September 21, 1963 - December 21, 1963. Jerry Lewis hosted an unprecedented two-hour live variety - talk show, signing a five-year deal for 35 million dollars in 1963 with ABC Television. A two-hour live variety show proved to be more than even Jerry Lewis could handle. The series proved to be an enormous failure. In three months the show was off the air. 12 episodes were broadcast. Pre-empted on November 23rd the day following the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
NOTE: JERRY LEWIS SHOW was LIVE and quite often guests who were originally scheduled to appear never made it to the show, and last moment substitute guests appeared. This was the case on this broadcast when originally announced guests, Liberace, Kay Stevens, Dr, Jullian Sumner Milner, were absent and all were rescheduled for future broadcasts. Only Ruby Keeler, as advertised, appeared. She reminisces with Jerry and does a song and dance recalling her Hollywood Musicals with Dick Powell in the 1930's. Bobby Rydell sings "That Old Black Magic." Jerry sings "Rock-A-Bye Melody," and in French sings a dedicated love song to his film critic French admirers. Jerry reads letters from viewers at home. Clifton Fadiman, author, book critic and columnist, discusses a myriad of subjects with Jerry. Comic Mort Sahl does a seven minute stand-up comedy routine.
Del Moore is the announcer.