September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957. This evenings telecast is the final TONIGHT! show starring Steve Allen. A farewell party is staged. All the regular singers are featured in musical numbers and Steve uses some of the 'gimmicks which found great popularity on show during the 2 1/2 years on air, including the big salami, and goo goo dolls. Steve speaks briefly to some of the men on the new "Tonight" show which starts next week. They include Jack Lescoulie, Earl Wilson, Hy Gardner, & Bob Considine. 

The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.      

Duplicate of #6967. Farewell Party. After two and one half years, Steve Allen hosts his final Tonight Show. 

Andy Williams sings a new song, "Butterfly." Tonight Show stage hands behind the scenes bid farewell to Steve.                                                                 

September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957. This evenings telecast is the final TONIGHT! show starring Steve Allen. A farewell party is staged. All the regular singers are featured in musical numbers and Steve uses some of the 'gimmicks which found great popularity on show during the 2 1/2 years on air, including the big salami, and goo goo dolls. Steve speaks briefly to some of the men on the new "Tonight" show which starts next week. They include Jack Lescoulie, Earl Wilson, Hy Gardner, & Bob Considine. 

The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.                                                    

   First broadcast of three broadcasts from Hawaii.
Buddy Hackett does his iconic "Chinese Waiter" routine.                       

July 29, 1957- March 30,1962. 
  
For four years and eight months Jack Paar reigned supreme as host of the Tonight Show with a crew of regulars, but only two stayed with him for the entire run; announcer Hugh Downs and band leader Jose Melies, a former army buddy. Familiar faces who appeared many times with Jack included Dody Goodman, Betty Johnson, Elsa Maxwell, Alexander King, Genevieve, Jack Douglas; and wife Reiko, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Hans Conried, Peggy Cass, Cliff (Charley Weaver) Arquette, and Johnathan Winters. Hugh Downs substituted for Jack Paar 79 times, more than any other substitute host there were 20 different performers over the period of the series run. Joey Bishop substituted for Paar 31 times. Arlene Francis, 30 times, Jonathan Winters, 26 times, Orson Bean, 21 times and Johnny Carson 15 times. Altogether there were 243 broadcasts that had substitute hosts filling in for Paar during Jack Paar's TONIGHT SHOW tenure. The title of the late-night broadcast changed to THE JACK PAAR SHOW which took effect on February 3, 1958. The first videotaped broadcast aired on January 5, 1959. "Best of Paar " Re-runs began on July 10, 1959. The first color broadcast aired on September 19, 1960.  

The main guest is Gore Vidal, writer and well-known liberal who replies to remarks made by William F. Buckley Jr last night on this show...creating an on going feud between the two running on The Tonight Show. Liberalism vs conservatism. 

In a 10 minute segment Gore Vidal talks about William F. Buckley's many contradictions, his ideological wars, and smears, referencing Catholicism and the Pope. Both Jack Paar and Hugh Downs add to the analysis and criticism. "Who is he?" Vidal states that Buckley never worked for a living in his life. He criticizes everyone, using his "World Go Home" slogan. Other mentions include Buckley comments about Albert Schweitzer, integration, and his attraction for former communists (Paar mentions he has five employees at present fitting this scenario), Vidal mentions that Buckley stated that Harry Truman called Dwight Eisenhower an anti-Semite, which is an irresponsible lie. 
Paar describes Buckley as someone who speaks very quickly and rolls his eyes...very tricky and he has ruined peoples lives. 

Buddy Hackett appears briefly after Gore Vidal.   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Helen O'Connell interviews Mr. Television, Milton Berle with his wife Ruth Berle form their Beverly Hill home.   

