Live special WMCA half hour Radio broadcast of the premiere of Walt Disney's second feature length animation film, FANTASIA. Sponsored by the war relief fund, this event is held at the Broadway Theatre which has contracted for the film to be played for a one year run in New York City and is expected to bring out 2000 people paying $5 and $10 per seat. The Broadway Theatre will be showing FANTASIA in stereophonic sound (Fantasound), complimenting the films eight soundtracks. 
Broadcast from the lobby of the Broadway Theatre numerous guests pay tribute to the film including, Julius Colby, drama critic columnist of the Chicago Tribune, Burns Mantle drama critic of the Daily News, and Hal Horn, Chicago Tribune columnist. 
Tom Hoffy (?) hosts the proceedings.

NOTE: Only the first half of this broadcasts exists. 

                                    

Firestone Hour started on radio in 1928 and came to television on September 5th, 1949. It was renamed Voice Of Firestone. See Voice Of Firestone for further details.

Guest: singer Eleanor Steber.       

Comedy skit with Arlene Francis and Bill Cullen.              

Firestone Hour started on radio in 1928 and came to television on September 5th, 1949. It was renamed Voice Of Firestone. See Voice Of Firestone for further details.

               

April 17th, 1949-January, 1952- (CBS) Sunday 9:00PM-10:00PM
January, 1952-May, 1954- (CBS) Sunday 9:00PM-9:30PM 

Regulars: Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians 

Theme: "Sleep" by Earl Lebieg

Fred Waring, and his orchestra and large chorus, had been an American institution for several decades when he first entered television on a regular basis in 1949. Slotted right after the highly-rated Ed Sullivan "Toast Of The Town," he quickly became a Sunday night standby. The entire Waring organization made up the regular TV cast of more than sixty members. In addition to standard instrumental and vocal numbers, the show included dancing (during the 1949-1950 season there was a dance contest titled "Video Ballroom" as a regular feature) sketch material that was musically related; and interpetations of fairly tales. Although all the members of the Pennsylvanians had solos at one time or another during the show's five year run, those most frequently spotlighted were Jane Wilson, Joanna Wheatley, Joe Marine, Daisy Bernier, Keith and Sylvia Textor, Hugh "Uncle Lumpy" Brannum, (Mr. Green Jeans on Captain Kangaroo), Virginia Morley, Livingston Gearhart, and Poley McClintock, (with whom Fred had founded his first band in 1915. 
The Fred Waring Show was performed before a live studio audience during its first and last seasons and without a live audience for the three seasons in between. In its last season, it was cut back to alternate week status, with G.E. Theatre airing on the alternate Sundays. 

On this episode: An interview with aviator William Lear. 

Firestone Hour started on radio in 1928 and came to television on September 5th, 1949. It was renamed Voice Of Firestone. See Voice Of Firestone for further details.

                            

April 17th, 1949-January, 1952- (CBS) Sunday 9:00PM-10:00PM
January,1952-May,30th 1954- (CBS) Sunday 9:00PM-9:30PM 

Regulars: Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians 

Theme: "Sleep" by Earl Lebieg

Fred Waring, and his orchestra and large chorus, had been an American institution for several decades when he first entered television on a regular basis in 1949. Slotted right after the highly-rated Ed Sullivan "Toast Of The Town," he quickly became a Sunday night standby. The entire Waring organization made up the regular TV cast of more than sixty members. In addition to standard instrumental and vocal numbers, the show included dancing (during the 1949-1950 season there was a dance contest titled "Video Ballroom" as a regular feature) sketch material that was musically related; and interpetations of fairly tales. Although all the members of the Pennsylvanians had solos at one time or another during the show's five year run, those most frequently spotlighted were Jane Wilson, Joanna Wheatley, Joe Marine, Daisy Bernier, Keith and Sylvia Textor, Hugh "Uncle Lumpy" Brannum, (Mr. Green Jeans on Captain Kangaroo), Virginia Morley, Livingston Gearhart, and Poley McClintock, (with whom Fred had founded his first band in 1915. 
The Fred Waring Show was performed before a live studio audience during its first and last seasons and without a live audience for the three seasons in between. In its last season, it was cut back to alternate week status, with G.E. Theatre airing on the alternate Sundays. 

