1955-11-05, CBS, 7 min.
July 3rd, 1954-September 18th, 1954 (CBS)
October 1st, 1955-September 22nd, 1956 (CBS)
Musical variety series hosted by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.
Introduced as a one-hour show in 1954, it was a summer replacement for the Jackie Gleason Show. Gleason resurrected the show in the fall of 1955, trimming it to a half-hour, preceding his own show. In 1956, comedian Jack Carter became the permanent emcee of the show, which saw both Elvis Presley and Bobby Darin make their national TV debuts.
Guest: Frank Fontaine, who sings "When You're Smiling" and performs a skit based on the character John L.C. Savonne. The Savonne character preceeded Fontaine's "Crazy Guggenheim" character in the "Joe The Bartender" skits he performed on The Jackie Gleason Show.
1957-04-13, WNBC, 55 min.
Baseball personalities on this television special ushering in the start of the 1957 baseball season include Johnny Antonelli of the New York Giants, Don Larsen, Bob Friend, Billy Pierce, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, Mel Allen, Ernie Banks, George Kell, Harvey Kuenn, Ted Kluszewski, Ed Matthews,
Don Newcombe, Pee Wee Reese, Robin Roberts, Herb Score, Harry (Suitcase) Simpson, Eddie Yost, and Happy Felton and his Knothole Gang. Mel Allen recreates Don Larsen's perfect game. Show Business guests include: comedians Ed "Archie" Gardner, Paul Winchell, Jerry Mahoney, Frank Fontaine, singers Tony Bennett, Pat Marshall, and Bill Hayes, Singer-comedienne Janis Paige, actors Robert Alda and Robert Strauss. Also participating are baseball commissioner Ford Frick, sportscaster Mel Allen, and baseball Hall Of Fame members Joe DiMaggio, Pie Traynor, Lefty Grove, and Gabby Hartnett. Gene Kelly is the host.
Highlights:
Gene talks to Don Larsen about his no windup pitching approach.
Also, Gene in conversation with Billy Pierce, Johnny Antonelli, and Bob Friend. Kelly introduces Ed Gardner...comedy routine about Baseball's greatest pitchers.
In a brief segment, Mel Allen states his dream outfield. Gene Kelly talks with Stan Musial, who states that his favorite ball player was Mel Ott, Ted Williams, chairman of the Jimmy Fund states that his favorite baseball player was Joe DiMaggio, and DiMaggio's favorite ball player was Frank Lefty Odeul. Gene Kelly mentions that his favorite Baseball Player of all time was Babe Ruth.
Other Highlights:
"This Is The Year" Ensemble
1956 Most Valuable Players: Mickey Mantle, Don Newcombe
Sketch: "Rookie Of The Year" Robert Alda
Song: Janis Paige
World Series Film: Gene Kelly
Interview: Don Larsen, Gene Kelly
" Know-How" Kelly, Paige, Tony Bennett, Paul Winchell, Jerry Mahoney, Robert Alda
Knothole Gang- Happy Felton
Dugout Sketch- Paul Winchell, Jerry Mahoney
Song- Tony Bennett
Pitchers Interview- Gene Kelly
"Two-top Gruskin" Ed Gardner, Robert Alda
Baseball Medley- Ensemble
Song- Pat Marshall
Dream Outfield- DiMaggio, Williams, Musial
Waite Hoyt's Tribute To Babe Ruth- Gene Kelly
Old-Timer's Film- Mel Allen
Rock-'n'Roll Number- Bill Hayes
Comedy Interview- Robert.Alda
Commissioner's Message: Ford Frick
Hall Of Fame Sequence- Gene Kelly
Finale- Ensemble
1962-09-29, WCBS, 53 min.
September 20, 1952-June 22, 1957; October 3, 1958-January 2 1959; February 3 1961-March 24, 1961;
September 29,1962-September 12, 1970.
After the 1954-1955 season (one hour live broadcasts), Jackie Gleason produced a series of 39 filmed half-hour episodes of "The Honeymooners" which was syndicated (1955-1956). For the following 1956-1957 season, the Jackie Gleason Show returned to a live one-hour variety format with a Honeymooners sketch included in many of its broadcasts. After this season, The Honeymooners sketches would not be revived until the 1966-1967 season of The Jackie Gleason Show.
In the fall of 1958 Jackie Gleason returned to a live half-hour series scheduled on Fridays. That effort, which also featured Buddy Hackett, was cancelled after only three months on the air.
