Reviews (1)

Ralph has big time worries about death and taxes
Jackie Gleason's great comic creation Ralph Kramden gets to worry about life's two biggest certainties, death and taxes, in these perfectly paired "Classic 39" episodes of "The Honeymooners." "A Matter of Life and Death" (Episode #5, October 29, 1955), finds Ralph convinced he only has six months to live because he has arterial monocrhomia (don't bother looking it up, because it is not a real condition). So Ralph decides to sell his deathbed story to a weekly magazine. Okay, so it does not make sense. The important thing is that it is a very funny episode. Then, in "The Worry Wart" (Episode #28, April 7, 1956) , Ralph is summoned to a meeting with the IRS. Of course, Ralph spends all his time imagining the worst before he ever meets with the agent (Warren Parker). Both of these episodes were scripted by the great writing team of Marvin Marx and Walter Stone. ... Read more

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"Baby, you're the greatest!"
Although Ralph Kramden regularly threatened his wife Alice with a one-way passage "to the mooon!", he always ended up telling her that she's the greatest.

The Honeymooners have a special place in America's Vintage TV History. With only 39 episodes (forever re-run in syndication), there was enough genuine comedy and countless touching moments of reflection for generations of TV fans yet to come.

This VHS video contains 2 of the best episodes in the series: The first has Alice give up housework for secular employment while leaving her "old job" to a maid. Ralph, of course, figures that something is wrong with that picture. The second episode has Ralph experimenting with the job of building superintendent, hoping for free rent and gratitude from other tennants. Of course both turn out to be "pipe dreams".

The sit-com styled somewhat after "I Love Lucy" (complete with wacky best-friends next door neighbors) and eventually inspiring "The Flintstones" animated cartoon series, is one of the TV milestones all others are judged by. Jackie Gleason truly was "The Great One", leaving a legacy of gems forever.*****

Alice and Ralph come up with new jobs on "The Honeymooners"
Alice and Ralph temporarily find new forms of employment in the pair of "Classic 39" episodes of Jackie Gleason's "The Honeymooners" collected here in Volume 19. "A Woman's Work Is Never Done" (Episode #4, October 22, 1955), finds Alice (Audrey Meadows) is sick and tired of Ralph's complaints. So she takes a job and leaves a maid to take care of the housework, which does not go over well with Ralph either in this episode written by the team of Marvin Marx and Walter Stone. Then in "Dial J for Janitor" (Episode #38, September 15, 1956), Ralph becomes the superintendent for the building. He dreams of free rent and getting tips from the grateful tenants, but ends up getting his comeuppance (again). This second-to-last episode of the classic TV sitcom was written by A. J. Russell and Herbert Finn. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Gleason and the Gang During the Holidays!
Even though the Christmas episode isn't much on plot, this is one of just a very few places where you can see the characters of Jackie Gleason besides the ever so famous Ralph Kramden. alph leaves the apartment to run to the store for Alice, and when he's gone, Gleason appears as Reggie Van Gleason, The Poor Soul, Joe the Bartended, Rudy the Repairman. I rate this 5 stars more for the historical value of the show than for anything else. This isn't recommended for the common fan of the show, but I would recommend this to anyone who wants to check out the characters of Jackie Gleason beyond those of the Kramdens and Nortons.

I do feel that, as a reply to the previous reviewer, time has shown that these shows have held up well. Maybe time hasn't been as kind to some episodes as others, but it is a testiment and a tribute to this series and that of Jackie Gleason for producing such a fine product that, almost 50 years later, videos, DVDs, and reruns of this show are still on the air. I think it's great for me, who's 22 years old, to see this show on the air now, and be able to share these shows with someone as special to me as my father, who taught me to laugh and love these classic gems. And it makes me happy to be alive now, while the show is probably more popular now than it was when it originally aired.

Please Keep This Hidden
I am no fan of "The Honeymooners." Trite lines like "bang, zoom! Straight to the moon!", "baby, you're the greatest," "Ralphie, Boy" that have somehow had staying power is a mystery to me. The disgusting "homminas" are the worst. That rude noise does nothing for the show which wasn't great in the first place.

