What is the funniest episode of the HONEYMOONERS? The answer: Difficult. Each episode is a gem and "Funny Money" is outstanding, and poignant at times. Jackie Gleason has all the best lines, too.
Veteran actress Ethel Owen (who lived to the ripe age of 103) plays Ralph's bickering mother-in-law, always criticzing his lack of money. That is --until Ralph stumbles upon a suitcase containng 50,000 dollars on the bus. Finders Keepers, loser weepers, unless it all belongs to some gangsta's.
What a mess. Ralph goes on a wild spending spree, quitting his job, hiring Norton as his chauffeur and redecorates the apartment with new furniture and appliances. He also puts a new mattress on the fire escape so he can sleep comfortably in the summer????
I agree with the last reviewer that DuMont, on a TIGHT budget, preferred new furniture than constructing a stylish apartment for rich Ralph! Look for veteran Frank Marth, who appeared both as good and bad guys on the series, a staple in many cop shows, such as MANNIX and CANNON in the 70s. Ethel Owen was the real life mom of Pamela Britton, best known as kooky Mrs. Brown on MY FAVORITE MARTIAN.
In case you are curious... the 50 grand in Ralph's suitcase would be worth about 570,000 dollars TODAY!
But... could you get all that cash in a single suitcase? Not a chance.
Sit back and enjoy the ride. SEASON 1, EPSIODE 2. Restored dvd box set.