Halsman Archive File 05 -Jackie Gleason 1950

We see Jackie Gleason, in one frame of a 1955 contact sheet, gracefully levitating for one of Halsman’s iconic jump shots. At the time of the shoot Gleason’s TV show “The Honeymooners” was at the pinnacle of its popularity, but it wasn’t an easy journey to get there. At age 19 his mother died, and with 36 cents to his name, he dove head first into the NY nightlife as a master of ceremonies and stand up comic. His quick wit was recognized and led to a movie contract. Over the years he appeared in minor roles, but his bread and butter was being a touring comic and the host of traveling variety stage shows. As a teen he had worked in pool halls and as a carnival barker, which gave him inspirati...View all