The Honeymooners

(1955-1956)

Comedy / Sitcom

Directed By Frank Satenstein

Cast:

Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden
Audrey Meadows as Alice Kramden
Art Carney as Ed Norton
Joyce Randolph as Trixie Norton

The Honeymooners was an American situation comedy that was loosely based on a 1951-1955 sketch that had the same name.  It aired first on the Dumont Network ’s “Cavalcade of Stars” and then on CBS.  In it’s first season it was already rated the # 2 show in the United States.  As time went on it had tough competition though and only lasted through the one season and a total of 39 episodes from October 1, 1955 to September 22, 1956.  In 1956 Art Carney won an Emmy for Best Supporting actor for his role on Honeymooners.   

The plot centered around the two main characters, Ralph and Alice Kramden and took place in their apartment.  The show was also set in various other locations such as a bus depot, a lodge and another apartment.  Each episode was one storyline and never carried over into another episode.  The plots were comedic and centered around Ralph trying to be the best he could as a man and make a good life for him and his wife.  His character though, was short tempered and sometimes made verbal threats which his wife would always come back at with a witty comment making fun of something physical about Ralph.

The Honeymooners Intro