Growing up in the New York City Market most viewers of the Honeymooners watched an episode before bedtime as WPIX channel 11 for decades had the same nightly schedule of shows. The Odd Couple at 11:00 PM followed by The Honeymooners at 11:30 and Star Trek at Midnight. Of all the episodes of the Honeymooners my personal favorite is A Matter Of Record. Most Fans of the show refer to it as the "Blabbermouth" episode. Ralph enters his unfurnished abode all excited as he has two Broadway show tickets to see Fear Strikes Out. Ralph tells Alice (Audrey Meadows) there going to make an all night of it plus dining at the fabled Hong Kong Gardens. Quickly Alice bursts Ralph's bubble as Mother-in-Law (Ethel Owen) is coming over tonight and Alice being the devoted daughter has to keep her company. Alice suggest that Ralph take upstairs neighbor Ed Norton (Art Carney) to the play. Ralph goes ballistic as he makes a with wager with Alice that it won't take her three minutes before she insults me as he winds up an alarm clock. Mother-in-Law, Mrs. Gibson, enters the apartment and starts to talk with little insults needling Ralph in her sentences. Finally the old battle ax spills the ending of the play to Ralph as the alarm clock rings on cue. Ralph with his eye bulging looks at Mother-In-Law as says "You Are A BLABBERMOUTH, A BLABBERMOUTH!" Ralph continues to bellow, "OUT! OUT!" Mother-In-Law leaves and Alice leaves as well leaving Ralph alone in the Apartment. Weeks go by as Ralph alone in the apartment and a sink filled with dirty dishes wants his Alice back. Norton has an Idea to record an apology record and mail it to Alice's Mother's house. The recordings are hilarious accompanied by a harmonica background by Norton of Swanee River. Ralph starts off the record being sweet and apologetic wanting his Wife home but then the speech switches to Mother-In-Law and Ralph as Norton paraphrases,"Is pouring out his liver instead of his heart." Ralph goes from a composed Husband to a ranting maniac stating that she'll never change, she'll be the same old blabbermouth." Norton takes out a second record and it's the last one so Ralph has to stay on point and not get excited. Ralph asks to be alone for a second take. The recording was done perfectly as Ralph using pet names for Alice and himself strike a tearful chord with Norton. Unfortunately Norton mails the wrong record as the first installment reaches the Gibson apartment for a shocked Alice to hear. The comedic timing of Jackie Gleason and his energy are fully displayed in this episode.Gleason would NEVER rehearse with the rest of the cast as he believed, the one take was his best take.
Review of A Matter of Record
