June 24, 1956 - June 6, 1960 (NBC TV),
September 27, 1961 - December 27, 1961 (ABC TV).

On his Sunday night variety show, Steve Allen clowns around with heavyweight champion Ingmar Johansson, in a boxing ring.

Rare exceptional audio air check recorded by Phil Gries using a microphone and not a direct line connection. However, sound quality remains acceptably good.   

NOTE:
The beginning of Phil Gries' focus to record television audio from his 1949 Andrea television set to audio tape contained on his recently obtained new 1/4" reel to reel tape recorder (Webcor).                                                                       

October 8, 1959-December 31, 1959

THE BIG PARTY video taped within a living room set  was planned as a series of 15 variety shows which would alternate with PLAYHOUSE 90. PLAYBOY'S PENTHOUSE duplicated the concept of using a  living  room. This same concept was replicated by Hugh Heftner with his series PLAYBOY'S PENTHOUSE (1960-1961). 

Today's guests on the Premiere show are Tallulah Bankhead, Rock Hudson, and Mort Sahl.                                                    

NBC October 2nd, 1954-March 10th, 1959
CBS October 11th, 1959-June 5th, 1960, 

Regulars: Harry Von Zell, Anita Bryant, Joe Flynn, The Modernaires

Guest: Henry Fonda. 
           

Variety special starring Victor Borge.                                                  

      October 8, 1959-December 31, 1959

THE BIG PARTY video taped within a living room set  was planned as a series of 15 variety shows which would alternate with PLAYHOUSE 90. PLAYBOY'S PENTHOUSE duplicated the concept of using a  living  room. This same concept was replicated by Hugh Heftner with his series PLAYBOY'S PENTHOUSE (1960-1961). 

Comedian Jack Carter is a guest.      

Presented on "THE PONTIAC STAR PARADE." Gene Kelly performs with his guests, Donald O'Connor and
Carol Lawrence.             

June 24, 1956-December 27, 1961.
The multi-talented Steve Allen- musician, composer, singer, comedian,author- was the star of this live weekly variety series that bore a strong resemblance to his informal, late-night Tonight! Show. Although the program had elements of music and serious aspects, comedy was far and away its major component. Steve had with him one of the most versatile and talented collections of improvisational comics ever assembled. Among the features that were used at one time or another on a semi-regular basis were: "Letters to the Editor," "The Allen Report to the Nation," "Mad-Libs," "Crazy Shots," "Where Are They Now," "The Question Man," "The Allen Bureau of Standards," and "The Allen All Stars." The most frequently used feature, and by far the most memorable was the "Man on the Street Interview." It was here that the comics on the show developed their best-remembered characters: Louis Nye as suave, smug Gordon Hathaway, Tom Poston as the man who can't remember his own name, Skitch Henderson as Sidney Ferguson, Don Knotts as the extremely nervous and fidgety Mr. Morrison, Pat Harrington as Italian golf pro Guido Panzini, and Bill Dana as shy Jose Jimenez.    

Steve's guests are Jimmy Durante and Peggy Lee. 

                                                                               

Variety special starring Tony Randall, Beatrice Lillie, Tammy Grimes and Cyril Richard.          

The 7th of 26 Bing Crosby specials (1954-1977).                        

September 12, 1955-June 12, 1963. In the fall of 1955 Perry Como returned to NBC where he hosted a weekly hour show. From 1955 to 1959 it was seen Saturday evenings and was titled "The Perry Como Show." From 1959 to 1963 it was seen Wednesday evenings and was titled "The Kraft Music Hall." Regulars included Frank Gallop and the Ray Charles Singers. After his final weekly June 12, 1963 broadcast Perry Como appeared in scores of specials, beginning October 3, 1963, airing on NBC, CBS & ABC, and concluding on December 6, 1986. 

Perry's guest is Bing Crosby.                                                                 

January 28th, 1960- June 16th, 1960 (CBS)

This series was a collection of variety specials, each of which starred different performers. It presented both comedy and music with the emphasis of a particular show depending on the makeup of its cast. Among the stars of individual telecasts were Mickey Rooney, Maurice Chevalier, Jackie Cooper, Gordon and Sheila MacRae, and Peggy Lee. Miss Lee starred in several shows, while the others were only in one each. On March 24th, 1960, the show's title was changed to "Revlon Presents" and effective May 12th, when it began a series of musical specials, to "Revlon Spring Music Festival." 

"Salute To Paul Whiteman." The famed orchestra leader appears on a show featuring tunes associated with his career, performed by Peggy Lee and other entertainers. Whiteman is celebrating his 70th birthday.

