Friday, April 4, 2008
The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson with guests Siskel & Ebert - Footage Offline - 12/20/09 (1987)
There's a moment early on in this one where Johnny gives the camera a priceless look while the critics bicker.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
ABC Wide World of Entertainment: What's My Line at 25 (1975)
The Wide World of Entertainment was a weekly series on ABC that featured a different format each week, often showcasing things that no longer had a regular position on the network. Dick Cavett's nightly talk show had been cancelled earlier due to political and corporate pressure. Cavett was demoted to a monthly edition of his show that aired as part of The Wide World of Entertainment and their Wide World Specials. Here is a particularly impressive special, celebrating a quarter century of our favorite panel show here on Classic Television Showbiz, What's My Line, in nine YouTube parts.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Born For Hard Luck with Peg Leg Sam (1976)
Another fine dancer-musician with a wooden leg, here is a 1976 black and white documentary from Tom Davenport about Peg Leg Sam.
Peg Leg Bates in Unknown Film
This is footage from one of those low-budget all-Black cast road house pictures that played exclusively for Black audiences in the nineteen forties. Not sure what film it's from, however. May have been a short or may have been feature length (and feature length for these type of films was usually somewhere around fifty minutes).
Monday, March 31, 2008
Stringbean
Not sure which of the never ending list of old country music programs this one is from, but footage of the hillbilly that invented hip hop fashion is always worth posting. Read the crazy story of Stringbean here.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
One More Tip
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Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Danny Thomas Show: 40th Anniversary of The Coconut Grove (1964) - Footage Offline - 09/13/09
Here's a super showbizzy oddity featuring Danny Thomas, Jimmy Durante, Joey Bishop, Eddie Fisher and Walter Winchell toasting the celebrated night club. Not sure when this aired.
I've Got a Secret (1972)
This same stunt was once pulled on the variety show of original I've Got A Secret host, Garry Moore. I had the episode posted here, but it has since been removed by the person who posted it. The novelty never caught.
Carson's Comedy Classics (1983)
Yet another installment of CCC consisting primarily of comedic bits from the nineteen seventies. And yet another installment that is very, very enjoyable. I like watching these late at night with the lights off and pretending Carson is still on the air.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Merv Griffin Show with guests Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Gary Morton, Gale Gordon, Desi Arnaz Jr and Lucille Ball Jr. (1973)
A full episode of The Merv Griffin Show and a special one indeed.
Stu Gilliam at The Basin Street West (1964)
The cover of this comedy LP on the "risque" label FAX Records states that this is the "Greatest Single Performance of Spiced Satire Ever Recorded." I certainly wouldn't go that far, but it isn't too bad. This LP was released during the early stage of Gilliam's stand-up career: 1964. In the next handful of years he performed his act on The Hollywood Palace, Playboy After Dark and three different spots on The Ed Sullivan Show. He also became a regular on the game show circuit popping up on The Hollywood Squares and The Match Game. He even had a turn in an episode of Get Smart. When things finally opened up for Black actors in the nineteen seventies, Gilliam appeared in The Mack (1973), Dr. Black and Mr. Hyde (1976) and as the voice of Curly on Hanna-Barbera's Harlem Globetrotters cartoon. Now listen to the man Redd Foxx describes in the liner notes as "... amazing, the greatest new talent of this decade," Stu Gilliam.
Kraft Music Hall with host Perry Como and guest George Kirby (1963)
I'm posting this episode primarily because of the legendary impressionist and nightclub comedian George Kirby, one of the very neglected figures of 20th century showbiz history. I'll be uploading a very good LP by the man on Dooto Records in a couple months.
The Joe Franklin Show with guest Al Lewis (1993)
This great looking, grainy, piece of film is an extremely entertaining documentary on the socialist Grampa Munster. I Love Lucy with guest George "Superman" Reeves (1957) - Footage Offline - 5/10/08
Also look out for the voice of George Jetson and the star of the old Behind the Eightball film shorts, George O'Hanlon in this one.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Mike Douglas Show with guests The Starvation Army (1968)
There is a fine line between good and bad sometimes.
