328 Chancey Street Today

Jackie Gleason patterned the Kramden apartment after the one he lived in with his mom at 328 Chauncey street. The building, like in the series, Gleason said, “… was dull. The bulbs weren’t very bright. The surroundings were very bare.”  If you asked anyone who knew Jackie, about him, they’d all say the same, he was “hilarious and had a heart as big as a house.” He was known to be generous, giving, and helpful, but his greatest gift was laughter. And if you are a fan, you know exactly what I mean. His true self came out in the character of Ralph Kramden, and he even said that. Ralph, although big, loud, and imposing, had a soft spot. The soft spot totally overpowered anything negative about Ralph. And maybe that’s why Ralph’s character was Gleason’s most loved one. He said of the character, “The poor soul hasn’t got a hell of a lot of ability. But he keeps trying. He gets schemes to make he and Alice happy. He fails. When he fails he feels a great deal of affection toward her and she knows why he did it. And he apologizes all the time. He’s just an ordinary guy who is trying to make it and can’t do it.”

One of these days, Alice!

For a guy who made everyone laugh, he had a hard life, and offers valuable lessons we can learn from. Growing up in Brooklyn’s Bushwick area, I’m sure, was no paradise. He lost his older brother when he was 3, his father skipped town when he was nine, and he was raised by an overprotective mother. The loss of his father haunted him the rest of his days, and often he wondered if his dad was part of the audience which watched him. He once said: “I would always wonder whether the old man was somewhere out there in the audience, perhaps a few seats away. I guess I always kind of expected him to appear backstage suddenly, saying ‘Hi, I’m your old man.’ Then one day, I realized that wherever he was, it would be easy for him to contact me–if he really wanted to.” He adored his mom, but because she was afraid to lose him, she overly protected him. He wasn’t allowed to go out and play with the kids. He didn’t even start school until he turned 8. He once said, that he got the “poor soul” look from the days he’d pressed his face against the window watching the kids play outside.

"Do the Hucklebuck..."

Eventually his mom loosened up a bit and at the age of 12 Gleason landed a job racking up balls for a local pool hall. And we know how he used this experience in movies like, his Oscar nominated role in “The Hustler” (1961) & The Sting II (1982). I have you know that most actors will use stunt doubles for pool playing shots, but Gleason did not. So, how did he enter show business? In a 60 Minute interview he said, “I was in a grammar school graduation play and I got a laugh. That laugh was the greatest thing that happened to me. And if you can go out in front of an audience and do things that make them happy and make them laugh, there’s no greater thrill. The instant critique of laughter and when you achieve it—it’s wonderful.” What a guy, huh? At 19, his mom died, and Gleason had 32 cents to his name. He said, “I knew no fear. I was stupid, brash, arrogant and broke.” I think we can all say the same for ourselves when were 19! He took the subway to Times Square and the angels of fame kissed his brow.

Not all in Gleason’s life was “peachy cream.” We all know he had alcohol issues, but he denied ever drinking on the set. His appetite for food is said to have been due to childhood deprivation. He married three times, and by-the-way, his grandson is actor, and hottie, Jason Patic. His third time at marriage with Marilyn Taylor is said to have been his happiest. Marilyn and he married in 1972 and she was by his side when he died in 1987.

We can say that Gleason modeled a lot of his well known characters after himself. Reginald Van Gleason, big drinker and extravagant spender that Gleason was known to be and Ralph Kramden the hustler always trying to make the big time. But it’s all good because it seems to me, that Gleason fulfilled his mission on earth, he made us all laugh. Thank you Jackie, Ralph, and Reginald! “Baby you’re the greatest!”

I want to start with Peter Falk who is now 82 years old. I saw him recently in the O’Reilly Factor, still as he always was, funny, confident, and endearing. I love Peter Falk because he reminds me of the many times I have stayed up late with my husband watching classic TV’s Columbo on DVD. I’m a wannabe sleuth, so watching a crime show where the sleuth cracks the case in under an hour is fascinating! Columbo, the eccentric detective who pretends to be a dunderhead, but is actually a genius at detective work, and always 3 steps ahead of the criminal, is the character most of us remember him for. I will never forget the role he played in Murder, Inc ( 1960) his first movie, and first Oscar nomination.

