1965-09-06, NBC, 1 min.
Andy Williams Show promo with Phyllis Diller.
1965-09-09, WABC, 42 min.
September 19, 1963-April 1, 1966. In 1963 Dean hosted a prime-time hour variety series on ABC, which lasted three seasons. Regulars included Karen Morrow, Molly Bee, Chuck McCann, the Chuck Cassey Singers and Rowlf the Muppet, the first of the puppet creations of Jim Henson to be featured on national TV.
Repeat of April 15, 1965.
1965-09-09, SYN, min.
From Philadelphia, Febuary 15th, 1965-1982 (SYN)
Guests: Marilyn Maxwell, Bobby Short, Roberta Sherwood.
1965-09-10, WPIX, 52 min.
Robert Trendler conducts his own orchestra; singers Bill Hayes, Florence Henderson, Elaine Dunn and the Hi-Lo's vocal group in a program of popular favorites.
1965-09-10, WNBC, 18 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
Host Gene Rayburn welcomes Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle and Joe Pepitone, who challenge Joe Garagiola, Tom Tresh and Roger Maris.
NOTE:
A LOST NBC SERIES.
ALMOST EVERY SINGLE MASTER NBC TAPE ERASED (1962-1969).
1965-09-10, WNBC, 52 min.
September 21, 1962-September 10, 1965.
A re-run originally broadcast March 12, 1965.
This was the final broadcast of the series. After leaving the "Tonight" show in March 1962, Jack Paar returned that fall as host of a Friday-night variety series.
1965-09-11, WCBS, 52 min.
June 19, 1965-September 11, 1965. Trumpeter Al Hirt hosted this variety hour, a summer replacement for "Jackie Gleason and His American Scene Magazine."
1965-09-13, WNBC, 52 min.
September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers.
1965-09-13, WCBS, 52 min.
September 13, 1965-December 13, 1965. This was the first broadcast of the series. Steve Lawrence's Monday-night variety hour lasted only thirteen weeks. Regulars included comics Charles Nelson Reilly and Betty Walker.
1965-09-13, CBS, 52 min.
September 13th, 1965-December 13th, 1965-(CBS)
Short-lived Monday night variety hour starring Steve Lawrence. Regulars included Charles Nelson Reilly, Betty Walker, The Pussycst Dancers, The Dick Williams Singers, and The Joe Guercio Orchestra. It was taped primarily in New York.
Guest: Lucille Ball. Also appearing, Betty Walker, Charles Nelson Reilly, The Ernie Flatt Dancers, and Judith Lowry.
Series Premiere.
Announcer: Johnny Olson.
1965-09-14, NBC, min.
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.
Johnny discusses the Pope in his monologue.
1965-09-15, WCBS, 52 min.
September 25, 1963-June 7, 1967. Danny Kaye hosted his own Wednesday-night variety hour for four seasons. Regulars included Harvey Korman, four-year-old Victoria Meyerink & youngster Laurie Ichino.
1965-09-15, NBC, 11 min.
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.
In his monologue, Johnny mocks Muhammad Ali.
1965-09-16, NBC, 23 min.
On September 15, 1965 Johnny Carson made disparaging remarks about the just announced scheduled November 22nd Heavyweight Championship Fight between challenger, Floyd Patterson and Champion Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali).
Four minutes into his opening monologue Johnny spends over a minute and a half criticizing Ali.
He states, "Whoopie, here we go again. I think we are going to be taken again, folks." " We are being set up for another farce."
NOTE: The entire Johnny Carson opening 9:22 monologue is heard.
The following night, September 16, 1965 Muhammad Ali makes a surprise visit to The Tonight Show and gets back at Johnny with ribald remarks and comedic banter.
This appearance would only be his second on The Tonight Show, his first appearing in 1963. Johnny takes all of Ali's acerbic "attack" in good fashion and plays along with a combative Muhammad who explains that he was enjoying eating his ice cream at home last night and watched himself being ridiculed.
Additional topics discussed include Ali's respect for challenger Floyd Patterson, his admiration for Johnny and what he does night after night, challenges with 70% taxes taken from him by Uncle Sam, staying in shape, never being scared of a fight but being nervous before each fight, losing a fight never a consideration, no longer predicating outcomes of his fights but predicting Patterson fight will go six or seven rounds, mentioning of his LP record, "I Am The Greatest," and praise for his music producer Dave Kaplan who is in the audience, and discusses the KO punch that floored Sonny Liston.