Final show of the season. 

October 4th, 1950-July 18th, 1951 (NBC)

This Wednesday-night variety hour featured four rotating hosts; Danny Thomas, Jack Carson, Jimmy Durante, and Ed Wynn. In the fall of 1951, more hosts were added, and the show was retitled All-Star Revue. 

Guest: Constance De Mattiazzi, The DeMattiazzi's.

Host: Danny Thomas. 

October 4th, 1950-July 18th, 1951 (NBC)

This Wednesday-night variety hour featured four rotating hosts; Danny Thomas, Jack Carson, Jimmy Durante, and Ed Wynn. In the fall of 1951, more hosts were added, and the show was retitled All-Star Revue. 

Premiere of guest Paulette Goddard.

Host: Danny Thomas. 

This "Salute To Jack Benny" testimonial dinner aired on CBS radio on November 9th, 1951.
Celebrating Jack's twenty years in radio are New York City Mayor Vincent Impellitteri, Milton Berle, President of CBS William S. Paley, Bernard Baruch, George Burns, George Jessel, Adlai Stevenson, and Fred Allen. Jack Benny remarks at the end of the roast. The program originates from the Friar's Club.

                

Fred Allen seven-minute excerpt.                       

The Fitzgeralds was on ABC-TV in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
A 1949 review of their program, seen on WJZ-TV, noted, "There's is the first regularly televised married duo session. Instead of the typical breakfast table setting, the Fitzgeralds move around easily about a facsimile of their own living room." 
On September 22nd, 1952, the Fitzgeralds launched a syndicated fifteen-minute program that featured them giving household tips, and playing commercials from national advertisers. The program was placed in local markets with sponsorship by stores that sold the products advertised. By early October, the program was seen in twelve markets. 

                                            

Fulton Lewis Jr was a prominent conservative American broadcaster from the 1930s to the 1960s. His commentaries were broadcast nationally by the Mutual Broadcasting System. 

Fulton Lewis Jr. radio commentary. 

                                                  

Fulton Lewis Jr was a prominent conservative American broadcaster from the 1930s to the 1960s. His commentaries were broadcast nationally by the Mutual Broadcasting System. 

Fulton Lewis Jr. radio commentary. 

                                                               

     Fulton Lewis comments related to the battle of Dien Bien Phu.        

Fulton Lewis Jr was a prominent conservative American broadcaster from the 1930s to the 1960s. His commentaries were broadcast nationally by the Mutual Broadcasting System. 

Fulton Lewis Jr. Commentary on Senator Joseph McCarthy's Committee hearings and comments on Korea. 

                                                                            

  The most complete recording known running almost ten minutes longer than what has been uploaded to the internet of this rowdy uncensored early Humphrey Bogart Friar's roast, recorded live almost 70 years ago. 

Paying "tribute" to our guest of honor is Master of Ceremonies, Red Buttons, HIstorian of the Friars Club, Eddie Weiner, Joe E. Ross (missing from you tube uploads), Alan King, Maurice Chevalier, Charles Coburn, Lou Holtz, Gene Baylos, Phil Silvers (missing from you tube uploads), Solly Violinsky, Lauren Bacall, and Humphrey Bogart (part of his speech missing from you tube uploads). 

Red Buttons reads telegrams of congratulation from Liberace, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable and Bob Hope each using a term for copulation in their quotes).  

Processed from an original recording with flaws (edits, under and over modulation, clicks and gaps) acquired over 30 years ago, Phil Gries, founder and owner of Archival Television Audio, Inc.,  has improved the quality and flow of this extraordinary Friar's Roast lampooning  Humphrey Bogart just 13 months before his death at age 56.                     

August 7th, 1956- October 29th, 1956 (NBC)

Fifteen-minute musical series, preceding the network news. First seen on Tuesdays, later on Mondays. Officially titled "The Golden Touch Of Frankie Carle." 

Guest: Singer Joanne Gilbert

Series premiere.     

Note: Joanne Gilbert is the daughter of Ray Gilbert, the composer whom with lyricist Allie Wrubel won the Academy Award for best original song, "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah." Joanne sings the song from the 1946 Walt Disney film, "Song Of The South."          

