the lyrics Trixie sings to Cliff is: "Why don't you take that chip off your shoulder?" The song is not heard on syndication. After the sing, Cliff apologizes and says he will move to the YMCA and get a job. Cliff: "When I become a member of society, I want to change it." Ralph apologizes to Cliff for yelling. Cliff gives Ralph his most prized possession which is the fat man sculpture that Ralph threw out. Ed comes in. Ralph says that Cliff isn’t a bad kid. The girls leave to get dinner for the boys. Ralph & Ed concoct a plan to get their jobs back. Ralph will disguise himself as a barber that will cut Mr. Marshall's hair and slip some great ideas that Mr. Marshall hasn't heard before regarding the company and once Mr. Marshall likes them, he will reveal himself. Ed said that being a barber isn't as easy as it looks. Ed: "You have to get training." Cliff's hairy drunk friend, Ratzo, comes in. Ralph & Ed then sit Cliff's pal down so they can cut his hair much to Cliff's friend's chagrin.
At Mr. Marshall's office, a female assistant helps in Mr. Marshall's office. Mr. Marshall comes in complaining about the lunch he had at home. The barber (Ralph) comes in. He says his name is Luigi. Ralph looks like Super Mario except for the plumbing attire. "Luigi" says that Tony, Mr. Marshall's regular barber, is sick. "Luigi" also says that his chair is in the back. "Luigi": "I make out the income tax. That is similar to cutting hair as far as a little of the top goes." The manicurist (Ed) comes in. He looks hilarious. Mr. Marshall: "I haven't seen you in Tony's shop." Ed (in normal voice): "I go there every week for a shave." It's remarkable that Mr. Marshall can't notice that the manicurist is a man judging by the "her" tone of voice. "Luigi" says for "Muriel" to get in the chair. Ed gets confused because he doesn't know that he is Muriel. "Luigi" says: "You are Muriel." "Muriel" manicures Mr. Marshall's right hand. Muriel: "I have had my hands in water for 10 years." "Luigi" (n normal voice to Ed): "Shut your mouth.” (in Italian accent voice): "I mean shut your face." It's remarkable that Mr. Marshall doesn't think that Luigi is Ralph. "Luigi" talks about Ralph Kramden. After some name screw ups, Ralph's mustache partially falls off. Mr. Marshall recognizes Ralph and he is angry. He gives the money to the woman. Mr. Marshall: "I know that you are innocent." "Muriel" (putting the money in the shirt): "A woman is always the last to know." Ralph says that the woman is Ed. Ralph explains that the bus business is the only business he knows and loves. He asks for his job back. Mr. Marshall relents and doesn't even know what Ralph called him. Ed: "A capitalistic creep." Even so, he gives Ralph's job back. His job: A bus driver. Ralph is partially upset since he wanted to be a Public Relations Director. Mr. Marshall has already hired a Public Relations Director. Who is he? Clifford. Clifford has slicked back hair and wearing a suit. Ralph is upset. Clifford and Mr. Marshall leave to go to a board meeting. Cliff: "See ya, R.K." Ed: "At least you got a relative in the office." Ralph faces the reality of him going back to being a bus driver. Ed says he isn’t going back to the sewer after being the recipient of a $5 tip from Mr. Marshall for being his manicurist. (He eventually went back to a sewer worker that was revealed in the 70s reunion specials.) Ralph says that they were put on the earth for a reason, for him being a bus driver and for him being a sewer worker. They sing the last song of the Color Honeymooners which is called: "I'm In The Sewer and I'm In A Bus." I think that that's the title of the song.
During the curtain call, Jackie says: "How Sweet It Is." He introduces the cast including Tom Logon (I think the MPI subtitles has his name as Tom Leggen). He played Clifford. Tom comes out with a sign that says: "Down With Everything." Jackie then introduces some of the other cast people including of course, Jean Kean, Shelia & Art. Art comes out still dressed as the manicurist with some beer. Art: "I don't know what you got in your cup, but I'm a very light drinker." Jackie then praises the Miami Beach audience and says: "Goodnight!"
During the curtain call, you can see the lights go off then on. Johnny Olsen, in an awkward moment I guess, says: "Don't forget to tune in next week for the Honeymooners." The audience claps. These two things were heard on the future YTA TV and the future Cowboy Channel but not heard on the MPI DVD probably because MPI got the rights to the repeat version of this episode. I guess that they liked what Johnny said. I guess that either they didn't know when they filmed this episode that this was the last one or CBS was going to repeat an episode the following week. Of course, if you watched this on those two stations, it didn't sound awkward.
Credit I think goes to (the original) Bill's 'Mooners Archives, eBay.com, tv.com, Honeymooners Lost Episodes Book, tvguide.com, honeymooners.net, Honeymooners Lost Episodes DVD booklet, Wikipedia.org, Yahoo Groups You're A Riot! & Amazon.com.
