HISTORIC FILMS is proud to announce its representation of one of the 1960s best loved comedy/variety television programs. "From Miami Beach, the sun and fun capital of the world, it's Jackie Gleason and his American Scene Magazine!" is one of the most beloved opening lines in television history. From 1962-1966 JACKIE GLEASON AND HIS AMERICAN SCENE MAGAZINE show dominated the Saturday night airwaves.  Few baby boomers can forget the classic FRANK FONTAINE "Crazy Guggenheim"  skits which appeared in 98 of the show's 120 episodes. Besides featuring some of Gleason's most memorable comic routines and characters, the show featured hundreds of musical and comic guests.  Included are early performances by PAUL ANKA, JACKIE DE SHANNON, TONY BENNETT, ERROL GARNER, JAYNE MANSFIELD , COUNT BASIE, BOBBY DARIN, KING CURTIS and HENNY YOUNGMAN.

 

Shot on 2" video, the master tapes have been well preserved by the Gleason family and are as vibrant today as when they first appeared on television 48 years ago.

Historic Films' President JOE LAURO says, "We are delighted to be working with the Gleason family and with this legendary series. It fits nicely with our other A-List variety programs such as THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW and THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW, and it allows us to offer the best of the best of 1960s musical and comic performances to our clients.

 

The programs are currently being logged and re-transferred from their original masters, and excerpts are available immediately.

 

A planned program of classic JACKIE GLEASON performances is also underway with HISTORIC FILMS production arm, HISTORIC MUSIC PRODUCTIONS, and will be announced as it nears completion.

2010 marks the centennial of the birth of New Orleans Jazz legend LOUIS PRIMA. In commemoration of Prima's centennial, HISTORIC MUSIC, in association with the Prima Estate & Archive, is currently adding the finishing touches to a new performance compilation tracing Prima's 45+ year career.

LOUIS PRIMA: IN PERSON! will offer newly discovered performances tracing Prima's multiple musical identities from 1936-1973. As Prima's former manager Joe Segretto often says, "That cat had nine lives".  All of Prima's many musical personas will be on display in this program and we are hoping its release will re-affirm Primas' place as one of the most dynamic and downright fun entertainers of the 20th century.

Director Joe Lauro states, " I never get tired of watching Prima perform. I have seen some of these clips 100 times and I still laugh at his antics and snap my fingers to his hard swinging band.

Historic Films has recently made important stock footage contributions to the following productions:

Need a specific shot NOW? Contact Historic Films' research staff and we will immediately email or post the clip to your computer for NO CHARGE!