Gleason
The story begins at the height of Gleason's career. He has it all: women, wealth, and extraordinary power. But he is haunted by memories of his childhood. Gleason spends his formative years entering amateur contests, performing in sleazy night spots. Along the way, he steals gags from the best comics in town and finds love with Genevieve, a dancer whom he marries. But Gleason isn't the ideal husband or even a responsible father as he abandons his family to answer the call of Hollywood. Brash, arrogant, and egotistical, he alienates his directors and the man who discovers him. When he ends up back in New York, Gleason gets one of those rare second chances in the new medium of television, creating some of its most unforgettable characters. But even as Gleason becomes the talk of the tube, his life - ruled by demons of rage, booze, and insecurity - unravels.
- Rated
- Not Rated
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Released
- 2002
- Country
- Canada, United States
Details
Release year: 2002
Storyline
The story begins at the height of Gleason's career. He has it all: women, wealth, and extraordinary power. But he is haunted by memories of his childhood. Gleason spends his formative years entering amateur contests, performing in sleazy night spots. Along the way, he steals gags from the best comics in town and finds love with Genevieve, a dancer whom he marries. But Gleason isn't the ideal husband or even a responsible father as he abandons his family to answer the call of Hollywood. Brash, arrogant, and egotistical, he alienates his directors and the man who discovers him. When he ends up back in New York, Gleason gets one of those rare second chances in the new medium of television, creating some of its most unforgettable characters. But even as Gleason becomes the talk of the tube, his life - ruled by demons of rage, booze, and insecurity - unravels.
Top credits
Brad Garrett — Jackie Gleason
Saul Rubinek — George 'Bullets' Durgom
Gretchen Egolf — Genevieve Halford
Kristen Dalton — Audrey Meadows
Awards
0 wins & 1 nomination
See all awards →Did you know
• Producer/star Brad Garrett and director Howard Deutch agreed to pay make-up artist Greg Cannom's salary when the network balked at the size of his fee.
• Brad Garrettat a smidge over 6'8", is about nine inches taller than Jackie Gleason was. To compensate, other actors who shared scenes with Garrett wore platform shoes that would make everyone seem proportionate.
• Paula Jean Hixson who plays Gleason's mother is eight years younger than Brad Garrett in real life.
User reviews
The Life of The Great One Explored, But Not Entirely Told
Pleasantly surprised
Ultimately Unsatisfying & Disarming Bio-Pic...Look at Jackie's Dark-Side & Greatness
Technical specs
- Sound mix
- Stereo
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
- Color
- Color
Photos 1