Falk was born September 16, 1927 in my hometown, New York City, but raised in upstate Ossining. Acting came early for him. His first stage role was at the age of 12 in a production of “The Pirates of Penzance.” He graduated Ossining High School, president of his class and star athlete. He joined the Merchant Marine where he served as a cook. He then attended college and got a B.A. in political science, he then went on to get his Masters degree in public administration in 1953. He applied for a job with the CIA which he didn’t get. He went on to get a position as a management analyst with the Connecticut State Budget Bureau in Hartford. In his spare time he acted with Mark Twain Maskers in Hartford and studied at the White Barn Theater in Westport. It is at this time he gave acting some real thought and took the plunge. He left his job and moved to the Village in NYC and basically declared himself an actor!

Peter was lucky enough to land roles in play after play off Broadway for 3 years. He enjoyed success on the stage, but an agent told him not to expect to make it in movies. You see, Peter has a glass eye and it just wasn’t attractive for the movies. His right eye was removed by surgeons when he was three years old due to a tumor. But this didn’t stop Peter from trying to land a movie role, and boy did he. He landed his first role in “Murder Incorporated.” After this first movie he did another 117, and was nominated one more time for an Oscar, and got another 19 wins (Emmys, etc), & 18 nominations. His latest movie is “American Cowslip” (2009) where he plays a priest.

I love Peter Falk because although he was told he wouldn’t make it in films he proved them wrong. I love him because he didn’t let age stop him from using his gifts and passion. Sadly, Peter Falk has advanced stages of Alzheimer’s today. I get a feeling that if he could, he’d overcome that too. In a sense we’ve already lost this Golden Age star and I only wish Lieutenant Columbo could solve this one. I can just see him getting out of his beat up Puegeot with his dingy rain coat (could never figure out why he wore that in sunny California!), mussed up hair, cigar in hand, and walking as if drunk. He looks the disease right in the face with his wonky eye, and stupefied stare, slaps his forehead as if to let out all the confusion, and says, “Excuse ma’am…there’s just one more question…who let you in, and how can I get you out?” Thank you Peter Falk (Columbo) for the memories and for  keeping me grounded and rooted in old school values and principles!

I’ve always been curious of the 1951 Classic TV show Amos N Andy. I know it was a great show and many loved it, many which were and are African American. So what happened to Amos n Andy and what was all the raucous about?

Let’s step back in time here. Amos n Andy were first on the radio from 1928-1950 and the ratings were high for the funny show of two black guys who lived in a farm in the south, who one day decide to head out to the big city of Chicago with just $24.00. Sounds good so far, only one problem, the two black guys were played by two white guys, Freeman Gosden, and Charles Correll. They not only voiced Amos n Andy, they also wrote the script for the show. And the show was an instant hit. Everything stopped in America when the show came on. But let’s face it, the fact that the characters were played by white guys which appeared in black-face in a series of movies, was insulting to America’s black communities, who at the time were engaged in an emerging civil rights movement.

CBS decides to get real, or shall we say take a chance at “being real.” They felt if the funny story of Amos n Andy was coming to TV, the characters should all be black, period. CBS pays a fortune for the television rights and assembles an awesome all black cast, Alvin Childress as Amos, Spencer Williams, Jr. as Andy, Tim Moore as “Kingfish” Stevens, and Johnnie Lee as the fast-talking lawyer Algonquin J. Calhoun and others.

At the time there weren’t many black actors on TV sitcoms, although there were some, the roles they played were that of maids, or butlers. Amos n Andy like most 1950′s comedies had, an all-encompassing set of funny characters and goofy plot lines, but it did portray African Americans as lawyers, doctors, and business owners, something that was never seen until this show. And not one show had anything to do with race. And both white and black audiences loved the show.

At the time however, many civil rights leaders didn’t like, no matter how popular the show was, a show which portrayed blacks as half-wits. The leaders felt that blacks should be given other serious roles on television, not just comedic ones. And because of the history of Amos n Andy (white playing black) the civil rights leaders saw it as a part of TV that blacks should not participate in, if anything, it was a history they wanted to erase and blot out of their minds for good.

CBS succumbed to the pressures of the civil rights leaders in 1953, just two years after a successful start, the show was canceled. CBS distributed the reruns in syndication and the ratings shot through the roof on local stations. Again the black leaders demanded the series be completely removed and in 1966 CBS does despite the economic impact for them as well as there affiliates.

