To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the General Foods Corporation has taken over the NBC and CBS networks from 8:00 to 9:30 P.M. to present highlights from the musical productions of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, 2nd.  The shows to be represented in this review of eleven years of musical-comedy achievement are: Oklahoma, Carousel, Allegro, South Pacific, The King and I, and Me and Juliet. 

   Clarence Francis, chairman of General Foods, opens the program which is hosted by Mary Martin. The first musical number, "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," sung by Gordon MacRae, comes from "Oklahoma!", Rodgers and Hammerstein's first musical collaboration together. Jack Benny then appears in a sketch in which he recalls buying a ticket to "Carousel" for only six dollars and sixty cents. Then John Raitt sings "You're a Queer One, Julie Jordan," and is joined by Jan Clayton in singing "If I Loved You"; both songs are from "Carousel." After Martin sings "It Might as Well Be Spring," from the score to the movie "State Fair," Edgar Bergen and his dummy, Charlie McCarthy, introduce Bill Hayes and Janice Rule in "You Are Never Away," from the musical "Allegro." The following segment is an excerpt from Groucho Marx's "You Bet Your Life" television series, in which he interviews Rodgers and Hammerstein. Then Martin and Ezio Pinza perform "Some Enchanted Evening," and Martin sings "A Wonderful Guy." Both pieces are from the musical "South Pacific." Ed Sullivan then introduces excerpts from "The King and I," which feature Patricia Morison singing "Getting to Know You," with dancing by Michiko, as well as Yul Brynner performing "A Puzzlement." Jack Benny returns to showcase Tony Martin in "The Big Black Giant" and Rosemary Clooney in "No Other Love"; both pieces are from "Me and Juliet." The program ends with MacRae and Florence Henderson performing a duet from "Oklahoma!" titled "People Will Say We're in Love."       

           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 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived.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.   

On this show, Ed Sullivan salutes the Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein play OKLAHOMA acknowledging its 12 anniversary. Hammerstein is interviewed by Ed Sullivan.                           

September 5, 1949-June 7, 1954 (NBC); June 14, 1954-June 16, 1963 (ABC). This was the final broadcast of the season. "Voice of Firestone," which began on radio in 1928, was a Monday-night perennial for more than two decades before coming to television in 1949; for the next five years it was simulcast on NBC radio and television, until a dispute between the sponsor and the network over the Monday time slot led Firestone to shift the program to ABC. The half-hour musical series presented all kinds of music, but emphasized classical and semiclassical selections. Each week a guest celebrity was featured, and for many years the principal guests came from the Metropolitan Opera Company. The Firestone Orchestra was conducted by Howard Barlow, and the show was hosted by John Daly during its years on ABC; Hugh James was the announcer. "Voice of Firestone" was seen as a series of specials from 1959 until 1962; it returned as a weekly series in the fall of 1962 for a final season (September 30, 1962-June 16, 1963).   

Salute To Richard Rodgers.           

October 26th, 1952-April 26th, 1953 NBC

A documentary series of 26 half-hour films on naval warfare during WW11. Leonard Graves was the narrator while Richard Rodgers composed a special musical score. In later years the program was rerun in syndication. 

NOTE: OPENING ONLY

                                      

SPECIAL BROADCAST SALUTE
Mrs. FDR was 75 a year ago and as a plus one year follow up, a tribute to her (and the Eleanor Roosevelt Cancer Research Foundation located in Denver Colorado) by admirers in and out of show business.  Many perform during this one-hour celebration special broadcast. 

Bob Hope hosts this program which presents show business personalities and other prominent people.
Executive Producer, David Susskind.
Written for Television by  Reginald Rose.

NOTE: Occasional original slight broadcast audio hum.                                                                                              

The 14th primetime Emmy Awards are held at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angelos, California. Among the personalities present are Leroy Collins, who served as the 33rd Governor of the state of Florida, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson. 

Host: Bob Newhart                                                    

From Carnegie Hall, a salute to Richard Rodgers. Diahann Carroll performs numbers from Richard Rodgers Broadway musical drama, "No Strings."

Dupe of 303.                      

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.
  
  

A Special telecast tonight for the motion picture premiere on Broadway at the Rivoli theater of "CLEOPATRA" with  Bert Parks live at the theater interviewing celebrities in the lobby as they enter the theater with cut-aways to Johnny Carson in Studio 6B, who interacts with those being interviewed.   

NOTE: There is much humor happening during this remote pick-up as celebrities get out of their cars at the curb and  they are stopped for photographs by some 500 photographers at the premiere. Local TV Station WPIX Channel 11 in New York City has first opportunities to interview celebrities on the outside, delaying Bert to do his interviews in the lobby. At times Bert frantically calls out to them and there is much humor exchanged between Parks and Johnny Carson who watches, and comments.

After the remote interviews Roddy McDowall joins Johnny in the NBC Tonight Show studio and discuses photographs he took on the set of CLOEPATRA, including those of Elizabeth Taylor getting made up for her role.   

NOTE: At one point Johnny Carson, breaking up with laughter says: "I want a copy of this show." 
Ironically, this broadcast  was wiped (erased) and is one of the thousands of "lost" TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts never saved/archived during the first ten years of  broadcasting.       

One of the rare TV Audio Air Checks archived  by ARCHIVAL TELEVISION AUDIO, INC. originally recorded off the air when broadcast, June 12, 1963.                                                                                

Guy Lombardo welcomes in the year 1964. Robert Trout reports live from Times Square. 

Guy Lombardo orchestra plays a Richard Rodgers song "Fair is Fair."

Duplicate of #7179. 

                                                              

     September 14, 1966 - May 11, 1967. A potpourri of assorted specials with no regular host. Included were variety, dramas, and occasional documentaries.

Petula Clark hosts this salute to Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart




                                                

Words and music by Richard Rodgers highlight this adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's satirical drama. Cast includes Noel Coward, Norman Wisdom, Ed Ames and Inga Swenson. Some commercials are included.  

Dupe of number # 1032           

Alternate title: NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC 125TH ANNIVERSARY.

A salute to America's oldest orchestra, which began on December 7, 1842, with reflections by Leonard Bernstein, Amyas Ames, Aaron Copeland, Marcia Davenport, Marya Mannes, Dimitri Mitropoulos, Carlos Moseley, Richard Rodgers and Leopold Stokowski. 

The Philharmonic's music, composers, conductors, various locations and several anecdotes that have accumulated from the past century are highlighted. 

Written and Narrated by Jim Fassett.                         

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970s, the oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past

Johnny Carson celebrates his 6th anniversary as host of the Tonight Show. This is the first-anniversary show to show clips from past shows.

Highlights include: The James Drury-Doug McClure bar fight
Don Rickles: "The Japanese Bath."
Commercials: "The Way We Have Wanted To See Just One."-Sammy Davis Jr. Tiny Tim
The opening of "Cleopatra" with Bert Parks
Joan Rivers live-mentions first appearance on February 17th, 1965
Derek Commercial-Take off
New York City Mayor John Lindsay appears live-he praises, Carson, as a civil leader
Jack Webb-Carson skit: "Clean Copper Clappers."
Johnny narrates a football game 1963/64. 
Hot Air Ballooning-Jumping out of a plane
Ed Ames Tomahawk throw
Shirley Temple parody-
Carson sings as Shirley Temple. "The Good Ship Lollipop."
Norman Rockwell-Painting of Johnny Carson.
Also appearing is Bill Cosby.

