The Honeymooners Trivia Quiz

Answer: 1

Though it debuted as the second highest-rated show on television, stiff competition from 'The Perry Como Show' precipitated its descent to the #19 position, and by the end of the season it was canceled by CBS. Despite that, in the 50 years since its original broadcast, 'The Honeymooners' has had a significant impact on television.

It developed a loyal following when released into syndication, and has been broadcast almost continuously since that time, not only domestically, but in countries including Australia, Iran, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Suriname. Both the 1960s cartoon 'The Flintstones' as well as the current situation comedy 'The King of Queens' are based on 'The Honeymooners.'

Answer: All of these

In addition, the theme songs which played at the beginning and end of the show were composed by Jackie Gleason.

Answer: October 1, 1955

"The Classic 39," as they are referred to, were broadcast between October 1, 1955, beginning with the episode entitled 'TV Or Not TV,' and wrapped up on September 22, 1956 with the episode 'A Man's Pride.'

Answer: Ralph saying "Baby, you're the greatest!"

As Gleason said this, he would turn Audrey Meadows in a dramatic gesture, embrace and give her an assumed kiss on the lips which was always obscured by his back and shoulder, just as the cameras would fade to black. Ironically, due to the fervor of the moment and of being on live TV, as well as Gleason's poor aim, the kiss rarely landed where it was supposed to.

In the episode 'Twas The Night Before Christmas' (originally aired on December 24, 1955), in a rare occurrence, the cameras continued to roll after the kiss, at which time Gleason turned to face the audience once again, noticeably wiping his mouth several times with his hand! This occurrence, in which the 'Kramdens' and 'Nortons' break character to wish the home and studio audiences a Merry Christmas, is sometimes included when broadcast on Christmas Eve, and appears in the DVD version of the episode.

Answer: All of these

Gleason also broke his leg on the air.

Answer: False

Jackie Gleason rarely if ever rehearsed with the cast. He felt it would ruin the spontaneity of the performance. The other cast members took turns standing in for him during rehearsals. As a result, he often forgot his lines. Audrey Meadows (Alice Kramden) took it upon herself to learn the lines of all the cast members, and when Gleason would forget his line live on the air, he would signal Meadows by rubbing his stomach, at which point she would subtly guide him back to the script.

Answer: False

Because of Gleason's overpowering stage presence on the show, many people assume he was taller than Carney. At 5'11 1/2" tall, he was actually over 2" shorter than the 6'2" tall Carney. Carney assumed a slumping stance throughout the show in order to minimize that fact.

Answer: Brooklyn, NY

In fact, even the address of his childhood home was the same, 328 Chauncey Street. Gleason had commented that the place was drab, the lights weren't very bright, and the surroundings were very sparse.

Answer: The Handy Housewife Helper

The Chef of the Future was actually the role that Ralph played in the fictitious commercial during the episode. Kranmar's Delicious Mystery Appetizer was a product Ralph tried to scheme for profit on another episode of the show ('A Dog's Life').

Answer: The Grand High Exalted Mystic Ruler

According to Lodge Bylaws, section 2, membership requirements included that the applicant be a US citizen for at least six months, possess a public school diploma, and pay a $1.50 initiation fee. The monthly dues were $2. Not a bad deal.