“Man Under The Street -Ed Sullivan” (aka “The Private Life of A Sewerworker.”) :
TV: In 2019, Decades started showing this sketch despite it technically not being a Honeymooners episode and it is paired with the Ed Norton interviews called "People To People" & "Cost of Living- Jackie Gleason."
DVD: On disc 16, it is attached to radio versions of “Letter To The Boss” & “Love Letter”, “Additional Sketches & Commercials”, “New Featurettes” & scripts to “Easter Hats” & “Alice’s Birthday.”
Air Date: Sat. 2/6/54
Note: I haven’t seen the “Incredible World of Ed Norton.” Some people say that this was a pilot for a show that was going to star Art Carney and Al Lewis. The pilot was said to be a disaster and it never aired. However, some people say that the show wasn't that bad and it did air on 1/17/70.
I did dig up some info. on it and despite an earlier post that said it was similar to a sketch called "Man Under the Street" (aka "Private Life of A Sewer Worker") that had Ed Sullivan (as himself) interview Ed Norton, I was wrong. According to tv.com, guests mentioned that there was two scenes ever in this sketch. First one was Ed Norton in the sewer, cleaning his teeth and singing. The second one took place at a restaurant. I am thinking that Ed Norton sang "Song of The Sewer" and/or his own version of "Va-va-va-voom" during the first scene and/or during the later scene. "Song of The Sewer" sung by Art Carney in the 50s can be heard here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TKv23td-fw. The latter song can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQGJ2kzew9g
The Jackie Gleason Show that has this sketch is on the tape trading circuit BUT the sketch is not seen because someone super-imposed another clip from an earlier Jackie Gleason Show episode on top of it and you can tell because at the end of the super-imposed clip, the show unnaturally (as in abruptly right in the middle of the clip) jumps to the closing credits. Why? Well, this is what I found out curtesy of what sitcomsonline.com member cloggedmind wrote on the Trading Post section:
"Well, it is all speculation and I, for one, do not believe the "it was so awful Gleason cut it to protect Carney's reputation," and so on. What I do believe is that, having traded, bought and sold a few collector prints of various films, and having owned (and still do!) a few obscure homebrew telecine copies of third and fourth-hand films, it could be:
a) A Mistake. Simply, when cobbling together a full-length program to dupe for armed forces, personal archiving, or overseas sales, mis-matched elements were used. Hell, I got a couple of 16mm Stooges film prints that have The End titles spliced in from the wrong eras, and even some of those Screen Gems logo plastered hack jobs (a widescreen era Columbia Pictures logo, tacked on one!).
b) A rights issue. Quite often, for unspecified reasons (usually involving $$) authors may choose to not allow programs to be shown, sold, traded or otherwise. It happens, and it could have happened when JG's folks were making these film copies.
c) Lost elements. Broken or ruined footage may have been replaced. Or, with so few copies in circulation, someone may have taken a shine to that particular footage, hoping to retire upon its later "discovery" and subsequent sale to the right person. So they put in something else laying around to fill time. This kind of cut and paste leads to the next possibility:
d) Hoarding. This happens too often in the film collectors' circles. One gets hold of rare footage and is scared to let anyone near it for fear of devaluing the material. Best examples I know of are things like the Three Stooges Cartoon/live action combo films "Stooges Scrapbook" and "The Spain Mutiny". People have them but will not share, sell or allow viewing. 2 people have also claimed in the last 12 years to have superior 16mm copies of the Stooges' swansong "Kook's Tour" but allegedly could not agree on a ransom price.
I would guess it is a combination of A and D, with someone subbing in some footage and selling the print as is. I'd bet somewhere long ago, someone knew they had something rare and cannibalized the footage. The kinescope ends with Johnny Olsen reminding you to tune in to the Honeymooners next week, and it has the Bressler/Duddy song credit which hints at it maybe coming from another Honeymooners episode, which would be incorrect, as well, and flown in from separate elements
AND, the print just runs out as broken film. Poof. Proving (?) that the elements were kinda iffy anyway.
Frustrating, but there you have it."
I will post what is supposedly the original version of “The Incredible World of Ed Norton”, “The Private Life of A Sewer Worker (aka “Man Under The Street”):
This interview is actually a very sought after piece of footage. One belief that I had was that I thought this was a rarely seen “Honeymooners sketch” that didn’t involve Jackie because of his broken leg as well as during the sketch Ed sang “Song of The Sewer.” I also thought that this sketch was “remade” in 1970 as “Incredible World of Ed Norton” with various changes (like the previous title was “The Private Life of A Sewer Worker.”) I also thought that this was filmed in the spring of ’55. After Jackie broke his leg, various people substituted for him. This was filmed on Feb. 6, 1954.
