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Burns and Allen – Gypsy Disguise, with Jack Benny. 48-01-08. (retro384).
384BA480108GypsyDisguise_JackBenny
Comedy, 1948, George_Burns, Gracie_Allen, Gypsy, Jack_Benny, Singing, Violins, Music, Tallent, Recognized, Friendship
Jack Benny opens the show with a lament that he is misunderstood as a world class violinist. Elsewhere, George practices a few bars of song, and laments that the world doesn’t recognize his amazing tallent. Why won’t people take their musical tallent seriously? Gracie gets the idea that if George and Jack disguise themselves as gypsies, they might get somewhere. Can George talk his buddy into the gypsy routine?
With disguises on hand, the musical duo set out to find a gypsy tea room who will let them practice their craft. There’s definitely lots of attempts at violin playing, and Sugarthroat Burns warbling his croons as hed and Jack set each other up for jokes.
News of the big gypsy concert draws the attention of the press, and Gracie feeds the reporter a line about the fake gypsy brothers. It’s looking like the concert has backers, and is all set to go. Right after Jack gets involved with the commercial, and some cross promotion goes on.
A difference of opinion over which one will be the star causes some trouble. Who will end up with top billing? Will the rift threaten to destroy the act before they make it to their first appearance?
Note: Appearances are made by Mel Blanc, Meredeth Willson, and Gale Gordon.
Bonus Track:
Groucho Marx gives a short tribute to Jack and his violin. If you could call it that.
