Comedian Eddie Cantor in a live one-man performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Later released as a CD.
Produced by Joe Franklin. 

Comedy skit with Arlene Francis and Bill Cullen.              

September 10, 1950-December 25, 1955.
 Most shows were comedy-variety hours with guest hosts Martin & Lewis, Abbott & Costello, Eddie Cantor, Donald O'Connor, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, & Gordon MacRae. Starting in the Fall of 1952, occasional revues and musicals were broadcast. In the summer of 1955, the name of the series was changed to "Colgate Variety Hour," and when Colgate dropped its sponsorship, the show continued in January 1956 for one half season as the "NBC Comedy Hour." Woody Allen was one of the writers. 

Guests: The DeMarco Sisters, Sonny King, Tommy Farrell, Rosette Shaw. Cameo appearance by Tony Curtis. 


                                       

September 10, 1950-December 25, 1955.
 Most shows were comedy-variety hours with guest hosts Martin & Lewis, Abbott & Costello, Eddie Cantor, Donald O'Connor, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, & Gordon MacRae. Starting in the Fall of 1952, occasional revues and musicals were broadcast. In the summer of 1955, the name of the series was changed to "Colgate Variety Hour," and when Colgate dropped its sponsorship, the show continued in January 1956 for one half season as the "NBC Comedy Hour." Woody Allen was one of the writers. 

Guests: Janis Paige, Danny Arnold, Dick Stabile and his Orchestra,
cameos by Tony Martin and Joe Louis.


This was the final show of the season. 

                                       

This "Salute To Jack Benny" testimonial dinner aired on CBS radio on November 9th, 1951.
Celebrating Jack's twenty years in radio are New York City Mayor Vincent Impellitteri, Milton Berle, President of CBS William S. Paley, Bernard Baruch, George Burns, George Jessel, Adlai Stevenson, and Fred Allen. Jack Benny remarks at the end of the roast. The program originates from the Friar's Club.

                

Fred Allen seven-minute excerpt.                       

The Fitzgeralds was on ABC-TV in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
A 1949 review of their program, seen on WJZ-TV, noted, "There's is the first regularly televised married duo session. Instead of the typical breakfast table setting, the Fitzgeralds move around easily about a facsimile of their own living room." 
On September 22nd, 1952, the Fitzgeralds launched a syndicated fifteen-minute program that featured them giving household tips, and playing commercials from national advertisers. The program was placed in local markets with sponsorship by stores that sold the products advertised. By early October, the program was seen in twelve markets. 

                                            

April 19th, 1954-January 14th, 1955 (WABD) 

In the Spring of 1954, Ernie Kovacs appeared on WABD-TV Channel 5 in New York City, New York's Dumont outlet, where he hosted a late-night one-hour local show for a period of nine months. It aired from 11:15PM to 12:15AM.

September 10, 1950-December 25, 1955.
 Most shows were comedy-variety hours with guest hosts Martin & Lewis, Abbott & Costello, Eddie Cantor, Donald O'Connor, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, & Gordon MacRae. Starting in the Fall of 1952, occasional revues and musicals were broadcast. In the summer of 1955, the name of the series was changed to "Colgate Variety Hour," and when Colgate dropped its sponsorship, the show continued in January 1956 for one half season as the "NBC Comedy Hour." Woody Allen was one of the writers. 

Milton Berle is host at the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the Friar's Club, a fraternal organization of men in show business.


                                       

The clown prince of the piano offers some comedy spiced with a little music. The program will begin at the conclusion of the 1955 Rose Bowl game. Sponsored by American Chicle Company. 
Next week at this time: Horace Heidt's Show Wagon will begin its nationwide travels in search of new talent.

Highlights:

"Rhapsody In Blue" Victor Borge
A poem read to music: "Thank You, God." 

September 15th, 1954-May 4th, 1955 (CBS)

Series of specials, every fourth Wednesday for one season, replacing the Pabst Blue Ribbon boxing matches. Martin Manulis was the producer.

This episode: "Arsenic And Old Lace" starring Helen Hayes and Billie Burke. 

