This single-CD volume is in essence a reissue of the double-LP compilation Bickersons Rematch, which was culled from the collective contents of The Bickersons (1961) and The Bickersons Fight Back (1962). The consumer ultimately benefits from this modernization, as the extended-play capabilities of the compact disc allow for a seamless listening experience. Animating John and Blanche Bickerson is the timeless bantering of Don Ameche and Frances Langford, respectively. The characters originated during the "golden age" of radio on the Chase & Sanborn Hour -- hosted by Edgar Bergen -- and featured Ameche among its brilliant ensemble. By the mid-'40s, the actor had garnered his own half-hour variety show on NBC Radio, where he further developed the Bickersons. By listener demand, the contentious couple became more frequent "guests." Their consistent popularity allowed the pair to be one of the few pioneers to make a successful media transition from radio to television on #The Francis Langford-Don Ameche Show. In the early '60s, Ameche and Langford once again teamed up with their longtime writer and Bickersons co-creator, William Rapp, to develop several more situations and scripts for these long-players. The hallmark of these tracks is the exceedingly well-crafted and executed performance rapport that had developed between the actors. They absorb much of the sting in John's often mean-spirited barbs or Blanche's equally incessant nagging. The eight acts or scenes draw heavily upon auxiliary characters -- such as Gloria Gooseby or any number of Blanche's relatives -- as well as previously established personal habits -- like John's snoring and bourbon obsession. It is within this familiarity that listeners find themselves most engaged as the Bickersons become the unwitting brunt of Cousin Eunice's honeymoon cruise -- aboard a fishing trolley no less -- on The Bickersons at Sea. Back at home, the pair celebrate (in the loosest sense of the term) their Wedding Anniversary without John. He seems to have been "working late" -- on a fifth -- while Blanche entertains guests. The final four cuts are appropriately enough titled "rounds," as the Bickersons go head to head on topics ranging from Blanche's breakfast fare, which includes a two-foot rhubarb pie, powdered eggs, and frog legs, to John's loathing for his in-laws -- especially Blanche's glandularly challenged sister, Clara. ~ Lindsay Planer, Rovi

1		Breakfast With John and Blanche
2		The Bickersons at Sea
3		Wedding Anniversary
4		Later That Same Evening
5		Round I
6		Round II
7		Round III
8		Round IV

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