BEING another cog in the unbelievably top notch, outrageously funny episodes of Jackie Gleason's legendary series, THE HONEYMOONERS, 'Mama Loves Mambo' was both contemporary and sort of a change of pace. Tapping the security of well known subject areas, this half hour episode is at once familiar and yet sort of a departure.
TO be sure, the production team makes fine use of Mr. Gleason's talents as swell of those of second banana, Ed Norton (Art Carney), Audrey Meadows and Joyce Randolph. The interjection of more than the usual number of supporting players into the story made for a more complicated story; which it basically was. Even if the actors weren't on the screen for that long a time, their inclusion was pivotal.
THIS extended players list included Zamah Cunningham (Mrs. Manicotti), Louis Sorin (Mr. Manicotti) and Anne Seymour (Mrs. Stevens). The inclusion of special guest star, Mr. Charles Korvin (Carlos Sanchez) provided an excellent contrast and counterpoint to the others; his character's being a professional dancer stands out in bold relief to the others' blue collar, common everyday folk.
BUT just when one thinks that they have this one figured out, they throw us a last minute curve. What seemingly should end up after some business involving Ralph and his temper, followed by a sudden epiphany where Kramden, Norton and Mr. Manicotti all see the light (thanks to Carlos); soon turns into a little morality play about being thankful about what one has.
THE Production Team does manage to do a very fine job of getting a lot into the same time frame as they had for all of the other HONEYMOONERS editions. With the ground the story covered, they could have used up a whole hour.
ONCE again "the Great One", Mr. Herbert John Gleason has put us in an impossible situation. I mean, just how does one rate a HONEYMOONERS episode? Which is the best? Would it be this one, or 'The Bensonhurst Bomber'? How about 'The $99,000 Answer' or 'Chef of the Future'?
SEE what we mean?
WELL, anyway both me and Schultz put this right up near the top. What else is a guy to do?
POODLE SCHNITZ!!
TO be sure, the production team makes fine use of Mr. Gleason's talents as swell of those of second banana, Ed Norton (Art Carney), Audrey Meadows and Joyce Randolph. The interjection of more than the usual number of supporting players into the story made for a more complicated story; which it basically was. Even if the actors weren't on the screen for that long a time, their inclusion was pivotal.
THIS extended players list included Zamah Cunningham (Mrs. Manicotti), Louis Sorin (Mr. Manicotti) and Anne Seymour (Mrs. Stevens). The inclusion of special guest star, Mr. Charles Korvin (Carlos Sanchez) provided an excellent contrast and counterpoint to the others; his character's being a professional dancer stands out in bold relief to the others' blue collar, common everyday folk.
BUT just when one thinks that they have this one figured out, they throw us a last minute curve. What seemingly should end up after some business involving Ralph and his temper, followed by a sudden epiphany where Kramden, Norton and Mr. Manicotti all see the light (thanks to Carlos); soon turns into a little morality play about being thankful about what one has.
THE Production Team does manage to do a very fine job of getting a lot into the same time frame as they had for all of the other HONEYMOONERS editions. With the ground the story covered, they could have used up a whole hour.
ONCE again "the Great One", Mr. Herbert John Gleason has put us in an impossible situation. I mean, just how does one rate a HONEYMOONERS episode? Which is the best? Would it be this one, or 'The Bensonhurst Bomber'? How about 'The $99,000 Answer' or 'Chef of the Future'?
SEE what we mean?
WELL, anyway both me and Schultz put this right up near the top. What else is a guy to do?
POODLE SCHNITZ!!
