George Burns and Gracie Allen deliver a comedic tour de force in their classic show that is both a sitcom and a vaudeville variety show. In each episode, George, Gracie, neighbors and friends deliver a standard sitcom story arc featuring Gracie's peculiar "logic" and sophism.
The key to the show is George's role. He operates both within and outside the story as a guide and overseer. He breaks the fourth wall continuously, often to deliver a lengthy joke. Sometimes he tunes into the show as it is being aired to find out what Gracie is up to. He will even tell the audience about decisions made in production or modify the script (supposedly on the fly) to achieve a desired result.
The vaudeville conceit is furthered by George's ditties, their fancy footwork, Gracie's stories about her family, and the use of a theatrical curtain at the end of the show.
Each episode is a glimpse of comedy history rooted in early radio comedy and even earlier stage entertainment. The show is a comedy treasure trove.
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