more retro rewinds

“Smokey and the Bandit” (TCM, Monday, Nov. 2):

As far as carchase comedies are concerned, they really don’t get any better than this. A legendary driver – portrayed with easy charm by Burt Reynolds, in one of his most iconic roles – and Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) play highway cat-and-mouse in the fun 1977 hit, directed by longtime Reynolds associate Hal Needham (“The Cannonball Run”). Sally Field, Jerry Reed and music’s Paul Williams co-star. All these stars return for the 1980 sequel, “Smokey and the Bandit II,” airing Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Thursday, Nov. 5.

“That Touch of Mink” (CBS All Access):

Audrey Meadows also appears in this 1962 film that stars Doris Day as Cathy Timberlake, a woman who is en route to a job interview when a car transporting businessman Philip Shayne (Cary Grant) covers her in mud. He sends his assistant to apologize, but when Philip meets her for himself, there’s a mutual attraction. The relationship starts off on the wrong foot, though, as Philip wants a fling while Cathy wants a marriage. As they travel to exotic locales, their differing motivations are put to the test.

“Izzy & Moe” (Amazon):

Art Carney and Jackie Gleason reunite in this 1985 made-for-TV comedy film about two ex-vaudeville masters of disguise working as Prohibition agents in Roaring 1920s New York. The duo joins forces to fight crime, with a steady paycheck as their motivation.

“The Jackie Gleason Show” (available on DVD):

This variety series first started out on the DuMont Television Network under the title “Cavalcade of Stars,” airing from June 4, 1949 with a different host until Gleason took it over in 1952 – when it was renamed for him. The show saw success with multiple Emmy wins but ultimately ended in 1958. Interesting fact: Gleason never won any hardware for his own show.