More information on previous clips:
Carson in a barroom fight with Doug McClure and James Drury of the "Virginian."
Johnny is enjoying a Japanese massage but is getting heckled by Don Rickles. Carson then throws Rickles into the tub, clothes and all
Johnny appears as a soap salesman with Sammy Davis Jr. appearing in KKK sheets 
Carson as a mad scientist who turns into Tiny Tim
The opening of "Cleopatra" in which Bert Parks ran into many difficulties trying to interview guests to the opening night, Roddy McDowell, Joan Fontaine, Charles Addams, Mr. and Mrs, Richard Rodgers, Darryl Zanuck, etc. 
Johnny appears as Ralph Willie, a West Coast Teatime movie salesman, Paula Prentiss and Richard Benjamin assisting
Carson as "Derek" a take-off on the Eric Cigar commercial
Carson appears in a skit with Jack Webb about stolen clappers that were taken from a school bell. "Clean Copper Clappers."
Carson plays football with members of the New York Jets football team and ballooning with Don Piccard
Carson's recent skydiving stint in California 
The famous and hilarious 1965 tomahawk throw by Ed Ames. Tomahawk lands in a private area of outlined wall figure.
Johnny dresses as Shirley Temple and sings "On The Good Ship USA." revealing underwear instead of the patriotic petticoat.
Interspersed among film and tape clips guests chatted with Carson. A surprise appearance by New York City Mayor John Lindsay joking with Johnny about strikes and safe streets, etc.
Joan Rivers emerges from a large birthday cake and guest Norman Rockwell presents Johnny with a portrait of himself
Closing credits over montage of Carson in various costumes..                                                                                                                                                                                  

June 20, 1948-June 6, 1971.

 This was the "Richard Rodgers Tribute" broadcast. 
From the Hollywood Bowl a tribute to composer Richard Rodgers who was a guest on the very first Ed Sullivan Show (Toast of the Town, June 20, 1948).

Television's longest-running variety show ran on Sunday nights for twenty-three years. Its host, Ed Sullivan.                          

Henry Fonda, Deborah Kerr and Peter Ustinov are hosts for the 26th Tony Awards telecast live from New York's Broadway Theater. This year's gala is a tribute to Richard Rodgers and Ethel Merman. Stars performing and appearing include Desi Arnaz, Janet Blair, Ingrid Bergman, Claire Bloom, Larry Blyden, Arlene Dahl, Alfred Drake, Sandy Duncan, Peter Falk, Helen Gallagher, Lee Grant, Joel Grey, Arthur Hill, Hal Holbrook, Ruby Keeler, Lisa Kirk, Hal Linden, Barbara McNair, Ethel Merman, Jean Stapleton, Constance Towers, Bobby Van, Gwen Verdon, Linda Hopkins, Vincent Gardenia, Elizabeth Wilson, Michael Bennett, and Hal Prince, who accepts a special award for the longest running play on Broadway, "Fiddler On The Roof." Best actor in a Broadway play is accepted by Cliff Gorman for his performance in "Lenny," and best actress in a Broadway play is accepted by Sada Thompson for her performance in "Twigs." Additional awards are given to Phil Silvers and to Alexis Smith for best acting in a musical. Announcer is Sandy Becker.   

Duplicate of #1111.                      

Henry Fonda, Deborah Kerr and Peter Ustinov are hosts for the 26th Tony Awards telecast live from New York's Broadway Theater. This year's gala is a tribute to Richard Rodgers and Ethel Merman. Stars performing and appearing include Desi Arnaz, Janet Blair, Ingrid Bergman, Claire Bloom, Larry Blyden, Arlene Dahl, Alfred Drake, Sandy Duncan, Peter Falk, Helen Gallagher, Lee Grant, Joel Grey, Arthur Hill, Hal Holbrook, Ruby Keeler, Lisa Kirk, Hal Linden, Barbara McNair, Ethel Merman, Jean Stapleton, Constance Towers, Bobby Van, Gwen Verdon, Linda Hopkins, Vincent Gardenia, Elizabeth Wilson, Michael Bennett, and Hal Prince, who accepts a special award for the longest running play on Broadway, "Fiddler On The Roof." Best actor in a Broadway play is accepted by Cliff Gorman for his performance in "Lenny," and best actress in a Broadway play is accepted by Sada Thompson for her performance in "Twigs." Additional awards are given to Phil Silvers and to Alexis Smith for best acting in a musical. Announcer is Sandy Becker.                          

A retrospective that traces the musical career of composer Richard Rodgers. Hosted by Gene Kelly and Henry Winkler.            

Gene Kelly and Henry Winkler host this retrospective that traces the musical career of composer Richard Rodgers.     

Dupe of # 5028.         

A retrospective that traces the musical career of composer Richard Rodgers. Hosted by Gene Kelly and Henry Winkler. 

Duplicate of # 5028.