Ed Sullivan is on the street at the manhole in which Ed works. Ed Norton rises up. Ed Sullivan: “I’m from CBS. I need to ask you a few questions. What is your name?” Ed Norton reveals that he had an uncle that worked on as a painter on a skyscraper for a long time and nothing happened to him while he worked 20 to 30 feet in the air. He slipped on a cake of soap while he was working up all the way in the air. Ed Sullivan: “That is the way it goes. It’s light boy.” Ed: “No, it was Ivory.” Ed Sullivan gives Ed Norton a look which causes Ed to say: “What a grouch.”
Ed Sullivan wants to know what happened to his uncle. Ed Norton says that he fell 17 feet but he didn’t get hurt because he landed on two old ladies. Ed Sullivan asks Ed Norton how long he has been working in the sewer. Ed Norton says 10 years (despite the fact that he said 17 years in “Teamwork Beats The Clock.”). Ed Norton revealed that despite being lucky, he got the job because his old man worked in the sewer. Ed Sullivan then asks did he have any trouble getting this job. Ed Norton: “They made 50 applicants take an intelligence test and the guy with the five lowest scores got the job.” Ha! Question: In the lost episode and radio versions of “Letter To The Boss”, didn’t Ed Norton say that in order for Ralph to work in the sewer that he would have to pass the floating test?
Bruce from the yells to Ed that he needs help fixing the busted water main. Ed Sullivan says that the public has never appreciated the heroism of the people who work under the New York streets. Ed doesn’t know about that because they made a picture about them called: “Hell & High Water.” Ed Sullivan gives him a look which causes Ed Norton to say: “This guy is worse than Ed Sullivan.” Ed Sullivan shoves him.
Ed Norton says that his job can be real dangerous especially when it pours and it starts gushing. When that happens, all the workers hook a rope around each other. One guy’s rope snapped and he got washed into Newark. It wasn’t a tragedy because he lives in Newark. He also says that it does get boring but they have a radio. Ed Norton’s favorite band is Chepfielder’s Rippling Rhythm. Ed Sullivan: “I am happy to find out a man who is happy to be working in the sewer.” Ed Norton: “What am I supposed to do, open my own sewer?” Ed Sullivan is laughing during this. Bruce says that the water is causing a problem. Ed Norton sees this and puts his hat on his chest. Ed Norton: “That is what I get for working with a man who is 4’11.” Ed Sullivan says that he is sorry that he lost his friend but thanks him for the interview. Ed calls Ed Sullivan a sweet kid. Shouldn’t they be more concerned about Bruce? That is the end of that sketch. The “remade” version was probably longer. As far as the earlier sketch, I think somebody on the old board said that during this interview, Ed Sullivan gets told by Ed Norton that they pay for things on time and when the creditors come, Trixie scares them by playing the piano badly. This piece of information is not on the DVD.
Episode #221 (Syndicated episode #41)
TV: Hour (edited).
DVD: Attached to "The Match Game", "Double Trouble", "Operation: Protest", "Women's Lib" & "A Talk With Trixie."
Air Date: Sat. 2/21/70
In the Nick Clooney intro, Nick says that he was asked a question from a viewer about Shelia MacRae. The person asked if Shelia did any TV shows following the Jackie Gleason Show and whether her and her husband, Gordon did any shows. Nick said yes and the show that she did was Parenthood in '90 and she and her hubby co-hosted the Revlon Review in '60. Nick said he would answer any questions from viewers by going to the website goodtv.com (that was still the website for American Life TV even though it sounds strange until the network was renamed Youtoo TV in 2011.). I don't know if you can still ask Nick questions since Youtoo TV deleted his intros in March '05 as well as the network changing its philosophy with the name change.
As usual, the June Taylor Dancers come out all dressed up in costumes and sing: "Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras." After that, they leave. The Kramdens & Nortons arrive in New Orleans. The guy at the hotel mixed up their reservations. Now they are in need of a room. It's Mardi Gras week and each one of them is filled up. Ed's solution: Going to a furniture store, getting three beds and putting five dollars down on the furniture. Ed: "It's cheaper than a hotel." Ralph says that is crazy. Ralph: "Where are we going to put the four beds? We don't have a room." Ed: "We go to a costume place, put the beds on a float and dress up as the three bears." Ralph: "We can't do that. There are four of us." Ed: "Pleased to meet you Goldilocks." Ralph: "You are going to be Sleeping Beauty." Trixie says that Ed has a relative down here. Ed looks up her address. Ed: “I think her name is Emma Beauregard. That means I have to look under the Rs.” Ralph: “Her last name is Beauregard and you have to look under the Rs?” Ed: “Her middle name is Beau and her last name is Regard.” That is what the subtitles on the MPI DVD say. He can’t find the address, so he asks a person to help them find the place. Ed: "Can you direct me to P.O. Box 263?" Ralph spots the address. It's Jambolia Lane Route 47. Alice suggests them renting a car and asking the guy at the office where the car is. A guy comes up dressed as Goldilocks (it's probably Sammy Spear) and has a balloon. Guy: "I can't find a room. Did you see a float go by with three bears on it?" Ed (pointing to his right): "I think they went that way." Guy: "Thank you." They leave.
