Search Results
37 records found for Robert Russell Bennett
1954-07-11, NBC, min.
The NBC Symphony Orchestra was a radio orchestra conceived by RCA President David Sarnoff. It remained active from 1937-1954. Orchestra conducted by Robert Russell Bennett.
1954-07-18, NBC, min.
The NBC Symphony Orchestra was a radio orchestra conceived by RCA President David Sarnoff. It remained active from 1937-1954. Orchestra conducted by Robert Russell Bennett.
1954-09-13, NBC, 55 min.
- Robert Montgomery
- Sid Caesar
- Alexander Scourby
- Robert Russell Bennett
- Richard Hanser
- Stephen Vincent Benet
- Henry Salomon
- Isaac Kleinerman
Project 20 - September 13, 1954 - May 27, 1970 A series of 34 broadcast documentary SPECIALS. This chronicle of the impact of the atomic age on humanity was produced by Henry Salomon's documentary unit, with the technical assistance of the Atomic Energy Commission and high-placed government officials. Although aired before the Project 20 title was conceived, the program is considered the first of the Project 20 reports. Much of the broadcast consists of newsreel footage, but for certain important events, no cameras were present and reenactments were specially filmed with the participation of the actual figures involved. The subject was broken into five separate parts: ""The Bomb Explodes," a look at the 7-16-45 Hiroshima explosion; "The Atom's History," a report on the development of atom research and testing; "The Atom; A Political Force," an examination of US security policy, Soviet atomic development, and the Rosenberg trials; "The Future," a look at the future of nuclear power; and "Epilogue," a prayer written and read by Stephen Vincent Benet. Written by Richard Hanser who would write 21 PROJECT 20 programs in the series. Music by Robert Russell Bennett who would compose the music of 22 PROJECT 20 programs in the series. NOTE: At the conclusion of this broadcast Host Robert Montgomery and guest Sid Caesar appear, LIVE, and discuss the program just aired. Caesar also promotes his new series CEASAR'S HOUR which begins two weeks from tonight. Soon after VICTORY AT SEA concluded production, supervising producer Henry Solomon asked for and was granted permission by NBC to keep his production unit intact for the purpose of creating new programs that would follow in the tradition of that popular and critically acclaimed groundbreaking series. In 1954, Solmon, along the Donald B. Hyatt, Isaac Kleinerman, Richard Hanser, and Robert Russell Bennett, began production on a group of compilation documentaries they christened PROJECT 20. Using a name derived from that of the 20th century, Solomon and company periodically recreated some significant lives, events, periods, and trends of the 1900's through an effective marriage of archival news film and still photos enhanced with narration provided by Alexzander Scourby who contributed to eleven productions. After Salomon's death in 1957, Donald B. Hyatt took over as head of the PROJECT 20 team, serving as producer and director for all subsequent programs. Hyatt quickly moved away from the strictly twentieth-century nature of series offering programs on the American West, THE REAL WEST, narrated by Gary Cooper, HE IS RISEN, the Life and Times of Jesus Christ, END OF THE TRAIL, narrated by Walter Brennan, a portrait of George Washington, MEET GEORGE WASHINTON, narrated by Melvyn Douglas, and others. As time passed, PROJCET 20 became universally recognized as one of American television's most enduring and honored series, winning hundreds of national and international awards for broadcasts that were aired time and again over the years.
#11167: CINDERELLA
Order1957-03-31, WCBS, 76 min.