Host: Mike Wallace 

Note: Approximately first 15 minutes has poor Audio. For the remainder of the broadcast, the audio is very good. 

December 24th, 1948- June 4th, 1950 (NBC) October  2nd, 1950-June 24th 1955 (CBS) September  17th 1955- June 12th, 1963 (NBC) 

In 1944, the year his first record was released, Perry Como appeared on radio in The Chesterfield Supper Club; when that show came to television late in 1948, Como came with it, and has remained on television for more than four decades. The Chesterfield Supper Club, which also featured The Mitchell Ayres Orchestra and the Fontane Sisters, was originally seen on Friday nights but soon shifted to a half-hour slot on Sundays, opposite Ed Sullivan's "Toast Of The Town." In the fall of 1950, Como shifted to CBS where he hosted his own show for the next five seasons; the fifteen-minute program was seen Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, following the network news. Also featured were the Mitchell Ayres Orchestra and The Fontane Sisters, together with announcer Frank Gallop. In the fall of 1955 Como returned to NBC, where he hosted a weekly hour show for the next eight years; from 1955 to 1959 it was seen Saturdays and was titled The Perry Como Show. From 1959 to 1963 it was seen on Wednesdays and was titled The Kraft Music Hall. The Mitchell Ayres Orchestra and Frank Gallop were again featured, along with The Ray Charles Singers and The Louis DaPron Dancers (later, The Peter Gennaro Dancers). The Como Music Hall Players included Don Adams, Paul Lynde, Kaye Ballard, Jack Duffy, and Sandy Stewart.

Show Of 4-13-60. This is the Easter show. Guests: The Lennon Sisters, Singer Dorothy Collins, Harmonica Player Johnny Puleo, and Bill Baird and His Marionettes. Ray Charles Singers, Louis DaPron Dancers. Mitchell Ayres Orchestra. 

Commercials included. Announcer Frank Gallop. 

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

The guests include Jack Carter, James Cagney, and Robert Montgomery.                                                                            

June 24, 1956-December 27, 1961.
The multi-talented Steve Allen- musician, composer, singer, comedian,author- was the star of this live weekly variety series that bore a strong resemblance to his informal, late-night Tonight! Show. Although the program had elements of music and serious aspects, comedy was far and away its major component. Steve had with him one of the most versatile and talented collections of improvisational comics ever assembled. Among the features that were used at one time or another on a semi-regular basis were: "Letters to the Editor," "The Allen Report to the Nation," "Mad-Libs," "Crazy Shots," "Where Are They Now," "The Question Man," "The Allen Bureau of Standards," and "The Allen All Stars." The most frequently used feature, and by far the most memorable was the "Man on the Street Interview." It was here that the comics on the show developed their best-remembered characters: Louis Nye as suave, smug Gordon Hathaway, Tom Poston as the man who can't remember his own name, Skitch Henderson as Sidney Ferguson, Don Knotts as the extremely nervous and fidgety Mr. Morrison, Pat Harrington as Italian golf pro Guido Panzini, and Bill Dana as shy Jose Jimenez.    

Steve Allen's guest is Bill Dana, (Jose Jimenez)                                                                                   

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

Comedian Guy Marks imitates Gary Cooper and Humphrey Bogart.                                                                                                        

   January 25, 1960 - July 18, 1960
A half hour variety series featuring Harry Simeone Chorus. 

Songwriter-producer Jule Styne performs at the piano in a program devoted to tunes he's written, sung by Kate Smith, Styne, and the Chorus. They include, "Just in Time," "Sunday," "I'll Walk Alone," "There Goes That Song Again," and "Small World."          

June 24, 1956-December 27, 1961.
The multi-talented Steve Allen- musician, composer, singer, comedian,author- was the star of this live weekly variety series that bore a strong resemblance to his informal, late-night Tonight! Show. Although the program had elements of music and serious aspects, comedy was far and away its major component. Steve had with him one of the most versatile and talented collections of improvisational comics ever assembled. Among the features that were used at one time or another on a semi-regular basis were: "Letters to the Editor," "The Allen Report to the Nation," "Mad-Libs," "Crazy Shots," "Where Are They Now," "The Question Man," "The Allen Bureau of Standards," and "The Allen All Stars." The most frequently used feature, and by far the most memorable was the "Man on the Street Interview." It was here that the comics on the show developed their best-remembered characters: Louis Nye as suave, smug Gordon Hathaway, Tom Poston as the man who can't remember his own name, Skitch Henderson as Sidney Ferguson, Don Knotts as the extremely nervous and fidgety Mr. Morrison, Pat Harrington as Italian golf pro Guido Panzini, and Bill Dana as shy Jose Jimenez.    

