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Gleason (2002 film)

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Gleason
Screenplay byRick Podell
Michael Preminger
Directed byHoward Deutch
StarringBrad Garrett
Saul Rubinek
Gretchen Egolf
Terry Farrell
Kevin Dunn
Danny Wells
Theme music composerChris Boardman
Countries of originUnited States
Canada
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerJudy Cairo-Simpson
CinematographyKen Roach
Neil Roach
EditorSeth Flaum
Running time120 minutes
Production companiesBarbara Lieberman Productions
Robert Greenwald Productions
Hallmark Entertainment
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseOctober 13, 2002 (2002-10-13)

Gleason is a 2002 biographical television film written by Rick Powell and Michael Preminger and directed by Howard Deutch, dramatising the life and career of American comedian Jackie Gleason. It starts Brad Garrett as Gleason, with Saul Rubinek, Gretchen Egolf, Terry Farrell, Danny Wells, Kevin Dunn, Kristen Dalton, and Michael Chieffo in supporting roles.[1][2] The film premiered on CBS on October 13, 2002.

Plot

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Framed by a late-career interview, reflecting on his success, Jackie Gleason discusses the origins of his nickname "The Great One," his dislike of rehearsals, his philosophy of comedy, and the popularity of The Honeymooners. Flashbacks depict his childhood in Brooklyn, where his father Herb's abandonment leaves him with lasting emotional scars, while his devoted mother, Mae, encourages his ambitions.

As a young comedian, Gleason pursues a career in nightclubs and begins a romance with Genevieve Halford. Inspired by Charlie Chaplin's creative independence, he becomes determined to control his own work. His rise through television leads to his breakthrough as the star of Cavalcade of Stars and later to national fame with The Honeymooners, where his improvisational style and larger-than-life personality make him one of television's biggest stars.

Success, however, comes at a personal cost. Gleason's ambition, perfectionism, and heavy drinking place increasing strain on his relationships. His marriage to Genevieve deteriorates and ultimately ends, after which he begins a relationship with Marilyn Taylor. Although Marilyn provides companionship during his later years, Gleason remains emotionally burdened by his childhood and struggles to balance his career with his personal life.

Gleason's insecurities also surface in his professional relationships. He clashes with his manager, George "Bullets" Durgom, and angrily confronts fellow comedian Sammy Birch after being accused of borrowing jokes. Despite his public confidence, Gleason admits that his father's rejection continued to affect him throughout his life, confessing that he spent years believing he was somehow responsible for being abandoned.

In the interview segments, Gleason expresses mixed feelings about ending The Honeymooners after one season, believing he may have preserved its legacy by leaving at its peak, while regretting that his relentless pursuit of success kept him from being more present for his family. The film concludes with the interviewer asking whether he truly is "The Great One." Gleason sidesteps the question with a joke, inviting the interviewer to play a game of pool and decide for himself, ending the film on a characteristic note of humor.

Cast

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Production

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Back in 1997, Garrett was set to portray Gleason in a television biopic for CBS, with the script written by Everybody Loves Raymond creator Philip Rosenthal, but it never came to fruition.[3]

When he learned that CBS acquired the rights to Gleason's life story, Garrett personally lobbied to the network to portray the role. Initially, CBS offered the part of Gleason to Mark Addy. However, Addy dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, thus Garrett was officially cast as Gleason.[3][4]

Garrett reportedly disapproved of the script written by Rick Podell and Michael Preminger. With assistance from Deutch, Garrett and his writer friend Dave Boone wrote an uncredited rewrite of the script.[3][4]

Garrett and Deutch paid Greg Cannom with their own money for him to apply for the makeup needed for Garrett to look like Gleason. It took Garrett three hours to put on the makeup and an hour and a half to take it off.[3]

Unlike Gleason, who was 5 feet 11 in real life, Garrett was 6 feet 8 at the time of filming; in order for Garrett to appear as if he were 5 feet 11, the other cast members wore boots with seven-inch lifts and the doorways on the set were built at 8 feet rather than the usual 6 feet 9.[3][4]

The film was shot in Montreal.[5]

Accolades

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For his performance, Garrett was nominated for both the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie. Deutch was nominated for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Miniseries or TV Film.[6]

References

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  1. ↑ Miller, Darryl H. (October 12, 2002). "'Gleason' Just Skims the Star's Surface". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  2. ↑ Hart, Hugh (October 10, 2002). "And awaaay he goes / Brad Garrett fulfills dream of playing troubled, talented Jackie Gleason in CBS biopic". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Fretts, Bruce (October 11, 2002). "...And Away He Goes!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 King, Susan (October 13, 2002). "One of These Days, Alice ..." Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  5. ↑ Gallo, Phil (October 10, 2002). "Gleason". Variety. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  6. ↑ Roberts, Jerry (2009). Encyclopedia of Television Film Directors. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 9780810863781.
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