In honor of Women’s History Month, the Showplace is featuring prominent female-driven classic programs and women who “changed the game” and made a lasting impact in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Today we present part two of a special feature on the legendary comedian, Gracie Allen.
In the 1930s the George Burns and Gracie Allen radio and later television shows not only became one of the top, but it also was one of the pioneers who developed a format that still is very prevalent in today’s television shows-the sitcom.
In fact, the television program also became a trendsetter in that it became a show within a show. Long before Seinfeld gave a monologue interspersed with clips from his personal life, Burns delivered one-liners to the audience framed around the zany adventures of his wife.
At the end of the program a quick exchange would take place between the husband and wife comedy duo as they interplayed with the audience, culminating with Burns setting his wife up for the classic lines:
George: “Say good night, Gracie”
Gracie: “Good night Gracie!”
Gracie Allen also pulled off some of the funniest and most elaborate pranks in America at the times where the nation needed them the most.
During the Great Depression, Allen pulled off one of the most successful publicity stunts in entertainment history with a year-long search for Alan’s supposedly missing brother.
During the tense year of 1940 with a threat of war looming around the world, Alan kept the country laughing with a run for the president of the United States on the new “Surprise Party” ticket, which culminated in a book with photographs from around the country and even an official endorsement from the President of Harvard University.
During World War II, her publicity stunts included being the subject of the “Gracie Allen Murder Case” mystery and a piano concerto that was performed live at the Hollywood bowl consisting of Allen playing an entire arrangement with just one finger.
Allen’s increasing anxiety over stage fright–something she battled throughout her entire career–finally forced her to retire from the Burns and Allen television show and virtually any public appearances. Though her husband tried to carry on with the show for one more year, the program was not nearly as successful and was canceled.
Sadly, Gracie passed away from a heart attack within a year.
The Gracie Award is presented by the alliance for women and media to recognize exemplary programming created by women in radio, television, cable, web-based media and for news, drama, comedy, commercials, public service, documentary and sports productions.
Bea Benaderet who worked extensively with both Allen and Lucille Ball throughout both comedians’ careers was quoted in an April 24, 1966 article of “Democrat and Chronicle” declaring that “Gracie was the greatest actress of all time.”
It would be hard for anyone to disagree. You can see the comedy genius of Gracie Allen for yourself on the Burns and Allen Show every Sunday morning at 11:30am on ATVN.
To view the complete rundown of classic programming on ATVN, check out the weekly listings here on our website.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound Broadband or any other agency, organization, employer or company.
