The show worked but not with Gleason. It had been very successful on radio with William Bendix and later came back to TV successfully with Bendix (one of the only times a cancelled show was recast and brought back for a second chance).
Gleason came back, too. Once again playing a Blue Collar everyman from Brooklyn but the second time lightning stuck in The Honeymooners.
But Reilly and Gleason together was a losing formula. Gleason was subdued and not funny. He could have played Reilly. He should have been able to. My guess was bad directing (by the writer and creator of the radio show).
Gleason came back, too. Once again playing a Blue Collar everyman from Brooklyn but the second time lightning stuck in The Honeymooners.
But Reilly and Gleason together was a losing formula. Gleason was subdued and not funny. He could have played Reilly. He should have been able to. My guess was bad directing (by the writer and creator of the radio show).