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Carson's Comedy Classics (1983)
A particularly good episode of the "Best of" syndicated Carson package, featuring segments from 1973, 1976 and who knows when else.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Joe E. Ross: Should Lesbians Be Allowed to Play 'Pro' Football (1973)
UPDATE JANUARY 2011 - Read the definitive biography of Joe E. Ross here - Joe E. Ross: King of Slobs by Kliph Nesteroff
Joe E. Ross was, by most accounts, a difficult man, not particularly polite, and extremely rough around the edges. He wasn't what you'd call "Hollywood." He probably had more relationships with prostitutes than any other sitcom star and unlike New York politicians, this wasn't something he was embarrassed about, but flaunted. He even showed up at things like The Emmys with a lady of the night on his arm. It is not known the exact number of times he was married, but it was at least eight and probably more. He wasn't known to treat his ladies well. This LP isn't about to endear him any further.
Joe E. Ross was first and foremost a nightclub performer, and it was during a stint in Miami Beach that Bilko creator Nat Hiken first decided he'd like to use him in The Phil Silvers Show and in Hiken's follow-up, Car 54, Where Are You? This rarity was pressed by Laff Records, a label that was known for its large output of profane comedy albums, primarily by unsung African-American acts. A handful of white performers like Roger & Roger, Bub Thomas and Joe appeared on the label. The copy I've uploaded here is extremely scratchy, which somehow seems appropriate. It isn't the easiest album to sit through, not just because it's scratchy, but it was a very lo-fi recording to begin with. The content doesn't help matters any either. The subtitle of the album is Dirty Memories of an Ex-Cop. The word funny is crossed out, with the word dirty scrawled over top as a gag. It is also a more accurate description of the album. That doesn't mean it isn't super interesting, and I'm glad I own it. Here are the liner notes. Any weird punctuation or capitalization is just as it appears on the back cover:
"Hey, Sweetie... your blocking is divine, but you keep hitting me in a very sensitive area. Would you mind?" "Oh, how marvy... no, you don't have to kiss it to make it better. What a darling man... OOooof; Ouch! Ughh...not so rough!" "BRUTE!" SHOULD LESBIANS BE ALLOWED TO PLAY PRO FOOTBALL? JOE E. ROSS, that dirty funny looking guy in the cop's uniform, with the hot dog stuck in his mouth, has a lot to say on the subject. "Ooh-ooh!", he says, and everybody laughs! His next famous statement was smothered in the hot dog and the laughter. "Ooh-ooh!" Who else could say it with such meaning? So much Depth and passion? As JOE E. ROSS tells it, he worked for years developing his act, refining his style, polishing his delivery... and then... one fateful night he stepped on stage, and his pants fell down... "OOH-OOH!", he cried... and a star was born! Such is fame, he says. JOE E. ROSS won acclaim as "Cookie-Mess Sergeant Ritzik" with Phil Silvers on the SERGEANT BILKO SHOW, careened into his own "CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU?" TV series, and became famous as "OOH-OOH-TOOTY" the funniest cop in the world. Listen to him, as he stands on his bench in the bleachers, runs down the field with that pigskin, wanders absent-mindedly into the Ladies room, tickles, and tackles and scores! "Lookit that guy chargin' down the field... what a killer! BOOM! Bam...WoW! What a drive! Lookit that blocking! What the heck is that mincing, dancing figure doing?! Omigosh... is that a tackle or a rape scene? I Can't Look! Somebody call a cop!" "OOH-OOH!"
Lovable JOE E. ROSS tells all about how to score in football, stage, screen and sex on laughable LAFF RECORDS. "Lib and let lib," he says... "just as long as they buy the record!"
Now, Listen to it:
The Joe E. Ross Comedy Album
Break the Bank with celebrity panelists Jan Murray, Dick Gautier, Abe Vigoda, Lynda Carter, Robert Hegyes and so forth (1976)
A large roster of television stars, moderated by good old Tom Kennedy in a checkered suit.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
The Dick Van Dyke Show written by Carl Reiner (1961-62)
Today Carl Reiner turns 86 years old. Here are a few episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show that he wrote.An Evening at the Improv with host Phil Silvers!? (1982)
Man, this is such a weird crossover. Phil Silvers hosts an installment of the A&E stand-up comedy program, An Evening at the Improv. It also features Leo Delyon on piano! Leo did voices for the cartoon Top Cat, which was based on The Phil Silvers Show. It's weird, it is sad (Phil was very sick) and its funny... and it's over nine minutes long. Man, would it ever have been something to have been there in attendance for a Phil Silvers fan. Unfotunately, I was two years old in the mountains of British Columbia when this went down. It's over here.
