Ep 2. Jackie Gleason

The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts season 2 episode 2 is an iconic episode in the series that sees comedian Jackie Gleason get roasted by some of the biggest names in Hollywood at the time. The show, which aired in 1974, is a hilarious and sometimes brutal look at celebrity culture and the way that stars are perceived by the public.

The episode starts with Dean Martin introducing the guests, who include some of Jackie's closest friends and colleagues, such as Milton Berle, Art Carney, and Groucho Marx. The audience is filled with celebrities, too, such as Zsa Zsa Gabor, Dick Clark, and Bob Hope.

The roasting begins with Dean Martin taking jabs at Jackie's weight, his love of golf, and his notorious temper. The other roasters take the stage one by one, with each one trying to outdo the other with sarcastic insults and witty remarks. Some of the best jokes come from Milton Berle, who calls Jackie "a legend in his own lunchtime," and Groucho Marx, who jokes that Jackie's "family tree has termites."

Throughout the show, Jackie takes the jokes in stride, often laughing along with the audience and giving as good as he gets. He even takes the opportunity to poke fun at himself, telling a joke about how his weight gains and losses were just from being stuck in traffic.

A highlight of the episode is when Frank Sinatra makes a surprise appearance and delivers a heartfelt tribute to Jackie, praising him for his talent, his kindness, and his contributions to the entertainment industry. It's a touching moment that shows the genuine affection and respect that these two legends had for each other.

As the night goes on, the jokes become more outrageous and the insults more brutal. The roasters take turns poking fun at Jackie's fashion sense, his mannerisms, and even his wife. But despite all the teasing, it's clear that everyone on stage has a deep respect for Jackie and his comedic genius.

The episode ends with Jackie getting the last laugh by roasting the roasters, delivering a hilarious monologue that leaves everyone in stitches. It's a fitting end to a night of good-natured ribbing and friendly competition.

Overall, The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts season 2 episode 2 is a classic example of the series at its best. It's a funny, irreverent, and occasionally touching look at Hollywood culture and the personalities that make it tick. If you're a fan of classic comedy or just want to see some of the biggest stars of the 1970s in action, then this episode is definitely worth a watch.