1961-09-12, WNBC, 55 min.
On August the Communist East Berlin command closed the gates into West Berlin and built a 20 mile long wall just inside their borders preventing the escape of East Berliners. However, since that fateful day, freedom loving people have been escaping somehow across the barrier.
From 11:30-12:27am the following video taped segment was broadcast on this evening's broadcast, hosted by in studio confident, Hugh Downs.
From Radio Free Berlin Studios and from on site locations, Jack Paar and Peggy Cass broadcast "The Tonight Show," 110 miles from Communist occupied Germany. There are many interviews with soldiers and with the cooperation of the United States Army, Paar tours the many facilities and shares his wit and observations with his American audience.
Also, included in this air check is a segment from the telecast broadcast the following night, September 13, 1961 on THE TONIGHT SHOW. Jack Paar still in Berlin discusses the aftermath of yesterday's show. Hugh Downs, form the NBC New York Studios comments and appraises yesterday's broadcast and the controversy of its showing which caused ripples in the press and with Congress in Washington D.C.
Duplicate of 881
1961-09-13, WABC, 52 min.
Connie Francis "kicks sound around" with fellow noisemakers. There are sketches and songs. This was Connie Francis' first and only television special.
1961-09-17, WNEW, 101 min.
The second broadest of OPEN END WITH DAVID SUSSKIND on WNEW TV, now reduced to a two hour weekly Sunday night broadcast time limitation from the original open ended time concept as presented since 1958 on WNTA TV.
An in depth interview with former President Harry S. Truman. Topics discussed include, Red China, the Soviet Union, America's role in world affairs, Truman's days as Chief Executive and his philosophy related to longevity (he takes a few mile walk almost every day).
NOTE:
When, in 1961, Susskind conducted this one on one interview with former President Harry Truman in Truman's hometown of Independence, Missouri, he offered to pick up Truman at his home to take him to the Truman Presidential Library for the taping. Susskind asked Truman why he hadn't been invited into the home. According to presidential historian Michael Beschloss, Truman flatly told Susskind, "This is Bess's house" and that there had never been nor would there ever be a Jewish guest in there.
1961-09-17, WNBC, 53 min.
Samples of American humor from the beginnings till now are examined. A host of stars participate including Phil Silvers, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, Eddie Cantor, Burns and Allen, Buster Keaton, Fred Allen, Laurel and Hardy, W.C. Fields, Groucho Marx and Jack Benney. This premiere show for the series was produced by Donald B. Hyatt and his Project 20 staff. Written by Richard Hanser and Rod Reed. Original musical score by Robert Russell Bennett.
1961-09-17, WNBC, 53 min.
Samples of American humor from the beginnings till now are examined. A host of stars participate including Phil Silvers, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, Eddie Cantor, Burns and Allen, Buster Keaton, Fred Allen, Laurel and Hardy, W.C. Fields, Groucho Marx and Jack Benney. This premiere show for the series was produced by Donald B. Hyatt and his Project 20 staff. Written by Richard Hanser and Rod Reed. Original musical score by Robert Russell Bennett.
Duplicate of #131.
1961-09-17, CBS, 27 min.
A special broadcast on CBS Radio highlighting Richard Maltby and his orchestra from the Moonball in Freedomland Amusement Park.
NOTE: Richard Maltby, American musician, conductor, arranger and bandleader was most notable for his 1956 recording, "The Man with the Golden Arm." His active years were during the 1930's - 1960's.
1961-09-18, WNEW, 41 min.
John F. Kennedy speaks to the General Assembly of the United Nations for the first time in his administration. The topic of his address is the accidental death of U.N. Secretary Dag Hammarskjold.
1961-09-20, WPIX, 47 min.
Yankee announcer Mel Allen does the play-by-play, as Roger Maris hits his 59th home run and the Yankees win their 26th American League pennant. In a victorious Yankee locker room, Mel Allen interviews Elston Howard, Yogi Berra, Ralph Houk, Rollie Sheldon, Jim Coates, Luis Arroyo, Bobby Richardson, Clete Boyer, Roger Maris, Roy Hamey, Ralph Terry, Bill Skowron, Wally Moses, Bud Daley, Bill Stafford, Whitey Ford, Hector Lopez, Billy Gardner, Bob Hale, Johnny Blanchard, Tex Clevenger, Hal Reniff and Bob Fishel.
1961-09-21, SYN, 12 min.
1961-1962, Syndicated
A ninety-minute nightly syndicated talk show with Mike Wallace and his co-host Joyce Davidson. Wallace and Davidson hosted the first hour from New York with Terrence O'Flaherty hosting the last half-hour from San Francisco. It was created to compete with the Jack Paar Show on NBC.
