Jackie Gleason and His American Scene Magazine
First Aired in 1962
The Great One returns to his forte, the comedy/variety show, with this splashy series.
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 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.
After two seasons from NYC, Jackie moved himself and the show to Miami Beach, bring about the 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!
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