The above signed cast photo was authenticated (by an expert authenticator) as a "true fake".  The Jackie Gleason signature was signed by his secretary.  The other signatures are also questionable.  The story is documented in an article I am currently working on  "My first major autograph purchase and the Saga of the Secretarial" 

Collecting THE HONEYMOONERS

by Rob Lilly 

(originally published in the June 1998 issue of Autograph Times.  The below article is my unedited version)

It all began in 1951 when Jackie Gleason and his writers decided that Cavalcade of Stars needed a new sketch. The sketch would involve a husband and wife with little money in familiar domestic routines. Several names that were thrown out were "the Beast", "the Couple Next Door" and the "Lovers." Gleason suggested "the Honeymooners" for the title of the sketch and it stuck.

So "the Honeymooners" began as a 2-minute sketch back in 1951 without a Norton or a Trixie. Pert Kelton was the first to play the part of Alice Kramden but before Jackie Gleason signed onto CBS she developed coronary thrombosis and could no longer perform at that time. Eventually the characters of Norton and Trixie came into view. Art Carney was performing on 'The Silver Swan Café' when he was recruited for Cavalcade by Glean. Joyce Randolph had already worked with Martin and Lewis and Fred Allen before performing a skit with Gleason on Cavalcade. After Elaine Stritch backed out of the role of Trixie Norton, Joyce Randolph was then hired to play the part. Art Carney smoothly slipped into the role of 'sewer worker' Ed Norton.

After two years of doing "Cavalcade of Stars" Jackie Gleason (in 1952) signed with CBS to do, "the Jackie Gleason Show." He, of course, brought Reggie Van Gleason III, Joe the Bartender, the Poor Soul and Ralph Kramden with him. Audrey Meadows was later signed on to play Alice Kramden for two episodes a month (it had not become a weekly feature yet). In 1953 "the Honeymooners" was expanded sometimes to a half an hour and an occasional hour-long sketch.

In 1955 Jackie Gleason signed a lucrative contract with Buick to create half hour "Honeymooners" shows. The result was 39 episodes filmed with Electronicam; a new high quality film that looked as much "live" as was possible for 1955. These are the episodes that are most remembered and have virtually been shown every night since October 1, 1955 mainly on local New York TV stations.

There have been four Alices: Pert Kelton (Alice: 1950-52 - passed away in 1968), Audrey Meadows (most famous Alice 1952-62; passed away in 1995), Sue Anne Langdon (Alice: 1962-66) and Sheila Macrae (Alice: 1966-70).

There have also been four Trixies: Elaine Stritch (Trixie: 1950), Joyce Randolph (most famous Trixie: 1950-62), Patricia Wilson (Trixie: 1962-66), and Jane Kean (Trixie: 1966-70).

Jackie Gleason was the only person to play Ralph Kramden. Jackie passed away in 1986. Art Carney was the only person to play Ed Norton.

My love for the show has grown over the years along with my collection of memorabilia concerning 'the Honeymooners.' I first encountered the show in reruns when I was a kid back in the 1970s. I have been known to collect anything from TV guides with Jackie Gleason on the cover, to dolls, to autographs.

Signatures of the four main (most memorable) people are very easy to come by. You do need to be aware of the infamous preprinted cast photo shown below. This photo has fooled dealers and collectors alike because of its high-quality printed reproduction of the signatures. Two of the signatures even run into the white margin. I don't know the origin of the photo but assume it was used to promote the show in some way.

Before Jackie Gleason passed away in 1986 he was a so-so 'in the mail' signer. I would say that his secretary signed one quarter of the signed items acquired 'in the mail'. My first purchase of an "autographed" Honeymooners item was a signed photo signed by all four cast members. After a year of comparing signatures I concluded that his secretary in fact signed the Jackie Gleason signature on my photo. I had the Gleason signature authenticated as a fake and did eventually receive a refund. The main thing to look for is the 'J' and the 'G.' If both letters look exactly the same then you most likely have a secretarial. So there are some (not many) secretarials floating around.

And, as with many celebrities, Jackie Gleason's signature changed, as he became older. Jackie Gleason signed photos can go anywhere from $75.00 - $300.00 depending on the photo. I (personally) wouldn't pay more than $100.00 for a signed photo that WASN'T from the Honeymooners show. Signed index cards can run anywhere from $50 - $70. Jackie Gleason did have a secretary sign for him.

Art Carney is one of the most generous signers 'in the mail' that I have encountered. A dealer once told me that besides the infamous preprint he's never seen a preprinted, autopenned, or secretarially signed Art Carney item. When requested Mr. Carney will even draw facial sketches. When I asked him to draw me a self-portrait I received a drawing of a man with a bandage on his face. He added the comment, "I don't know who this is!!?" Art Carney does send photos (Ed Norton climbing out of a manhole) and doesn't charge money for these. He will also sign items that are sent to him (with a SASE). Mr. Carney is currently 79 years old so please keep this in mind and only write to him if you are truly a fan of the show. He loves his fans.

Audrey Meadows passed away in 1995 but before her death she was a wonderful 'in the mail' signer. An autographed photo signed by her from 'the Honeymooners' can run anywhere between $50-$80 and a signed index card between $30-$40. In 1995 she wrote a book entitled, "Love Alice" and did a brief book tour (signing) to promote the book. A signed book of hers can run anywhere from $60-$80. Although, I haven't seen too many signed books that people are wanting to let go of. 

Joyce Randolph is another great 'in the mail' signer. Like Art Carney, she doesn't charge for her autograph but it is recommended that you send something for her to sign. Usually she will send a signed USO newsletter in which she is shown. Every year they pick a 'Woman of the Year' and Ms.Randolph is always sure to attend. When I had trouble finding information on Jackie Gleason's signing habits I wrote to her for her help. She was kind enough to write back to me but really couldn't help me directly. She did say that she (and a few of the supporting cast) was the only ones to attend the R.A.L.P.H. (the Royal Association for the Longevity and Preservation of the Honeymooners) conventions. Jackie, Art and Audrey never attended the conventions of this (now defunct) organization.

If you decide that you want to purchase a signed cast photo be sure to know what to look for. According to Joyce Randolph, "Audrey always signed in that white space near Jackie's head and Art signed above his head, I usually sign under my body." What I ended up doing to get a piece signed by all four main cast members was to buy the signatures separately on index cards. I then had the signatures double matted (at a local frame shop) along with a photo from the show. The total cost for me was $190.00. If you go to buy a signed cast photo you can pay anywhere from $280.00-$500.00 depending on what was signed and how well the signatures look. I prefer signed index cards to photos simply because the signatures always stand out.

As for the remaining Alices and Trixies there are only two that I know of that currently sign. Sue Ann Langdon, who played Alice in 1962, sells a b/w 8x10 photo of herself (signed) pictured with Jackie Gleason from a LIFE magazine cover. She charges $6.00 + $3.00 (s/h) for his photo. The letter with her prices was signed at the bottom so she may sign what you send at no charge. The other is Jane Kean who has recently been making the convention circuit. She signs 'Honeymooner' photos for $5.00 at conventions. I currently have no information on the signing habits of Sheila Macrae, Elaine Stritch, and Patricia Wilson.