Originally broadcast on American Public Television, this pledge-bait documentary may not be "the greatest," but it does give full measure to the larger-than-life entertainer and television icon. Although primarily known for his role as Ralph Kramden on The Honeymooners, Gleason created an entire gallery of indelible characters: some, like the Chaplinesque Poor Soul, wealthy playboy Reggie van Gleason III, and Joe the Bartender, will be familiar to fans; less well-known are loudmouth Charlie Bratton and the destructive Rudy the Repairman. Gleason had an innate grace that made him a natural for both broad physical comedy and intimately observed pantomime. In addition, he was a master monologist who could captivate audiences with stories of neighborhood characters from his childhood. Hosted by Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Jackie Gleason: Genius at Work features Gleason's widow Marilyn Taylor Gleason (sister to June Taylor of the June Taylor Dancers, and a dancer herself on the show), who provides commentary that steers clear of Gleason's dark side and demons. While a wider range of interviewees might have better illuminated Gleason's comedic genius, this program features enough archival treasures and rarely-seen vintage sketches (including one in which Reggie van Gleason literally sends his matrimonial-minded girlfriend—portrayed by the future Mrs. Kramden, Audrey Meadows—to the moon!) to please fans who miss Gleason, as well as the famed variety shows from television's golden age. DVD extras include excerpts from an episode of The Jackie Gleason Show. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (D. Liebenson)
Jackie Gleason: Genius at Work
(2006) 60 min. DVD: $19.98. MPI Home Video (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-7886-0776-6. Volume 23, Issue 3
Jackie Gleason: Genius at Work
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: