About "The Main Event"
This ten minute weekly weekend show, "The Main Event" hosted by Rocky Maeciano
began in the fifties on the defunct Du Mont Television Network. With Du Mont
faltering, the show was syndicated, with CBS picking up the slack and a few former
shows on 16mm film, including this gem with The Great One, Jackie Gleason.
Despite the King Of Boxing, Rocky Marciano's lack of vocal eloquence, the
little show, usually tagged after the midday news then 15 minutes, gained a loyal
audience. Who could help but feel affinity towards The Rock, even the guys he
KO'd loved him, including Tony Galante.
average viewer rating: ***********
About Rocky Marciano
Rocky Marciano was the only heavyweight champion ever to retire never being defeated.
He had a phenomenol 49-0 record and only 43 knockouts.
Rocky Marciano started his professional boxing career in 1947, reigning champ from 1952 until his retirement
in 1956. Rocky Marciano ranks among the world's foremost boxing's greats.
Rocco Francis Marchegiano, who would come to be known as Rocky Marciano, was born on September 1, 1923, in Brockton, Massachusetts, the son of working class parents. An immigrant from Italy, his father worked in a shoe factory. This factory made a big impression on the young Marciano. It was Marciano's job in the family to take lunch to his father at work each day, and there he saw first-hand the toll factory work took on the people who worked there. Marciano vowed that he would never make his living that way.
In high school, Marciano excelled in sports. He played on the Brockton High football team as a linebacker, once intercepting a pass and running sixty-seven yards for a touchdown. His dreams were of baseball, however, and he planned to become a professional player after he dropped out of school at the age of sixteen. He worked in blue-collar jobs, including a two month stint at the shoe factory, while he trained to become a professional baseball player. His fledgling baseball career was interrupted, however, when the United States entered World War II at the end of 1942.
Drafted into the army in 1943, Marciano discovered the sport that was to be his career when he took up boxing to avoid kitchen duty. After serving in Wales and at Ft. Lewis, Washington with the 150th Combat Engineers, Marciano was discharged following the close of the war. He worked at odd jobs to support himself while he pursued a career in baseball. His hard work paid off when he landed a tryout with the Chicago Cubs as a catcher and first baseman. But he failed to make he team after a throw from home plate to second base fell short.
Now the only heavyweight boxing champion to retire completely undefeated, Marciano spent the next ten years making personal appearances. He died on the night of August 31, 1969 when the private plane in which he was a passenger crashed outside of Des Moines, Iowa. He died one day shy of his 46th birthday. He was survived by his wife Barbara�to whom he had been married for nineteen years�and his two children, Rocco Kevin, and Mary Anne. He was said to have had many close friends and to be a loving husband and father, but nevertheless to be extremely secretive about his post-boxing business dealings. He died without making a will, and without revealing where he had placed much of his fortune.
Somewhat awkward, not noted for his speed or agility, Marciano nevertheless overcame his opponents through sheer drive, determination, and the power of his punches. He remains today the only heavyweight champion boxer to retire completely undefeated.
About Jackie Gleason
Jackie Gleason was born on February 26th, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York. This future great was born into a poor family of Irish Catholic immigrants, living in Brooklyn. His father, Herbert Gleason, was an insurance clerk who ran out on his family when Jackie was only nine years of age. His mother, Mae Kelly Gleason, died when he was nineteen. This, and the fact that his only sibling, Clemence, was diagnosed with tuberculosis when Jackie was three, made Jackie have a very sad and lonely childhood. Gleason, who attended Public School 73, dropped out before he was sixteen, and instead hung out with an organization that was basically a street gang. Even though he was a gigantic eater as a teenager, he was very good at sports, particularly boxing and football. Right from the beginning, Jackie seemed to be a natural for the entertainment field. He appeared in many church and school plays, and eventually won an award for an original comedy routine. From there, we was a master of ceremonies at a vaudeville house, Folly Theater. After leaving school, he began to travel around New York, picking up jobs as he went. He also worked in hotels in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. After working in other various jobs, he married Genevieve Halford, a dancer, in the year 1936. They had two daughters, Geraldine and Linda, the only children he ever had. After several separations, the couple finally split up in 1954, though the legal divorce would occur later in 1970. In 1941, Jack Warner signed Gleason, who had been working in nightclubs and musicals, to a contract, and he headed out to Hollywood at the age of 25. His early movies unsuccessful, Warner contributed his signature on the contract to drunkenness. After failing in Hollywood, Jackie grew to hate Los Angeles, and his future works would take place on the East Coast, in New York and Florida. Depressed, Jackie returned to nightclubs and the stage, and even tried radio. But it was when his agent, George "Bullets" Durgom suggested he work in television that Gleason went on his way. He was cast in the title role of "The Life of Riley," but he was not right for the part, and it was soon cancelled. His television career really began when he signed on with the DuMont network as the summer host of "Calvacade of Stars." After two episodes, he was signed on as permanent host. It was here where he created his most memorable characters, including Ralph Kramden. But, after guest hosting several shows on other networks, Jackie signed an exclusive contract with CBS as the host of "The Jackie Gleason Show."
In the 1955-1956 season, he took Ralph Kramden's "The Honeymooners" and made it into its own show for a season. Today, this is one of the most beloved sitcoms, even making number 3 on TV Guide's recent "The 50 Best TV Shows of All Time."
Gleason continued to make several movies, including "The Hustler" which earned him an Oscar nomination, and "Requiem for a Heavyweight." In "The Hustler" Jackie did all of his own pool shots for the camera. Gleason also recorded his own records, writing his own music even though he could not read a note. In 1962 Jackie returned to television with "Jackie Gleason's American Scene Magizine," but the name was soon changed back to "The Jackie Gleason Show."
In July 1970 he married Beverly McKittrick, but they were divorced in 1974. The following year he married Marilyn Taylor, sister of June Taylor of the June Taylor Dancers. After working on a series of movies throughout the 80's, Gleason died on June 24th, 1987, of colon and liver cancer.
What was the DuMont Television Network (the "forgotten network")?
For the fascinating
history of the innovations and downfalls of The DuMont Television Network and it's
founder, click here.
It was little noted that champion fighter Rocky Marciano had
his own interview show. He started on the
then tiny, independent, Newark, NJ station WATV channel 13 in 1959 before
going into syndication, replacing Hy Gardner in many markets. Rocky was one of two
people Jackie would confide in (the other was Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, who had a weekly
series on the now defunct Dumont network, where Jackie first introduced
The Honeymooners. It was a cinch, then, that Jackie would be an honored guest
on The Rocky Marciano Show and talk about the old Jersey and Brooklyn days.
Jackie Gleason's Jersey Days Jackie actually got his start in, of all places, a tiny town in
Northern New Jersey called Singac (sing yak),near Paterson and today's Willowbrook Mall in Wayne.
Jackie performed stand up in a small gin mill then known as The Four Corners. The Great One
had performed in clubs in Newark (The Miami Club, Vinnie's) and in Brooklyn, NY, but it was in Singac that an agent caught the act
and took him under his wing. That agent (operating under the psuedonym Morty Wax) also handled
personal appearances for Rocky Marciano. Jackie Gleason was introduced to the big wigs (or as
Norton would say, muckity-mucks) at the old Du Mont Network and, voila, The Jackie Gleason Show
and later, The Honeymooners was born. In the original Honeymooner's sketched Perk Kelton
played Alice until she was branded for her liberal views as a Communist by the McCarthy commission.
Jackie originally turned down Audrey Meadows for the replacement because she was too glamorous.
Aggressive Audrey re-auditioned dressed down and got the part. The rest is history as we know and love it.
RATE THIS OLDIES TV CLIP
Viewer Comments:
9.01.10 DaKais, Tempe AZ Jackie Gleason reminds me of my grandfather. Unique, one of a kind.
8.31.10 luvz, Ormond Beach, FL Two of the greats of their professions
8.29.10 jeterP, Chandler, TX My favorite comedian of all time
8.26.10 TT, Chicago, IL
I loved the video. It was interesting to see these two conversing about the same matters. I was impressed with Mr. Marciano as an interviewer. I watched "The Great One" as a kid growing up with my parents and grandparents.
8.20.10 Mommore, Palm Coast, FL Love it. something very nice & interesting to read.Thanks
8.18.10 RonParalegal, Bangkok, Thailand
Rocky was the best boxer ever and Gleason the best comedian ever.
Amazing interview I never thought existed. Thanks so much
8.18.10 Lou at Oldiestelevision.com responds Thank you, Ron. We
are so appreciative of all the great viewers like you and the folks below
who take the time to provide feedback that allows us to add more of what
touches our viewers the most.
8.17.10 RoyMc, Dacula, GA Great video by two great guys!
8.17.10 sternwheeler, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Jackie Gleason was a master of comedy and entertainment, I never knew he
was an acquaintance of Rocky Marciano
8.15.10 SimonSz0, Montgomery City, MO You gotta love borh these guys!
8.15.10 jk, Toronto, Canada Brings back so many memories.
8.15.10 ArizonaMan, AZ Thank you for the opportunity to view
8.14.10 Robert John Warren, Conneaut, OH Two of the greatest men whoever
lived, next to God
8.11.10 SilverBat, Chester, PA I liked the text on both men
8.10.10 DonnyJ. Garden City, MI This was great (WOW!)
8.08.10 Tony, Lakewood, NJ fascinating story
8.08.10 brunox, Deerfield Beach, FL Rocky Marciano is truly a boxing icon
8.07.10 J.V., Newark, NJ Awesome, from Newark myself
8.05.10 MikeyT, Carmel, ME Wonderful. Appreciated. Thanks.
8.05.10 V99D, Santa Rosa, CA Jackie had more talent than nearly all the folks we see these days on TV.
8.05.10 DJS, Garden Valley OH Really fun watching a conversation between two greats.
8.04.10 Joe, TX great to see this so I can pass it on to a few friends that will appreciate this showing.Great to see that there are some nice rememberance of the past
8.02.10 michael_lenning, CO Loved Jackies show even though I was young. He had tremendous range as a comedian.
7.31.10 ElaineMoore1084Al,Mesquite, TX Always Intelligent & Very Funny. A Gentleman
7.31.10 Nolan Raborn, Houston, TX Rocky was a great champion.
7.29.10 MeanJean, Union Beach, NJ I was born and raised 1939 in
Brooklyn, to today there's nothing better.
7.29.10 hwttjam, Waltham, MA Great to see past performers.
7.28.10 ichumpo, FL Two of the greatest
7.25.10 BernieK, Seattle, WA The greatest. Where are the reruns?
7.25.10 Sigcamp, Sugarland, TX Watched Gleason at my
grandmother's house. Was a show for all ages. Where have these shows gone, indeed
7.25.10 Lou @ oldiestelevision.com responds Here, Sig. Our
"sig" (signature) is,
"where all the good shows have gone."
7.25.10 Jay, Holliston, MA Brings back a lots of great memories
7.24.10 Toni, Chicago, IL Takes me back to some great memories
7.23.10 Joyce, Coram, NY Great to see Jackie again. My dad resembles him.
7.22.10 Char, AZ I loved it - hearing the theme song bought tears
7.22.10 zacflowe, Balto, MD we loved to watch the show weekly~we would rush home from the market to catch the show
7.19.10 H_Morris, Ft Smith, AR very good, brings back memories.
7.19.10 Lou_Brackett,sr, Stockton, CA Both men were classy champions
7.19.10 GrampyMike, FL Both men are one of a kind. Top Shelf!
7.18.10 Perry, Spanaway, WA Uncle Rock, nice job
7.16.10 hederhopper, Bergen County, NJ Excellent. The older days need to come back.
7.16.10 Cathy, Lake Worth, FL Rocky and Jackie...what a class act!
7.11.10 MilesS, Ft Lauderdale, FL Love both of them, both great talents
7.10.10 WildBillP, Pensacola, FL I loved Jackie Gleason and the Honeymoners. It's nice to know his life story.
7.09.10 sjm35027, Cedar Rapids, IA Wish we could turn back the clock to those GREAT times again.
7.09.10 TomV, Sun City, AZ Great memories of both
7.09.10 back40rocker, Columbus, Ms Love these cool 'champs' of a different kind...
7.09.10 Barbara, Flower Mound, TX to this day - I think of Jackie as the funniest men I ever knew and the Honeymooners was so great. I never missed his shows. We should be so luck to have shows like his again.
7.06.10 Demetri, Chicago, IL Wonderful, two greats together on one screen.
7.06.10 netti, Kalamazoo, MI Good to see and read about, excellent!
7.06.10 Budh, Cinnaminson, NJ Love history like this.
7.05.10 FrankG, Evergreen Park, IL Memories!!!
7.05.10 Engrum10, Cherry Hill, NJ Good interview. The Honeymooners will always be my favorite
7.04.10 klask7, Bayonne, NJ Great oldie, Just Great Loved it alot. Especially the Honeymooners. I still watch reruns every New Years Eve.
7.04.10 Lou @ oldiestelevision.com New York area viewers can watch
"The Honeymooners" reruns on WPIX, ch. 11, Sunday nights at (yawm) 1AM as
well as their "New Years Blowouts." PIX has run "The Honeymooners" since
the 60's. They dropped Trek reruns, but not Ralph & Ed. I believe WGN in
Chicago has also kept "To the moon, Alice" alive. Our Oldies Television ch 11
has the Honeymooner's bloopers, ch 30 clip from a color episode.
6.30.10 Horseplayer, FL I wish another Gleason would emerge someday.
6.30.10 Cynthia, PA I love all oldies variety shows.
6.29.10 DianneT, CA Jackie Gleasonand Rocky Marcieno were two very well known names in my parent's home. The "Honeymooners" was a terrific family show and we need more shows today that are like this one.
6.27.10 JerryL FL It was great to see Gleason and Marciano together. They were always two of my favorites.
6.27.10 Sally_hotter_than----,FL I enjoyed Gleason, he was so talented in humor and music
6.27.10 ndiii, FL 10 minutes not one curse word. These men did not need to curse to make you laugh. Great memories
6.27.10 Beverly, MD Very nice. I loved Gleason
6.25.10 kncstrand, TX If we only had great men like these now as we did back then
6,25.10 springchicknot, IL two inspiring people who should be remembered.
6.25.10 PaulB, Canada very insightfull of both men - they lived hard and left the world a better place.
6.24.10 Hank, OR My grandfather lived in the 700 block of Chauncey St. in Brooklyn in the '20's throught 50's.
6.24.10 Harry-0,MA True to life. I miss them and their tenacity.
6.24.10 judyb173, PA thanks for the background info
6.24.10 tsmjh, CA warm and respectful
6.24.10 VernM, Canada Just great memories
6.22.10 Lorra, CA Really a super pair. I miss them
6.21.10 jafrado, WV nice to se the old faces that brought me so much happiness
6.21.10 jamncue, OR I remember watching DuMont TV growing up in Jersey
6.20.10 Footsyno1, FL made tv worth watching and we still watch him today
6.20.10 LyleG, MT entertaining, both are legends
6.20.10 willieB, NY Educational ~ Entertaining ~ Heartwarming
6.19.10 mysticeyes, PA No show around today like them,The'll always stick in your memory they were great.
6.19.10 indyruth2818, IN brings back a lot of memories
6.17.10 barbphilip, Canada entertaining and so sincere
6.15.10 JohnF, TN My Dad was mistaken for Jackie Gleason many a time in R.I. We watched J.G. every week The Honeymooners also saw R.M. fight in Providence if not mistaken. I was only 7 when he started his boxing career
6.15.10 Jogeo, MA wonderful and informative
6.15.10 rchrist321, FL Seen Rocky fight, and watched Jackies Tv shows
6,14.10 JoeGrant, VA
As an employee of Piedmont Airlines, I played golf with Jackie Gleason the only year the LPGA played in
Myrtle Beach SC back in the 1970's. Also when I was playing sandlot baseball in Salem, Va., our coach huddled all of us up at first base and introducted Rocky Marciano. He was in town to inspect a potato company he owned called "Rocky Brand" potatoes. This was in the middle 1950"s. Two wonderful American icon's.
6.14.10 aloana, NY enjoyed reading all
6.14.10 RGripe, MN I loved it. Such memories and class.
6.14.10 FirstWard, NJ They were both unique, a time sadly gone by
6.14.10 Bhellion1, CA I remember the good old days
6.13.10 Bear, CT two men worthy of our respect.
6.12.10 Terry, IN insightful into these two icons, but a bit dry
6,12.10 jimbro, CO This was a wonderful time in TV, and I'm not sure we even knew it.
6.12.10 Randy_50704, IA This brings back memories of my youth
6.12.10 Lou @ oldiestelevision.com Mine, too. Getting KO'd by the Nuns at Catholic School!
6.12.10 jolly, FL when TV was pure class and entertainment
6.11.10 Lake, IA they both died champions
6.11.10 jnavarre, MI fascinating
6.11.10 Lou @ oldiestelevision.com responds Thank you, Mr. Spock
6.10.10 Poppydoodle, CA When I was a kid in the 50s, I saw Rocky fight on TV, but never really knew how great a fighter and man he was until now.
6.10.10 absecon_fan, NV comedy personified in one great man
6.10.10 dizzy, NJ Great!!!!!
6.10.10 Art, NY great comedian great show
6.10.10 rpdice, MO great people with ok dialogue
6.09.10 carmeloG, PA Rocky and Jackie were the best
6.09.10 G8montano, FL They were both giant stars and CHAMPS!
6.08.10 rlualha, CA I loved Gleason and all his "antics." I'm 77 years old myself and jus thinking about some of hisgreat showsget me laughing immediately!
6.08.10 charliet, ME very enjoyable
6.07.10 drdiopter, NY Two champs,coherent talk about a gentler time. WOW
6.06.10 det_moran, IL Great man. Jackie G. was a classic and is still missed, I grew up with his show in the 50-60-s
6.06.10 VJN, CA I watched Jackie Gleason since TV (started). I'm now 69
6.06.10 Lou @ oldiestelevision.com responds 69 years YOUNG, VJ!
6.05.10 RK. IL Both guys are super-champs
6.05.10 ed, KY loved it!