Guest: Hildegarde who is interviewed by Joyce Davidson and sings "Lili Marlene," and " Warsaw Concerto."
1961-09-24, WNBC, 52 min.
"Who Is Harold Arlen?" That's what the cab driver who drives Arlen to the studio wants to know. A 60-minute taped answer is offered by Peggy Lee, Vic Damone, La Vern Baker, Joanie Sommers and Paul Weston's orchestra. Bing Crosby narrates films tracing Arlen's songwriting career.
1961-09-27, WCBS, 58 min.
Guests Hermione Gingold and Leonid Hambro help Victor Borge celebrate his 20th year in the United States. Complete commercials for the program are included.
1961-09-27, CBS, 00 min.
Guests Hermione Gingold and Leonid Hambro help Victor Borge celebrate his 20th year in the United States. Complete commercials for the program are included.
Dupe Of Number 883.
1961-09-27, WCBS, 52 min.
From Carnegie Hall, Isaac Stern, Benny Goodman, Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, Van Cliburn and Roberta Peters salute Jack Benny...a virtuoso with a violin. Benny demonstrates his violin prowess with Stern.
When Benny is billed for a concert, two things will happen; singular violin playing by Benny and a wad of dough for a musicians fund. Musicians thank Jack at this one-hour Carnegie Hall concert. Violinist Isaac Stern does the honors. Benny Goodman and his sextet play, and Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra accompany Stern, pianist Van Cliburn and soprano Roberta Peters.
Highlights:
"Colas Breugnon"Overture- Orchestra
"Scherzando" from "Symphome Espagnole"- Isaac Stern
"Man I Love", "World Is Waiting For The Sunrise"- Benny Goodman Sextet
"Caro Nome"- Roberta Peters
Final Movement, MacDowell's Piano Concerto #2-Van Cliburn
First Movement, Bach's Concerto For Two Violins- Jack Benny, Isaac Stern
Polka and Fugue from "Schwanda"- Orchestra
Duplicate of #882.
1961-09-27, WCBS, 52 min.
From Carnegie Hall, Isaac Stern, Benny Goodman, Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, Van Cliburn and Roberta Peters salute Jack Benny...a virtuoso with a violin. Benny demonstrates his violin prowess with Stern.
1961-09-28, WNBC, 52 min.
January 27, 1961-April 21, 1961; September 28, 1961-September 21, 1964. This was the first broadcast of the season. Home viewers were able to participate in this hour-long musical series, as the lyrics to the songs were superimposed at the bottom of their screens; viewers were invited to "follow the bouncing ball" as it moved from one lyric to the next. Goateed composer-arranger Mitch Miller led the Sing-Along Gang, and on-stage aggregation of about two dozen. Among the featured vocalists were Leslie Uggams, Diana Trask, Barbara McNair, and Gloria Lambert. "Sing Along with Mitch" was introduced on "Ford Startime" in 1960 and had a limited run in the spring of 1961, alternating with "The Bell Telephone Hour," before going weekly in the fall of that year. Reruns were exhumed in the spring of 1966 to replace the faltering "Sammy Davis Jr. Show." Bill Hobin produced and directed the series.
1961-09-29, WNBC, 52 min.
January 12, 1959-April 26, 1968. This musical series ran semiregularly for almost ten seasons-sometimes weekly, sometimes biweekly, and sometimes as irregularly scheduled specials. All types of music were presented on the hour series; Donald Voorhees conducted the Bell Telephone Orchestra.
1961-09-30, WRCA, min.
Arthur Murray,famed dance instructor and TV personality demonstrates the new dance craze, "The Twist" and "The Mashed Potatoes." Jack and Hugh Downs are game to learn the dance. Nipsey Russell also tries it. He also talks about Black Muslims.
1961-10-00, WQXR, min.
Duke Ellington collector records, heard on WQXR radio in New York City.
Host: John Wilson.
1961-10-01, WPIX, 6 min.
Red Barber's post-game show which airs, following each New York Yankees televised game. On this show Barber and guest Roger Maris discuss Roger's historic 61st home run which he hit during today's game, breaking Babe Ruth's record. They both look at a video taped replay of the home run, and recount the moment. Contains opening, with theme music and Wheaties commercial.
NOTE: ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A LOST TELEVISION BROADCAST ORIGINALLY VIEWED AND LISTENED BY MILLIONS OF PEOPLE, AND ONLY PRESERVED AS A BROADCAST RECORD ON AUDIO TAPE. THE ONLY KNOWN AND PRESERVED ORIGINAL AUDIO AIR CHECK OF THIS HISTORIC EVENT.
