Here's why:
* Variations: Like many radio shows, Burns and Allen's opening and closing varied throughout the program's run (1932-1950). Sometimes they used a standard introduction, other times a gag or musical theme.
* Live Format: The show was live, so spontaneity was common, and lines could shift based on the audience and current events.
Common Opening and Closing Elements:
* George's Introduction: George would often introduce Gracie, playing up her "dumb blonde" persona, with a line like "And now, ladies and gentlemen, the one and only Gracie Allen!"
* Gracie's Puns: Gracie's humor often involved wordplay and puns, so the show could open or close with a funny line based on a current event or a running gag.
* Musical Theme: The show featured a signature musical theme (often played by the orchestra), which would often bookend the program.
Instead of a single line, think of it as a style and approach. The opening and closing moments of "Burns and Allen" were characterized by lighthearted banter, playful humor, and a sense of warmth that drew audiences in.