Series of television specials presented by the Rexall Pharmaceutical Company for NBC television. 

" The Merry Widow" starring Anne Jeffreys.

September 10, 1950-December 25, 1955.
 Most shows were comedy-variety hours with guest hosts Martin & Lewis, Abbott & Costello, Eddie Cantor, Donald O'Connor, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, & Gordon MacRae. Starting in the Fall of 1952, occasional revues and musicals were broadcast. In the summer of 1955, the name of the series was changed to "Colgate Variety Hour," and when Colgate dropped its sponsorship, the show continued in January 1956 for one half season as the "NBC Comedy Hour." Woody Allen was one of the writers. 

Guest host: Guy Lombardo. 


                   

October 28th, 1950- September 15th, 1964 (CBS)
September 25th,1964-September 10th, 1965 (NBC)    

Jack Benny's half-hour show mixed variety and situation comedy with a company of regulars: Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, announcer Don Wilson, Dennis Day, Mel Blanc, and Mary Livingston.   

Jack visits the home of Edgar Bergen. 

Frances Bergen, wife of Edgar, sings, "Just You Believe."                                                                        

September 10, 1950-December 25, 1955.
 Most shows were comedy-variety hours with guest hosts Martin & Lewis, Abbott & Costello, Eddie Cantor, Donald O'Connor, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, & Gordon MacRae. Starting in the Fall of 1952, occasional revues and musicals were broadcast. In the summer of 1955, the name of the series was changed to "Colgate Variety Hour," and when Colgate dropped its sponsorship, the show continued in January 1956 for one half season as the "NBC Comedy Hour." Woody Allen was one of the writers. 

This episode stars Tom D'Andrea and Larry Blake. Includes comedy routine by Jonathan Winters and Joey Carter. Also, horror bit with Bert Wheeler, Tom D'Andrea, and Larry Blake.


                   

September 10, 1950-December 25, 1955.
 Most shows were comedy-variety hours with guest hosts Martin & Lewis, Abbott & Costello, Eddie Cantor, Donald O'Connor, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, & Gordon MacRae. Starting in the Fall of 1952, occasional revues and musicals were broadcast. In the summer of 1955, the name of the series was changed to "Colgate Variety Hour," and when Colgate dropped its sponsorship, the show continued in January 1956 for one half season as the "NBC Comedy Hour." Woody Allen was one of the writers. 

Guest: Groucho Marx and a clip from his popular TV show, "You Bet Your Life." 


                   

Television comes in for 90 minutes of ribbing tonight. Heading the company of spoofers is Imogene Coca, once a regular Saturday-night ornament of Max Liebman's "Show Of Shows" series. Reunited with Liebman for this show, she is joined by actor Tony Randall, pop singers Eileen Barton, Alan Dale, Johnny Desmond, and another Show Of Shows alumnus, Bill Hayes, dancers Bambi Linn and Rod Alexander, Bil and Cora Baird and their marionettes, and musical-comedy performer Robert Gallagher.   

Highlights:

Grand Opening-Ensemble
"Faithfully-Unfaithfully" (film clip)-Coca, Gallagher
Hollywood Star Interview-Coca, Randall
Forgotten Songs-Barton, Dale, Desmond, Hayes, Linn, Alexander
"Wide,Wide, Wonderland"- Coca, Randall
"Get Your Audience"- Randall
Tenacious Commercial- Coca, Marionettes 
"The Merriest Widow"- Ensemble
"You'll Love Love In Paree"- Coca
"Maxim's"- Hayes, Coca
"Come To The Pavilion"- Coca
"Merry Widow Waltz"- Ensemble
Encores- Coca
"Jim," "Maywalk", "Strip", "Tramp", 

Host: Art Linkletter. 



                                

September 27th, 1954-May 25th, 1957

A sixty-minute comedy show starring Sid Caesar. Most of Sid's old gang of regulars from "Your Show Of Shows" returned. They included Nanette Fabray, Janet Blair, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris, and Pat Carroll.

This episode: Tribute To George Gershwin.