Tired, plodding story lines that are so predictable, lackluster efforts at humor are the least of this show's problems. It isn't funny, but worst of all, it's just plain BORING! Alice is a snippy little shrew, Trixie a crying disrag, Norton a silly, provocative nitwit and Ralphie Boy a loud mouthed windbag. I really don't like this collection and would not recommend it. Hardy har har! Keep this collection in hiding because it isn't much. "The Honeymooners" just aren't funny. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

All good material; not all Honeymooners
This is very enjoyable if only for all the hard to find footage it has...all the Honeymooners material is from lost episodes, nothing from the classic 39. I noticed that some of the themes used in lost episodes here were repeated later in the classic 39, such as Alice attempting to "seduce" Ralph by dressing up and offering up a fancy dinner, and Ralph getting laid off and arguing with Alice about her working. This video contains some of Jackie Gleason's best anger bits which he made so funny. Also the live audience's reactions make such a difference for the viewing experience when you hear individual people in the audience cracking up (check out the aforementioned skit when Ralph gets laid off, there is a guy in the audience who must have hurt himself laughing so hard).
My only complaint is that only about half the material on this 50 or 55 minute tape is Honeymooners; the rest are skits of Jackie Gleason's other characters such as Reggie von Gleason III, the hilarious Rudy the Repairman, and others. They are great in their own right, but I wanted HONEYMOONERS. And the skits with non-Ralph Kramden characters are not "Greatest Battle" skits, they are simply funny situations but not the world wars that Ralph was so funny with. For that reason, the small presence of Honeymooners material, I rated this three stars - very good considering. By the way, if you WANT the skits with other Gleason roles, this is the perfect video for you! Buy it, don't overpay for it. ... Read more

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The Adventures of Ralph Kramden, Brother Raccoon
The common denominator of these two "Classic 39" episodes of "The Honeymooners" is that they focus on the misadventures of Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) as a member of the Loyal Order of Raccoons. First, "The Man From Space" (Episode #14, December 31, 1955) finds Ralph dressed up as a man from space in order to win the $50 prize at the annual Raccoon Lodge costume ball. Then in "The Loudspeaker" (Episode #30, April 21, 1956), Ralph is so convinced he is going to be named Raccoon of the Year that he is driving Alice (Audrey Meadows) crazy rehearsing his acceptance speech (now the title makes sense, right?). This is another one of the classic episodes written by Marvin Marx and Walter Stone. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Christmas for "I Love Lucy" and "The Honeymooners"!
This is a special Christmas edition of the limited series of videotapes that offers up a matching pair of episodes from two classic Fifties sitcoms, "I Love Lucy" and "The Honeymooners." The "'I Love Lucy' Christmas Show" was left out of the syndication package because of its seasonal theme and its use of flashbacks. The Ricardos and Mertzes trim the tree on Christmas Eve and recall how much their lives have changed since the advent of Little Ricky. At the end of the episode FIVE Santas show up to surprise the kid (think about it). "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" (Episode #13) actually aired on Christmas Eve 1955. Written by Marvin Marx and Walter Stone, this is obviously a "Honeymooners" version of O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi" as Ralph (Jackie Gleason) trades in his beloved bowling ball to buy a Christmas gift for Alice (Audrey Meadows). There is a special treat at the end of the episode as Gleason interrupts the final curtain to give his cast an impromptu curtain call. Two special episodes from two special shows for a special time of the year. Makes perfect sense.

2 special tv episodes that show the warmth of the holidays.
The Honeymooners Christmas Special is one of my favorites. After watching it on the Honeymooners Marathon I was glad to see it available. It had me laughing -- Ed Norton is too funny -- and it had me in tears. It's a classic to own. I never watched this I Love Lucy Christmas special. I was surprised to see flashbacks of a few other episodes -- especially the one when Ricky finds out Lucy is expecting. I liked the ending and was surprised to see where the thought came from -- an earlier episode made that was never shown until this video. As a person who's always loved the Holiday Season, the Honeymooners and I Love Lucy, I am very happy to own this video. ... Read more

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Ralph and Ed go fishing and bowling for laughter
Ralph Kramden has trouble living the sporting life in these two "Classic 39" episodes of "The Honeymooners." First up we have "Something Fishy" (Episode #12, December 17, 1955), the Raccoons are getting ready for their annual fishing trip. Ralph (Jackie Gleason) and Ed (Art Carney) convince their lodge brothers to ban the wives from coming along. However, Alice (Audrey Meadows) and Trixie (Joyce Randolph) are not so easily convinced. Then in "Oh, My Aching Back" (Episode #16, January 14, 1956), Alice warns Ralph not to go out bowling on the night before his company physical, but does he listen? No. Does Ralph come back with a sore sacroiliac? You bet he does. Both of these episodes were written by Leonard Stern and Syndey Zelinka. I will tell you one thing: how Audrey Meadows kept a straight face if the face of all that mugging by Gleason is absolutely amazing to me. Name me a better straight woman. ... Read more