August 7th, 1956- October 29th, 1956 (NBC)

Fifteen-minute musical series, preceding the network news. First seen on Tuesdays, later on Mondays. Officially titled "The Golden Touch Of Frankie Carle." 

Guest: Singer Matt Daniels.



                             

November 7, 1954-April 20, 1961
September 15, 1963-

Host: Griffing Bancroft 
William Hines jr (Washington Star), 
Arthur Sylvester (Newark News), 
Peter Lisagor (Chicago Daily News).  

Eleanor Roosevelt attacks Middle Eastern foreign policy, discusses the Soviet Union and states that the world situation is not presently a good one, pointing out that here has been a failure of current American leadership. 

Senator Margaret Chase Smith comments on the current crises in the Middle East, Yugoslavian leader Tito, Egyptian Prime Minister  Nasser...latest news related to  Secretary of State John Foster Dulles cancer diagnosis...her confidence that Herbert Hoover Jr. will be effective substituting for Dulles if necessary. Smith states that there is currently high prosperity in the USA and that President Eisenhower will be reelected for a second term as President.

NOTE: Roosevelt and Smith were the first two women to appear on "Face The Nation," on its second anniversary broadcast.                                                    

Harry Fleetwood was a nighttime radio disc jockey who played classical music on WNBC radio in New York City.                                                 

October 18th, 1957-June 27th, 1958 

Frank Sinatra half-hour variety series, also presenting dramatic shows and musical programs.   

Frank's guest is Bob Hope.                                 

October 18th, 1957-June 27th, 1958 

Frank Sinatra half-hour variety series, also presenting dramatic shows and musical programs.                       

The New York City Friars Club honors Ed Sullivan for his ten years on television.

An excerpt audio air check of Friars Club members honoring Sullivan include Joe E. Lewis, Jack E. Leonard, Jack Carter, Morey Amsterdam, Walter Cronkite, and Wayne and Shuster.

NOTE: This broadcast was aired in the time slot normally seen as  The Ed Sullivan Show,  8-9pm Sunday evenings. 

This program is a video tape of a recent Friar's Club Testimonial Dinner staged by Nat Hiken. It was to be the first of many Friar's Club dinners to be televised under the over-all title "Man of the Hour.' In actuality it was the only one that was produced and broadcasts. 

                                                   

   On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the founding of the California chapter of the Friar's Club, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are "roasted." 
   
This recording comes from two electronic transcription disc recordings which was never intended to be sold commercially. 

It represents one of the biggest turn outs for a Friar's Roast in Hollywood held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  

Barry Mirkin leads the audience gathered to sing "Here's to the Friars" theme song. 

The emcee for this night is legendary television and radio host, Art Linkletter. He reads a since telegram from Eddie Cantor who could not attend. Other "funny" telegrams are read from those including Liberace, Jack Benny and Fidel Castro. 

Others heard "roasting their guests, are Barry Mirkin, George Murphy, Tony Martin, Milton Berle, Dean Martin, George Burns and comedian Harry "Parkyakarkus" Einstein who died from a massive coronary right after delivering his speech, seconds after Art Linkletter responds that Harry should have his own prime time TV show. 
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz cannot continue with the tribute and are not heard. 

NOTE:
Processed by Phil Gries to CD improving sound quality.    
                                              

Dean Martin, Mitzi Gaynor and, Bing Crosby join Frank Sinatra in this one-hour musical special.
                                  

  Television adaptation comedy about three escaping convicts living on Devil's Island, a penal colony in French Guiana, who come to the defense of Felix Ducotel and his family who are harassed by a cruel business man and his nephew, with the assistance of a snake. 

In 1955, same story, different title, the release of the motion picture, "WE'RE NO ANGELS" starred Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov, and Aldo Ray.     

     A two hour SPECIAL (live, tape, film) as Television takes a look at the decade just ended, the 1950's, its very first. 

Henry Fonda is the host for this two hour show. 

Jackie Gleason's career is reviewed and he performs the "Sid, Old Kid" number from his Broadway musical "Take Me Along." 

Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews present "My Fair Lady" songs. Rex: "I'm an Ordinary Man," Julie: "Just You Wait."   

