MovieChat Forums > The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show (1950) Discussion > Which format did you prefer?

Which format did you prefer?

posted 12 years ago by cheerioaway_92
17 replies | jump to latest

Having seen most of the episodes now, I feel like I can comment on the show a little better. Did you prefer the first two live seasons (/two/ different Harrys in the first season alone, Bill Goodwin as announcer prior to Harry Von Zell), the filmed seasons without Ronnie (3-5), or the filmed seasons with Ronnie (6-onwards)?

I think that I prefer the last three seasons myself- the cast seemed to finally gel together and as a result made situations even funnier, if possible. Having Ronnie also helped add new plotlines to the show and added a "youthful" element to the show without totally changing the show (I can think of a lot of shows that were ruined by adding kids.) The earlier episodes seemed more like radio sketches to me, and it was hard watching the show knowing that Harry Morton was going to be replaced every few episodes or so. =P

[–] bozey45 9 years ago

Almost prefer the first few seasons. The way the commercials were integrated into the script was clever and innovative. Not sure any other program ever did that. The commercials sometimes ended up 3 or 4 minutes long but you didn't mind. The last seasons were good. Son Ron was a great addition to the show. But as a fan of early live television I have to go with early episodes. Fred Clark was a great Harry Morton I think equal to his replacement in season 3.

[–] Enrique-8 9 years ago

I enjoyed all of the episodes, all the seasons, all the formats and all of the "Harry Morton"s.

Let's just say that I adore Gracie Allen who has finally become my favorite comedienne of all time. And I think no one will ever topple her from that throne.

The writing was brilliant, the casting was brilliant and all of the guest stars were quite enjoyable. I never ever tire of any of the shows. (**Probably the only episode I truly cringe at is the one with the visiting relative with the three young daughters scampering about with their "space cadet" toys and games.)

Enrique Sanchez

[–] TheMovieSmith 8 years ago

I'm partial to seasons 6-8. The production quality was better and the episodes flowed better. I also prefer Mr. Keating to the other Harry Mortons which I think also added to way I like the later seasons better. Those episodes were funnier and preferred George breaking the fourth wall from the TV in his den and performing his monologue there too over him standing outside of the proscenium.