George Burns & Gracie Allen Show - Volume 1

These early episodes of the popular TV show are simply a delight to watch. I've been watching the show on the local channel Antennae TV, which has been airing the later episodes that are more polished in quality. It's interesting to see how the show morphed during its run, surviving cast changes (Harry Von Zell replacing Bill Goodwin as announcer; multiple actors playing neighbor Harry Morton), format changes (the early ones have sponsor Carnation Milk plugging their product like crazy), and even a new on-air "home" set for George & Gracie.But the show's biggest asset was always George & Gracie themselves. George was the relaxed straight man, puffing on his trademark cigar, and breaking the "fourth wall" as he monologued directly to the audience about the latest plot point or his vaudeville days. Wry in personality & dry in humor, he could do more with less like the old pro he was. And then, there was the incomparable Gracie, who managed to make her "dumb Dora" role unique & endearing. As zany as her responses were, often misunderstanding a phrase or sentence & turn it on its ear, she would work what George termed her "illogical logic" beautifully. Although she appeared "confused", she was probably the sharpest tack in the room.This is definitely a time capsule of vintage TV, as networks would dare not write product placement directly into their scripts (can you imagine trying that today with the thousands of products out there? It was a simpler time back then!).An enjoyable 8 episodes with undoubtedly the world's greatest husband-and-wife comedy team!

It’s great to see the old movies again and now I have the collection on hand.

Bought for my husband I have watched most so far. Growing up Burns and Allen was on in reruns every morning before school. It helped to start the day with laughter rather than tears. Gracie was my favorite. My father always said of her "she has to be really smart to play dumb so well". This set was done with the shows just as they were originally seen commercials and all which were part of the show. Everyone should see these for the humor and historic television value.

When you are ready for some wonderful old fashioned entertainment then you'll want to watch this DVD. Its style and content brings you back to a different era when comedy was simple, quaint and honest. George Burns always the perfect straight man and Gracie so absolutely adorable with her quick and perfectly efficient quips. Then add a dose of Ed Sullivan-like talent spots in between segments. George and Gracie were a perfectly matched couple and it makes me smile to just write of them. "Say goodnight, Gracie....goodnight."

I was surprised that several episodes were really old!! I had no idea that there were several actors that played Blanche's husband, Harry. The older episodes weren't as entertaining: First episode is obviously set up like a play on stage. The constant Carnation Milk promotions throughout several episodes got on my nerves. However it was interesting to see the transition from very old to newer episodes. A bit of "Burns and Allen" history so I'm glad to have it.The Burns and Allen act is still funny!I was extremely pleased with the seller. The DVD arrived at my house much sooner than expected!

George and Gracie are the greatest, IMHO. Some of these older shows vary in sound and picture quality but that seems to be due more to the age of the masters used than to the conversion to DVDs. In any event, I'd buy these again.

For nearly 40 years, Burns & Allen were stars of vaudeville, radio, TV, and film. Even after Gracie passed away in 1964, George still seemed to keep the spirit of her character alongside as a silent partner to his solo/straight-man routine. Here is one of the few wife-husband partnerships that worked well in public and private. Few comedy shows since have equalled George and Gracie - none have surpassed them. I would have given this dvd set a higher rating but; 1)only 8 of over 200 episodes are here and 2)these shows can actually get old should you watch them every day for a month. But who had time to do that?

I personally think Burns & Allen were the funniest people ever on stage. Perfect for "G" rated hilarious humor that won't offend anyone. These are the type of video cds I collect - brilliant entertainers who are no longer with us. I highly recommend this video series.

I wish there was a complete series box set of the Burns and Allen Show. As it is this 8 episode single dvd (running approx. 3hr. 40min.) is a wonderful sampling of how great their program was. Gracie Allen remains a singular comedic performer whose unique talents have not been duplicated to this day. Together with Burns (and supporting cast) they created some marvelous moments of entertainment. Though there are no extras the dvd includes many trailers and notice of other nostalgic dvds available. Though the footage is old, the quality is surprisingly adequate for viewing. Highly recommended.FYI - I had a problem with the first disc, which I exchanged without a problem through amazon - great customer service as usual!

I have always loved these Burns & Allens shows, but when Dodax-on-line UK supplied me with this recording, I found it was unplayable on my UK machine, which caused me disappointment and later, an unfavourable review of their service. More recently however, Dodax-on-line UK. has sent me an expression of regret, and also refunded the entire cost of purchase. Nobody could ask for more, and I am very favourably impressed by the firm's efficiency and attention to customers' interests, so I will use their services again, and can recommend them with full confidence to others.Malcolm Neesam.

good

Takes me back to childhood and the first b&w TV. Lovely mild, clean comedy. I can't be the first to have noticed the uncanny resemblance - both physical and in mannerisms - between George Burns and George W. Bush!

I purchased this DVD for my dad, who well renumbers George Burns more-so than those today. Considering the era and technical quality, the presentation is very good. What's intriguing is how the program worked the sponsor into the actual presentation. Quite creative for the time, a distraction for contemporary viewers. For lovers of early television, well worth the cost.