After Ali leaves the stage, Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon praise Ali for being a very nice person, and that after tonight's appearance people will have a different impression of him.
NOTE: This rare, and forgotten surprise appearance by Muhammad Ali runs for 13 minutes. It is not listed in journals or reference books, or even notated within Ali's 23 Tonight Show appearances when searching IMDb.
1965-09-16, NBC, 14 min.
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.
Muhammad Ali makes a surprise walk-on appearance to discuss the mocking Johnny Carson gave him one night before.
1965-09-16, WNBC, 52 min.
September 16, 1965-May 24, 1974. A variety hour hosted by Dean Martin. Several of the shows were celebrity "roasts," set at a banquet table, in which the guest of honor was showered with insults by other celebs. Regulars of the series included pianist Ken Lane (1965-1972), Kay Medford, Lou Jacobi, The Golddiggers, Marian Mercer (1971-1972), Tom Bosley (1971-1972), Rodney Dangerfield (1972-1973), Dom DeLuise (1972-1973), and Nipsey Russell (1972-1974).
1965-09-17, WABC, 52 min.
September 19, 1963-April 1, 1966. In 1963 Dean hosted a prime-time hour variety series on ABC, which lasted three seasons. Regulars included Karen Morrow, Molly Bee, Chuck McCann, the Chuck Cassey Singers and Rowlf the Muppet, the first of the puppet creations of Jim Henson to be featured on national TV.
1965-09-18, ABC, 2 min.
January 4, 1964-February 7, 1970. This hour-long variety series was a mid-season replacement for "The Jerry Lewis Show."
The opening song is sung by host Bing Crosby.
1965-09-18, CBS, 5 min.
Martin Agronsky analysis, the Dominican Republic conflict, comment by Senator William Fulbright.
Commercial plugs for the return of Beverly Hillbillies and other CBS shows scheduled for the CBS TV fall line-up.
Sinclair gasoline.
1965-09-18, CBS, min.
A report on the India-Pakistan conflict, more US troops to Vietnam.
Harry Reasoner reports.
1965-09-18, WABC, 52 min.
July 2, 1955-September 4, 1971; 1971-1982 (Syndicated). "The Lawrence Welk Show" presented middle-of-the-road music for almost three decades. Numbers were performed by the members of Welk's television family. That large group included the Lennon Sisters (Dianne, Peggy, Kathy and Janet), Alice Lon, Norma Zimmer, Tanya Falan, Arthur Duncan, Joe Feeney, Guy Hovis, Jim Roberts, Ralna English, Larry Hooper, Jerry Burke and former Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess.
1965-09-18, ABC, 13 min.
January 4, 1964-February 7, 1970. This hour-long variety series was a midseason replacement for "The Jerry Lewis Show."
Host: Bing Crosby. Guests Jack Burns and Avery Schreiber.
1965-09-18, NBC, 15 min.
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.
Guests: Eddie Lawrence, and Don Francks.
1965-09-18, WABC, 26 min.
September 18, 1965-February 19, 1966 (Syndicated). Half-hour entertainment series featuring a different guest star each week, performing in a supper club setting.
1965-09-20, WNBC, 52 min.
September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers.
1965-09-20, NBC, min.
1965-09-20, WCBS, 52 min.
September 13, 1965-December 13, 1965. Steve Lawrence's Monday-night variety hour lasted only thirteen weeks. Regulars included comics Charles Nelson Reilly and Betty Walker.
1965-09-21, WCBS, 52 min.
September 25, 1962-June 23, 1970. One of television's most inventive and popular comedians, Red Skelton hosted his own series for twenty years, seven of them in a one-hour format, "The Red Skelton Hour" on CBS. Skelton began his television career on NBC September 30, 1951 with a half-hour filmed variety series lasting until June 21, 1953. He then began his CBS affiliation, and began hosting "The Red Skelton Show," a half-hour variety show broadcast live until October 18, 1960, and subsequently on videotape. This series aired from October 13, 1953, continuing until June 26, 1962. From July 21, 1954 through September 8, 1954, "The Red Skelton Revue" was broadcast live on CBS in a one-hour format. Red Skelton returned to NBC in a half-hour taped format for his final series. "Red" as the show was known, premiered September 14, 1970. The first four broadcasts included introductions by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew (September 14, 1970), Dean Martin (September 21, 1970), Jack Benny (September 28, 1970), and Johnny Carson (October 5, 1970) who got his big break writing for Skelton in the early 1950's. Red Skelton's last first-run regularly scheduled television program aired on March 15, 1971.