This peerless television audio air check of the WPIX TV Broadcast was audio taped, direct line, by Phil Gries, founder and owner of Archival Television Audio, Inc.
A recording of this air check was given to Andy Strasberg who contacted me in 2020 while researching material for a book he was writing. He mentioned that for over fifty years searching for this holy grail broadcast of Roger Maris appearing on Red Barber's NY Yankee Post Game Show, right after hitting his historic 61st home run and viewing it for the first time on video tape playback and commenting, had alluded him.
In his finished book "MY 1961," published by August Publications in 2021, the transcript of this peerless audio is greatly quoted verbatim by author Andy Strasberg on pages 257 through 270.
1961-10-01, WNBC, 52 min.
The full productive life of Ernest Hemingway, novelist, sportsman and adventurer is examined. Narrated by Chet Huntley.
1961-10-01, WPIX, 20 min.
Roger Maris breaks Babe Ruth's home run record. Phil Rizzuto, Red Barber and Mel Allen call the play-by-play of the four Maris at bats. Rizzuto (1st inning), Barber (4th inning, announcing Maris' 61st home run), Allen (6th and 8th inning).
Mel Allen, in the WPIX TV booth, interviews Sal Durante, the 19 year old truck driver who caught Roger Maris' historic home run ball.
Also, Bob Sheppard's poem about Maris and his record breaking 61 home runs is read by Mel Allen.
Following the conclusion of the game we hear THE RED BARBER SHOW post-game show. Maris guests and reviews, via video tape replay, his historic home run, with Red Barber.
NY Yankee Manager Ralph Houk and NY Yankee pitching coach, Johnny Sain also comment.
NOTE: This television audio air check was audio tape recorded, direct line, off the air at the time of the broadcast, by Phil Gries, founder and owner of Archival Television Audio, Inc. It is the only known recording of Roger Maris' four at bats as aired on this WPIX Channel 11 television broadcast.
A recording of this air check was given to Andy Strasberg who contacted me, while researching material for a book he was writing. He mentioned that for over fifty years searching for his holy grail broadcast of Roger Maris appearing on Red Barber's NY Yankee Post Game Show had alluded him. In his finished book "MY 1961," published by August Publications in 2021, the transcript of this peerless audio is greatly quoted verbatim by author Andy Strasberg on pages 257 through 270.
1961-10-03, ABC, min.
October 3rd, 1961- September 22nd, 1962
This animated program featured radio's Amos 'N' Andy creators and stars, Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, who provided the voices for the series. It was the story of a bear (Calvin) and a fox (The Colonel) afoot in a big city. Other voices included Beatrice Kay as Sister Sue, Virginia Gregg as Maggie Bell, and Paul Frees, (the voice of John Beresford Tipton in the 1955 television series "The Millionaire") as Oliver Wendell Clutch.
Premiere of this ABC animated series.
1961-10-04, NBC, 58 min.
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 10-4-61. Guests: Fran Jeffries, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Buddy Hackett.
Commercials included. Announcer Frank Gallop.
1961-10-05, WNBC, 52 min.
January 27, 1961-April 21, 1961; September 28, 1961-September 21, 1964. Home viewers were able to participate in this hour-long musical series, as the lyrics to the songs were superimposed at the bottom of their screens; viewers were invited to "follow the bouncing ball" as it moved from one lyric to the next. Goateed composer-arranger Mitch Miller led the Sing-Along Gang, and on-stage aggregation of about two dozen. Among the featured vocalists were Leslie Uggams, Diana Trask, Barbara McNair, and Gloria Lambert. "Sing Along with Mitch" was introduced on "Ford Startime" in 1960 and had a limited run in the spring of 1961, alternating with "The Bell Telephone Hour," before going weekly in the fall of that year. Reruns were exhumed in the spring of 1966 to replace the faltering "Sammy Davis Jr. Show." Bill Hobin produced and directed the series.
1961-10-07, WABC, 52 min.
July 2, 1955-September 4, 1971; 1971-1982 (Syndicated). "The Lawrence Welk Show" presented middle-of-the-road music for almost three decades. Numbers were performed by the members of Welk's television family. That large group included the Lennon Sisters (Dianne, Peggy, Kathy and Janet), Alice Lon, Norma Zimmer, Tanya Falan, Arthur Duncan, Joe Feeney, Guy Hovis, Jim Roberts, Ralna English, Larry Hooper, Jerry Burke and former Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess.