At Ed Norton's relative's broken-down house, the camera zooms in on a signs that say lucky charms and voodoo stuff. It turns out that Ed's relative is a spiritualist. A guy named Clarence comes around. The audience claps for him. Mr. Morgan comes around and greets Clarence. Clarence offers him a voodoo doll, a rabbit's foot and a magic ring. He says no. Mr. Morgan asks him to get his mother out. The mortgage is due on the house. She comes out and it's the same lady who played Alice's Aunt Ethel. She is wearing some long necklaces. Mr. Morgan asks for the $200 for the mortgage. She says no but she will get in touch with her father so he can tell her where the money is. Mr. Morgan says he wants the money by Tuesday or he will take over the house. Mr. Morgan says that he doesn't believe in all that mumbo jumbo (her witchcraft). The only thing he believes in is $200. He leaves. Clarence is worried that he will take the house away. Mom: "It's such a shame since we got it fixed up." A car horn is heard and it's Ralph driving with Ed & the girls pushing it. What a lazy person that Ralph is. Ralph: "You can stop pushing. I'm tired of steering." Ralph got them all a cheap car and it ran out of gas. It turns out that Ralph didn't buy enough. Ed: "You should be grateful to him. When that alligator came out of the swamp, Ralph said: 'Push faster. He's gaining on us.'" They run into Clarence. Clarence sells them a rabbit foot, voodoo dolls. He introduces his mom as Emma. Emma: "My name is Emma Bo Regard." Ralph: "We are just down here for a few days to see the Mardi Gras." Emma: "The parade doesn't pass here." Ralph: "We will pay you for anything you get." Ralph offers her $200 for a room. Emma agrees to let them stay, put turns down the money. Alice introduces her & Trixie. They go inside to make themselves at home. Clarence carries their luggage and asks her why she turned him down. Emma says that she is going to use her supernatural powers and call upon the spirit world. If that doesn't work, she will use voodoo. If that doesn't work, she will use black magic. If that happens, she will use her most powerful weapon: Sex. Clarence: "Don't do it Ma. I can't stand seeing him put his paws on you." Emma says that everyone believes in the supernatural. Clarence & Emma sing: "Need A Little Helping Hand." Ed asks Emma if they can have the soup that is in the kitchen. She says yes. Emma: "The spirits are working already."
In the dining room, Ralph & Ed are eating soup. Ed is making noise because he has a bay leaf in his teeth. Ralph asks Emma if she can make another bowl of soup. She says no she can't for another month because there will be a full moon. Emma is glad that a Norton is here. Emma wants to find out where are her gold-blooms (gold coins). Emma: "There is a million dollars worth." Ralph says if that is so, why her and Clarence doesn’t dig them up. Emma says because the land is a swamp. Emma says that the famous pirate, Juan-Layette Norton, buried them 200 years ago. He said that he wouldn't reveal them until the first male Norton visited her house. Emma says that she can use her mystic powers to call Juan and have him tell where the money is. Ralph: "Call after 9pm. The rates are much cheaper then." Emma knows that Ralph doesn't believe the spirit world. Emma knows that Ralph is skeptical so she made a voodoo doll of Ralph (I wonder if that doll was a real toy that was marketed.) Ralph: "It looks like me." Emma says it isn't made to be cute. Emma: "Whatever happens to this doll will happen to you." Ralph doesn't believe her and leaves the room. Emma sticks something in Ralph and Ralph screams in pain. Ralph comes back in and says that he felt pain. Ralph still doesn't believe the voodoo mumbo-jumbo. Ralph sticks the pin in the doll and as he's doing it Clarence sneaks up behind him and drives a pin into Ralph's backside. Ralph & Ed don't notice. Emma leaves to commune with the spirits. Ralph says he wasn't pretending that he was hurt, he was hurt. Ed talks about Emma talking with Ed's dead relative and telling where the million dollars worth of gold coins are. Gee, I wonder what idea Ralph is going to get. Ralph says that they will be rich. Ralph: "She has supernatural powers." Ralph says that they will join Emma as she talks with Ed's dead relative and have him say where the money is and they will be rich. Ralph slams the doll on the table and says he doesn't feel the pain because he's used to it. The girls come in and Ralph talks about his plan. Alice says that Ralph has lost his mind. Ralph explains what Ed's dead relative did and Emma will talk to him in a séance. Ed: "Because I was the first male Norton to visit here." Trixie: "You are also the first male Norton to visit the nut house." Alice laughs at the thought of Ralph & Ed believing in ghosts. They sing: "We believe in voodoo." Alice says that Ralph is baloney. Ralph tries to prove her wrong by having Norton stick a pin in him. Norton misunderstands and actually sticks a pin in the real Ralph. Ralph is in pain as the girls laugh.