1965-09-21, NBC, min.
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.
Johnny's guest is Sammy Davis, Jr.
1965-09-22, WCBS, 52 min.
September 25, 1963-June 7, 1967.
Danny Kaye welcomes Richard Crenna of "Slattery's People," singer Nana Mouskouri and British rockers Herman and the Hermits (Herman's Hermits). In sketches, Crenna interviews an Olympic star (Danny) and Danny and Richard play World War 2 pilots warned to watch out for a German spy aboard their plane.
HIGHLIGHTS
"While We're Young," "Hello, Young Lovers"..............Danny Kaye
"Showmanship"...............................Danny Kaye, Richard Crenna
"I'm Henry VIII, I Am," "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," "Just a Little Bit Better"....................Herman's Hermits
"Johnny," "To Fengair Eine Kokino," "Strose to Stroma"
.............................................................................Nana Mouskouri
Danny Kaye hosted his own Wednesday-night variety hour for four seasons. Regulars included Harvey Korman, four-year-old Victoria Meyerink & youngster Laurie Ichino.
1965-09-23, WNBC, 52 min.
September 16, 1965-May 24, 1974. A variety hour hosted by Dean Martin. Several of the shows were celebrity "roasts," set at a banquet table, in which the guest of honor was showered with insults by other celebs. Regulars of the series included pianist Ken Lane (1965-1972), Kay Medford, Lou Jacobi, The Golddiggers, Marian Mercer (1971-1972), Tom Bosley (1971-1972), Rodney Dangerfield (1972-1973), Dom DeLuise (1972-1973), and Nipsey Russell (1972-1974).
1965-09-23, NBC, 5 min.
September 16, 1965-May 24, 1974. A variety hour hosted by Dean Martin. Several of the shows were celebrity "roasts," set at a banquet table, in which the guest of honor was showered with insults by other celebs. Regulars of the series included pianist Ken Lane (1965-1972), Kay Medford, Lou Jacobi, The Golddiggers, Marian Mercer (1971-1972), Tom Bosley (1971-1972), Rodney Dangerfield (1972-1973), Dom DeLuise (1972-1973), and Nipsey Russell (1972-1974).
Dean's guest is John Wayne.
1965-09-23, NBC, min.
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.
Johnny's guest is singer Eydie Gorme.
1965-09-23, WABC, 52 min.
September 19, 1963-April 1, 1966. In 1963 Dean hosted a prime-time hour variety series on ABC, which lasted three seasons. Regulars included Karen Morrow, Molly Bee, Chuck McCann, the Chuck Cassey Singers and Rowlf the Muppet, the first of the puppet creations of Jim Henson to be featured on national TV.
1965-09-24, NBC, min.
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.
Johnny's guest is comedian Norm Crosby.
1965-09-25, WABC, 52 min.
July 2, 1955-September 4, 1971; 1971-1982 (Syndicated). "The Lawrence Welk Show" presented middle-of-the-road music for almost three decades. Numbers were performed by the members of Welk's television family. That large group included the Lennon Sisters (Dianne, Peggy, Kathy and Janet), Alice Lon, Norma Zimmer, Tanya Falan, Arthur Duncan, Joe Feeney, Guy Hovis, Jim Roberts, Ralna English, Larry Hooper, Jerry Burke and former Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess.
1965-09-25, WABC, 26 min.
September 18, 1965-February 19, 1966 (Syndicated). Half-hour entertainment series featuring a different guest star each week, performing in a supper club setting.
1965-09-26, WPIX, 96 min.
Two part interview with Jerry Lewis, entitled, "Jerry Lewis Uncensored. Part one was broadcast September 26, 1965 and part two broadcast the following week on October 3, 1965. The offstage personality of the zany, funny man is revealed. Lewis discusses his background, his split with Dean Martin after ten years working together, and the events that have led to his own success.