In the fall of 1962 Gleason was back to a Saturday Night slot, which he occupied for another eight seasons. From 1962 to 1966 it was called JACKIE GLEASON AND HIS AMERICAN SCENE MAGAZINE, and featured topical comedy sketches as well as musical numbers. One of Gleason's characters, Joe the Bartender, appeared regularly opposite regular Frank Fontaine, who as Crazy Guggenheim traded stories with Joe and then would change character all together singing a song, after which Joe the Bartender would sing his closing signature song. Sue Ane Langdon was also featured regularly.
Jackie Gleason premieres his brand new series. On the debut show, the Newton Brothers, Wayne Newton and Jerry Newton, make their first national TV appearance. In addition, there is a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank "Crazy Guggenheim" Fontaine, who talks to Joe about "Pay TV." There is a "Honeymooners" sketch about "air raid shelters," with old sidekick Art Carney and Sue Ane Langdon plays "Alice."
1962-09-29, CBS, 00 min.
Dupe Of Number 273. Series Premiere.
1962-10-06, WCBS, 20 min.
Jackie Gleason gives his opening monologue and does a "Joe the Bartender" skit with Frank Fontaine, who talks to Joe about "Christopher Columbus." The Newton Brothers (Wayne and Jerry) perform for a second consecutive week.
1962-10-13, WCBS, 40 min.
There is Jackie Gleason's opening monologue, impersonator Elliot Reid doing President John F. Kennedy, Reggie Van Gleason's political debate sketch, an "Arthur and Agnes" sketch with Alice Ghostley and Frank Fontaine, and a closing monologue by Gleason.
1962-10-27, WCBS, 24 min.
There is Jackie Gleason's opening monologue, a "Joe the Bartender" sketch about "Photos from the Past" with Frank Fontaine, who for the first time, out of his "Crazy Guggenheim" character, sings a song: "When Your Heart Has Turned To Silver" at the conclusion of the sketch. There is a 3 1/2 minute Harry Reasoner and Robert Pierpoint News bulletin interrupting the program and outlining President John F. Kennedy's plan for solving the current Cuban crisis. The Gleason Show continues with a Sue Ane Langdon "Granada" production number. A 60 second promo for the upcoming 1962 election night is heard at the end of the program.
1962-11-03, WCBS, 38 min.
Jackie Gleason does his opening monologue followed by a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank "Crazy Guggenheim" Fontaine, who talks to Joe about his "Cousin Who is a Dog Catcher" and sings "Always." Comedian's classic corner with Smith and Dale and an "Arthur and Agnes" sketch with Alice Ghostley.
1962-11-10, WCBS, 19 min.
Jackie Gleason does his opening monologue followed by a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank "Crazy Guggenheim" Fontaine, who talks about "His Neighborhood Being Torn Down" and sings "That Old Gang of Mine."
1962-11-17, WCBS, 20 min.
Jackie Gleason does his opening monologue followed by a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank "Crazy Guggenheim" Fontaine, who talks to Joe about "Sports" and who sings "Mary."
1962-11-17, CBS, 00 min.
Twenty-minute excerpt.
See number 317 for details. Dupe.
1962-11-24, WCBS, 26 min.
Jackie Gleason does his opening monologue with double talker Al Kelly, followed by a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank "Crazy Guggenheim" Fontaine. He talks to Joe about "Thanksgiving" and sings "Heart of My Heart." Also, there is an "Arthur and Agnes" sketch with Alice Ghostley.
1962-12-01, WCBS, 31 min.
Jackie Gleason does his opening monologue followed by "Joe the Bartender" with Frank "Crazy Guggenheim" Fontaine, who talks to Joe about his "Wife" and sings "Daddy's Little Girl." Gleason is heard as Stanley R. Sogg, pitchman for Mother Fletcher on the Late Late Show. There is also Tag Team wrestling with Reginald Van Gleason III.
1962-12-08, CBS, 00 min.
Thirty-Three Minute Excerpt.
See number 338 for details Dupe.
1962-12-08, WCBS, 33 min.
Jackie Gleason does his opening monologue followed by a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank "Crazy Guggenheim" Fontaine, who talks to Joe about "Teenage Marriages" and sings "When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver." Henny Youngman does a stand-up comedy routine.
1962-12-15, CBS, 00 min.
