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 Though never a radio blockbuster, The Easy Aces
is held in high regard as one of the shows that made
serial radio funny. It was the singular couple, Jane
and what was his name? Fans of the show know that
he somehow never got called by his first name. That's
because Goodman Ace, the creator and writer, kept
it just "Ace" for the run of the show. The
wife was played by Jane Ace, and was "Jane."
She and "Ace" and their neighbor Marge (played
by Mary Hunter) and their maid Laura (Helene Dumas)
are the central characters.
"Ace" is a Realtor, probably the only one in old time radio. Jane is something of a kooky character, much like on Gracie
Allen, as Burns and Allen had
a major influence on Goodman Ace's slightly skewed view of connubial
bliss, where the twain, at least in conversation, never quite meet.
Jane's way with words brings to mind the delights of Fibber
McGee and Molly. Jane's voice and delivery makes even the
most simple conversation all Jane.  "Ace" is a little gruff
and put-downish with Jane for today's politically correct, but not
for then, after all they were on for fifteen years. It's all in good
fun, anyway, as the writing of this show is very witty and works
on several levels at once. The fifteen minute intimate conversation
format works really well for quiet comedy, as perfected by Vic
and Sade. And don't forget Amos
and Andy were the only two talking for most of the 1930s.
The show starts off with the announcer setting up
the situation, and the easy talk begins. Immediately
you're listening to a conversation. In the way conversations
do, the episode's situation moves along. The "Aces"
are involved in court cases, realty business, played
cards, chit-chatting about the neighbors the stuff
of daily life. Fans love the show for just how easy
the smiles come in this show that's like Jane, "just
fine."
See also the 1948 remake: Mr Ace and Jane. This collection is in the extensive Hummert Radio Factory Collection. Called the parents of soap opera, Anne and Frank Hummert also created Betty and Bob, Front Page Farrell, Mr. Keen Tracer of Lost Persons, Ma Perkins, Just Plain Bill, Mary Noble Backstage Wife, Young Widder Brown, Mr. Chameleon, Stella Dallas, Manhattan Merry Go Round, Lora Lawton, The American Melody Hour, Hearthstone of the Death Squad, Lorenzo Jones, Nona From Nowhere, Our Gal Sunday, Inspector Thorne, Romance of Helen Trent, and more.
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