The initial discussion surrounds itself around the adoption of Bill (Little Billy) whom Milton and Ruth dote over. Milton states that his adopted son's name comes from respect and the Godfather of little Billy, Billy Wilder. Ruth and Milton talk about their nine year marriage and the reasons for adopting a child, late in life. Milton describes how motherhood had changed his and Ruth's way of life.Guest Jean Milinair, 17 years of age and a house guest is introduced. Milton relates anecdotes related to good friend, Buddy Hackett.
Berle states to Helen O'connell the reason why he accepted the dramatic role in DOYLE AGAINS THE HOUSE, an Emmy Award winning teleproduction. He remembers how as a 13 year old kid he learned to manipulate playing cards very well. He was also the head of his drama class at school. Ruth mentions her relationship with Milton's mother, whom Milton states was his "rock" and guiding light in life. He talks about his father who passed away in 1938, a paint and varnish salesman, and his love for him.  HIs mother Sandra would take Milton on the road from vaudeville house to vaudeville house and during these years Milton admits to not having a childhood of child friends his own age. 
Milton talks about his NBC Special TV broadcast to air this night with Jack Benny, Lena Horne and others.  

NOTE:
This air check was recorded off the air by Phil Gries in 1962. It was dubbed in 1997 and given to Milton Berle. The master 1/4" inch reel to reel tape was located in 2023 and it had deteriorated to the extent that it did not play back properly...representing a non-playback tape with imperceptible volume.  Phil Gries used a FlexArm with Q-Tip and isopropyl alcohol  and a constant  pressure of the tape redirecting the tape path over the playback head resurrecting the tape audio playback reproduction  to a very decent level with additional EQ processing  which is now quite acceptable and represented in  the ATA collection.                                 

July 29, 1957- March 30,1962. 

For four years and eight months Jack Paar reigned supreme as host of the Tonight Show with a crew of regulars, but only two stayed with him for the entire run; announcer Hugh Downs and band leader Jose Melies, a former army buddy. Familiar faces who appeared many times with Jack included Dody Goodman, Betty Johnson, Elsa Maxwell, Alexander King, Genevieve, Jack Douglas; and wife Reiko, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Hans Conried, Peggy Cass, Cliff (Charley Weaver) Arquette, and Johnathan Winters. Hugh Downs substituted for Jack Paar 79 times, more than any other substitute host there were 20 different performers over the period of the series run. Joey Bishop substituted for Paar 31 times. Arlene Francis, 30 times, Jonathan Winters, 26 times, Orson Bean, 21 times and Johnny Carson 15 times. Altogether there were 243 broadcasts that had substitute hosts filling in for Paar during Jack Paar's TONIGHT SHOW tenure. The title of the late-night broadcast changed to THE JACK PAAR SHOW which took effect on February 3, 1958. The first videotaped broadcast aired on January 5, 1959. "Best of Paar " Re-runs began on July 10, 1959. The first color broadcast aired on September 19, 1960.  

Jack Paar's final night hosting the Tonight Show. Tomorrow night would be a re-run Best of Paar. Guests include Jack E. Leonard, Alan King, and Buddy Hackett. Jack comments on Walter Winchell and his past accusations, Castro' Cuba and Newsweek magazine.                                                                                                                                                                                                  

July 29, 1957- March 30,1962. 
 
  FINAL FIRST RUN TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JACK PAAR.

 During the four and half years Jack Paar hosed the Tonight Show he clocked approximately 24,000 hours of programming of which only less than .1% survives!!! No video tapes survive. No color episodes survive. Only an handful of black and white kinescopes are extant.

What does survive is only a total of 13 hours archived by Paley Center for Media, Library of Congress, and UCLA Film & Television, combined. 

The greatest number of surviving broadcast TV Audio Air Checks in the country, representing THE JACK PAAR TONIGHT SHOW, is archived by ARCHIVAL TELEVISION AUDIO, INC. (34 hours). 