Later on Clarence sets everything up. Emma says that this will be the first séance they have done in a long time. Clarence says that the boys are dumb but the wives are so smart, that they won't fall for the set up. Emma is taking care of that. Emma made Ralph make the girls leave in the room. Emma is going to meditate. Clarence & Emma leave. Ralph & Ed come in. Ralph thinks about them discovering the million coins and because of that, he will be a rich man along with Ed. Ed is talking about talking to other people in séances like who made the sewer etc. Ed & Ralph (sing): "Talk To The Spirits." Emma comes in. She is ready for the séance and they hold hands. Emma asks Ed to turn off the lights, but he forgets to let go of her hand at first. He turns off the lights and stumbles to try to find his seat. They hold hands again. Emma begins the séance. Emma: "Here my spirit. Here me." Ed eats his soup. He got it from the kitchen because he was so nervous. The lights get turned on a little bit. Emma asks for absolute silence. A loud noise is heard. Ed (in regards to the noise): "I think a bay leaf flew over my head." Emma: "I am in the spirit world. Oh Great Spirit, do you hear me? Do you hear me?" An invisible door on the wall on top of the fire escape opens and Clarence is there. Clarence: "I hear you! I hear you!" The door closes. Emma: "Give us a sign if you are among us." A trumpet floats down and for some reason Ralph & Ed can't see the strings holding it. Clarence through the door plays the Jackie Gleason theme song on the trumpet. The trumpet floats back up and the door closes. Emma asks for the ghost of Juan Layfette Norton to appear. Trixie comes in with a nightgown and a hairnet. Ed doesn't recognize her. Ed: "Are you Juan Layfette Norton?" Trixie: "I'm Trixie Norton. I'm going to brush my teeth." She leaves. Clarence appears through the door and says in a falsetto voice: "Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na." Ralph: "It's him." Ed: "Sounds more like his hairdresser. How's it going? What's new or what's old?" Ralph tells Norton to tell him where the money is. Ed says that when you meet a person that you haven't met in a long time, you should make him feel more at home. That is important to him. Ralph says that if he doesn't ask him where the money is, he will blast Norton into outer space. Clarence (through door): "Gentlemen please." Ralph (seeing Clarence in the door and not knowing that it is him, says): "Stay out of this." It should be noted that Ralph & Ed still don't know that the "spirit" they are talking to is Clarence who's appearing through the door. Ed, seeing Clarence in the door and not knowing that it is him, asks him where the gold-blooms are. Trixie comes out and says that she couldn't find a toothbrush. She exits back where she came from. "Juan" says that in order for him to tell them where the money is, he must get $200. Ed doesn't have the money, but Ralph does. "Juan" accepts the money and a treasure box is lowered. "Juan" says for him to put the money in the treasure box and remove the map. He does. The treasure box raises and the lights come on after Emma says that the séance is over. Ed: "What will the ghost do with the money" Emma: "Buy towels"
The next day, the girls come in to the séance room. They are MAD at their husbands for doing what they have done. Alice: "Ralph fell for the oldest trick in the world. They have been digging since 9am." Trixie says that they will tell them what Emma really is. The boys come in without the money. I really would have liked to have seen the scene where Ralph & Ed digging for money. Alice: "I see you have brought back your shovel. Where is the sand pail?" Ralph is angry and tells Ed to get some sleep so they will resume digging at 4am. They were digging right where the ghost said the money was buried and they didn't get any money. The girls reveal the real truth and the buttons that Emma pushed to lower & raise the things. Ralph says that him & Ed saw the ghost in the door on top of the fire place. Alice pushed the button that opened and closed the door. Gee, Ralph & Ed saw a dead person looking like he was alive and not dead? Ed: "What button did she use to make Trixie come out of the bathroom?" Ralph says that they have been taken. Ed says that they have been taking for $202. They needed the $2 to get the shovel from Clarence. Ralph gets Emma to come into the séance room and says that she cheated him and Ed and the tricks she pulled. Ralph: "You are a fraud." Emma doesn't deny it. Emma says that she did what she did because she was desperate because she needed the money to pay the mortgage for the house. The only house that she and Clarence ever had. Considering that Clarence looks like he's over 40, shouldn't she already have been done paying the mortgage on the house? Emma: "We are sort of attached to it. I'm sorry." She gives the money back. Alice: "She didn't mean it." Trixie: "It wasn't her fault." The girls sing: "To A Woman, There Is Nothing Like Her Home." Ralph gives the money back to her so she can pay the mortgage She doesn't need it now since she already sold their car. Everybody is still happy.
