Discuss The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show
Discuss → TV Shows → The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show → General
I loved it in the 1950s, but in reruns . . .
posted by MoondoggieSTAFFMOD on February 15, 2017 at 9:53 PM
. . . once you know the formula--e.g., Gracie's seemingly always inferring the unintended meaning when someone uses an ambiguous noun/pronoun reference; or Gracie's misunderstanding something she overheard--you can see the punch lines coming a mile away.
Don't get me wrong; I still love to watch it after all these years, and it's still funny. But now that I'm grown up and am so familiar with the formula, it seems more contrived and less spontaneous--and certainly less effective in its ability to surprise.
But the one thing that remains comically undiminished, even after repeated viewings, is how George, his friends, neighbors, acquaintances and total strangers are frequently foiled or discombobulated by Gracie.
Reply by JohnSteed
on February 26, 2017 at 10:29 PM
I guess some people can appreciate it differently as I never tire of classics like this one. Or the likes of others such as The Honeymooners, The Jack Benny Program, and I Love Lucy. To me, these are the gold standards by the masters of comedy.
Regarding Burns and Allen, while it was a good show throughout its long run, I particularly enjoyed the later seasons when Larry Keating and Ronnie Burns joined the cast. And I thought the style of the show changed considerably and really found its sweetspot in those final few seasons as well.
Reply by Moondoggie
on February 27, 2017 at 12:18 AM
I noticed your user name, and, re: the current topic, it reminded me that I also have a bone to pick w/The Avengers. I absolutely loved it during its first run, and even after a couple of viewings of each episode. But what became tiring was the writers' tendency in many episodes to pad the show by repeating the same type of crime several times, changing only minor details. It just seemed mentally lazy to me. Other than that, it remains a classic; and Steed & Peel are inimitable.
Reply by JohnSteed
on February 27, 2017 at 8:14 AM
Yes, I love television of the 50s and 60s, and hence my alias, lol.
I do agree moreso on your Avengers commentary and the plot repetition, good observation. Since I am so impressed by Mr. Steed and enamored by Mrs. Peel, I can tend to get past it though.
Reply by movie ghoul
on February 27, 2017 at 12:07 PM
One thing that always cracked me up about this show is how George would figure out what Gracie is up to by turning on the TV and watching the show! When I saw this years later, I thought, wow, this show is decades ahead of its time.
Reply by JohnSteed
on February 27, 2017 at 5:52 PM
Exactly. At the time, that novely George introduced into the show was very popular with the audience.
Reply by Moondoggie
on February 28, 2017 at 4:42 PM
Yes, George's magic TV, and his talking directly to the audience, was one of the first examples of breaking the fourth wall, and it was not only surreal but also very effective.