Rhiannon Hendricks
Can it core a... apple? is a memorable quote from the 1955 TV episode of The Honeymooners, Better Living Through TV. In the episode, Ed Norton and Ralph Kramden are filming a commercial for a product they believe will bring them great profit. Norton asks Kramden, Tell me, O Chef of the Future, can it core an apple?, to which Kramden confidently replies, Oh, it can core an apple. This quote has become a well-known and beloved reference to the classic sitcom and is often used to introduce or discuss the episode's themes of ambition, innovation, and the pursuit of success.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the episode | Better Living Through TV |
| Genre | Comedy, Family |
| Year | 1955 |
| Actors | Jackie Gleason, Ed Norton |
| Characters | Ralph Kramden, Alice Kramden, Ed Norton |
| Ralph Kramden's famous line | Can it core an apple? |
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What You'll Learn
Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton's dynamic
Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton are the dynamic duo of the classic American television sitcom, "The Honeymooners". The show, which first aired in 1955, revolves around the day-to-day lives of New York City bus driver Ralph Kramden and his wife Alice, along with Ralph's best friend Ed Norton and his wife Trixie. The four get involved in various schemes and comedic situations, with Ralph's poor choices and judgmental attitude often driving the plot.
Ralph and Ed's friendship is a highlight of the show, with Ed's unassuming manner and foot-in-mouth disease balancing Ralph's blustery temper. Ed is portrayed as better-read, more worldly, and more even-tempered than Ralph, but he usually lets Ralph take the lead in their escapades. Their adventures often land them in zany situations, with Ralph paying the consequences for Ed's inability to keep quiet. Despite their differences, the two are loyal friends, with Ralph declaring, "What I SAY about Norton is one thing; how I FEEL about him is something else!".
The two friends are members of the fictional Raccoon Lodge and share a love for bowling and playing pool. They also have a habit of speaking their minds, even when their words don't make sense, which adds to the show's comedy. One memorable example is the famous "Can it core an apple?" exchange from the episode "Better Living Through TV", where Ralph and Ed are doing a commercial together.
While Ralph's relationship with his wife Alice is filled with bickering and retorts, it is clear that he loves her and is devoted to her. Their dynamic is one of the show's comedic highlights, with Ralph's over-the-top reactions and Alice's unbothered attitude. Ralph's insecurities about his marriage and financial struggles are also explored, adding depth to their characters.
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The product being sold
In the 1955 TV episode "Better Living Through TV" of The Honeymooners, Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton do a commercial for a product that can core an apple. The product, referred to as "it" in the commercial, is not explicitly named or described in detail, but it is implied to be a kitchen appliance or tool of some sort. Ralph Kramden, played by Jackie Gleason, exclaims that the product can core an apple when asked by Ed Norton, played by Art Carney.
The ability to core an apple is used as a demonstration of the product's effectiveness and versatility. Ralph emphasizes the ease and convenience of using the product, suggesting that it can quickly and efficiently core apples with minimal effort. This is likely intended to appeal to the target audience, suggesting that the product can save time and make certain tasks easier.
While the specific name and features of the product remain unknown, the commercial exchange between Ralph and Ed in The Honeymooners emphasizes its functionality, ease of use, and profit potential. The product's ability to core an apple becomes a memorable and humorous moment in the episode, as captured in the quote, "Can it core an apple?" "Oh, it can core an apple."
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Ralph's schemes
Ralph Kramden, played by Jackie Gleason, is a scheming and ambitious character in the 1955 TV episode of The Honeymooners, "Better Living Through TV". Ralph is convinced that he has stumbled upon a money-making idea, and his enthusiasm knows no bounds as he tries to convince his wife, Alice Kramden, of the same.
In this episode, Ralph and his friend Ed Norton are filming a commercial for a product they believe will be a huge success. As they film, Ed asks Ralph, "Tell me, O Chef of the Future, can it core an apple?". Ralph confidently replies, "Oh, it can core an apple!". He is so sure of the product's capabilities that he exclaims, "Two thousand dollars, Alice! That's big, big, big!". Ralph believes that by investing $200 in the product, they can make a profit of $1800, declaring, "We can't lose!".