At the curtain call, Jackie says: "How sweet it is." Ralph says that there was one scene in this episode in which an audience member came on stage while they were filming (only the studio audience saw that) and because of the audience member's involvement, they had to film the whole scene again. According to Jackie, he saw Sammy Spear ready to take the member off the stage with force. Jackie says that the cast held up pretty well under those circumstances and introduced each one of them. When Art comes out, he has a broom and says: "Someone has got to clean up this show." Jackie then praises the Miami Beach audience and says: "Goodnight!"
During the credit roll, Johnny says: "Don't miss next week's episode."
Episode #222 (Syndicated episode #42)
TV: Hour (edited).
DVD: Attached to "Double Trouble", "We're Off To See The Wizard", "The Match Game", "Women's Lib" & "A Talk With Trixie."
Air Date: Sat. 2/28/70
In the Nick Clooney intro, he mentions the youth protests that were going on during the time that this episode was made. He also said it would be interesting how the audience reacted to this sensitive issue.
At the Panasonic Theater in Brooklyn, dancers are seen (June Taylor Dancers, of course) and sing: "Broadway On Opening Night." After that, they enter the Panasonic Theater. (I wonder if Panasonic sponsored the show) Johnny Olsen announces the people who are coming. The people who are going to be interviewed for the premier are going to be shown on TV. A person goes to interview a person who named Mr. Ronald Lovelace who is with his girl (Greta Von Hagge). He calls his girl Miss. Wonderful. The Kramdens & Nortons are going to arrive back home at the theater for the opening night of "Love On A Bus." The Kramdens & Nortons arrive but not before they crashed their cars into each other. They walk the red carpet as "Love On A Bus" is played. The host interviews the Kramdens & Nortons. The Kramdens & Nortons haven't been home yet. The host has a special surprise for Ralph. Ralph's boss, Mr. George Marshall (John Beil) is there. Wasn't his name J.J. Marshall in several past episodes? He arrives to tell Ralph that since Ralph has been with the company so long, he now knows him as a friend. He praises Ralph some more and shakes Ed's hand thinking that it is Ralph's. Ed is happy. Ralph introduces himself. Mr. George Marshall says that since Ralph has publicized the song "Love On A Bus", he has now been promoted to Public Relations Director of the Gotham Bus Company. Everyone is happy. Mr. Marshall says that since he has helped Ralph publicize the song, he has hired him as Ralph's assistant. Ed gets on the microphone and says that he wishes that his boss from the sewer was here so he can make Ralph's assistant. Austin, the name of the host signs off from the Panasonic Theater. Alice says that her nephew, Clifford (Tom Logon) has been at the Kramdens since they have been away. Alice: "I told him to meet us at the theater." The way Shelia pronounces "theater" says that she still had an English accent (she was born in London.) Clifford just got out of college. Clifford (yells): "DOWN WITH 'LOVE ON A BUS'. IT'S PRO POLLUTION." Clifford has a protesting sign that says: "Down With 'Love On A Bus'." When Ralph questions him, he says that he is doing his thing. Ralph threatens to beat Clifford up. Clifford digs confrontations. Ralph orders him to give him this sign. A policeman blows his whistle. He arrives. Ralph explains the problem. Ralph: "He says that 'Love On A Bus' is pro pollution." Clifford: "It's polluting the minds of the American public." Ralph explains the whole summary of the picture. The summary not only has little resemblance to the title but I think it guarantees that the movie will be a flop. He also makes a couple of Florida references. What a surprise. After hearing the summary, the policeman grabs the sign and says that the movie stinks. He marches with the sign.
At the Kramden home, there are a lot of signs that say: "Down With Capitalism", "Down With Communism", "Flower Power" & "Love." There is also a lot of late 60s/early 70s decor. Ralph isn't amused and neither is Alice. Ralph hates the small sculpture of a fat man that is on Ralph's table (one of Clifford's possessions). Ralph says that with all the signs, he says that the kid is against everything. Alice defends him by saying that he is in his early 20s. Ralph doesn't want the neighbors to know what is going on inside. He pulls down the shades only to see "Down With Shades" written on them. Ralph says that he will kick Clifford. Alice says that he has nowhere to go and he can't go back to his mom since he hates momism. Ralph: "Send him to his papa." Alice: "He can't." Ralph: "Where is his dad hiding?" Alice says that he is in the Navy. Alice: "He is up on the North Pole counting seals." Ralph: "He's hiding." Alice is against the idea of Clifford being kicked out. Ralph wants the signs and decor thrown out since he is an executive and he doesn't want his house to look like a crazy house. Ralph goes into the bedroom. He comes back with leaflets that say more protesting-like things. He orders them to be thrown out too. He goes back into his bedroom and pulls out a drunk young guy. The drunkard gives Ralph the peace sign as Ralph kicks him out. Ralph throws out more things. Alice doesn't think that Ralph has any right to do what he is doing. Ed comes in through the fire escape with groceries. He tells Ralph that Clifford has been picketing the building. Ed: "He has a sign that says: 'The landlord is a fake." Ralph is mad. Ralph says that Clifford has no respect for anything. Alice goes inside to fix up the bed. Ralph asks Ed to wear a tie for their first day on the job. Ed has ideas. One of his ideas is to reduce the number of buses on the street by making a 12-decker bus. A 12-decker bus. Wow! Ralph likes the idea which shows that Ralph is stupid. Ralph: "How are you going to get it through tunnels?" Ed: "You come up with the solution to that problem." Ralph says that they should come up with ideas to come up with ideas to make bus riding more convenient and efficient for people. Ed suggests long straps for drunk people to lay on the floor on Saturday night. Ralph likes the idea. Ralph has another idea: Bringing a stewardess. Ralph says that they will revolutionize the bus industry. They sing: "Wait Until You See The Bus Of Tomorrow" in which Ed mentions that the buses of the future will have TVs so people can watch movies and Ralph mentions that people would be able to watch X-rated movies on the bus at night. In reality, some of the buses of today have that feature but I doubt they play X-rated movies.