Nanette Fabray, others.                                                                                          

September 10, 1950-December 25, 1955.
 Most shows were comedy-variety hours with guest hosts Martin & Lewis, Abbott & Costello, Eddie Cantor, Donald O'Connor, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, & Gordon MacRae. Starting in the Fall of 1952, occasional revues and musicals were broadcast. In the summer of 1955, the name of the series was changed to "Colgate Variety Hour," and when Colgate dropped its sponsorship, the show continued in January 1956 for one half season as the "NBC Comedy Hour." Woody Allen was one of the writers. 

Standup comedy from Jonathan Winters. 


                   

September 10, 1950-December 25, 1955.
 Most shows were comedy-variety hours with guest hosts Martin & Lewis, Abbott & Costello, Eddie Cantor, Donald O'Connor, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, & Gordon MacRae. Starting in the Fall of 1952, occasional revues and musicals were broadcast. In the summer of 1955, the name of the series was changed to "Colgate Variety Hour," and when Colgate dropped its sponsorship, the show continued in January 1956 for one half season as the "NBC Comedy Hour." Woody Allen was one of the writers. 

Guest: Georgie Kay. Psychiatrist sketch. 




                   

October 28th, 1950- September 15th, 1964 (CBS)
September 25th,1964-September 10th, 1965 (NBC)    

Jack Benny's half-hour show mixed variety and situation comedy with a company of regulars: Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, announcer Don Wilson, Dennis Day, Mel Blanc, and Mary Livingston.   

Jack performs a violin duet with guest Gisele Mackenzie.                                                                                    

A salute to America's pasttime as the 1956 baseball season gets underway.

Highlights: Art Carney portrays pitcher "Pee Wee" Carney and is interviewed by sportscaster Red Barber.
A skit by Don Adams: "Umpire School." 

September 10, 1950-December 25, 1955.
 Most shows were comedy-variety hours with guest hosts Martin & Lewis, Abbott & Costello, Eddie Cantor, Donald O'Connor, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, & Gordon MacRae. Starting in the Fall of 1952, occasional revues and musicals were broadcast. In the summer of 1955, the name of the series was changed to "Colgate Variety Hour," and when Colgate dropped its sponsorship, the show continued in January 1956 for one half season as the "NBC Comedy Hour." Woody Allen was one of the writers. 

Guests: Hank Penny, Dan Tanner. 


                   

September 20th, 1955-September 11th, 1959 (CBS)

Thirty-minute comedy series starring Phil Silvers as Sgt. Ernie Bilko. The series was originally titled "You'll Never Get Rich" but after a few weeks, the name was changed to the Phil Silvers Show. It was one of the favorite 1950s sitcoms among TV viewers.      

Jack's guests are George Burns and Gracie Allen. Regulars are Eddie "Rochester" Anderson and announcer Don Wilson.                                      

September 30, 1951-August 29, 1971

Red Skelton's network television program began at the start of the 1951 fall season on NBC (for sponsor Procter & Gamble). After two seasons on Sunday nights, the program was picked up by CBS in the fall of 1953 and moved to Tuesday night, the time slot with which it would become primarily associated during most of its run. After his first CBS season the program was moved to Wednesday night and expanded to an hour for the summer of 1954 only; it was then reduced back to a half-hour for a time, later expanded again, returning to Tuesday night where it would remain for the next sixteen years (co-sponsored by Johnson's Wax and Pet Milk between 1955 and 1962).

On September 25, 1962, the program was again expanded to a full hour (becoming The Red Skelton Hour) and remained in this longer format for the balance of its CBS run.

CBS ended its association with the program in early 1970. This apparently marked the beginning of one of several attempts by CBS to downplay programming whose primary appeal was to "Middle America", an audience more rural and also somewhat older than that generally desired by network television advertisers. Marketers were moving towards a younger, "hipper", and more urban audience.

At least in part due to Skelton's iconic status, the program was picked up by NBC, premiering on September 14, 1970. Vice President Spiro Agnew introduced Red's 20th season opener, returning back to NBC where he began his first TV season. Guest on Shelton's premiere program was Jerry Lewis. After the taping of the show Lewis told the audience: "My ambition has always been to be a clown...tonight I've had the honor of working with a great clown."

