Stars wide of belt often cultivated a gentlemanly grandeur, a groomed refinement that filtered through their fingertips - the dainty fidgets of Hardy's plump digits, Orson Welles performing magic tricks with nimble dexterity, Jackie Gleason lofting a teacup to his lips as if he were Lady Bracknell - or through a fine set of twinkle-toes.

James Wolcott

James Wolcott

Belt Cultivated Filtered Fine Fingertips Gleason Grandeur Hardy He His Jackie Lady Lips Magic Nimble Often Performing Refinement Stars Through Tricks Welles Were Wide

Related Quotes

How could you get angry with Jackie Gleason?

— Maureen O'Hara

A typical 'Larry King Live' is a pastiche whose absurdism defies parody. Wearing his trademark suspenders and purple shirts, he looks as if he's strapped to the chair with vertical seat belts, unable to eject.

— James Wolcott

What makes a comedian has nothing to do with religion. Think of Red Skelton, Jimmy Durante, Jackie Gleason, who were all Catholics.

— Buddy Hackett

CatholicsComedianGleason

I did the Ed Sullivan show four times. I did the Steve Allen show. I did the Jackie Gleason show.

— Elvis Presley

I was like a Borscht Belt comedian trapped in the body of a 6-year-old. I was channeling Jackie Mason at 7.

BeltBodyComedian