The Easy Aces

Comedy (1930 - 45)

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 (which is included in Volume 3 of this collection).

This collection is part of 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.