At the entrance of the Gotham Bus Company, Clifford and his friends are protesting. Hippie music is playing. Some of the signs are: "Down With Soap" in which the "S" is backwards. There is another sign that says: "Free Tuition For All." Policemen come by and arrest some of the protesters. They sing: "We Protest" in which they harass a poor guy by putting him in a trash can. It is so strange seeing a scene like this in a Honeymooners episode. At the end, the studio audience actually claps. Clifford orders some protesters to chain themselves to a bulldozer, to go to a library and some to city hall. Clifford and his drunk friend leave to protest somewhere else. Ralph & Ed come out after a successful first day on the job in which they were in a meeting. Clifford (yells): "GOTHAM BUS COMPANY EXPLOITS THE WORKING MAN!" Ralph & Ed are not happy that Clifford and his friend. Clifford: "The bus company will not let my friend ride on the bus without his shoes." Ralph says that Clifford will not make him miserable while he is on the job. He grabs Clifford's sign that says: "Mr. Marshall is a capitalistic creep" and Ed grabs Cliff's friends sign that says: "Free Bus Fare." Clifford and his friend (who Ralph threw out in the previous scene and who is called Ratzo) leave. Mr. Marshall comes out and sees Ralph & Ed with those signs. He asks what does those signs say since he can't read. Ed, being stupid, says that the sign says: "Mr. Marshall is a capitalistic creep." Mr. Marshall gets the wrong idea and fires Ralph & Ed. He also says that they are not allowed in the building and if they do go in, they will be thrown out. He leaves to talk to his engineer to make a 12-decker bus. I guess that Mr. Marshall is dumb to believe that a 12-decker bus is feasible. Since they lost their jobs, they protest about the bus company.
At home, Trixie tells Alice that Ralph & Ed have been fired. Clifford comes in with a sign that says: "Down With Everything." Trixie: "There (Clifford) is the reason." Trixie says that because of Cliff's protesting, Ralph & Ed lost their jobs. Alice asks Cliff for the truth. Cliff: "We picketed the airport, the U.N., the 34th Street Police Station. Yeah, we picketed the bus company today. Hey, I saw Uncle Ralph today." Alice explains: "You don't know what you have done." Ralph (from the subway which is two blocks down, yells): "ALLLICE!" Isn't the subway three long blocks away from the apartment building? Regardless, Ralph must have very good vocal chords for his voice to be heard all the way to the apartment building. The girls try to hide Cliff from Ralph. This is so strange seeing this on a Honeymooners episode. This scene almost looks like something you will see on I Love Lucy. Alice says that because of Cliff's picketing, Ralph got fired and Ralph will murder Cliff. Cliff: "That is okay Alice. I practice non-violence." They try to hide Cliff behind their backs. Ralph comes in all angry. Clifford reveals his face and Ralph orders Alice to get out of the way so he can kill Clifford. Alice: "You are going to hate yourself in the morning." Ralph: "True, but I will be happy tonight." Clifford tries to handle it by saying: "Peace." Ralph grabs one of Cliff's fingers and says Alice to grab the other one to make a wish. Ralph says that he will leave him alone for now but will take care of Alice first. Ralph: "This is your fault." Ralph threatens to send Alice to the North Pole, where Cliff's dad is, to count stars. Alice asks Ralph to be reasonable. Ralph says that because of Cliff, he lost the best job he ever had. Ralph: "Every time I get mixed up in a member of Alice's family, it's trouble for me." Alice says that he can't blame her whole family because of one mistake that Cliff made. Ralph: "It was five mistakes. Your mother was the first one. She had you, then she had your sister, then your sister had him. Then I married you." Ralph then says he is not sorry he married Alice. Cliff has been driving him nuts. Ralph: "He is like all the kids today. They don't listen to their elders because their hair is so long, they can't hear." The girls then sing a song in which Alice sings her half to Ralph and Trixie her half to Cliff. They sing: "Understanding." One of the lyrics Trixie sings to Cliff is: "Why don't you take that chip off your shoulder?" The song is not heard on syndication. After the sing, Cliff apologizes and says he will move to the YMCA and get a job. Cliff: "When I become a member of society, I want to change it." Ralph apologizes to Cliff for yelling. Cliff gives Ralph his most prized possession which is the fat man sculpture that Ralph threw out. Ed comes in. Ralph says that Cliff isn’t a bad kid. The girls leave to get dinner for the boys. Ralph & Ed concoct a plan to get their jobs back. Ralph will disguise himself as a barber that will cut Mr. Marshall's hair and slip some great ideas that Mr. Marshall hasn't heard before regarding the company and once Mr. Marshall likes them, he will reveal himself. Ed said that being a barber isn't as easy as it looks. Ed: "You have to get training." Cliff's hairy drunk friend, Ratzo, comes in. Ralph & Ed then sit Cliff's pal down so they can cut his hair much to Cliff's friend's chagrin.