- Howard Lindsay
- Alice Ghostley
- Kaye Ballard
- Edie Adams
- Julie Andrews
- Iggie Wolfington
- Dorothy Stickney
- Jon Cypher
- Ilka Chase
- Bob Penn
- George Hall
- Edith Adams
- Richard Rodgers
- Oscar Hammerstein
- Robert Russell Bennett
- Alfredo Antonini
Julie Andrews portrays Cinderella in this classic tale of her passion to attend the Prince's ball. She is aided by her Godmother, who creates the coach, coachmen and gown for her, and off she goes to meet the Prince. Rodgers and Hammerstein's first original musical for television. 90 minute version of the old fairy tale of Cinderella, without altering the basic story. It's still about a poor girl, mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, whose fairy godmother enables her to meet Prince Charming at a ball. The Prince falls in love with her and eventually seeks her out, through the aid of the glass slipper, and makes her his bride. In writing the book for the show, Oscar Hammerstein 2d has made the stepmother and stepsisters not very bright, rather than cruel,and has turned the fairy godmother into a down-to-earth lady, also adding two lovable characters in the form of the King and Queen. Julie Andrews, star of "My Fair, Lady," heads an all-star cast with Jon Cypher, newcomer to starring roles, as Prince Charming. Robert Russell Bennett orchestrated Richard Rodgers music; conducted by Alfredo Antonini. Complete broadcast with open and close. Sound recorded direct line. Excellent. Highlights: "Where is Cinderella?"- Orchestra "In My Own Little Corner"- Julie Andrews "The Prince Is Giving a Ball"- Howard Lindsay, Dorothy Stickney "Today's The Day Of The Ball"- Singers "Impossible"- Julie Andrews, Edith Adams "Gavotte"- Dancers "Ten Minutes Ago"- Jon Cypher, Julie Andrews "Stepsisters Lament"- Kaye Ballard, Alice Ghostley "Waltz For a Ball"- Dancers "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?"- Julie Andrews, Jon Cypher "Lovely Night"- Julie Andrews, lika Chase, Kaye Ballard, Alice Ghostley. Cast: Cinderella- Julie Andrews Prince Charming- Jon Cypher Fairy Godmother- Edith Adams King- Howard Lindsay Queen- Dorothy Stickney Stepmother- Iika Chase Stepsister Portia- Kaye Ballard Stepsister Joy- Alice Ghostley Duplicate of 5969.
1960-02-11, WNBC, 29 min.
September 13, 1954 - May 27, 1970 A portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the 150th anniversary of his birth. This program concentrates on the final four years of Lincoln's life and his presidency. Thomas Mitchell introduces the program, and does one commercial for the sponsor, (The Lincoln Life Insurance Company). This presentation was a repeat of its premiere airing one year before, February 11, 1959. Alexander Scourby narrates from Richard Hanser's script, quoting mostly in the words of Abraham Lincoln. Robert Russell Bennett's score incorporates songs of the time. Donald B. Hyatt produced and directed. This broadcast received many outstanding awards but was never aired again. For this extraordinary documentary producer Donald B. Hyatt developed the "stills-in-motion" technique which involved the animation of thousands of still photographs and non filmed visual materials. However, just listening to the narrative sound track by Alexander Scourby, the incredible score, using music of the times, orchestrated by Robert Russell Bennett, coupled with the narrative written by Richard Hanser, including salient quotations expressed by President Abraham Lincoln, makes for an exhilarating interpretation, insight and appreciation of Lincoln's presidency, and what he endured during his administration during the Civil War (1861-1865). In 1954 Henry Solomon, along with Donald B. Hyatt, Issac Kleinerman, Richard Hanser, and Robert Russell Bennett, began production on a group of compilation documentaries they named PROJECT 20. Salomon and company periodically produced special broadcasts for NBC recreating the lives, events, periods, and trends of the 1900's through an effective marriage of archival news film and still photos, long before contemporary Ken Burns picked up the baton to do similar approach documentaries broadcast on PBS beginning in the 1980's. There were 33 produced Project 20 NBC Specials in the series. Eleven of them were enhanced with narration provided by the mellifluous Alexander Scourby. The series became universally recognized as one of American television's most enduring and honored series, winning hundreds of national and international awards for broadcasts, including two prime time Emmy Awards.
1960-02-19, WNBC, 52 min.