The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson with guests Frank Sinatra and Don Rickles (1976)
This has been on the site once before, removed from the internet by someone or other, and now it's back. Worth another view.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Hot Dog with Woody Allen and Jonathan Winters (1970)
Woody and Jonny explain how surf boards are made.
Monday, March 17, 2008
I've Got a Secret with guest Rodney Dangerfield (1976)
Here's a rare glimpse into the late seventies incarnation of the show. Good old Henry Morgan is still on the panel (having returned to America after a brief stint as a radio personality in Canada), but every one else is different. Bill Cullen is the natural choice for host and Rodney Dangerfield is the celebrity guest.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Ten Little Indians (1961)
Another game show pilot that never made it past the experimental stage. This one was made for ABC but never broadcast. It includes an outtake at the 24 minute mark with directions that can be heard from the director asking them to re-do a segment. The voice is that of Jerome Schnur, a game show director who hadn't worked in television for three years after the program Dotto was indicted in the famous quiz show scandals. This show didn't make the grade and, to my knowledge, Schnur never did return to television.
Queen For a Day (1961)
This staple of daytime radio and television could often be painful to sit through. In this episode, host Jack Bailey mentions his disdain "for that Twist junk" that had been sweeping the dance floors of the nation.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Thin Man with guest Robby the Robot (1958)
If Robby the Robot wasn't the most famous robot in Hollywood history, he was at least the most prolific. After his smash debut in Forbidden Planet (1953), Robby had memorable turns in The Invisible Boy (1958) and, of course, Lost in Space. This might be one of his most obscure appearances. The TV version of the popular film series The Thin Man had Peter Lawford well cast in the William Powell roll and Phyllis Kirk replacing Myrna Loy. Robby the Robot also appeared on episodes of the marginal sitcoms Hazel and The Gale Storm Show, and popped up at varying times on The Twilight Zone, The Addams Family, The Man From U.N.C.L.E, The Banana Splits and Mork & Mindy.
And as a special bonus, a word from our sponsor:
And as a special bonus, a word from our sponsor:
Friday, March 14, 2008
Generation Exploitaiton Podcast #56 - Playlist
I've been doing a weekly podcast for close to a year and a half and it just dawned on me that I should be promoting it on Classic Television Showbiz, as it would probably interest a lot of people who enjoy this site. It doesn't always have much to do with old TV, but in the broadest sense, it certainly incorporates a great deal of show biz.
Listen to it here.
Playlist for Friday, March 14th, 2008.
Listed: Song - Artist - Album
Mr. Yunioshi - Henry Mancini - Breakfast at Tiffany's
Bah-Bah-Bah - The Surpremes - Reflections
Wild Thing - The Baroque Inevitable - The Baroque Inevitable
From Me to You - Ena Baga - The Happy Hammond Plays Lennon & McCartney Hits Atlantis - Les Baxter - Kaleidoscope
Just a Little While Longer - The Foundations - Baby, Now That I've Found You
A Perfect Day - Jackie Wilson - Jackie Wilson at The Copa
At the Carnival - The Blackbyrds - Cornbread, Earl and Me
Ironside - Henry Mancini - Big Screen, Little Screen
TV Themes Medley - Bill Holcombe Stage Band - '77 Super Sounds of the Seventies
The People's Court - Alan Tew - N/A
N/A - LaWanda Page - Preach On Sister, Preach On
Put Yourself in My Place - The Hollies - Love n' Flowers
Find the archive of previous podcasts here.
What's My Line - Mystery Guest Marathon - Part Three
Edward G. Robinson:
Ed Wynn:
The wretched Louella Parsons:
Gertrude Berg:
Sal Maglie and Duke Snider :
Dave Garroway:
Richard Widmark:
Ed Wynn:
The wretched Louella Parsons:
Gertrude Berg:
Sal Maglie and Duke Snider :
Dave Garroway:
Richard Widmark:
Thursday, March 13, 2008
My World... And Welcome to It with Henry Morgan and Ray Walston (1969)
This rare sitcom had a serious cult following when it aired for one season in 1969-70. Based on "drawings, stories, inspirational pieces and things that go bump in the night" by James Thurber, it featured a lead character scared by real life, who retreated into his drawing board. Sounds sort of like me, except my drawing board is old TV shows on the internet. After NBC got rid of the show, CBS bought it and aired it from May 1972 until September.