However, Alice is quick to point out Ralph's history of failed schemes. She questions why, if this product is so great, the previous owner didn't sell them and make a profit. Ralph brushes off her concerns, claiming that the previous owner lacked his grand vision. He plans to use television as a powerful marketing tool to sell the product to a wide audience, believing that he can sell all 2,000 units in just five minutes.
Despite Alice's skepticism and their past experiences, Ralph remains steadfast in his belief that this scheme will be his ticket to success. He sees it as the key to his future, a chance to finally prove himself right. Ralph's unwavering confidence and enthusiasm drive him to pursue his schemes, regardless of the potential risks or past failures.
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Alice Kramden's comebacks
Alice Kramden, played by Audrey Meadows, was the wife of Ralph Kramden in the American television sitcom "The Honeymooners". The show aired from 1955 to 1956 and was created by and starred Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden, a bus driver in Brooklyn, New York.
Alice Kramden was known for her sharp-tongued comebacks and deadpan delivery, which often provided comedic relief in the show. She was also in charge of the finances of the Kramden household, and Ralph frequently had to beg her for money to pay for his lodge dues or schemes.
- "Oh, how I wish you had an explanation for that." This was in response to discovering the failures of Ralph's schemes and subsequent cover-ups.
- "To emphasize his point, he was to take a frozen steak and slam it on the table. We hadn’t rehearsed with a prop. We seldom do." This was a witty remark made by Meadows during a rehearsal, referring to a scene in which Ralph complains about Alice always serving frozen food.
- "To the moon, Alice," was a catchphrase frequently used by Ralph Kramden, referring to his wife's sharp tongue and quick comebacks.
Audrey Meadows' portrayal of Alice Kramden was so iconic that she became strongly associated with the character. She reprised her role as Alice on other shows, including a man-on-the-street interview for The Steve Allen Show and a parody sketch on The Jack Benny Program. Meadows' performance as Alice Kramden is remembered as always giving "as good as she got."
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The profit margin
In the 1955 TV episode "Better Living Through TV", Ralph Kramden from "The Honeymooners" explains the profit margin of a business venture to his wife, Alice Kramden. Ralph intends to invest $200 in a product that he believes will make a profit of $1800. He plans to sell 2000 units of the product via a television commercial, highlighting the convenience and efficiency of this sales approach compared to door-to-door selling. Ralph's calculation of the profit margin, the difference between the total cost and total revenue, is straightforward. He asserts that the potential profit of $1800 cannot be lost, demonstrating his optimism and confidence in the venture's financial success.
However, Alice challenges Ralph's plan, bringing up his history of failed schemes. She questions why, if the product is so profitable, the previous owner didn't sell them himself to make a profit. Ralph attributes the previous owner's lack of success to a limited door-to-door sales strategy, which he believes is a short-sighted approach. Ralph's response highlights his belief in the power of television as a marketing tool to reach a wider audience and make sales more efficiently.
While Ralph presents a compelling case for the profit margin and the effectiveness of television advertising, Alice remains skeptical, alluding to the possibility of the product ending up in a warehouse unsold. Her comment about putting "arms around a memory" hints at the ephemeral nature of success and the potential for Ralph's plans to end in disappointment.
In conclusion, Ralph Kramden's profit margin calculation in "The Honeymooners" episode showcases a simple yet optimistic business venture. His belief in the power of television advertising to sell products efficiently and achieve a substantial profit margin reflects the emerging influence of mass media on consumer culture in the 1950s. However, Alice's skepticism serves as a reminder that success is not guaranteed, and the episode leaves the outcome of Ralph's venture open-ended.
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Frequently asked questions
In the 1955 episode "Better Living Through TV", Ed Norton and Ralph Kramden are filming a commercial for a product they believe will make them a large profit. During the commercial, Ed Norton asks Ralph Kramden, "Tell me, O Chef of the Future, can it core a... apple?", to which Ralph Kramden enthusiastically replies, "Oh, it can core an apple!".
The characters involved in this scene are Ed Norton and Ralph Kramden, played by actors Jackie Gleason and Art Carney, respectively.
The ability of the product to core apples is used as a demonstration of its versatility and utility in the kitchen.
The comedic element of this scene lies in the dynamic between Ralph Kramden and his wife, Alice Kramden, who is sceptical of Ralph's business ventures and quick to point out his past failures. Despite Ralph's grand visions of success, Alice provides a realistic perspective, creating a humorous contrast between their personalities.
