The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show with guest star Sheldon Leonard (1952)
The Burns & Allen Show is pretty easy to find as many episodes survived and are readily available in the public domain - in bargain bins, the local library and as filler on fringe television stations. However, rarely do you see an episode in as fine condition as this one - both pristine looking and complete.
Sheldon Leonard was the quintessential movie/TV gangster, who appeared in literally over a hundred films. One actual mobster met Leonard and assured him that everyone in the Mafia loved his work -- he reportedly treasured that compliment more than any Oscar.
ReplyDeleteLeonard, of course, is remembered today more for his offscreen TV work as producer of The Danny Thomas Show, The Andy Griffith Show AND The Dick Van Dyke Show. He also gave Bill Cosby his first taste of TV stardom in I Spy, and developed such TV writer/producer talents as Garry Marshall (who bears an uncanny resemblance to him).