The program that aired was quite different from the one that Skelton's CBS audience was used to seeing. The new set was dark, devoid of the backdrops that viewers had seen on CBS. The show was cut back to its original half-hour length and it was moved from Tuesday to Monday nights.

The new format never really worked. The program ended in March 1971, although selected programs from this final season were rerun on NBC on Sunday nights in prime time during June-August, 1971.                                                                   

October 12th, 1950-September 22nd, 1958 (CBS)   

Long-running half-hour comedy series starring the team of George Burns and his wife Gracie Allen. Burns would play the straight man to Allen's crazy antics. Their son Ronnie would make occasional appearances on the program. Harry Von Zell was the announcer, replacing the original announcer, Bill Goodwin.           

September 30, 1951-August 29, 1971

Red Skelton's network television program began at the start of the 1951 fall season on NBC (for sponsor Procter & Gamble). After two seasons on Sunday nights, the program was picked up by CBS in the fall of 1953 and moved to Tuesday night, the time slot with which it would become primarily associated during most of its run. After his first CBS season the program was moved to Wednesday night and expanded to an hour for the summer of 1954 only; it was then reduced back to a half-hour for a time, later expanded again, returning to Tuesday night where it would remain for the next sixteen years (co-sponsored by Johnson's Wax and Pet Milk between 1955 and 1962).

On September 25, 1962, the program was again expanded to a full hour (becoming The Red Skelton Hour) and remained in this longer format for the balance of its CBS run.

CBS ended its association with the program in early 1970. This apparently marked the beginning of one of several attempts by CBS to downplay programming whose primary appeal was to "Middle America", an audience more rural and also somewhat older than that generally desired by network television advertisers. Marketers were moving towards a younger, "hipper", and more urban audience.

At least in part due to Skelton's iconic status, the program was picked up by NBC, premiering on September 14, 1970. Vice President Spiro Agnew introduced Red's 20th season opener, returning back to NBC where he began his first TV season. Guest on Shelton's premiere program was Jerry Lewis. After the taping of the show, Lewis told the audience: "My ambition has always been to be a clown...tonight I've had the honor of working with a great clown."

The program that aired was quite different from the one that Skelton's CBS audience was used to seeing. The new set was dark, devoid of the backdrops that viewers had seen on CBS. The show was cut back to its original half-hour length and it was moved from Tuesday to Monday nights.

The new format never really worked. The program ended in March 1971, although selected programs from this final season were rerun on NBC on Sunday nights in prime time during June-August, 1971.    

In this episode, Red Skelton's guests are actor Boris Karloff
and actress Eva Gabor.                                                                                        

September 27th, 1954-May 25th, 1957

A sixty-minute comedy show starring Sid Caesar. Most of Sid's old gang of regulars from "Your Show Of Shows" returned. They included Nanette Fabray, Janet Blair, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris, and Pat Carroll.

This episode includes a spoof of the game show, "What's My Line?"                                                                               

September 27th, 1954-May 25th, 1957

A sixty-minute comedy show starring Sid Caesar. Most of Sid's old gang of regulars from "Your Show Of Shows" returned. They included Nanette Fabray, Janet Blair, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris, and Pat Carroll.

Janet Blair, Pat Carroll, Shari Conway.

                                                                                                                     

April 19th, 1954-January 14th, 1955 (WABD) 

In the Spring of 1954, Ernie Kovacs appeared on WABD-TV Channel 5 in New York City, New York's Dumont outlet, where he hosted a late-night one-hour local show for a period of nine months. It aired from 11:15PM to 12:15AM.

Guest: The Jazz String Quartet. 

 October 2, 1956 - June 25, 1957

Jonathan Winters starred in a 15 minute television series for NBC airing each Tuesday evening from 7:30pm - 7:45pm. Assisting him on his comedy blackout sketches was announcer Don Pardo until late March 1957 when Wayne Howell succeeded him.    

Guest: Denise Lor.   