The post WWII period, 1945-1950 is recalled by narrator Bob Hope. Original msuic score by Robert Russell Bennett. Written by Richard Hanser. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt.#18782: PROJECT 20: NOT SO LONG AGO
Order1960-02-19, WNBC, 52 min.
The post WWII period, 1945-1950 is recalled by narrator Bob Hope. Original msuic score by Robert Russell Bennett. Written by Richard Hanser. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt. Dupe of entry #9.
1960-03-13, WNBC, 52 min.
Alexander Scourby narrates. Music of the period is conducted by composer Robert Russell Bennett. Written by Richard Hanser. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt. Originally aired Oct. 16, 1959.1960-04-22, WNBC, 52 min.
The narration consists almost wholly of Mark Twain's words and is spoken by actor-playwright Howard Lindsay. Original music score by Robert Russell Bennett. Written by Richard Hanser. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt.1960-07-18, WNBC, 52 min.
The years 1900-1917 are documented with Alexander Scourby narrating and Robert Russell Bennett providing the score from popular songs of the time. First broadcast Nov. 21, 1957. Written by Henry Salomon and Richard Hanser. Produced by Salomon and directed by Donald B. Hyatt.1960-08-05, WNBC, 52 min.
Fred Allen narrates a chronicle of America and Americans from the end of World War I to Oct. 29, 1929. Robert Russell Bennett's musical score is made up of popular songs of the period. First telecast Dec. 6, 1956, this documentary was written and produced by Henry Salomon.
1960-11-22, WNBC, 50 min.
- Robert Russell Bennett
- Donald B. Hyatt
- Hoagy Carmichael
- Dorothy Loudon
- Mae Barnes
- Robin Roberts
- The Billy B. Quartet
- Eubie Blake
- Ralph Sutton
- Dick Wellstood
- The Wilbur De Paris Band
- William Nichols
- William Graham
- Clara Ward
- The Clara Ward Singers
A one hour video taped tuneful tour of the ragtime era reliving the excitement of the horse-and-buggy days when ragtime was born. Hoagy Carmichael introduces us to the ragtime era (1900-1917) with over fourteen songs and instrumentals being performed by performers Dorothy Loudon, Mae Barnes, Robin Roberts, Billy B. Quartet, Eubie Blake, Ralph Sutton, Dick Wellstood, the Wilbur de Paris Band and the Clara Ward Singers. Musical score by Robert Russell Bennett. Executive producer Donald B. Hyatt. Produced and written by William Nichols. Directed by William Graham. Broadcast live, tape and film.
1960-12-29, WNBC, 79 min.
This special documents World War II navel operations. Originally presented as a classic series of half hour weekly episodes, this show was a newly edited and concise version. Alexander Scourby narrated. Richard Hanser wrote the script and Robert Russell Bennett arranged the score by Richard Rodgers. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt.1961-01-03, WNBC, 57 min.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Alexander Scourby
- Adolf Hitler
- Robert Russell Bennett
- Richard Hanser
- Wilson Hall
- Henry Salomon
- Fidel Castro
- Joseph Goebbels
- Hermann Goering
- Heinrich Himmler
- Rudolf Hess
Alexander Scourby narrates this documentary showing the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler. Produced by Henry Salomon and Richard Hanser. Musical score by Robert Russell Bennett. NBC news bulletins with Wilson Hall interrupts programming, stating that "President Eisenhower has broken off U.S. relations with Castro's Cuba." This program originally aired on March 14, 1956. NOTE: This was the second of over 30 different NBC PROJECT XX documentaries made for television (1954-1970). This broadcast depicts a chronicle of the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler, dictator of Germany. The story begins with scenes of Hitler as a shabby street-corner orator in Munich Germany. It shows his rise to a position of supreme power in his homeland and eventually in much of Europe. High Nazi officials are seen strutting about at the height of their success. Goering, Goebbels, Himmler and Hess are among the figures seen in addition to Adolph Hitler. Aside from newsreel shots of concentration camps there are reconstructed scenes of Nazi victims being prepared for extermination. There are scenes of mass Nazi rallies. As Nazi power begins to fail, there are scenes of Germans fleeing for shelter from "Allied bomb s. From a recent German movie comes re-enacted details of the abortive bomb lot against Hitler's life on July 20, 1944. Newsreels show Der Fuhrer being congratulated on his escape from death. But in fact his health is broken. While he broods in his bunker, Berlin falls in ruins above him. As the Russians advance on the doomed capitol Hitler takes his own life. An exceptional original music score is composed by Robert Russell Bennett to compliment and give impact to the visuals, and the narrative by Alexander Scourby is superb. He would continue to narrate over half of all Project XX events during its 16 year television cycle.