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This one has the great moment when Norton addresses the ball
With "The Golfer" (Episode #3, October 15, 1955), one of the "Classic 39" episodes of "The Honeymooners," we have what is arguably the funniest moment ever in the history of this classic 50's sitcom. It seems Ralph (Jackie Gleason) has been boasting about his skill as a golfer. Of course his boss, Mr. Harper, then invites Ralph to play that weekend. Then comes the absolutely priceless moment when Norton (Art Carney) shows Ralph how to "address the ball." That alone is worth the price of the tape. This episode was written by A. J. Russell and Herbert Finn. Then we also have "Brother Ralph" (Episode #9, November 26, 1955), in which Ralph becomes very insecure when Alice (Audrey Meadows) lands a job with a very handsome employer (Frank Satenstein). It seems her new boss think's Alice is a single girl. Of course, by the end of the episode Ralph is once again acknowledging the obvious when he tells his wife, "Baby, you're the greatest." Another classic episode written by the team of Marvin Marx and Walter Stone. ... Read more

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Alice is unhappy with Ralph again (and again)
The Kramdens are at odds in both of these Classic 39 episodes from the last season of "The Honeymooners," one of the classic sitcoms of the 1950's. In "Alice and the Blonde" (Episode #36, June 2, 1956), finds Alice (Audrey Meadows) and Trixie (Joyce Randolph) abandoned by their husbands at a dinner party because Ralph (Jackie Gleason) and Ed (Art Carney) are paying attention to a blonde (Freda Larsen), who could not more possibly fit the stereotype. Then in "Hello, Mom" (Episode #10, December 3, 1955), the better of the two epsodes on Volume 12, Ralph flees to the Nortons after he and Alice have a major fight over an impending visit from her mother. You know sooner or later Ralph will come crawling back, which is always the best part of such episodes. ... Read more

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Buyer Beware - Last Sketch of the '50s not used!
For the *second time* MPI Home Video has listed the June 1, 1957 Honeymooners sketch and delivered the earlier version from 1953. This may seem like small potatoes (maybe only to Ralph Kramden), but research shows that the 1957 remake was the historic final sketch of the decade, *plus* (possibly) Gleason's farewell to his '50s variety show. If you're not into television history, and don't mind an apparent production error, you'll still like the '53 sketch, and you'll greatly enjoy the quiet, sentimental gem, "Hero". ... Read more

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More futile attempts at the self-betterment of Ralph Kramden
Ralph continues to strive in vain for a better life, with lots more money, in this pair of episodes from "The Honeymooners" final season. In "Ralph Kramden, Inc." (Episode #19, February 4, 1955), Ralph takes advantage of Ed by selling him a percentage of his future earnings. This sounded like a good idea at the time, but when an eccentric old woman bequeaths Ralph a fortune in her will, Ralph has very strong second thoughts on the matter. "Young Man With a Horn" (Episode #26, March 24, 1956), finds Ralph starting on a self-improvement program after a change meeting with a self-made millionaire. Both of these episodes were written by A. J. Russell and Herbert Finn. Have you ever noticed that all of the "Classic 39" episodes of "The Honeymooners" were written by writing teams? Now if we could just tell which one was writing for Ralph and which one for Ed! ... Read more

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Ralph Kramden, the king of his castle. Since when?
That sure does not look like Audrey Meadows on the cover of this 15th volume of "Classic 39" episodes from the final season of "The Honeymooners." However, there is certainly a theme to this particular set of episode, both of which have Ralph acting like the king of his castle. First up is "Head of the House" (Episode #27, March 31, 1956), where Ralph finds out who really rules the roost once his outspoken views on a woman's place being in the home are printed in the local paper. Of course, it is Alice who ends up laying down the law. This episode, written by Leonard Stern and Sydney Zelinka, is worth it just to see Gleason do his spluttering act as Alice takes Ralph down several pegs. Then in "Here Comes the Bride" (Episode #22, February 25, 1956), Ralph ruins his sister-in-law's wedding night when he convinces her meek and mild groom to assume his rightful place as lord of the manor. Gee, and it has worked out so well for Ralph. Another classic "Honeymooner" episode written by Marvin Marx and Walter Stone. This is one of the better volumes in this series of classic television comedy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

HOW SWEET IT WAS...AND STILL IS!!
Maybe I'm gone. Maybe I'm done, through, finished, completed, over. Maybe I'm ready for Bellevue, but I STILL LOVE "THE HONEYMOONERS"!! Yes, they fight. Yes, they scream. But apparently what the reviewer below doesn't realize is that in the end, Alice loves Ralph, and Ralph is nuts about Alice. "The Honeymooners" was one of the funniest show of the '50s, and it sure sends all the "comedy" on television today right to the moon too!! 5 HUGE STARS!!

