In this American sitcom, George Burns and Gracie Allen bring their "Burns and Allen" radio program to television. George Burns, Gracie Allen, and their son (Ronnie Burns) essentially play themselves. The Burns family and their friends constantly find themselves involved in situations which are usually the result of Gracie's state of perpetual confusion.
Many modern audiences have difficulty watching old television sitcoms from the 1950's. The acting seems a bit strange; and, the situations seem a bit exaggerated. One of the reasons why the old sitcoms seem so different from modern ones is that the shows from the fifties were essentially radio programs which were performed in front of television cameras. Audiences might notice that the actors' diction in the old sitcoms is different. Anyone who closes his or her eyes and listens to the audio from a 1950's sitcom will notice that the audio often sounds exactly like a radio show. Furthermore, many of the scenes on Burns' and Allen's show were essentially stand up comedy routines.
Members of modern audiences might be somewhat disappointed by George Burns' character in this sitcom. Many probably know George Burns better from his solo period following Gracie Allen's death. While performing alone, Burns proved himself to be a very funny comedian. During his earlier Burns and Allen period, George Burns usually served as the straight man to the ditzy character played by Gracie Allen. While Burns did demonstrate some of his dry wit during the Burns and Allen era, he also seemed a bit more subdued while reacting to the peculiar things which were said by Allen's character. People need to remember that this was a different period in George Burns' career; and, anyone who gives this show a chance will learn to appreciate Burns' role as a member of a comedy duo.
Some audience members might have difficulty coping with Gracie Allen's character. Many might be irritated by the character's unrelentingly ditzy personality as well as constant state of confusion. For those people, her character might seem excessively silly or exasperating; and, they might wonder why the Burns character would tolerate being married to somebody who was so infuriating. Modern audiences must remember that the characters were developed for the Burns and Allen stand up routine, and were never intended to be subtle or well rounded.
"The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show" provides modern audiences with a fascinating look at television and comedy from an earlier era. Some viewers might find it difficult to get used to some aspects of the show. However, anyone who gives the show a chance will be rewarded; because, it has a way of growing on a person over time.
Many modern audiences have difficulty watching old television sitcoms from the 1950's. The acting seems a bit strange; and, the situations seem a bit exaggerated. One of the reasons why the old sitcoms seem so different from modern ones is that the shows from the fifties were essentially radio programs which were performed in front of television cameras. Audiences might notice that the actors' diction in the old sitcoms is different. Anyone who closes his or her eyes and listens to the audio from a 1950's sitcom will notice that the audio often sounds exactly like a radio show. Furthermore, many of the scenes on Burns' and Allen's show were essentially stand up comedy routines.
Members of modern audiences might be somewhat disappointed by George Burns' character in this sitcom. Many probably know George Burns better from his solo period following Gracie Allen's death. While performing alone, Burns proved himself to be a very funny comedian. During his earlier Burns and Allen period, George Burns usually served as the straight man to the ditzy character played by Gracie Allen. While Burns did demonstrate some of his dry wit during the Burns and Allen era, he also seemed a bit more subdued while reacting to the peculiar things which were said by Allen's character. People need to remember that this was a different period in George Burns' career; and, anyone who gives this show a chance will learn to appreciate Burns' role as a member of a comedy duo.
Some audience members might have difficulty coping with Gracie Allen's character. Many might be irritated by the character's unrelentingly ditzy personality as well as constant state of confusion. For those people, her character might seem excessively silly or exasperating; and, they might wonder why the Burns character would tolerate being married to somebody who was so infuriating. Modern audiences must remember that the characters were developed for the Burns and Allen stand up routine, and were never intended to be subtle or well rounded.
"The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show" provides modern audiences with a fascinating look at television and comedy from an earlier era. Some viewers might find it difficult to get used to some aspects of the show. However, anyone who gives the show a chance will be rewarded; because, it has a way of growing on a person over time.