American Scene Magazine

[Woolworth27]

Do you think they will come out with episodes of Jackie Gleasn American Sean Magazine?

[treky]

I don't know; but I sure hope so! I remember seeing that show when I was growing up, and I'd LOVE to see it again!

[T-Greg]

When I spoke to Paul Brownstein (the distributor) a few years ago, he told me no one was interested in the TV rights to them. So, they just sit there.

[TV Knowledge Fan]

"...THE AMERICAN SCENE MAGAZINE" (1962-'65) had topical material---and not too many people would understand the sketches and blackouts satirizing them today. Gleason's characters were also seen from time to time {primarily "Joe The Bartender"}, but not often enough. Some of the sketches from the 1964-'65 season were repackaged as a half-hour syndicated series in the mid-'80s, but was NOT successful. So Brownstein may be right.......

[VIDEOWACK]

Originally Posted by TV Knowledge Fan

"...THE AMERICAN SCENE MAGAZINE" (1962-'65) had topical material---and not too many people would understand the sketches and blackouts satirizing them today. Gleason's characters were also seen from time to time {primarily "Joe The Bartender"}, but not often enough. Some of the sketches from the 1964-'65 season were repackaged as a half-hour syndicated series in the mid-'80s, but was NOT successful. So Brownstein may be right.......

Actually, THE AMERICAN SCENE MAGAZINE ran from September 1962 thru June of 1966 with the first season being the weakest of the 4. Gleason didn't really bust out his many other characters until the start of the 2nd season in September '63. Then we got to see The Poor Soul, Rum Dum, lots more of Reggie and yes, Joe The Bartender would always close out the hour. The syndicated 100 half-hours that were distrbuted by 20th Century Fox TV in 1979 were taken from all 4 years of ASM, with sketches being tossed into 22 minute shows from various seasons. I have read that 1-hour versions were available, but I never saw any evidence of that, nor have I ever heard anyone confirm it. Maybe MPI will pick these up and put them out as well as the Color Honeymooners....time will tell.

[Gleasonclown]

Does anyone know how many actual episodes there were of the American Scene Magazine?

Thanks-

[VIDEOWACK]

Originally Posted by Gleasonclown

Does anyone know how many actual episodes there were of the American Scene Magazine?

Thanks-

This is a "guesstimate" but I think I'd be fairly close. I don't believe they did 39 each season because they would go off for the summer for 13 weeks and during the late winter thru spring would air roughly half a dozen repeats. I would say 32 or 33 episodes were produced in each of the 4 seasons.

[Gleasonclown]

Thanks for the info. Another question...has anyone ever seen an episode of the Red Skelton show...roughly very late 50's, with Gleason and Skelton performing together? I believe Arthur Godfrey was also a guest on the episode.
Thanks-

[T-Greg]

Originally Posted by Gleasonclown

Thanks for the info. Another question...has anyone ever seen an episode of the Red Skelton show...roughly very late 50's, with Gleason and Skelton performing together? I believe Arthur Godfrey was also a guest on the episode.
Thanks-

I'm not aware of Gleason ever being on The Red Skelton Show. However, both Gleason and Carney were on The Arthur Godfrey Show together. Gleason did a skit with the Poor Soul in the army.

[Benno123]

Greg,

Do you have the date that the Arthur Godfrey appearance was? Just curious!

[T-Greg]

Originally Posted by Benno123

Greg,

Do you have the date that the Arthur Godfrey appearance was? Just curious!

I believe it was about 1950 or 1951.

[Gleasonclown]

The photo I saw was dated around 1959...Gleason & Skelton in a jail cell. Gleason looked like he may have had the mustache and a slight painted "beard", kinda like a tramp clown (Freddie the Freeloader-ish?).

Still another question...when did Rum Dum become a regular character? Was it during the half hour variety show in the late 50's, with Buddy Hackett?

[VIDEOWACK]

Originally Posted by Gleasonclown

The photo I saw was dated around 1959...Gleason & Skelton in a jail cell. Gleason looked like he may have had the mustache and a slight painted "beard", kinda like a tramp clown (Freddie the Freeloader-ish?).

Still another question...when did Rum Dum become a regular character? Was it during the half hour variety show in the late 50's, with Buddy Hackett?

Yes, Gleason started doing Rum Dum on that half-hour short-lived series in 1958. He brought him back in 1962 for American Scene Magazine and would perform that character into 1966. As far as Gleason and Skelton being together on a show, I must admit I never knew they did anything together....although it sure is possible. If I am not mistaken, I believe Red Skelton may have been one of Jackie's replacements in 1954 when he was out with his broken leg, the end result of a sketch he did on January 30, 1954.

[Benno123]

Thanks for the date on the Godfrey appearance. I wondered if it was before Gleason and Co. moved to CBS or not.

As for Rum Dum, can someone explain him to me? I've never seen a sketch of his before, so I'm curious. Thanks!

[VIDEOWACK]

Originally Posted by Benno123

Thanks for the date on the Godfrey appearance. I wondered if it was before Gleason and Co. moved to CBS or not.

As for Rum Dum, can someone explain him to me? I've never seen a sketch of his before, so I'm curious. Thanks!

Ben, Rum Dum was a character that was always a bit tipsy (shall we say drunk?) and always got in his own way. He was dressed in a 3-piece suit (usually plaid or checkered) with his tie hanging out of his vest. He wore a straw hat and a huge mustache which hanged downward in a "broomlike" fashion. He never spoke, he never had to....his actions spoke for themself. I had the joy of attending the taping of the first episode of "American Scene Magazine" for the 1963-64 season, and got to see Gleason perform him "live" for MY first time.