Guests are Phil Harris, Jonathan Winters, and Bill (Jose Jimenez) Dana. Final first run show of the current season, and final show and affiliation with NBC television.                                                                                                                   

Excerpt            

Steve Allen's guests include Diana Dors, Mort Sahl, Jayne Meadows and regulars Louie Nye, Don Knotts, Pat Harrington Jr., Gabe Dell, Dayton Allen and Bill Dana. Everyone bids farewell on this final live show of the four year series. 

   This program, the last of the series, opens with Allen backstage, where he spots guests preparing for their appearances and talks with bandleader Les Brown. Following this exchange, Diana Dors sings; Allen introduces a repeat showing of the very popular sketch "Wife of Frankenstein," a horror musical starring Jayne Meadows as the bride, Louis Nye as the monstrous groom, and Allen as Dr. Frankenstein; and comedian Mort Sahl does a routine on the upcoming elections, making suggestions about which television shows might be appropriate vehicles for political guest appearances. Later, Allen introduces each of the series regulars and presents them in favorite performances, including Bill Dana as Jose Jimenez; Dayton Allen as Dudley E. Dudley; Pat Harrington as the Great John L., an ex-prizefighter turned restaurant owner; Don Knotts as a weatherman who must ad-lib his report; Gabe Dell as a former star of horror movies; and Louis Nye as Harvey Footlight, ex-Vaudeville star. 
The cast then pay tribute to Allen and present a clip of him as sportscaster Bill Allen in which he falls into a laughing fit which makes it hard for him to talk. Finally, each of the regulars does a spot for Plymouth, including Louis Nye as Gordon Hathaway; and the cast gathers backstage for an end-of-series party.    

Duplicate of #29.
                   

Steve Allen's guests include Diana Dors, Mort Sahl, Jayne Meadows and regulars Louie Nye, Don Knotts, Pat Harrington Jr., Gabe Dell, Dayton Allen and Bill Dana. Everyone bids farewell on this final live show of the four year series. 

   This program, the last of the series, opens with Allen backstage, where he spots guests preparing for their appearances and talks with bandleader Les Brown. Following this exchange, Diana Dors sings; Allen introduces a repeat showing of the very popular sketch "Wife of Frankenstein," a horror musical starring Jayne Meadows as the bride, Louis Nye as the monstrous groom, and Allen as Dr. Frankenstein; and comedian Mort Sahl does a routine on the upcoming elections, making suggestions about which television shows might be appropriate vehicles for political guest appearances. Later, Allen introduces each of the series regulars and presents them in favorite performances, including Bill Dana as Jose Jimenez; Dayton Allen as Dudley E. Dudley; Pat Harrington as the Great John L., an ex-prizefighter turned restaurant owner; Don Knotts as a weatherman who must ad-lib his report; Gabe Dell as a former star of horror movies; and Louis Nye as Harvey Footlight, ex-Vaudeville star. 
The cast then pay tribute to Allen and present a clip of him as sportscaster Bill Allen in which he falls into a laughing fit which makes it hard for him to talk. Finally, each of the regulars does a spot for Plymouth, including Louis Nye as Gordon Hathaway; and the cast gathers backstage for an end-of-series party.    
                   

This is the 12th Anniversary show. 

September 30th, 1958-June 16th, 1964

The Garry Moore variety series made a star out of Carol Burnett,brought back Allen Funt's Candid Camera and showcased many fine musical and comedic talents from 1958-1964.The highlight of most shows was "That Wonderful Year," consisting of film clips, comedy sketches and production numbers based on the events and styles of a given year.

Regulars: Garry Moore, Carol Burnett (1959-1962), Dorothy Loudon (1962-1964),Allen Funt (1959-1960, Durward Kirby (1958-1964)and Marion Lorne (1958-1962).

"That Wonderful Year" is 1900.                                                                

Salute To Hawaii. 

Last live episode until September 4th,1960.          

      This Ed Sullivan  Show is without introductions by Sullivan...abruptly edited, but complete performances and acts included.                     

A summer replacement series hosted by
Sam Levenson in 1960,
August 1- September 26,

Jim Backus in 1962,
February 3, - September 11,

Merv Griffin in 1963,
July 2, - September 17, 

Art Linkletter in 1965, (ONE HOUR series)
June 22, - September 7.

Art Linkletter later hosted the program as a mid-season replacement for the Steve Lawrence Show, again in a one-hour format, titled Art Linkletter's Hollywood Talent Scouts from December 20, 1965 - September 5, 1966.   