Shelley Berman, and Mike Nichols and Elaine May, comedians who were introduced in the Fifties, lampoon psychiatry.  

Dick Van Dyke pantomimes dance crazes of the decade. His partner for this comedy sequence is Maria Karnilova.

Betty Comden and Adolph Green satirize cultural developments of the Fifties.

Suzy Parker represents the American woman in "The Creature," a film sequence created by Richard Avedon. Charles and Ray Eames also have contributed film features. 

Television and Movies are highlighted in clips from outstanding productions, including memorable the Mary Martin-Ethel Merman TV Show produced by Leland Hayward, who also has produced tonight's show. 

Excerpts from records illustrate music of the fifties.  

News Events of the decade are recalled by eyewitnesses. The voices of these men are heard: Arthur Godfrey, sports stars Roy Campanella, and Roger Bannister, sea captain Kurt Carlsen, submarine camp;ain William Anderson, explorer Edmund Hillary. 

Eric Sevareid provides commentary during the show, which consists of live, tape, and film elements. 

               

October 6th, 1959- May 31st, 1960. (NBC)

An anthology series of dramatic and variety shows. 

"The Swinging Years."    

Host: Ronald Reagan.      

Guests include Gene Krupa, Tex Beneke, Count Basie, The Modernaires, Woody Herman and the Herd. 

Big Band Swing Music.                                    

    An ABC Television Video Taped Special.
Tonight Frank Sinatra surrounds himself with FIVE celebrated admired women...Lena Horne, Mary Costa, Juliet Prowse, Barbara Heller and Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt. 

Sinatra offers a valentine to all of his female special guests. 
Over fifteen musical numbers are staged. 

John Cameron Swayze is the spokesman for sponsor Timex.

                                                                                           

October 6th, 1959- May 31st, 1960. (NBC)

An anthology series of dramatic and variety shows. 

"The Swingin, Singin, Years."    

Guests: Musical performers sing 1940s popular music and songs.
Freddie Martin, Jo Stafford, Eddy Howard, Charlie Barnett, Jimmy Wellington, Vaughn Monroe, Stan Kenton. 

Big band swing music. 





                                

October 6th, 1959- May 31st, 1960. (NBC)

An anthology series of dramatic and variety shows. 

"The Swingin, Singin, Years."    

Guests: Musical performers sing 1940s popular music and songs.
Freddie Martin, Jo Stafford, Eddy Howard, Charlie Barnett, Jimmy Wellington, Vaughn Monroe, Stan Kenton. 

Big band swing music. 

Duplicate of 10311. 

Highlights- "Marie"- Jack Leonard 
"Tangerine"- Helen O'Connell 
"Big Noise From Winnetka"- Bob Crosby and The Bobcats
"One O'Clock Jump"- Count Basie and Orchestra 






                                

The first 1960 presidential debate between Republican Vice-President Richard M. Nixon and Democratic Senator John F. Kennedy.Telecast from WBBM-TV in Chicago. 

Howard K. Smith is moderator. Panelists: Sander Vanocur, Charles Warren, Stuart Novins, Robert Fleming. 

The USS Constellation aircraft carrier catches fire. The fire was started by a forklift truck accident. Over 3200 workmen were on the carrier with 50 people killed. The fire took place at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. 

Live coverage of the Freedom 7 space flight with Commander Alan B. Shepard aboard. Complete flight from countdown to post-flight report.            

Loosely based on a Nathaniel Hawthorne story about a socially ambitious witch who is miffed about her eviction from the Governor's ball. Music by Mary Rodgers, wife of Richard Rodgers. This would be her one and only television musical score.             

CBS radio coverage of the Frair's Roast for director Mervyn Leroy. 

Roastmaster: George Jessel.     

The ABC television network is examined for its "sex and violence" program line-ups in order to boost ratings.           

Film covering Lt. Col. John Glenn's space flight, prepared by the General Dynamics Corporation for NASA. The program will have voice over narration by CBS News correspondent Walter Cronkite. 

Happy ending of the flight of "Aurora 7. A  CBS Special half-hour report on the successful three-orbit space flight of Scott Carpenter, completed earlier in the day.