GLEASON (Television Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Gleason—the title of this movie suggests largeness of story but fails to deliver and leaves the audience feeling empty. Brad Garret is not well cast for this part, the story is shallow, and the conclusion is blunt. This documentary-type movie fails to comprehensively tell the Gleason story to include his Smokey and the Bandit and Nothing in Common work.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Part of the Jackie Gleason story comes alive.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Howard Deutch for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Barbara Lieberman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jackie Gleason (Brad Garrett), George ‘Bullets’ Durgom (Saul Rubinek), Genevieve Halford (Gretchen Egolf), Audrey Meadows (Kristen Dalton), Art Carney (Michael Chieffo), Jack L. Warner (Danny Wells) Sammy Birch (Mark Camacho), Sol Friedman (Jason Blicker), Toots Shor (Vlasta Vrana), and William S. Paley (Shawn Lawrence).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Do not expect a comprehensive or deep study of Jackie Gleason’s life. This movie does serve to reveal a bit more of Gleason’s basic personality and work ethic. This film is also had 21 minutes removed from the the original cut.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers