Customer Reviews

George Burns & Friends

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

If your familiarity with George Burns only goes back as far as "The Sunshine Boys", here's a refresher course. Of the six hour-long cassettes, four of these come from the 1940s-era Burns and Allen show, one of the classic sitcoms of American radio (and early TV). The remaining tapes include guest spots George did (with and without Gracie) with Jack Benny and Bing Crosby. All programs are complete (or as complete as possible). A few of my favorite Burns and Allen shows were passed over in the selection, which is why this set doesn't get the extra star. However, this set is a bushel of fun and a great gift idea for the comedy fan in your life

I got this tape from my local library because it included an appearance by Al Jolson on it. I listened to the tape and found myself taken by the charm of the old radio from the sweet jokes to the strong personalities right down to the charming plugs for Swan soap and Maxwell House coffee.

Although George Burns and Gracie Allen have a relationship similar to Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez's (one I don't find appealing), there is a certain something one cannot ignore or dislike. Adding to this quiet quality are the variety of stars on this set ranging from Mickey Rooney to Rita Hayworth to Eddie Cantor.

There are songs on the broadcasts, skits, and jokes which make for some highly entertaining and unique moments. We do not have anything equivalent to old time radio in modern times, so there is a transition into liking it, but it is easy to adapt to. It really is a shame we don't have it anymore.