I am getting the Amos N Andy DVD collection because from what I hear it is a funny show, one that many say rivals “Seinfeld.” Here is my take on what happened in 1953. Let’s put aside the color and look at the characters for a minute. I am sure that for every negative attribute in Amos n Andy, there was one corresponding sitcom with white males being portrayed the same way. Think Costello, or Ralph Kramden for instance. If anything the fact the show was removed was an injustice for the black community. Think about it, we had to wait until the 80′s to see blacks living a middle class life when America was introduced to “Cosby.” But I always say in order for us to understand events which happened in history, we must look through that time’s prism. And so, I do understand the urgency and fear the civil rights leaders had. But I tell you , when you see today’s TV crap, one just longs to sit and watch true talent and comedy of a bygone era, no matter how the contemporaries of the 50′s felt about it. And I still say, it was much ado about nothing, and sadly we will never know the positive impact it could’ve had.

Update: I got to watch a few episodes and Amos n Andy is hilarious!  You will fall in love with the half-wit, but lovable Andy, con-man, but extremely funny, “Kingfish,”  fast-talking, preacher like, Calhoun, and Amos, the quiet and philosophical cabdriver. Awesome writing and cast. I LOVE the show!

The clip below is from Classic TV’s “Dragnet”.  No matter what side you stand on in the National Health Care Debate, you will find it quite interesting. I want to forget I am living in the year 2009 for a minute.  I want to go back to a time when it was cool to stand for and defend our country’s founding and principles. I want to go back to a time when everyone took responsibility for their actions. I want to go back to a time when a soldier was honored and not criticized, or mocked. I want to go back to basics. I have no problem with my country. Yes, like any country in the world we have both good and bad history. But America has come a long dam way and in my eyes she is redeemed of past mistakes.  America does not need fixing or a makeover. I do not accept the premise that America is bad. Despite what naysayers say, America is still the greatest country on the face of the earth, and other countries can only hope to one day be like us.  Please, I’ve had enough of this America bashing, and it is a paradox of sorts when it comes from those on top, who enjoy the very things they criticize.

These guys from “Dragnet” have come back from the past to tell President Obama a few things and it is Obama who must transport himself to the past and learn the great lessons that only history can teach.

Bacall here, I want to introduce you all to our new contributor Jon Ortiz. For more on Jon visit our “about” page.  Below is his first post. Have you classic movie fans watched the AMC series “Mad Men “ yet? If you haven’t, this post will make you plunge head first. I know for most classic movie fans, anything done today which tries  to emulate a classic era, just doesn’t cut it right?  No problem, I felt the same way until I started to watch it, and like most fans, I too am hooked on “the drug.” You got to see it to understand what us “Mad Men” junkies mean. Enjoy the post.

AMC’s Mad Men is the cure for common television. What is common television? Think about CBS’ entire line up, where the target demographic is geriatrics and people with no taste. How about another hospital drama or CSI spin-off? Frankly, it’s sickening to see what passes as good televison these days. Thank God for Mad Men. It has resurrected me from the depths of jaded criticism of what I’m sure some consider “great television”, and shown me the proverbial light. Not since David Chase revealed to the world what great television was with the Soprano’s, has a show made me rupture with unadulterated glee. Hot damn, “Mad Men” is recession television at its finest.

Being an egotistical twenty something with a bloated sense of entitlement (or at least that’s what the cultural stereotype would lead you to believe), “Mad Men”  has opened my eyes. Sexual promiscuity? Alcoholism? Sexism? Narcissism? Premarital Sex? My God. The “Leave it To Beaver” utopia I believed existed was all just a facade, a lie, and a sham? Say it ain’t so. For some reason I was lead to believe that prior to the sexual revolution of the late 60′s, babies were grown in cabbage patches, sex was some sort of demonic ritual, and that Marilyn Monroe was a virgin. Given my skewed perception of the early 60′s, Mad Men is damn near pornographic. Scratch that. It is pornographic. Of course I’m exaggerating, I’m fully aware people had sex, but 60′s television did a good job of hiding all the naughty bits.

Mad Men is a time capsule into a world that is both enticing and absolutely terrifying. Where people float in moral ambiguity, openly committing adultery, open palm slapping of women’s bottoms, and drinking Ol’ Fashions well before noon. These behaviors were not only embraced, but encouraged. It’s awesome and vile all at the same time. Now before you climb to the mountain tops and foolishly shout “God Bless America”, think about this:  ‘Mad Men ‘ satiates America’s appetite for the forbidden fruit, while also making us feel terrible for liking it. “Mad Men” is in a sense a weekly drug fix or weekly meeting with the socially taboo. It is the ultimate escape.