On this Premiere telecast, Phil Silvers introduces Mickey Freeman (Private Zimmerman) from Silver's iconic 1950's series, The Phil Silvers Show.                                                       

January 2nd, 1954-May 8th, 1954-NBC  
April 2nd, 1957-August 27th, 1957-CBS
August 1st, 1960-Sept 19th, 1960-CBS
July 17th, 1961-Sept 25th, 1961-CBS 

Comedy/variety show featuring bandleader Spike Jones and his wife, Helen Grayco.                                   

A SPECIAL broadcast, written by Woody Allen and Larry Gelbart consisting of a series of sketches and satires...romances related to love. 

SKETCHES:

"Manhattan"--------------------------Powell, Randall, Nelson
"Bohemia"-------------------------Carney, Paige
"Alone Together-----------------------------Powell, Nelson
"The Ritz Club---------------------------Randall, Ghostley
"Talk to Him"--------------------------Powell, Paige
"Standing on the Corner"--------------------All
"Sick Summer"-----------------------Randall, Ghostley 
"Passage t o Paradise"--------------------Powell, Nelson
"Strange Strawberries"---------------Carney, Randall, Paige          

September 12, 1955-June 12, 1963. In the fall of 1955 Perry Como returned to NBC where he hosted a weekly hour show. From 1955 to 1959 it was seen Saturday evenings and was titled "The Perry Como Show." From 1959 to 1963 it was seen Wednesday evenings and was titled "The Kraft Music Hall." Regulars included Frank Gallop and the Ray Charles Singers. After his final weekly June 12, 1963 broadcast Perry Como appeared in scores of specials, beginning October 3, 1963, airing on NBC, CBS & ABC, and concluding on December 6, 1986. 

                                                                                        

Victor Borge presents his first special of the year. Borge plays a concert version of Grieg's Concerto - Latin American style.

Dupe Of Number 5491.                           

Phil Silvers only guest is Polly Bergen. Phil and Polly perform a variety of sketches, songs and dances together.                      

Musical variety show starring Donald O'Connor and his guests, Mitzi Gaynor, Andre Previn and Sidney Miller in song, dances and comedy skits.             

September 30th, 1958-June 16th, 1964

The Garry Moore variety series made a star out of Carol Burnett,brought back Allen Funt's Candid Camera and showcased many fine musical and comedic talents from 1958-1964. The highlight of most shows was "That Wonderful Year," consisting of film clips, comedy sketches, and production numbers based on the events and styles of a given year.

Regulars: Garry Moore, Carol Burnett (1959-1962), Dorothy Loudon (1962-1964), Allen Funt (1959-1960, Durward Kirby (1958-1964), and Marion Lorne (1958-1962).

This show features regulars Durward Kirby and Carol Burnett.                                                                                                      

September 12, 1955-June 12, 1963. In the fall of 1955 Perry Como returned to NBC where he hosted a weekly hour show. From 1955 to 1959 it was seen Saturday evenings and was titled "The Perry Como Show." From 1959 to 1963 it was seen Wednesday evenings and was titled "The Kraft Music Hall." Regulars included Frank Gallop and the Ray Charles Singers. After his final weekly June 12, 1963 broadcast Perry Como appeared in scores of specials, beginning October 3, 1963, airing on NBC, CBS & ABC, and concluding on December 6, 1986. 

                                                                             

Debbie Reynolds first television special.      

Filmed in Chicago,this is the second in Sullivan's "See America" series.                  

October 28th, 1950- September 15th, 1964 (CBS)
September 25th,1964-September 10th, 1965 (NBC)    

Jack Benny's half-hour show mixed variety and situation comedy with a company of regulars: Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, announcer Don Wilson, Dennis Day, Mel Blanc, and Mary Livingston.   



                                            

September 12, 1955-June 12, 1963. In the fall of 1955 Perry Como returned to NBC where he hosted a weekly hour show. From 1955 to 1959 it was seen Saturday evenings and was titled "The Perry Como Show." From 1959 to 1963 it was seen Wednesday evenings and was titled "The Kraft Music Hall." Regulars included Frank Gallop and the Ray Charles Singers. After his final weekly June 12, 1963 broadcast Perry Como appeared in scores of specials, beginning October 3, 1963, airing on NBC, CBS & ABC, and concluding on December 6, 1986. 

                                                                                          

The Dinah Shore Chevy Show was an American Variety Series, hosted by Dinah Shore and broadcast on NBC from
 October 5th 1956 - May 12th,1963.

10 minute excerpt. 



                                                                                                                                                         

   This video taped SPECIAL presentation centers around Manhattan's theater district. Hosted by Harry Belafonte, the program features jazz singer Gloria Lynne, John Lewis and the Modern Jazz quartet; the Contemporary String Quartet, and Herb Levy and his penny whistle.           

Jerry Lewis makes his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show since 1948.