1961-02-14, WQXR, 50 min.
- Robert Russell Bennett
- Alan Jay Lerner
- Frederick Loewe
- Samuel Liff
- Franz Allers
- Stanley Holloway
- Rex Harrison
- Julie Anderson
- Philip J. Lang
A salute to Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe on this Valentine's Day live presentation saluting the play "My Fair Lady." Hosts are Samuel Liff, stage production manager for the original Broadway production and conductor Franz Allers, who also performed during the Broadway "My Fair Lady" debut. Musical selections are played from the British and American productions. They include "I Could Have Danced All Night," sung by Julie Andrews, "The Rain in Spain," sung by Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison from the London Production, "With a Little Bit of Luck," sung by Stanley Holloway from the London Production, "The Ascop Gavotte," and "I've Grown Accustomed to her Face," sung by Rex Harrison. Anecdotes and recollections by Franz Allers and Samuel Liff reflect the many transitions experienced for this great classic as the company tours the world three years prior to the making of the motion picture in 1964. NOTE: The musical MY FAIR LADY had its pre-Broadway tryout at New Haven's Shubert Theatre. Then it played for four weeks at the Erlanger Theatre in Philadelphia, beginning on February 15, 1956. The musical premiered on Broadway March 15, 1956, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York City. It transferred to the Broadhurst Theatre and then The Broadway Theatre, where it closed on September 29, 1962, after 2,717 performances, a record at the time. Moss Hart directed and Hanya Holm was choreographer. In addition to stars Rex Harrison, Julie Andrews and Stanley Holloway, the original cast included Robert Coote, Cathleen Nesbitt, John Michael King, and Reid Shelton. Harrison was replaced by Edward Mulhare in November 1957 and Sally Ann Howes replaced Andrews in February 1958. By the start of 1959, it was the biggest grossing Broadway show of all-time with a gross of $10 million. The Original Cast Recording, released on April 2, 1956, was the best-selling album in the United States in 1956. Original London production The West End production, in which Harrison, Andrews, Coote, and Holloway reprised their roles, opened on April 30, 1958, at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where it ran for five and a half years (2,281 performances). Edwardian musical comedy star Zena Dare made her last appearance in the musical as Mrs. Higgins. Leonard Weir played Freddy. Harrison left the London cast in March 1959, followed by Andrews in August 1959 and Holloway in October 1959. MY FAIR LADY won six 1957 TONY awards, including Best Musical, and the Film version released in 1964 with Audrey Hepburn replacing Julie Andrews in the role of Eliza Doolittle won five Oscar awards including Best Actor for Rex Harrison and Best Picture.
1961-03-28, WNBC, 52 min.
Bob Hope narrates. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt. Written by Richard Hanser and Rod Reed. Original music score by Robert Russell Bennett.#19135: PROJECT 20: THE REAL WEST
Order1961-03-29, WNBC, 52 min.
Gary Cooper narrates the story of the American West between 1840 and 1900. The accent is on the "real"... the people, the land and the hardships that wed one to the other. Score by Robert Russell Bennett. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt, and written by Philip Reisman, Jr. Duplicate of #77.
