Jackie Gleason American Scene Magazine Frank Fontaine Guggenheim Honeymooners

In 1962 The Great One...Jackie Gleason returned to the tried-and-true comedy/variety show format with his CBS broadcast American Scene Magazine each Saturday night at 7:30 PM.

After the show's introduction, provided by a bevy of gorgeous models, The June Taylor Dancers performed an opening production number, leading to Jackie's big entrance. During his monologue, he would often take a sip of supposedly spiked coffee and bulge his eyes, declaring 'How sweet it is' or something to indicate how strong the coffee was. Often the show's stiff bandleader, Sammy Spear, was the subject of one of Jackie's jokes.

A regular character in this series was Jackie as Joe the Bartender. While tending bar, he would bring out Crazy Guggenheim (Frank Fontaine) who could best be described as Gomer Pyle's stranger, drunk brother. After delivering a few jokes in a goofy voice, he would be encouraged to sing. Fontaine had a smooth, warm singing voice.

Another recurring sketch featured Alice Ghostley as Agnes, with Jackie as Arthur, playing a couple of shy people who lived in New York City.

Reggie von Gleason III, the Poor Soul, and the rest of Gleason's comic characters were regular attractions. Milton Berle and Henny Youngman were frequent guest stars.

After two seasons from NYC, Jackie moved himself and the show to Miami Beach in 1964 taking the now legendary train ride South... a 24/7 nonstop party. This move led to announcer Johnny Olson's famous intro ("From the sun and fun capitol of the world, Miami Beach...") and Jackie's closing declaration that Miama Beach audiences are the greatest audiences in the world!

The show was taped at the Miami Beach Auditorium (now called the Jackie Gleason Theatre of the Performing Arts)

By 1966 the episodes included well-known guest stars and skits. A component started during this period was the musical Honeymooners episodes, which had first been tried during the 1955-56 season. These were later collected as The Color Honeymooners, with Sheila MacRae as alice and Jane Kean as Trixie and the greatest sidekick of all time... the one and only Art Carney as Ed Norton.

If interested in ANY Honeymooners material... the "Original 39" The LOST episodes. The Color Honeymooners, please feel free to ask about pricing. All are available.

This 20 DVD American Scene Magazine set likely represents all that remains of this storied Saturday Night staple. These are NOT the original hour long broadcasts. They are the very high quality edited versions seen on local New York television... WOR in Secaucus, New Jersey. 9 of 10 quality audio and video. Best guess as to the broadcast dates judging from the commercials included would be sometime mid to late 1980's. Each disc holds between 90 minutes and two hours worth of performances.

We do NOT do artwork on DVD's and they are shipped in clear faced white sleeves to assure they arrive safe and with delivery confirmation on all orders.

DVD's are recorded on name brand discs normally in the DVD-R format which is compatible with most new DVD Players. DVD+R's available upon request. Please check your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to make certain these discs will work with your system before buying.

The American copyright law known as "The Berne Act" that clearly states: films unreleased in the United States, including original versions of films altered and/or edited for release in the United States, are NOT protected by American copyright; thus, they are considered public domain. Our entire purpose is to provide otherwise available or unavailable films or television shows to the serious collector. These series are offered to other collectors ONLY! We comply with the following laws:

1. Video Home Recording Act P.L 102 - 563, 106 Stat 4237 Codified at 17 U.S.C. 1001 - 1010 in October 1992. This states that no action may be brought under this title alleging infringement of copyright based on manufacture, importation, or distribution of a digital or analog recording medium or based on the noncommercial use of such device or medium, no rights are intended, expressed, or implied.

2. Supreme Court Case: Sony Corp VS Universal Studios in 1984.

We are simply a small mom & pop operation bringing people something they cannot get commercially or afford otherwise.

The DVD's that are listed here have been thoroughly researched and found to be in the Public Domain. These films and televisions programs are from our personal collection. Our master prints originate from sources outside the U.S. or collections built over the years through trades and purchases from other Classic TV/Movie fans' private collections. It is our understanding that all material offered for sale here is in the Public Domain.

All DVDs are recorded on new brand name brand DVD+or-R media and are region free NTSC.

Because of ease of copying this media, we cannot offer refunds only replacements for defective discs.