Complete sans commercials.
1965-09-26, WNBC, 52 min.
January 12, 1959-April 26, 1968. This musical series ran semiregularly for almost ten seasons-sometimes weekly, sometimes biweekly, and sometimes as irregularly scheduled specials. All types of music were presented on the hour series; Donald Voorhees conducted the Bell Telephone Orchestra.
1965-09-27, WNBC, 52 min.
September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers.
1965-09-27, WCBS, 52 min.
September 25, 1963-June 7, 1967. Danny Kaye hosted his own Wednesday-night variety hour for four seasons. Regulars included Harvey Korman, four-year-old Victoria Meyerink & youngster Laurie Ichino.
1965-09-27, ABC, 28 min.
June 28th 1965-October 22nd, 1965 (ABC)
Guest: Oscar Levant.
1965-09-27, ABC, 10 min.
Les Crane interviews Oscar Levant.
1965-09-27, WCBS, 52 min.
September 13, 1965-December 13, 1965. Steve Lawrence's Monday-night variety hour lasted only thirteen weeks. Regulars included comics Charles Nelson Reilly and Betty Walker.
Singer Diahann Carroll, actress-dancer Joey Heatherton, and Jordan Christopher and the Wild Ones join Steve for this show video taped at Sybil and Christopher's place to be, ARTHURS, a discotheque in New York City on 54th Street. Owned by Sybil and 70 other celebrities. The club got its name after Beatle George Harrison was asked "what do you call your hair style?" HIs answer: "Arthur."
Steve and Sybil discuss the evolution of dance and the rise of discotheques. In a studio segment, Steve and Diahann sing "Love is a Simple Thing" and "Love."
The Wild Ones provide rock 'n' roll accompaniment at Arthur.
HIGHLIGHTS
"Any Place I Hang My Hat," "Blues in the Night"..........Dianhann
"Love is Here to Stay," "King of the Road, "I'm in the Mood for Love"...........Steve
"Your Father's Feathers"................Joey
"A Pretty Girl is like a Melody"..................All
1965-09-28, WCBS, 52 min.
September 25, 1962-June 23, 1970. One of television's most inventive and popular comedians, Red Skelton hosted his own series for twenty years, seven of them in a one-hour format, "The Red Skelton Hour" on CBS. Skelton began his television career on NBC September 30, 1951 with a half-hour filmed variety series lasting until June 21, 1953. He then began his CBS affiliation, and began hosting "The Red Skelton Show," a half-hour variety show broadcast live until October 18, 1960, and subsequently on videotape. This series aired from October 13, 1953, continuing until June 26, 1962. From July 21, 1954 through September 8, 1954, "The Red Skelton Revue" was broadcast live on CBS in a one-hour format. Red Skelton returned to NBC in a half-hour taped format for his final series. "Red" as the show was known, premiered September 14, 1970. The first four broadcasts included introductions by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew (September 14, 1970), Dean Martin (September 21, 1970), Jack Benny (September 28, 1970), and Johnny Carson (October 5, 1970) who got his big break writing for Skelton in the early 1950's. Red Skelton's last first-run regularly scheduled television program aired on March 15, 1971.
1965-09-28, NBC, 7 min.
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.
Monologue only.
1965-09-29, NBC, min.
A variety show presented as monthly specials on NBC.
Host: Bob Hope.
1965-09-29, WNBC, 52 min.
Bob Hope's first variety show of the season. Bob and his guests appear in various sketches.
1965-09-30, WNBC, 52 min.
September 16, 1965-May 24, 1974. A variety hour hosted by Dean Martin. Several of the shows were celebrity "roasts," set at a banquet table, in which the guest of honor was showered with insults by other celebs. Regulars of the series included pianist Ken Lane (1965-1972), Kay Medford, Lou Jacobi, The Golddiggers, Marian Mercer (1971-1972), Tom Bosley (1971-1972), Rodney Dangerfield (1972-1973), Dom DeLuise (1972-1973), and Nipsey Russell (1972-1974).
1965-10-00, WNBC, 24 min.
Milton Berle narrates an affectionate comedic history of the Brookyln Dodgers. Babe Herman and Sandy Koufax are interviewed.