1962-12-23, WCBS, 00 min.
This show was taped on December, 21st, 1962 at Guantanamo Naval Base, Cuba, (before an audience of American servicemen) and repeated by CBS on August 11th, 1963.
1962-12-29, WCBS, 38 min.
Jackie Gleason does his opening monologue with Henny Youngman, followed by a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank "Crazy Guggenheim" Fontaine, who talks to Joe about "Cold Weather" and sings "Auld Lang Syne." There is an "Arthur and Agnes" sketch with Alice Ghostley. Paul Anka concludes the show with a medley of his hit songs.
1962-12-29, CBS, 00 min.
1963-01-12, WCBS, 52 min.
Highlights include "Joe the Bartender" with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "television," and sings "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now?" Also, Jackie Gleason does a skit as Stanley R. Sogg, late show pitchman for Mother Fletcher Mail Order Company. On a return visit, Wayne Newton and his brother Jerry Newton perform. George Jessel sings "My Mother's Eyes." He and Gleason trade quips.
1963-01-26, CBS, 00 min.
1963-01-26, WCBS, 22 min.
Jackie Gleason gives his opening monologue. Frank "Crazy Guggenheim" Fontaine visits Gleason in a "Joe the Bartender" sketch and talks to Joe about "Nightmares" and sings "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles."
1963-02-02, WCBS, 28 min.
There is Jackie Gleason's opening monologue, "Joe the Bartender" sketch, with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "Fatso Fogerty" and a Larry Storch comedy routine. Gleason is presented a Christmas Seal Award.
1963-02-16, CBS, 00 min.
1963-02-16, WCBS, 43 min.
There is Jackie Gleason's opening monologue with Rip Taylor, "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "His Son" and sings "I'll Get By." There is a Johnny Morgan stand-up routine and a Reggie Van Gleason III comedy sketch.
1963-02-23, WCBS, 42 min.
There is Jackie Gleason's opening monologue with Rip Taylor. There is an "Arthur and Agnes" sketch with Gleason and Alice Ghostley and a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "Butcher Shops" and sings "Have You Ever Been Lonely?" Jackie also does a touching vocal valentine to a sleeping baby daughter. After sign off, there is a 30 second promotional spot which Gleason does, promoting CBS's The Late Show, celebrating its 12th anniversary.
1963-03-09, WCBS, 41 min.
There is Jackie Gleason's opening monologue with Rip Taylor, Cliff Hall and Jack Pearl. There is a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "Driving" and sings "If I Had My Way." Jackie also recites a vocal valentine to a sleeping baby boy. There is also a CBS Peace Core Commercial.
1963-03-16, WCBS, 12 min.
Frank Fontaine appears as "Crazy Guggenheim" in another "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Jackie Gleason. Crazy talks to Joe about "Gaylord Farquad."
1963-04-06, WCBS, 35 min.
There is Jackie Gleason's opening monologue with Al Kelly and Johnny Morgan. Jackie Gleason does a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim." Crazy talks to Joe about "Springtime" and sings "Girl of My Dreams."
1963-04-20, WCBS, 23 min.
Jackie Gleason introduces his new discovery, singer Bobby Martin. There is a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim." Crazy talks to Joe about "George Bernard Farquad" and sings "Let Me Call You Sweetheart."
1963-05-04, WCBS, 25 min.
Jackie Gleason does his opening monologue and involves orchestra leader Sammy Spear, who plays trumpet. Also, there is a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about a "Neighborhood Party" and sings "Shine on Harvest Moon."
1963-05-11, WCBS, 35 min.
Jackie Gleason does his opening monologue and does a "Mother Fletcher" routine. There is a comedy stand-up routine by Pat Cooper and a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Gleason and Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "Angelo's Barber Shop" and sings "Sweet Adoline."
1963-05-18, WCBS, 22 min.
Jackie Gleason does his opening monologue with comedian Bobby Seals. There is also a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Gleason and Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "A Painting Exhibition" and sings "Oh How I Miss You Tonight."
1963-05-27, WOR, 20 min.
Joe Franklin interviews Sammy Spear, who talks about Jackie Gleason, Frank Fontaine and other subjects.
1963-09-28, WCBS, 27 min.
Jackie Gleason's second season premiere show opens with a monologue, followed by a comedy routine with Sid Fields and a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim." Fontaine talks to Joe about his "Summer Vacation" and sings "Let the Rest of the World Go Bye." And for the second consecutive year, Wayne Newton performs on opening night.