1961-03-29, WNBC, 52 min.
Gary Cooper narrates the story of the American West between 1840 and 1900. The accent is on the "real"... the people, the land and the hardships that wed one to the other. Score by Robert Russell Bennett. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt, and written by Philip Reisman, Jr.1961-07-04, WNBC, 52 min.
America's participation in World War I is chronicled. Alexander Scourby narrates. Produced by Henry Salomon. Written by Salomon and Richard Hanser. Music by Robert Russell Bennett. Premiere broadcast was Oct. 16, 1956. A Reviewer's Comment: I am a professional musician, so I am probably a little more aware of the background music than many other viewers, but I need to mention that one can shut the picture or one's eyes and just concentrate on the score and Alexander Scourby's voice to have a rather enjoyable hour, for the music is non-stop for the entire hour.
1961-09-17, WNBC, 53 min.
- Jack Benny
- Jimmy Durante
- Robert Russell Bennett
- Richard Hanser
- Donald B. Hyatt
- Fred Allen
- Phil Silvers
- Bob Hope
- Eddie Cantor
- Burns & Allen
- Laurel and Hardy
- W.C. Fields
- Groucho Marx
- George Burns
- Rod Reed
- Stan Laurel
- Buster Keaton
- Oliver Hardy
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.
- Jack Benny
- Jimmy Durante
- Robert Russell Bennett
- Richard Hanser
- Donald B. Hyatt
- Fred Allen
- Phil Silvers
- Bob Hope
- Eddie Cantor
- Burns & Allen
- Laurel and Hardy
- W.C. Fields
- Groucho Marx
- George Burns
- Rod Reed
- Stan Laurel
- Buster Keaton
- Oliver Hardy
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.
1961-10-29, WNBC, 58 min.
- Robert Russell Bennett
- Danny Meehan
- Joan Crawford
- Shirley MacLaine
- Florenz Ziegfeld
- Barbara Cook
- Marilyn Lovell
- Jack Irwin
Present day performers taking part in this tribute to Florenz Ziegfeld include Barbara Cook, Marilyn Lovell, Danny Meehan and Jack Irwin. Joan Crawford narrates this taped show. Robert Russell Bennett is the music supervisor.1961-11-05, WNBC, 55 min.
- Rudy Vallee
- Robert Russell Bennett
- Dorothy Loudon
- Kate Smith
- Count Basie
- Bing Crosby
- Bill Hayes
- John Bubbles
- Blossom Dearie
- Ruth Etting
- Paul Whiteman
Count Basie and his orchestra, Dorothy Loudon, Bill Hayes, John Bubbles and Blossom Dearie perform some of the big tunes of the 1930's. Pre-recordings of Bing Crosby, Ruby Vallee, Kate Smith and Ruth Etting help set the mood. Paul Whiteman narrates this hour-long taped tribute. Musical director: Robert Russell Bennett. Highlights: "You've Got That Thing"---------------------------------------Dearie "Why?"-------------------------------------------------------------Chorus "Why Was I Born?"---------------------------------------------Loudon "That Old Gang of Mine"--------------------------------------Chorus "You're the Top," "Mine" --------------------------Loudon & Hayes "One O'clock Jump"--------------------------------------------Basie "Ain't Necessarily So"-----------------------------------------Bubbles "Putting All My Eggs in One Basket"----------------------Dearie "All the Things You Are"---------------------------------------Hayes "Wish I Were in Love Again"--------------------------------Loudon "Over the Rainbow"--------------------------------------------All
1962-03-23, WNBC, 51 min.
Edward G. Robinson narrates the history of law breaking in the United States. The father of John Dillinger is interviewed. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt. Written by Philip Reisman Jr. Original music score by Robert Russell Bennett.1963-02-11, WNBC, 25 min.
Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower converses with Civil War scholar, Pulitzer Prize historian Bruce Catton on the Lincoln Civil War years. Music by Robert Russell Bennett. As stated, the careers of Dwight D. Eisenhower and Abraham Lincoln present an interesting contrast. Ike had been a military man all his adult life when he found the Presidency all but thrust upon him. Abe, on the other hand, a man of very little military experience, found the Civil War thrust upon him only a month after his inauguration. Eisenhower offers a professional soldier's view of how Lincoln handled his role of Commander in Chief. He analyzes Mead's action against Lee in the Battle of Gettysburg, and the generalship of McClellan and Grant. Also covered in conversation are the changes in the functions of the Commander in Chief over the past 100 years, and Ike's admiration for General Robert R. Lee. This Special NBC half hour broadcast was produced at the library of the Eisenhower residence in Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
1963-03-26, WNBC, 52 min.
Walter Brennan narrates this biography on Gary Cooper's private and show business career. Robert Russell Bennett composed the music for this loving tribute to the late actor. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt and written by Philip Reisman Jr. Arthur Godfrey is heard at the conclusion of the telecast praising Cooper and announcing the establishment of the Gary Cooper Cancer Research Fund administered by the American Cancer Society.1963-11-20, WNBC, 76 min.
Richard Boone narrates. Robert Russell Bennett composed and conducted the score for this look back at what Americans experienced during the early 1950's in war torn Korea. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt and written by Richard Hanser. Duplicate of #554.
1963-11-20, WNBC, 76 min.
Richard Boone narrates. Robert Russell Bennett composed and conducted the score for this look back at what Americans experienced during the early 1950's in war torn Korea. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt and written by Richard Hanser.1963-12-22, WNBC, 28 min.
Alexander Scourby narrates from passages in the Old and New Testaments - prophecies of the coming of the Messiah and descriptions of Christ's birth, his life and his ministry. Robert Russell Bennett composed the score. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt and written by Richard Hanser. First broadcast Dec. 20, 1960.1964-06-09, WNBC, 46 min.
Walter Brennan narrates this patriotic inquiry about the American Flag. Robert Russell Bennett contributes an original music score. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt and written by Philip Reisman Jr.1967-01-13, WNBC, 49 min.
Jose Ferrer narrates the chronicle of the immigrants who built America. Musical score by Robert Russell Bennett. Produced and directed by Donald Hyatt and written by Richard Hanser.1967-03-16, WNBC, 50 min.
Walter Brennan narrates the story of the American Plains Indians. Musical score by Robert Russell Bennett. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt and written by Philip Reisman Jr.1969-04-06, WNBC, 52 min.
Hit by Japanese aircraft on March 19, 1945, the aircraft carrier USS Franklin limped home from Japan- the most badly crippled ship ever to do so (724 crew members out of 3,400 died). Gene Kelly narrates this Special Projects documentary. Executive producer is Project XX's Donald B Hyatt; composer is Robert Russell Bennett.1969-04-24, WNBC, 51 min.
Melvin Douglas narrates a stirring portrait of our first President, George Washington. Robert Russell Bennett provides the musical score. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt and written by Richard Hanser.1970-01-07, WNBC, 52 min.
Milburn Stone, often using Charles Russell's own words, describes the man's personality and art. Charles Russell was a cowboy and an artist who displayed, in his realistic paintings, the vitality, beauty and cruelty of a life he knew intimately. Original score by Robert Russell Bennett. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt. Written by Richard Hanser.1970-05-02, WCBS, 41 min.
Former President Lyndon B. Johnson reviews some of the events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Walter Cronkite conducts the interview at the LBJ Ranch in Texas.1970-05-27, WNBC, 48 min.
Milburn Stone narrates a romantic look at the Colorado Rockies. Produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt. Written by Richard Hanser. Musical score by Robert Russell Bennett. This was the last of the documentaries which began airing on Sept. 13, 1954 at irregular intervals for a total of sixteen years.