1961-10-07, WPIX, 26 min.
Mel Allen is host. There is a review of Roger Maris' 61 home runs and the play-by-plays of his last eleven home runs are heard as they were announced live during Roger's quest for Babe Ruth's record.
1961-10-08, WNBC, 54 min.
Many stars from Hollywood give tribute to the USO units who since 1942 have entertained troops overseas. They include Dick Powell, Marilyn Monroe, Jack Benny, Debbie Reynolds, Danny Kaye, Merle Oberon, Frances Langford, Joe E. Brown, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bing Crosby. Included with these celebrity anecdotes, celebrating this 20th USO anniversary, is a clip of Irving Berlin singing his own song: "Until the Fifth Army Comes Home."
1961-10-09, WNBC, 34 min.
Mel Allen does the play-by-play for the 8th inning. Joe Garagiola does the play-by-play for the 9th inning. Allen, from the victorious Yankee clubhouse, interviews manager Ralph Houk, Del Webb, Johnny Blanchard, Elston Howard, Reds manager Fred Hutchinson and Whitey Ford. Joe Garagiola wraps up the broadcast. Note: Also heard are three Chrysler Corp. auto commercials promoting their new line for 1962.
1961-10-09, WNBC, 52 min.
"Sound of the Sixties" examines the sights and sounds associated with the way Americans live and may live in the decade ahead. John Daly narrates.
1961-10-11, WNBC, ? min.
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.
1961-10-11, NBC, 28 min.
October 11th, 1961- June 13th, 1962 (NBC)
A thirty-minute variety series starring comedian Bob Newhart. Newhart won fame by performing his classic telephone comedy routines that he would end by saying, "well same to you, fella."
Regulars on the show are Jackie Joseph, Kay Westfall, Jack Grinnage, Mickey Manners, Pearl Shear, June Ericson, and Andy Albin. The announcer is Dan Sorkin.
Guest: The Four Preps
1961-10-12, WNBC, 52 min.
January 27, 1961-April 21, 1961; September 28, 1961-September 21, 1964. Home viewers were able to participate in this hour-long musical series, as the lyrics to the songs were superimposed at the bottom of their screens; viewers were invited to "follow the bouncing ball" as it moved from one lyric to the next. Goateed composer-arranger Mitch Miller led the Sing-Along Gang, and on-stage aggregation of about two dozen. Among the featured vocalists were Leslie Uggams, Diana Trask, Barbara McNair, and Gloria Lambert. "Sing Along with Mitch" was introduced on "Ford Startime" in 1960 and had a limited run in the spring of 1961, alternating with "The Bell Telephone Hour," before going weekly in the fall of that year. Reruns were exhumed in the spring of 1966 to replace the faltering "Sammy Davis Jr. Show." Bill Hobin produced and directed the series.
1961-10-12, WRCA, min.
Jack Paar, for the first time, announces that he will be leaving THE TONIGHT SHOW March 30, 1962. He states that the show will continue with a different host, yet to be determined.
1961-10-12, NBC, min.
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.
Jack discusses leaving the Tonight Show but states the show will continue with a new host.
Guests: Molly Picon, and Buddy Hackett. Jose Melis plays "Autumn Rhapsody." Co-host Hugh Downs discusses his new paperback edition book, "Yours Truly Hugh Downs."
Duplicate of #184C.
1961-10-13, WCBS, 26 min.
Jack Klugman and Jonathan Winters star.
1961-10-13, WNBC, 52 min.
January 12, 1959-April 26, 1968. This musical series ran semiregularly for almost ten seasons-sometimes weekly, sometimes biweekly, and sometimes as irregularly scheduled specials. All types of music were presented on the hour series; Donald Voorhees conducted the Bell Telephone Orchestra.
1961-10-14, WABC, 52 min.
July 2, 1955-September 4, 1971; 1971-1982 (Syndicated). This was the "Western Show" broadcast. "The Lawrence Welk Show" presented middle-of-the-road music for almost three decades. Numbers were performed by the members of Welk's television family. That large group included the Lennon Sisters (Dianne, Peggy, Kathy and Janet), Alice Lon, Norma Zimmer, Tanya Falan, Arthur Duncan, Joe Feeney, Guy Hovis, Jim Roberts, Ralna English, Larry Hooper, Jerry Burke and former Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess.
1961-10-17, , 45 min.
Senator Walter Judd, who served in Congress for twenty years, gives an anti-communist speech at a rally in California.
He defines the conservative position on China as all-out support for the Nationlists under Chiang Kai-Shek. Judd states that one of these days, the United States will have a congressional task force to investigate ourselves related to our own State Department and how we lost China.