 October 2, 1956 - June 25, 1957

Jonathan Winters starred in a 15 minute television series for NBC airing each Tuesday evening from 7:30pm - 7:45pm. Assisting him on his comedy blackout sketches was announcer Don Pardo until late March 1957 when Wayne Howell succeeded him.    

Duplicate of #10233B. 

 October 2, 1956 - June 25, 1957

Jonathan Winters starred in a 15 minute television series for NBC airing each Tuesday evening from 7:30pm - 7:45pm. Assisting him on his comedy blackout sketches was announcer Don Pardo until late March 1957 when Wayne Howell succeeded him.    

In a sketch, Jonathan plays a pioneer leader as well as many other characters including adding  sound effects,  clearing land with his party of 20 settlers, building log cabins at first until realizing that they have built too many and thus call their settlement "Levittown Kansas Settlement."  The pioneers brave an indian attack as leader Winters tells all to save one bullet for their wives. 
Don Pardo is the narrator during the sketch adding tidbits of information. 

Jonathan signs off at the end of the show with his famous sound effects departure via his flying saucer as he says good night to guest Steve Lawrence whom we only hear briefly.       

September 27th, 1954-May 25th, 1957

A sixty-minute comedy show starring Sid Caesar. Most of Sid's old gang of regulars from "Your Show Of Shows" returned. They included Nanette Fabray, Janet Blair, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris, and Pat Carroll.

This episode includes the show's ending only with Carl Reiner.                                                                                           

September 27th, 1954-May 25th, 1957

A sixty-minute comedy show starring Sid Caesar. Most of Sid's old gang of regulars from "Your Show Of Shows" returned. They included Nanette Fabray, Janet Blair, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris, and Pat Carroll.

The Show opening with Sid Caesar and Carl Reiner. 

                                                                                                        

September 27th, 1954-May 25th, 1957. 

Sixty-minute variety/comedy hour starring Sid Caesar. It followed "Your Show Of Shows" which left the air in 1954. 


Sid Caesar is joined by Carl Reiner. This was the next-to-last show of the series. 

Skit: "Break Your Brains" with Sid Caesar, Carl Reiner, Janet Blair, Howard Morris, and Pat Carroll.                                        

October 28th, 1950- September 15th, 1964 (CBS)
September 25th,1964-September 10th, 1965 (NBC)    

Jack Benny's half-hour show mixed variety and situation comedy with a company of regulars: Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, announcer Don Wilson, Dennis Day, Mel Blanc, and Mary Livingston.   

The Jack Benny signature "Your Money Or Your Life" skit is performed.                                                                                                

The first syndicated reruns of the classic 39 episodes of the "Honeymooners" ran from September 24th, 1957 to September 16th, 1958 on WRCA TV channel 4 in New York. They aired weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 7:30pm, following "The Huntley Brinkley Report" which aired from 6:45 to 7:00pm.

 Subsequently, reruns of "The Honeymooners" have aired on WPIX in New York from October 9th, 1958 to the present, a run of over 60 years. Jack Lescoulie is the voice announcing the opening of these rebroadcasts, as originally announced during its original run on CBS, October 1st, 1955 to September 22nd, 1956. 

However, little known is the fact that Don Pardo announced the opening of "The Honeymooners" VERY FIRST re-runs on WRCA-TV for only one year, September 24th, 1957-September 16th, 1958.
Pardo also includes in his opening introduction the sponsor, Ronzonni. 

Included in this TV audio air check is the ending of "The Huntley-Brinkley Report" ("...Jose Melis last evening spouted poetry about Sputnik on 'The Jack Paar Tonight Show'...") which precedes the opening of this "The Honeymooners" opening episode, "Brother Ralph"  announced by Don Pardo.                                                                                 

A music and comedy celebration of the 75th anniversary of Standard Oil Company of New Jersey.   

Lavish presentation of this musical/comedy special with staging by Cyril Ritchard.

Highlights include Jane Powell singing "Jubilee Time," Bert Lahr and Jimmy Durante reminiscing about their Vaudevillian days, Donald O'Connor and Sid Miller in a comedy sketch writing songs for a new 1958 play, and a rousing closing of "Jubilee Time" by entire cast. 