The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson with guest host Vikki Carr and guests Steve Martin and Doug Sanders (1974)
The first half of this episode was posted earlier this week here. Steve Martin mentioned in his recent memoir that after running out of 'A' material after his first Tonight Show appearances and, essentially, bombing with the sub-grade material he used in subsequent appearances, Carson relegated Martin to appearing on nights featuring guest hosts. Here is a sample of one of those nights.
The Fountain of Youth with guest star Nancy Kulp (1958) - Footage Offline 10/12/09
Did you know Nancy Kulp worked with Orson Welles? Welles made this half-hour drama for Desilu that aired as a brief summer replacement in 1958. It was his attempt to prove to himself, and perhaps the networks, that he could be just as innovative in television as he had been in film. However, it didn't lead to much. If the studios had trouble with Orson, just imagine what it would have been like seeing Welles deal with advertisers who dictated content. Apparently this is one of only two surviving episodes.
Sanford and Son with guest star Nancy Kulp (1975)
This episode introduced Nancy Kulp as a regular to the cast of Sanford and Son. Kulp and Foxx together is a fine, fine combination in my book.
Network Nights (1964)
What was on ABC on a Tuesday night in 1964? Plenty of cartoons!
At seven-thirty, the evening starts with Tang's The Bugs Bunny Show.
At eight o'clock it's the sitcom Bachelor Father. Recently we saw a hilarious episode of Valentine's Day featuring Jack Soo as an Asian lead character who did not speak in pigeon english or take part in any of the other shameful Hollywood characteristics that Asians were forced to portray. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for the part Sammee Tong was made to play in the Bachelor Father. His role as the slow-minded houseboy may have been what led to his suicide later in 1964 (okay, it was actually gambling debts).
At eight-thirty it was another cartoon, this one a bit more offensive, removed from the air due to some vocal protests. Calvin and Colonel was basically an Amos n' Andy soundtrack paired with splendid nineteen sixties TV animation. The cartoon was written by some of the people responsible for Leave it to Beaver and The Munsters. A nice glimpse into a serious rarity.
Watch the whole night's worth here.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Password with guests Carol Burnett and Peter Lawford (1963)
The interesting film Johnny Cool featuring Joey Bishop, Mort Sahl and a cast of other interesting characters is referenced several times in this entertaining episode of Password.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
That Girl with guest star Murray Roman (1967) - Footage Offline - 1/14/09
Counterculture comedian Murray Roman made only a handful of appearances on television outside of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. He appeared in an episode of The Monkees, an episode of Batman and an episode of That Girl. He took that TV money and bought a lot of reefer and LSD. Murray Roman was a fascinating character who released the most experimental comedy LPs of all time. I was quite pleased with the cast of characters I had a chance to interview for my article The Forgotten Murray Roman, which I vainly encourage you to read, if you haven't already. Of course, I don't mind if you bypass the article for the transcripts of the interviews themselves (I feel like I am making grammatical errors here, but I'm not sure):
Tom Smothers on Murray Roman
Steve Martin on Murray Roman
Bob Einstein on Murray Roman
Mason Williams on Murray Roman
Murray is the horn-rimmed sporting bowling alley employee. This episode also features a brief appearance from a young Rob Reiner who joined Murray shortly after this as a writer on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.
Tom Smothers on Murray Roman
Steve Martin on Murray Roman
Bob Einstein on Murray Roman
Mason Williams on Murray Roman
Murray is the horn-rimmed sporting bowling alley employee. This episode also features a brief appearance from a young Rob Reiner who joined Murray shortly after this as a writer on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.
The Twilight Zone with guest star Nancy Kulp (1962)
It's all Nancy Kulp all the time here at Classic Television Showbiz! Nancy appeared on the March 9th, 1962 episode of The Twilight Zone titled The Fugitive.
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
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