1954-07-31, CBS, min.
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Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived.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.
Guests: Ames Brothers, Polly Bergen.
1956-08-21, WNBC, 7 min.
TEX AND JINX Radio & Television BROADCAST HISTORY:
April 22, 1946- February 27, 1959.
WEAF (WNBC, WRCA), New York weekdays at 8:30 A.M. until 1954; at 1:00pm,1954-1955; then at 6:30 and 10:35pm until July 31, 1958, moving briefly to WOR, broadcasting at 2:15pm.
In addition to the Kollmars (Dorothy Kilgallen and husband Richard Kollmar) and the Fitzgeralds (Pegeen and husband Ed Fitzgerald), another well-recognized New York couple, newlyweds Tex McCrary and Jinx Falkenburg, added their own bread-and-bacon banter to the local airwaves between 1946 and 1959. Their gabfest, initially Hi Jinx but later revised to Tex and Jinx, was beamed over WEAF which was subsequently re-lettered WNBC and later WRCA. In limited doses, the flagship outlet of the National Broadcasting Company transmitted Meet Tex and Jinx to the whole country during 1947 and 1948.
Tex and Jinx devoted most of their airtime to lofty and noble concepts, visitors and sidebars. Tex and Jinx [on WEAF-WNBC-WRCA] were interviewing Bernard Baruch, Margaret Truman, or Ethel Waters…. McCrary built the show on the assumption that the early morning audience was not stupid, as programmers generally assumed; that people in general had fresher minds and were more open to serious topics at the beginning of the day.”
Their joint radio venture began in April 1946 just 10 months following their nuptials (June 10, 1945). Launched as a breakfast feature, the series later shifted to afternoons and finally into the evening hours before departing the ether a dozen years afterward. They were branded by one journalist “Mr. Brains and Mrs. Beauty.”
In early 1947 NBC put them on its television network as a portion of a Sunday evening quarter-hour dubbed Bristol-Myers Tele-Varieties. “The McCrarys were naturals for TV,” wrote a reviewer, “with their combination of friendly chatter, interviews, and features.” That summer the web awarded them an exclusive Sunday night half-hour format under the appellation At Home with Tex and Jinx. A decade later, in the 1957-58 season, the duo hosted a daytime NBC-TV showcase, The Tex and Jinx Show.
When hepatitis sidetracked Falkenburg in 1958 from their broadcast commitments, McCrary carried on solo on their radio show for another couple of years. In the 1980s, however, the couple separated, remaining on genial terms. McCrary died in New York on July 29, 2003 and Falkenburg expired just 29 days later in the same city, on August 27, 2003.
NOTE::
The scores of TEX AND JINX SHOWS archived by Archival Television Audio, Inc. were originally obtained as original 16" Electronic Discs from Barry Farber, producer of the show (1957-1959), in 1960 after he had begun his own career in front of the mike at WINS Radio. These discs were subsequently transferred to 1/4" reel to reel tape, and then disposed. These broadcasts are rare and represent the largest known collection of TEX AND JINX extant broadcasts in the world.
Today's Headlines: Premiere of "War and Peace." Interviews with Sophie Tucker, Katy Jurado, Polly Bergen, Nanette Fabray, Jayne Mansfield, and Mickey Hargitay.
1957-05-16, CBS, 30 min.
October 4th, 1956- May 18th, 1960 (CBS)
CBS anthology series considered to be the most ambitious of all the early day TV anthology series with top talent performing. During it's first three seasons, Playhouse '90 presented ninety-minute dramas. It was broadcast as a series of specials during the 1959-60 season. Reruns were aired in 1961.
More than 100 plays were presented, many of them live, featuring top ranked directors and excellent scripts.
This episode features "The Helen Morgan Story."
Helen Morgan is a Broadway legend. Her story told by her mother from her early start in speakeasies to star of top-rated shows and owning her own club. Her fatal descent into alcoholism is also covered. Polly Bergen stars as Helen Morgan.
1957-10-05, NBC, 6 min.
September 21, 1957 - May 31, 1958
Polly Bergen hosted her own variety series for one season. The half-hour show alternated biweekly wit CLUB OASIS and featured the orchestra of Luther Henderson, Jr. The show's theme song, "The Party's Over," was composed by Jule Styne.
Guest is Ernie Kovacs who jokingly comments about the Russian satellite, "Sputnik." Kovacs performs a comedy routine as Percy Dovetonsills. This was the third show of the series.
1957-11-02, NBC, 25 min.
September 21, 1957 - May 31, 1958
Polly Bergen hosted her own variety series for one season. The half-hour show alternated biweekly wit CLUB OASIS and featured the orchestra of Luther Henderson, Jr. The show's theme song, "The Party's Over," was composed by Jule Styne.
Tonight's show is a tribute to Irving Berlin. Polly sings, "All Alone,"Alexander's Ragtime Band," and "Simple Melody."
1960-10-08, CBS, 00 min.
Phil Silvers only guest is Polly Bergen. Phil and Polly perform a variety of sketches, songs and dances together.
1961-02-03, 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.
1961-04-09, NBC, min.
October 5th, 1956-May,12th, 1963.
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.
Guests: Polly Bergen, Al Hirt, and Louis Nye.
1961-10-22, CBS, 90 min.
CBS radio coverage of the Frair's Roast for director Mervyn Leroy.
Roastmaster: George Jessel.
1961-11-30, WABC, 53 min.
Yves Montand sings American show and folk tunes with guests Polly Bergen and John Raitt.
1962-01-17, 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.
1962-02-02, 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.
1964-05-25, WNBC, 94 min.
Hosts for the sixteenth annual Emmy Awards are Joey Bishop in Hollywood and E.G. Marshall in New York. Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore introduce this special telecast. Humorous excerpts from past Emmy Award telecasts are played. A galaxy of celebrities appear including Danny Kaye, Hugh Downs, Chet Huntley, Rod
Serling, Patty Duke, Jane Wyatt, Carl Reiner, David Janssen, Jerry Paris, James Franciscus, Dean Jagger, David Frost, John Daly, Don Defore, Shirley Booth, Tom Gries, James Drury, Roberta Shore, Polly Bergen, and Mel Brooks who with Reiner does a "2000 Year Old Man" skit. Other personalities appearing include Inger Stevens, Richard Deacon, Gene Barry, Ruth White, Zina Bethune, Shirl Conway, Garry Moore, Jack Klugman, Vince Edwards, Shelley Winters, Nat King Cole, Johnny Carson, Milton Berle, Lorne Greene. The cast from "That Was The Week That Was," Elliot Reid, Nancy Ames, Pat Englund, and David Frost satirize the 1963-64 television season. Jack Benny presents the Emmy Award for Program of the Year, "The Making of the President." Mel Stuart and David L. Wolper accept the award.
1965-12-27, WNBC, 52 min.
September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers.
1966-01-27, 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).
1966-01-30, 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.
1966-10-25, WCBS, 52 min.
September 25, 1962-June 23, 1970. One of television's most inventive and popular comedians, Red Skelton hosted his own series for twenty years, seven of them in a one-hour format, "The Red Skelton Hour" on CBS. Skelton began his television career on NBC September 30, 1951 with a half-hour filmed variety series lasting until June 21, 1953. He then began his CBS affiliation, and began hosting "The Red Skelton Show," a half-hour variety show broadcast live until October 18, 1960, and subsequently on videotape. This series aired from October 13, 1953, continuing until June 26, 1962. From July 21, 1954 through September 8, 1954, "The Red Skelton Revue" was broadcast live on CBS in a one-hour format. Red Skelton returned to NBC in a half-hour taped format for his final series. "Red" as the show was known, premiered September 14, 1970. The first four broadcasts included introductions by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew (September 14, 1970), Dean Martin (September 21, 1970), Jack Benny (September 28, 1970), and Johnny Carson (October 5, 1970) who got his big break writing for Skelton in the early 1950's. Red Skelton's last first-run regularly scheduled television program aired on March 15, 1971.
1966-11-06, NBC, 52 min.
September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers.
1966-11-06, WNBC, 52 min.
September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers.
1966-11-16, WPIX, 60 min.
The New York and Hollywood movie premiere of "Is Paris Burning?" starring Leslie Caron, Kirk Douglas, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Charles Boyer, Alain Delon, Gert Frobe, and Orson Welles. Directed by Rene Clement.
In New York, Jack Lescoulie talks to Otto Preminger, Frederick March, Florence Eldrich, Leslie Caron, Ann Francis, John Erikson, Polly Bergen, and Barbara Rush.
In Los Angeles, Debbie Reynolds talks to Army Archerd.
Hosts: Jack Lescoulie and Army Archerd.
1966-11-16, WPIX, 60 min.
The New York and Hollywood movie premiere of "Is Paris Burning?" starring Leslie Caron, Kirk Douglas, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Charles Boyer, Alain Delon, Gert Frobe, and Orson Welles. Directed by Rene Clement.
In New York, Jack Lescoulie talks to Otto Preminger, Frederick March, Florence Eldrich, Leslie Caron, Ann Francis, John Erikson, Polly Bergen, and Barbara Rush.
In Los Angeles, Debbie Reynolds talks to Army Archerd.
Duplicate of #15244.
Hosts: Jack Lescoulie and Army Archerd.
1967-04-13, 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).
1967-10-22, WCBS, 52 min.
June 20, 1948-June 6, 1971. Television's longest-running variety show ran on Sunday nights for twenty-three years. Its host, Ed Sullivan.
1967-11-20, WCBS, 52 min.
September 25, 1962-June 23, 1970. One of television's most inventive and popular comedians, Red Skelton hosted his own series for twenty years, seven of them in a one-hour format, "The Red Skelton Hour" on CBS. Skelton began his television career on NBC September 30, 1951 with a half-hour filmed variety series lasting until June 21, 1953. He then began his CBS affiliation, and began hosting "The Red Skelton Show," a half-hour variety show broadcast live until October 18, 1960, and subsequently on videotape. This series aired from October 13, 1953, continuing until June 26, 1962. From July 21, 1954 through September 8, 1954, "The Red Skelton Revue" was broadcast live on CBS in a one-hour format. Red Skelton returned to NBC in a half-hour taped format for his final series. "Red" as the show was known, premiered September 14, 1970. The first four broadcasts included introductions by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew (September 14, 1970), Dean Martin (September 21, 1970), Jack Benny (September 28, 1970), and Johnny Carson (October 5, 1970) who got his big break writing for Skelton in the early 1950's. Red Skelton's last first-run regularly scheduled television program aired on March 15, 1971.
1967-12-28, 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).
1968-01-08, WNBC, 52 min.
September 11, 1967-June 10, 1968. An all-purpose hour hosted by Danny Thomas. Presentations include musical programs, comedy and variety hours, and filmed dramas. Of the series' 22 shows, only 6 were taped and devoted to variety, comedy or musical specials.
1968-02-03, WABC, 52 min.
January 4, 1964-February 7, 1970. This hour-long variety series was a midseason replacement for "The Jerry Lewis Show."
1968-10-27, WOR, 52 min.
Edward G. Robinson is roasted. George Jessel emcees this hour variety roast series featuring testimonials to guests of honor. This syndicated series aired from September 15, 1968 to March 9, 1969. Reruns ran through March 1, 1970.
1968-11-09, WABC, 52 min.
January 4, 1964-February 7, 1970. This hour-long variety series was a midseason replacement for "The Jerry Lewis Show."
1969-01-29, NBC, 52 min.
September 13, 1967-May 12, 1971. This was the "Sound of the Sixties" broadcast. The 1967 version of "The Kraft Music Hall" was an hour show, which lasted four seasons. It was hosted by a guest celebrity each week. "The Sounds Of The '60s is the theme of the broadcast.
Host: Eddy Arnold. This is "The Eddy Arnold Down Home." broadcast.
1969-04-29, WNBC, 52 min.
September 13, 1967-May 12, 1971. The 1967 version of "The Kraft Music Hall" was an hour show, which lasted four seasons. It was hosted by a guest celebrity each week.
1970-02-16, WCBS, 78 min.
August 18, 1969-February 11, 1972. CBS signed Merv Griffin to a ninety-minute late night talk show in 1969. On hand were announcer Arthur Treacher and the Mort Lindsay Orchestra, both of whom had been with Griffin on his Westinghouse show. In September 1970 the show moved from New York to Los Angeles but to no avail, playing second best to "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Most of these shows were erased by CBS and did not survive.
1971-04-12, SYN, 30 min.
September 8th 1969-February 1972
Films were the subject of this game show. First hosted by Sonny Fox, it featured two three-member teams, each consisting of two stars and one contestant. When Larry Blyden succeeded Fox as host, the format was changed slightly to two panels of three stars each, playing for a home viewer. Hollywood columnist Army Archerd was also featured on both versions.
Announcer: Johnny Gilbert
Host: Larry Blyden
All broadcasts not extant in any archive researched.
1974-08-05, NBC, 30 min.
Daytime- April 1st, 1974- October 1st, 1976
Syndicated- September 9th, 1974- September 1975
Syndicated- September 20th, 1976- September 1977
Announcers: Bill Armstrong, Dick Tufeld, John Harlan
A game show involving two contestants, six celebrities, and the studio audience. Frequently seen on the celebrity panel were Carol Wayne, Buddy Hackett, Dick Martin, and Joey Bishop.
Host: Jim McKrell. Very few episodes of this quiz show survive.
1974-08-09, NBC, 30 min.
April 1, 1974-October 1, 1976. Six celebrities, two contestants, and a studio audience in this question & answer game. Host Jim MacKrell. Celebrities include Polly Bergen, Norm Crosby, Olivia Newton-John, Kathy Rigby, Mort Sahl, and Jerry Van Dyke.