Hosts: Tyrone Power and Brandon De Wilde.
  
Announcer: Don Pardo.                                               

January 26th, 1958-May 25th-1958

A short-lived half-hour comedy show starring Sid Caesar who was reunited with Imogene Coca for the first time since "Your Show Of Shows" left the air in 1954. Other regulars were Paul Reed, Milt Kamen, Carl Reiner, and Howard Morris. The show was dropped by the ABC network after just four months due to low ratings.

This is the season premiere with Imogene Coca, and Carl Reiner.
Announcer is Hugh Downs.                                       

January 26th, 1958-May 25th-1958

A short-lived half-hour comedy show starring Sid Caesar who was reunited with Imogene Coca for the first time since "Your Show Of Shows" left the air in 1954. Other regulars were Paul Reed, Milt Kamen, Carl Reiner, and Howard Morris. The show was dropped by the ABC network after just four months due to low ratings.

This is the season premiere with Imogene Coca, and Carl Reiner.
Announcer is Hugh Downs.    

Includes commercials for Helena Rubenstein. 

Duplicate of #13,264 which is a fourteen-minute excerpt. This version is complete.                             

 Victor Borge's one hour comedy special is interrupted by guests Bambi Linn and singer Doretta Morrow. Borge introduces Abbott Lee Ruskin, a 12 year old piano prodigy.    

Victor addresses how to compose a "hit" song. 

Writers for this broadcast are Henry Morgan and Jack Douglas.  

HIGHLIGHTS

"Liechtensteiner Polka," .....Victor Borge

"Blue Serenade,"....................................Linn and Alexander

"Chopin's Waltz C Sharp Minor".......................Victor Borge      

 Victor Borge's one hour comedy special is interrupted by guests Bambi Linn and singer Doretta Morrow. Borge introduces Abbott Lee Ruskin, a 12 year old piano prodigy.    

Victor addresses how to compose a "hit" song. 

Writers for this broadcast are Henry Morgan and Jack Douglas.  

Duplicate of #10227. 

HIGHLIGHTS

"Liechtensteiner Polka," .....Victor Borge

"Blue Serenade,"....................................Linn and Alexander

"Chopin's Waltz C Sharp Minor".......................Victor Borge      

January 26th, 1958-May 25th-1958

A short-lived half-hour comedy show starring Sid Caesar who was reunited with Imogene Coca for the first time since "Your Show Of Shows" left the air in 1954. Other regulars were Paul Reed, Milt Kamen, Carl Reiner, and Howard Morris. The show was dropped by the ABC network after just four months due to low ratings.

Next to last show of the series. Joined in progress, last twenty minutes only. 



                        

October 28th, 1950- September 15th, 1964 (CBS)
September 25th,1964-September 10th, 1965 (NBC)    

Jack Benny's half-hour show mixed variety and situation comedy with a company of regulars: Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, announcer Don Wilson, Dennis Day, Mel Blanc, and Mary Livingston.   

Guest: George Burns. Jack introduces the entire cast.                                                                                                                     

TV special starring Sid Caesar.           

Show end.   

1957-1959 (CBS)

"Lucy Goes To Alaska" was the eighth and final episode of the one-hour specials. The Riccardos and the Mertzes go to Alaska to do a show, with Red Skelton, to celebrate the state's admission to the union.               

August 21st,  1959- September 30th, 1959   

Bob and Ray were an American comedy duo whose career spanned five decades. Their cartoon images were displayed in the Piels Beer television commercials of the late 1950s and early 1960s. 

August 21st, 1959- August 31st, 1959
September 1st, 1959- September 10th, 1959
September 11th, 1959- September 21st, 1959
September 22nd, 1959- September 30th, 1959      

Each broadcast is 15 minutes in length, a total of 40 broadcasts in all.  
             

  Television adaptation comedy about three escaping convicts living on Devil's Island, a penal colony in French Guiana, who come to the defense of Felix Ducotel and his family who are harassed by a cruel business man and his nephew, with the assistance of a snake. 

In 1955, same story, different title, the release of the motion picture, "WE'RE NO ANGELS" starred Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov, and Aldo Ray.