July 29, 1957- March 30,1962.
LIVE from Havana Cuba, on the eve of the program's first anniversary, Jack Paar originates his show in Havana Cuba, where actor Caesar Romero and songstress Genevieve are guests. Three production numbers come from the Tropicana night club, including Miss TV of Cuba, 1958 Gina Romand; Freddy and Gladys, Cuban dance team; Jack Paar and Jose Melis doing "Cino Cino" with a troupe of girl dancers. Part of the show will originate from the new Habana Hilton Hotel where the Orchestra Symphonic Albinuera has allowed Jose Melis to return to his native country and conduct the entire symphony in the "Spellbound Concerto" by Miklos Rosa. It is a ten minute masterful rendition.
Singer Betty Johnson and Hugh Downs host this ambitious TONIGHT SHOW from New York during the 11:15pm to 11:30pm opening broadcast segment.
Hugh Downs opens the show from New York with co-host Betty Johnson. Films taken in Cuba narrated by Downs are heard. At 11:30pm EST the show switches live from Havana Cuba. Caesar Romero introduces the show in Spanish (poor reception but much better during the Midnight repeat announcement). Jack Paar's monologue is heard. He then introduces a musical number. Jack states that this is his third trip to Cuba. Transition to Mambo and Cha Cha dancing music. Jack introduces film actor, Caesar Romero, grandson of Jose Marti, the George Washington of Cuba. Romero explains that this is the first International Broadcast seen in Cuba and the USA at the same time. Jack Paar takes pride in introducing his good friend and conductor Jose Melies who conducts the Havana Orchestra in "The Spellbound Concerto." Cuban Star Pumereo, the most popular and revered in Cuba is interviewed by Paar. Jack states that this broadcast is not a typical Tonight Show. Jose Melies and Jack do a Lipton Tea Commercial...Jose in English, and Jack in Spanish. The Havana Symphonic Habanero plays the Cuban Concerto. Jack, Genevieve and Melies all converse with one another. Heard is the finale. Jack bids all "Thank You." He states he will be back doing tomorrow's show from New York. Sign off.
This complete TV Audio Air Check is one of the jewels representing over 20,000 hours of archived sound in the Archival Television Audio, Inc. collection.