HARDY, HAR, HAR! THIS JUST ISN'T FUNNY!
I may be one of the few people in the world who really doesn't like "The Honeymooners." The tiresome lines, the weak plots and the stab at acting do nothing to make this show appealing. One major flaw with "The Honeymooners" is that the show is so darn BORING! You can predict the story and outcome right away.

The tiresome lines and stilted phrases are bad enough, but the dreaded "homminas" are extremely annoying. Add to this mix Alice the big mouth, Ralphie Boy the cliche spouting windbag, Norton the Irritant and Dishrag Trixie. Fat jokes and chauvinism are abound in any "Honeymooners" collection and this is no exception. ... Read more

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Two of the worst days in the life of Ralph Kramden
Jackie Gleason's immortal creation Ralph Kramden has a couple of extremely painful bad days in this pair of Classic 39 episodes from the last season of "The Honeymooners." "The Safety Award" (Episode #34, May 19, 1956) offers up a painfully ironic story. Ralph is on his way to accept a Safety Award for being the safest bus driver in the city...when he has his first traffic accident. I do not think I have ever felt more sorry for Ralph than I do in this one. Then in "Please Leave the Premises" (Episode #24, March 10, 1956), Ralph stubbornly refuses to pay a $5 increase in his rent. So he and Alice get evicted, which does not exactly endear him to his wife. These are both above average episodes of this classic 1950's sitcom at it peak. ... Read more

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A final video testament to "The Great One" and Company
This final volume in the "Classic 39" series of episodes from the final season of "The Honeymooners," certainly offers some excellent final images of Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden. "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" (Episode #13) actually aired on Christmas Eve 1955. Written by Marvin Marx and Walter Stone, this is obviously a "Honeymooners" version of O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi" as Ralph trades in his beloved bowling ball to buy a Christmas gift for Alice. There is a special treat at the end of the episode as Gleason interrupts the final curtain to give his cast an impromptu curtain call. Also written by Marx and Stone, "Young at Heart" (Episode #20, February 11, 1956) finds the Kramdens and Nortons deciding to have some fun at the skating rink. The idea of Gleason on skates should be enough to make you want to see this one. ... Read more

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These classic gems!
The episode "One Big Happy Family" have quite a bit in common with the Odd Couple: the compulsory, the routine person versus the complainer, sort of the live let live persona. I do confess wondering whether Neil Simon saw it before deciding to use Art Carney as the original Felix Unger in his play "The Odd Couple." Like Felix, Ed Norton is compulsive (though not a neurotic). He sticks to his routine and things are planned ahead. This is especially true in the middle part of the episode when he decides to take a bath at 8 o'clock in the morning on his day off (knowing that Ralph is patiently though angrily waiting for over twenty minutes to take his before going to work). Of course, Ed could have allow Ralph to take his first, but ohh well. But Ed, unlike Felix, can be self-absorbed and loud (in a childlike, robustious way). Ed's wife, Trixi Norton (poor Trixi), is patient, outspoken, and tough-minded, but very observant.

Ralph Kramden is a loud complainer very much like Oscar Madison. Slightly more so than Oscar, Ralph also sticks to his routine and screams when that routine gets interrupted. Of course Ralph is more of a yeller than Oscar, but they speak their minds, sometimes without thinking. But I feel for Alice, who carries the weight in mediating the arguments between Ed and Ralph and did everything possible to not allow things to boil over. But the landlord (George Pretre) had enough of the screaming and told the couples to "vacate the premises."

The episode is very funny and highly original for its time (it was aired on April 9th, 1955). I'm not sure of the build-up of the sharing an apartment idea in the first half of the episode, when Ralph and Ed were working on their tax returns and figuring out their deductions and how to save more of their earnings. The idea seems too sudden (though Ralph tend to not think for the long-term). Nevertheless, the second half is among the finest of the great sitcom and is certainly worth watching over and over again (though you should watch the first half to see how Ralph came up with the idea in the first place). In syndication, though, the first half is often omitted and the apartment scene (a setting in Queens) tends to be broadcasted by itself.

A much shorter episode "Lost Baby" (aired on November 11th, 1952) is an effective precursor to the more substantial episode "The Adoption" (vol. 32); which is compelling, controversial, touching, and again, somewhat ahead of its time. ... Read more