10-06 1959-5-31-60 1960 (NBC)
Hour-long comedy/variety series sponsored by the Ford Motor Company. Startime is an anthology series of drama, comedy, and variety. A total of 33 episodes were produced with Dean Martin hosting two of them. It was also referred to as "Ford Startime." It was one of the first shows to broadcast in color.
Dean Martin Bob Hope and an extended incomplete routine skit with Mae West, as Dean hurriedly says goodbye to Bob as he prepares to welcome expecting date, Mae to his apartment where each exchange some very ribald innuendo dialog. Dean suggests that Mae make herself comfortable as they discuss current television shows. There is an attraction to one another as Dean suggests they sing a duet, "I Can't Give You Anything But Love." Mae takes it literally with a typical Mae West one liner.
NOTE: Unfortunately, the original off air tape recording ends without the duet number recorded. However, the little bit of humorous exchange as noted above is priceless as Mae West's only example of appearing on a TV Variety show, in a skit, in her career.
