July 29, 1957- March 30,1962.
For four years and eight months Jack Paar reigned supreme as host of the Tonight Show with a crew of regulars, but only two stayed with him for the entire run; announcer Hugh Downs and band leader Jose Melies, a former army buddy. Familiar faces who appeared many times with Jack included Dody Goodman, Betty Johnson, Elsa Maxwell, Alexander King, Genevieve, Jack Douglas; and wife Reiko, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Hans Conried, Peggy Cass, Cliff (Charley Weaver) Arquette, and Johnathan Winters. Hugh Downs substituted for Jack Paar 79 times, more than any other substitute host there were 20 different performers over the period of the series run. Joey Bishop substituted for Paar 31 times. Arlene Francis, 30 times, Jonathan Winters, 26 times, Orson Bean, 21 times and Johnny Carson 15 times. Altogether there were 243 broadcasts that had substitute hosts filling in for Paar during Jack Paar's TONIGHT SHOW tenure. The title of the late-night broadcast changed to THE JACK PAAR SHOW which took effect on February 3, 1958. The first videotaped broadcast aired on January 5, 1959. "Best of Paar " Re-runs began on July 10, 1959. The first color broadcast aired on September 19, 1960.
Joined in progress. Virginia Graham sub hosts for Jack Paar. She is first woman to fill in for Paar on the Tonight Show. Guests: Sophie Tucker, Henny Youngman, Gypsy Rose Lee, Betty Johnson.
Highlights: Jose Melis Orchestra plays "Tin Pan Alley Rag."
Betty Johnson sings "It's All In The Game."
Standup comedy from Henny Youngman.
Sophie Tucker discusses performing in Brooklyn barrooms and saloons for tips only, no pay. She speaks of making out 5500 Christmas cards for friends.