Among Jack's many guests on this final first run broadcast are Jack E. Leonard who opens the show. He acts as host for the first 15 minutes..introduces, many celebrities in the audience including Tom Poston, Sam Levenson, Selma Diamond, Jack Haskell and Max Asnas of the Stage Delicatessen. Jose Melies plays all of the familiar theme songs associated with Jack Paar. Hugh Downs reads excerpts for Abel Green's column "Variety' about the show and Jack.  Alexander King, and Buddy Hackett are live guests. On film Hugh Downs introduces good bye salutations from George Burns, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Richad M. Nixon, Tallulah Bankhead, Joey Bishop, Robert Morley, Nipsey Russell, and Rev. Dr. Billy Graham. . In Jack's last monologue he reminisces about his feuds with Walter Winchell, Dorothy Kilgallen and Ed Sullivan.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Johnny Carson hosts this tongue-in cheek survey of some current brands of humor, spotlighting Carson,Buddy Hackett,
Mata and Hari, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Kay Stevens and Dr. Joyce Brothers, who explains why people laugh.                                      

    September 21, 1962- September 10, 1965  

Jack's guests include singer Sally Ann Howes who sings, "Another Time, Another Place," following Paar's monologue, with topics discussed including the current newspaper strike, shopping for Christmas gifts, past Christmas remembrances, and  shopping for his his wife of 19 years, Miriam. 

 Vaughn Meader does a selection from his record "The  First Family," and discusses his career with Jack. Vaughn then takes questions from the audience. Buddy Hackett explains to Jack the origins of Hanukkah and recollects his early childhood...anecdotes related to his mother, and his early challenging efforts to get into show business. Buddy discusses his just completed film "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World." 

 Jack narrates, (score by orchestra leader Jose Melis) films showing Christmas Eve in Jerusalem, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Moscow, London and Rome. 

After leaving the TONIGHT SHOW end of March 1962, Paar returned to TV via a prime time Friday night variety series.  Jonathan Winters, who appeared on scores of Paar Tonight Shows, returned as a frequent guest as well as Alexander King, and others. Jose Melis returned to lead the orchestra.                                                                               

October 1, 1962 - March 29, 1963

Excerpts from two programs. Jan. 31, 1963 comic & impressionist, Adam Keefe. Feb. 1, 1963 Merv Griffin's guests are Edward Everett Horton, Buddy Hackett and Bobby Breen. Mrs. Miller tells a joke to Merv who also plays the piano. 

NOTE: All but one of the 120 NBC Daytime THE MERV GRIFFIN SHOW broadcasts are NOT know to exist. The one extant...Danny Kaye appearing November 9, 1962.  However, Phil Gries founder of ARCHIVAL TELEVISION AUIDO, INC. is personally responsible for audio taping 35 of these shows direct line on to 1/4" audio tape, historically remaining the only broadcast record.                                                                   

   September 21, 1963 - September 10, 1965

  Complete broadcast with commercials. Paar opening monologue followed by guests, Buddy Hackett, Genevieve and Senor Wences.              

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 1970s, 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 welcomes guests Myron Cohen and Buddy Hackett.            

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.

Dupe of # 1229                        

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).   

Dupe Of # 1886. Repeat Of 9-15-66.                        

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).  

Dupe Of # 1928                        

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).

This is a partial broadcast. Dupe Of # 1940.                         

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: Buddy Hackett, Jack E. Leonard, Bess Myerson, Kole and Param.

Saturday night broadcast, originally aired on March 13th, 1969.                        

October 1, 1962-March 29, 1963 (NBC); 1965-1969 (Syndicated); August 18, 1969-February 11, 1972 (CBS); 1972-1986 (Syndicated).

Guests: Bob Hope, Buddy Hackett. 

Host: Merv Griffin.                                                                           

Zsa Zsa Gabor is the target for some kidding by roasters Buddy Hackett, Donald O'Connor, Charles Nelson Reilly, Ruth Buzzi, Corbett Monica, Donna Fargo, Mel Tillis and comedian Lonnie Schorr. Dean Martin is roastmaster.   


Duplicate of # 2105.                                     

Milton Berle serves as Master Of Ceremonies for this salute to Steve Allen, celebrating 25 years on television. One of the pioneers of early television.    

Dick Tufeld-Announcer.                                 

October 15, 1973-January 28, 1982. 

This broadcast features a discussion on how to give a Hollywood party. 