1961-10-18, WNBC, ? min.
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.
1961-10-18, NBC, 28 min.
October 11th, 1961- June 13th, 1962 (NBC)
A thirty-minute variety series starring comedian Bob Newhart. Newhart won fame by performing his classic telephone comedy routines that he would end by saying, "well same to you, fella."
Regulars on the show are Jackie Joseph, Kay Westfall, Jack Grinnage, Mickey Manners, Pearl Shear, June Ericson, and Andy Albin. The announcer is Dan Sorkin.
Guest: Martin Denny Group
1961-10-19, WABC, 54 min.
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.
1961-10-19, WNBC, 52 min.
January 27, 1961-April 21, 1961; September 28, 1961-September 21, 1964. Home viewers were able to participate in this hour-long musical series, as the lyrics to the songs were superimposed at the bottom of their screens; viewers were invited to "follow the bouncing ball" as it moved from one lyric to the next. Goateed composer-arranger Mitch Miller led the Sing-Along Gang, and on-stage aggregation of about two dozen. Among the featured vocalists were Leslie Uggams, Diana Trask, Barbara McNair, and Gloria Lambert. "Sing Along with Mitch" was introduced on "Ford Startime" in 1960 and had a limited run in the spring of 1961, alternating with "The Bell Telephone Hour," before going weekly in the fall of that year. Reruns were exhumed in the spring of 1966 to replace the faltering "Sammy Davis Jr. Show." Bill Hobin produced and directed the series.
1961-10-21, WABC, 52 min.
July 2, 1955-September 4, 1971; 1971-1982 (Syndicated). "The Lawrence Welk Show" presented middle-of-the-road music for almost three decades. Numbers were performed by the members of Welk's television family. That large group included the Lennon Sisters (Dianne, Peggy, Kathy and Janet), Alice Lon, Norma Zimmer, Tanya Falan, Arthur Duncan, Joe Feeney, Guy Hovis, Jim Roberts, Ralna English, Larry Hooper, Jerry Burke and former Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess.
1961-10-22, WCBS, 29 min.
In this episode, complete with original commercials, Jack Benny revisits his hometown in Waukegan, Illinois.
1961-10-22, CBS, 90 min.
CBS radio coverage of the Frair's Roast for director Mervyn Leroy.
Roastmaster: George Jessel.
1961-10-24, WNTA, 27 min.
John Conte was host for this half-hour series of 39 easy listening programs, produced in England and syndicated in the U.S. The program featured the Mantovani orchestra, headed by the star of the program, Mantovani, and a guest star each week. Mantovani's U.S. debut aired on WNET Channel 13 in New York on April 15, 1961 with singer Dorothy Collins in a salute to the "Silver Screen."
1961-10-25, WCBS, 52 min.
A Timex special, "The Seasons of Youth" is a musical revue with Fernando Lamas as host.
1961-10-25, NBC, 28 min.
October 11th, 1961- June 13th, 1962 (NBC)
A thirty-minute variety series starring comedian Bob Newhart. Newhart won fame by performing his classic telephone comedy routines that he would end by saying, "well same to you, fella."
Regulars on the show are Jackie Joseph, Kay Westfall, Jack Grinnage, Mickey Manners, Pearl Shear, June Ericson, and Andy Albin. The announcer is Dan Sorkin.
Guest: Roger Williams
1961-10-26, WNBC, 52 min.
January 27, 1961-April 21, 1961; September 28, 1961-September 21, 1964. Home viewers were able to participate in this hour-long musical series, as the lyrics to the songs were superimposed at the bottom of their screens; viewers were invited to "follow the bouncing ball" as it moved from one lyric to the next. Goateed composer-arranger Mitch Miller led the Sing-Along Gang, and on-stage aggregation of about two dozen. Among the featured vocalists were Leslie Uggams, Diana Trask, Barbara McNair, and Gloria Lambert. "Sing Along with Mitch" was introduced on "Ford Startime" in 1960 and had a limited run in the spring of 1961, alternating with "The Bell Telephone Hour," before going weekly in the fall of that year. Reruns were exhumed in the spring of 1966 to replace the faltering "Sammy Davis Jr. Show." Bill Hobin produced and directed the series.
1961-10-27, WNBC, 52 min.
January 12, 1959-April 26, 1968. This musical series ran semiregularly for almost ten seasons-sometimes weekly, sometimes biweekly, and sometimes as irregularly scheduled specials. All types of music were presented on the hour series; Donald Voorhees conducted the Bell Telephone Orchestra.