ENGLISH LIT 344 / COMEDY & SATIRE

Who's Who in American Comedy

George Burns and his wife, Gracie Allen, worked together in vaudeville, then moved easily into film, radio and lastly into television . Gracie's role consisted of making illogical remarks that somehow seemed logical. The show was especially notable for the instances where George would break "the fourth wall" (talking directly to the audience). he would step outside of the set or go to his study and turn on the TV to see what was happening on the show. The show always ended with the curtain closing and George and Gracie stepping in front of it to do a short exchange which always ended with George "Say Goodnight, Grace," and Gracie responding After Gracie died, George went on to a successful solo career in films like "The Sunshine Boys" and "Oh, God."

Here they are in a classic routine. Notice how it opens with George jumping into the set. And pay attention to Gracie's explanation of how her mother noticed her brother Jim was missing.