At Mr. Marshall's office, a female assistant helps in Mr. Marshall's office. Mr. Marshall comes in complaining about the lunch he had at home. The barber (Ralph) comes in. He says his name is Luigi. Ralph looks like Super Mario except for the plumbing attire. "Luigi" says that Tony, Mr. Marshall's regular barber, is sick. "Luigi" also says that his chair is in the back. "Luigi": "I make out the income tax. That is similar to cutting hair as far as a little of the top goes." The manicurist (Ed) comes in. He looks hilarious. Mr. Marshall: "I haven't seen you in Tony's shop." Ed (in normal voice): "I go there every week for a shave." It's remarkable that Mr. Marshall can't notice that the manicurist is a man judging by the "her" tone of voice. "Luigi" says for "Muriel" to get in the chair. Ed gets confused because he doesn't know that he is Muriel. "Luigi" says: "You are Muriel." "Muriel" manicures Mr. Marshall's right hand. Muriel: "I have had my hands in water for 10 years." "Luigi" (n normal voice to Ed): "Shut your mouth.” (in Italian accent voice): "I mean shut your face." It's remarkable that Mr. Marshall doesn't think that Luigi is Ralph. "Luigi" talks about Ralph Kramden. After some name screw ups, Ralph's mustache partially falls off. Mr. Marshall recognizes Ralph and he is angry. He gives the money to the woman. Mr. Marshall: "I know that you are innocent." "Muriel" (putting the money in the shirt): "A woman is always the last to know." Ralph says that the woman is Ed. Ralph explains that the bus business is the only business he knows and loves. He asks for his job back. Mr. Marshall relents and doesn't even know what Ralph called him. Ed: "A capitalistic creep." Even so, he gives Ralph's job back. His job: A bus driver. Ralph is partially upset since he wanted to be a Public Relations Director. Mr. Marshall has already hired a Public Relations Director. Who is he? Clifford. Clifford has slicked back hair and wearing a suit. Ralph is upset. Clifford and Mr. Marshall leave to go to a board meeting. Cliff: "See ya, R.K." Ed: "At least you got a relative in the office." Ralph faces the reality of him going back to being a bus driver. Ed says he isn’t going back to the sewer after being the recipient of a $5 tip from Mr. Marshall for being his manicurist. (He eventually went back to a sewer worker that was revealed in the 70s reunion specials.) Ralph says that they were put on the earth for a reason, for him being a bus driver and for him being a sewer worker. They sing the last song of the Color Honeymooners which is called: "I'm In The Sewer and I'm In A Bus." I think that that's the title of the song.
During the curtain call, Jackie says: "How Sweet It Is." He introduces the cast including Tom Logon (I think the MPI subtitles has his name as Tom Leggen). He played Clifford. Tom comes out with a sign that says: "Down With Everything." Jackie then introduces some of the other cast people including of course, Jean Kean, Shelia & Art. Art comes out still dressed as the manicurist with some beer. Art: "I don't know what you got in your cup, but I'm a very light drinker." Jackie then praises the Miami Beach audience and says: "Goodnight!"
During the curtain call, you can see the lights go off then on. Johnny Olsen, in an awkward moment I guess, says: "Don't forget to tune in next week for the Honeymooners." The audience claps. These two things were heard on the future YTA TV and the future Cowboy Channel but not heard on the MPI DVD probably because MPI got the rights to the repeat version of this episode. I guess that they liked what Johnny said. I guess that either they didn't know when they filmed this episode that this was the last one or CBS was going to repeat an episode the following week. Of course, if you watched this on those two stations, it didn't sound awkward.
Credit I think goes to (the original) Bill's 'Mooners Archives, eBay.com, tv.com, Honeymooners Lost Episodes Book, tvguide.com, honeymooners.net, Honeymooners Lost Episodes DVD booklet, Wikipedia.org, Yahoo Groups You're A Riot! & Amazon.com.