1963-10-26, WCBS, 12 min.
Jackie Gleason and Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim" appear in another "Joe the Bartender" sketch. Crazy talks to Joe about "The Common Cold" and sings "Oh How I Miss You Tonight."
1963-11-09, WCBS, 27 min.
Jackie Gleason does a "Mother Fletcher" sales pitch routine and there is a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Gleason and Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "Belly Laugh Bailey" and sings "When I Grow Too Old To Dream."
1963-11-16, WCBS, 28 min.
Jackie Gleason introduces his orchestra leader, Sammy Spear. Gleason does an opening monologue and appears in an "Arthur and Agnes" sketch with Alice Ghostley. There is a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "Belly Laugh Bailey" and sings "It's The Talk Of The Town."
1963-11-30, WCBS, 12 min.
Jackie Gleason and Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim" appear in a "Joe the Bartender" sketch. "Crazy" talks to Joe about "Thanksgiving" and sings "If I Had My Way."
1963-12-28, WCBS, 12 min.
Jackie Gleason and Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim" appear in another "Joe the Bartender" sketch. Crazy talks to Joe about "The Russian Circus" and sings "When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New."
1964-03-21, WCBS, 13 min.
Jackie Gleason appears in a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "Owning a Compass," and sings "My Wild Irish Rose."
1964-03-27, WCBS, 12 min.
Jackie Gleason appears in another "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "TV Quiz Programs" and sings "Easter Parade."
1964-05-30, WCBS, 25 min.
Jackie Gleason does his opening monologue. There is a routine with guest Sid Fields and a "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "Fatso Fogerty" and sings "Girl of My Dreams."
1964-06-30, WOR, 9 min.
Joe Franklin interviews comedian Frank Fontaine.
1964-10-31, WCBS, 12 min.
Another "Joe the Bartender" sketch with Jackie Gleason and Frank Fontaine as "Crazy Guggenheim," who talks to Joe about "Politics" and sings "I'll Get By."
1965-09-20, WCBS, 52 min.
September 13, 1965-December 13, 1965. Steve Lawrence's Monday-night variety hour lasted only thirteen weeks. Regulars included comics Charles Nelson Reilly and Betty Walker.
1966-02-26, CBS, min.
September 20, 1952-June 22, 1957; October 3, 1958-January 2 1959; February 3 1961-March 24, 1961; September 1962-September 12, 1970
After the 1954-1955 season (one hour live broadcasts), Jackie Gleason produced a series of 39 filmed half-hour episodes of "The Honeymooners" which was syndicated (1955-1956). For the following 1956-1957 season, the Jackie Gleason Show returned to a live one-hour variety format with a Honeymooners sketch included in many of its broadcasts. After this season, The Honeymooners sketches would not be revived until the 1966-1967 season of The Jackie Gleason Show.
Jackie celebrates his 50th birthday. Joining him in the celebration are guests, Milton Berle, Bobby Darin, Arthur Godfrey, and regular Frank Fontaine.
1966-07-14, WNBC, 27 min.
April 21, 1966-September 1, 1966. Half-hour musical variety series co-hosted by Fred Finn and Mickie Finn. Fred led the band while Mickie played the banjo.
1966-10-20, WNBC, 52 min.
September 16, 1965-May 24, 1974. A variety hour hosted by Dean Martin. Several of the shows were celebrity "roasts," set at a banquet table, in which the guest of honor was showered with insults by other celebs. Regulars of the series included pianist Ken Lane (1965-1972), Kay Medford, Lou Jacobi, The Golddiggers, Marian Mercer (1971-1972), Tom Bosley (1971-1972), Rodney Dangerfield (1972-1973), Dom DeLuise (1972-1973), and Nipsey Russell (1972-1974).
1966-10-20, NBC, 52 min.
September 16, 1965-May 24, 1974.
A variety hour hosted by Dean Martin. Several of the shows were celebrity "roasts," set at a banquet table, in which the guest of honor was showered with insults by other celebs. Regulars of the series included pianist Ken Lane (1965-1972), Kay Medford, Lou Jacobi, The Golddiggers, Marian Mercer (1971-1972), Tom Bosley (1971-1972), Rodney Dangerfield (1972-1973), Dom DeLuise (1972-1973), and Nipsey Russell (1972-1974).
Dupe Of # 1905.