For men, we get to live vicariously through Don Draper’s sexual escapades, his power, and his swagger. All the things we lust and desire for. Then we are shown how sad, despicable, and duplicitous he is. It is at this point where we feel awful for liking him. For women on the other hand, they may be rallying for Peggy’s tireless search for independence and equality in the male-dominated work place. When a show is able to get you this emotionally invested in it, it has done its job. Masterfully written, Mad Men’s brilliance lies in its uncanny ability to make characters that are both lovable and loathsome at the same time. I’ve never felt so conflicted over a character in a show before, which is why I hate this show, and yet I love it.

So do yourself a favor, forget your hemorrhaging 401k’s, your Titanic called a stock portfolio, your holding of your job for dear life, and simply escape with Mad Men. Let it be your drug, your coping mechanism, or whatever fulfills that need to escape from all of the bull shit, if just for one hour. In these times of uncertainty, Mad Men fills a small void within all of us, and boy is it swell. Hot damn, “Mad Men “ is recession television at its finest.

copyright Jon Ortiz 2009

But even more saddening and scary is that future generations will not know History’s heroes and history’s pivotal points either. Like the author said “… every generation loses some knowledge of history. But to think that future generations might not remember Pearl Harbor (no, not the movie), VCR’s and cassette tapes, (I think albums and 8 tracks would already be a forgotten piece of history to most), pop coming in bottles (remember getting a nickel for turning in a pop bottle?), a world without video games, and God forbid, John Wayne; kinda makes me sad.” This saddens me too because we are losing out on such much.

I, like the author, would encourage young people to explore Classic Movies, and TV to learn a great deal of history. When I see classic movies, I feel I am being transported to a different time and place. The knowledge which I have acquired from watching classic movies is astounding.  We are so lucky to have dvd’s, Turner Classic Movies, and other channels which carry classic film. Which brings me to another article about Classic Movies, MGM is providing a free channel to customers who do not have a paid cable service, but have TV with free local channels. It is an innovative way for MGM and the TV stations to make money with ad revenues while at the same time providing Classic film to an untapped market.  Read more on this here. I think this is awesome!

Let me just say to anyone 30 and under. Give classic movies and TV a chance. I grew up watching re-runs of classic TV, I’ve watched Classic Movies since the age of 5, this thanks to an older sister who absolutely loves classic movies. My sister opened up a magical world for me. What I’ve learned is priceless. To me it’s History come to life. And you know what they say about not learning from History, we most certainly will repeat it. Let’s not do that.

As I watched this old commercial and heard the news about GM, I couldn’t help thinking how GM will be a thing of the past, much like this commercial. They’ve closed thousands of dealerships across the country, and undoubtedly the CAFÉ standards will be forced on them, ultimately closing the final GM chapter.

I am sadden that GM fell into the bailout grip, but at least we can look at these commercials and tell our grandchildren what a GM was and how the Government took it over. I only hope that FORD will hang in there and succeed.  They did during the Roosevelt bailout years, and they will again. I believe that companies can make it without bailouts. It’s the American way. It’s what made America what it is. It’s what has made us the envy of the entire world.  William Durant, founder of GM, must be turning in his grave. But I believe American cars will once again be # 1, it’s a given, the American spirit is resilient and the storms may come and go, but Americans always, and I mean always bounce back! Enjoy the old GM commercial.

Paul Harvey would give us news you didn’t hear in other mainstream radio and all it took was 5 minutes, and he managed to give his sponsors a plug to boot. In fact, I have two items I bought and still buy just because Paul Harvey recommended them. When he plugged a sponsor, he did it the “old school” way, you almost felt you were living back in the fifties. Funny that it still worked in today’s high tech world. But it did. I am sure his advertisers will miss him.  I will never forget his quirky voice, odd pauses, and his emphases on the strangeness or punch line of the story.

Paul Harvey was born in 1918 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and according to his bio on his website, he grew up in newsrooms, eventually landing a job with a local radio station which took him around the world. He eventually met his wife Angel, whom he referred to all the time on his show, and they combined their talents and started News by Paul Harvey. Within a year the show was the most listened to broadcast. In 1968 his wife Angel started Paul Harvey Comments which ran for 20 uninterrupted years. He’d search the news wires for odd or random news, and just put it out there, when other stations would not. And he became a success. The ABC Networks have been bringing Paul to national radio audiences for over 50 years on over 1000 radio stations.

He is believed to be, by many, the father of conservative talk radio. And according to a blogger at michellemalkin.com,  because Harvey put news out there that no other media did, we can also say he started blogging, on the radio that is. RIP Paul Harvey.

Archie had issues with race which eventually he worked out, but he never deviated from his principles when it came to the country. He spoke his political mind without shame, or fear and in fact, made us all laugh about it. Enjoy the clip.