6.05.10 evenhanded, OH Outstanding. Two great men.
WildBill, WI This is when they actually would interview someone ,be respectful and, not yukkin it up like todays sports guys,.Total Professionals.
chefai, NJ I greatly admire the determination and persaverance and sacrifices of these two great men, they don't make them like that anymore!
jerryhore, CA excellent information.
conndiver, CT grew up watching Gleason.Loved him
bronxjohnny, CA Great laid back interview. Love Rocky from the days my Dad would talk about him. I am surprised at how well he does an interview. What else is there to say about "the Great One"?
VJP, AR Terrific clip. They were both great and very entertaining
mark, TX loved the comments
grooverchic29, AL I always loved Jackie Gleason and this told me a few things that I didn't know about him. How Sweet It Is!!
surgnbone, FL just loved the two
JohnP, FL How sweet it is!
nickchris1, DE wonderful memories of my 2 favorite people
HBviewerFan, CA Great bio info. Two great human beings. Can't watch current shows w/my grandkids like we could back then. They blessed us with their talents
jaybird1960, CA Forever relevant & reflective of simpler times
cwadsgo, AL really glad this was available to view
ChuckT, AK I've watched both men in the spotlight and the show must go on.
ay07974, NJ Galanto was a crude SOB. He used to train at the Orange, NJ YMCA. He had a tavern in Orange.
Lou @ oldiestelevision.com For you folks not in or near the New Jersey aewa, Orange is
a suburb of Newark, where Jackie was K'Od on the street by the other big G.
MichaeltheFlash, CA I love watching the old clips of all these famous people, Born in '58 I grew up watching all these shows with great memories that will stay with me forever
CFJ_Assoc. SC excellent
lcppennington36, FL Great show, really miss it
greenknight2814, CA two complimentary gentlemen
Lindy, FL Enjoyed it very much. Stood in line for hours to see Jackie Gleason when I was probably 14 years old. Managed to get one of the "And Away We Go" hats and an autographed pix for my trouble. Still have the pix.
BigBison, CA Rocky and Gleason...what a combination!
laryoflenox, MA two classy guys
Edpet1, NV They are good entertainers and I miss them
BigDapperDan, CA Hits ALL the high points!
njnt, NJ two of the greatest
gbaldwin, FL What wonderful memories for us "baby boomers"
Nanzinaloha, WA brought back some great memories
jazzmine, VA still miss them, always will
DonG, PA It was a pleasure listening to these two champions
tenrecs, MT enjoyed it very much.
Cliffhanger, Canafa 2 Champions - Heavyweight Division
marlenej, IL Jackie was one of the best
janycatx, TX no one has ever surpassed their greatness
evie39, IL I enjoyed it and nice seeing the men in suit & tie.
judithlois, NY Enjoyed the video & the biographies of both
hifielgin, IL great, I loved Jackie and his humor
Bert, NC Great Feature.
RandyG, AZ very true and great men
Dave, VA Both men were "The Greatest."
Hay, PA thank you, this brings many memories and some knowledge of Rocky and Jackie.
pmfox7811, FL Great and nostalgic. I grew up in R.I. and was a fan of both Jackie and Rocky. Thanks for the memories.
basherguy, CA loved both bios and very well written!
Mike, NY I thoroughly enjoyed the entire document. Thank you
pidave, TX truly two of my favorite celebrities growing up in the 50's
Spammy, PA I met ROCKY in Louisville when I was in the army and he was very kind to me. I literally bumped into him in a bar and after I excused myself ROCKY shook my hand and thanked me for being a soldier. I will never forget that meeting
Petusa, CA Cool info on JG & RM
77y/oexboxer, FL Rocky is the greatest ever.. NEVER LOST
pookie1461, FL I just love Jackie Gleason and his humor was phenomenal
Sunshine, FL What wonderful memories
Hugefan#1, LA Possibly the greatest boxer of all time and Jackie Gleason was definitely "The Greatest". An absolutely wonderful film clip. Had no idea Rocky had a TV show or that jackie was a guest on the show. A wonderful era.
CharlieHorse, CA Loved it. Brought back memories
Raudy63, MI These are two of the greats of all time! One as a boxer and the other as a TV great.
littlemuddy, FL two of the greatest people in their resctive fields
ctsknrd8, FL I shook hands with "The Rock" in Liberty, NY
lamplighter, NC A great interview with two great men
Broseaweed, MD One word. Terrific!
Mariel444, KY) Wonderful, shows best sides of
both Gleason and Marciano
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01
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