byzcath: “American Scene Magazine” was the name of Gleason’s variety show back in the ‘60s. I think it originated in Miami. I remember lots of musical numbers, including frequent song parodies ("they’ll watch me cut… the green, green grass of home…“), sketch comedy, big-name guests. Recurring spots included Gleason doing a monologue as a bartender, a silent bit in which he was a bum (”The Poor Soul," I believe), and of course the Honeymooners.
Just because a gentleman’s down on his luck is no reason to ditch his chapeau for a mere cap. Of course, instead of saying “Hey, pal, are you okay?” he should have said “My good fellow, are you all right?” I like this guy and hope we see him for more than just this one arc.
I remember the Honeymooners (Gleason) well. I also remember several years later Gleason had a new show and was miffed because it was getting a lower rating than a certain rerun! (That certain rerun was the “Honeymooners”!) The Honeymooners were preserved, but unfortunately none of the June Taylor Dancers were.
I can see two possible ways for this to go. He’ll call for help and we’ll be in a new story arc that doesn’t include this character. Or he is mistakenly charged with with assault and robbery but Tracy will believe in his innocence and look for the real criminal. Of course, I’m probably completely wrong which is why I’m not writing this strip.
APersonOfInterest almost 13 years ago
A Top Hat? Didn’t see that one coming. Looks like someone straight out of Dickens.
margueritem almost 13 years ago
I wonder who he found?
Sisyphos almost 13 years ago
Who’s in the dumpster for the toff to find? What an interruption to his elegant meal!
Mdstudio almost 13 years ago
I believe that would be a classic hobo. You certainly don’t see those hats everyday. They’re older than Dick Tracy!
trickdacy almost 13 years ago
Nice Jackie Gleason Show reference. Anyone else catch it?
punchydugan almost 13 years ago
Missed the Gleason reference but, Holy Cow, what a beautiful strip today.
VaSeeker Premium Member almost 13 years ago
“American Scene Magazine” in the background of panel 2. I don’t remember much about that part of Gleason’s show, but I do remember.
Ray_C almost 13 years ago
An apple intended for the Waldorf salad, perhaps. I would have gone for the leftover steak first.
kcredden almost 13 years ago
That was an astonishingly well drawn strip today, gents. Well done! My hat’s off to you :)
ridenslide65 almost 13 years ago
Obama’s in there with Biden…
puddleglum1066 almost 13 years ago
byzcath: “American Scene Magazine” was the name of Gleason’s variety show back in the ‘60s. I think it originated in Miami. I remember lots of musical numbers, including frequent song parodies ("they’ll watch me cut… the green, green grass of home…“), sketch comedy, big-name guests. Recurring spots included Gleason doing a monologue as a bartender, a silent bit in which he was a bum (”The Poor Soul," I believe), and of course the Honeymooners.
Det.DanDone almost 13 years ago
Well, I think Brandon hit his mark.Beautiful artwork, love the detail.
Morrow Cummings almost 13 years ago
Clem Kadiddlehopper?
MikeCurtis Premium Member almost 13 years ago
Actually, Fredie the Freeloader.in a realistic style.
quartermain almost 13 years ago
W.C. Fields in need of a shave.
HannoX almost 13 years ago
Just because a gentleman’s down on his luck is no reason to ditch his chapeau for a mere cap. Of course, instead of saying “Hey, pal, are you okay?” he should have said “My good fellow, are you all right?” I like this guy and hope we see him for more than just this one arc.
tuslog64 almost 13 years ago
I remember the Honeymooners (Gleason) well. I also remember several years later Gleason had a new show and was miffed because it was getting a lower rating than a certain rerun! (That certain rerun was the “Honeymooners”!) The Honeymooners were preserved, but unfortunately none of the June Taylor Dancers were.
Lyons Group, Inc. almost 13 years ago
To steal a line from The Phantom: New Adventure!
APersonOfInterest almost 13 years ago
Love the Dickensian cut of his jib. The fingerless gloves. Yes.
andy.vaughn almost 13 years ago
The Gleason character was called “Joe The Bartender”, and the Frank Fontaine character was “Crazy Guggenheim”.
marvee almost 13 years ago
I always enjoyed the June Taylor dancers. Poor Soul made me sad and Ralph Cramden made me mad with his “Wanna goo to the moon, Alice?”
marvee almost 13 years ago
I can see two possible ways for this to go. He’ll call for help and we’ll be in a new story arc that doesn’t include this character. Or he is mistakenly charged with with assault and robbery but Tracy will believe in his innocence and look for the real criminal. Of course, I’m probably completely wrong which is why I’m not writing this strip.
Vista Bill Raley and Comet™ almost 13 years ago
Dick Tracy = ★★★★★
Det.DanDone almost 13 years ago
I beileve this is the same arc. I’m thinking it’s Brandon’s shooter, in the dumpster.
gimmickgenius almost 13 years ago
Reginald Van Gleason on his uppers?
Butch70 almost 13 years ago
Dick Tracy is my hero next to Dirty Harry. So get ’em.