An hour-long talk show hosted by Tom Snyder. Network television's first entry into late-late-night programming on weeknights Monday thru Thursday, usually broadcasting on tape 1 AM to 2 AM. "Tomorrow" was expanded to 90 minutes on September 16, 1980. 

Originally, telecast in late January 1974,  Tom Snyder plays host, on location, to four different party entrepreneur  experts in their field.
Edie Steinmetz known as the "Dove Lady," provides doves at parities. 

Harry Finely is discusses the variety of elaborate flowers
used at a Hollywood Party which can cost up to $30,000...as seen at the wedding of Kathy and Dean Martin. Other celebrities Harry has had as clients include Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and  Kirk Douglas. 

Phil Scully known as the "Chef To The Stars" discusses with Tom, a personal friend, the "Queen Mary Buffet," and mentions  favorite foods requested by  past clients, Barbra Streisand, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Elizabeth Taylor. 

Marcia  Lehr joins Tom discussing her exquisite elaborate invitations she creates by hand and silk screen. Her clients include Del Webb, Buddy Hackett, Berry Gordy, and Sammy Davis Jr.
  
And Bernie Richards rounds out the party who provides music for all festive occasions. He mentions to Snyder a number of funny anecdotes he has experienced and the types of music currently requested today. 

Commercials included in this program. They include Dick Van Dyke and  Bill Cosby speaking for the Red Cross, Vikki Carr for Christmas Seals, and Johnny Carson discussing the importance of doctor checkups for high blood pressure. 

NOTE: One of the earliest original TOMORROW SHOW complete broadcasts extant in any broadcast form, originally televised, January 1974.
.                                       

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 guests are Roy Rogers, Buddy Hackett, Pam Grier, and Linda Turgeon.                                      

Daytime- April 1st, 1974- October 1st, 1976
Syndicated- September 9th, 1974- September 1975
Syndicated- September 20th, 1976- September 1977
Announcers: Bill Armstrong, Dick Tufeld, John Harlan

A game show involving two contestants, six celebrities, and the studio audience. Frequently seen on the celebrity panel were Carol Wayne, Buddy Hackett, Dick Martin, and Joey Bishop. 

Host: Jim McKrell. Very few episodes of this quiz show survive.
                                                                                                                                                       

Daytime- April 1st, 1974- October 1st, 1976
Syndicated- September 9th, 1974- September 1975
Syndicated- September 20th, 1976- September 1977
Announcers: Bill Armstrong, Dick Tufeld, John Harlan

A game show involving two contestants, six celebrities, and the studio audience. Frequently seen on the celebrity panel were Carol Wayne, Buddy Hackett, Dick Martin, and Joey Bishop. 

Host: Jim McKrell. Very few episodes of this quiz show survive.
                                                                                                                                                                    

April 12, 1976 - July 23, 1976 (76 first run episodes)
September 18, 1976 - February 26, 1977 (19 first run episodes)
(Re-runs beginning in February 29, 1977 to September 11, 1977)

Break the Bank had two separate runs on American television. The first was as a daily series that aired from April 12 to July 23, 1976, on ABC, airing at 2:30 p.m. Eastern/1:30 Central. Although the series was popular, the network canceled it in order to expand the soap operas One Life to Live and General Hospital, both of which followed it on the daytime schedule, from 30 minutes to 45 minutes. The show quickly returned as a weekly syndicated game from September 18, 1976, to September 11, 1977.

The ABC daytime series had 76 episodes, including the 3/23 and 5/20 pilots. The syndicated series had 24 episodes with 5 of them being rerun. The last episode for the entire series was on February 26, 1977, with reruns airing until September 11th of that year. In 1994, GSN added Break the Bank to their lineup. This continued until 1997, and since then, no episodes from the series have been broadcast on television again. Currently, 17 episodes from the original Tom Kennedy series and 3 episodes from the syndicated Jack Barry series have been uploaded and steam on YouTube.    

NOTE: Complete with commercials.                                                                                                                                                               

A salute to Hollywood stuntmen and women.

Host: Lee Marvin