Search Results

#5904: THREE FOR TONIGHT

1955-06-22, WCBS, 54 min.

The three leads from the production of the Broadway musical revue star in this television adaptation. Complete broadcast. Has slight hum.

#10467: WHAT'S MY LINE?

Order

1958-11-16, WCBS, 4 min.

February 2nd, 1950-September 3rd, 1967 (CBS)
1968-1975- Syndicated

Television's longest-running primetime game show. The panelists would try and guess the occupation of the contestant. Cards would be flipped worth $5.00 each. If the panel could not guess the contestant's line of walk after $50.00 was reached, the contestant would be declared the winner. The final contestant would always be a mystery guest who was known to the public, with the panel wearing blindfolds. Some of the panelists over the years included Bennett Cerf, Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, Steve Allen, and Fred Allen. John Daly was the show's host for its entire seventeen-year network run. The show's final episode aired on Sunday, September 3rd, 1967 with host John Daly appearing as the mystery guest. The show returned in syndication with the same format in 1968 with Wally Bruner as the host. He was replaced by Larry Blyden in 1972. Blyden remained the host until 1975 when the show ceased production. Blyden died in 1975 after suffering injuries from a car accident.

Mystery Guest: Harry Belafonte.

Host: John Daly.

#11742: BELL TELEPHONE HOUR, THE: "ADVENTURES IN MUSIC"

Order

1959-01-12, WNBC, 25 min.

January 12, 1959-April 26, 1968. This musical series ran semi regularly 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. 

"Adventures In Music" is the first in a series of monthly musical hours with name stars performing. 
Tonight: Harry Belafonte; operatic soprano Renata Tebaldi; duo pianists Gold and Fizdale; The New York City Ballet; and The Bell Telephone Orchestra conducted by Donald Voorhees.

Highlights:

"Try To Remember,"- Harry Belafonte 
"Whose Gonna Be Your Man"- Harry Belafonte 
Renata Tebaldi sings-"Un Bel Di"

Premiere Episode

#21: READING OUT LOUD WITH JACKIE ROBINSON

Order

1960-05-01, WNTA, 4 min.

February 7 - May 15, 1960 (Sundays 2:30-3:00pm)

READING OUT LOUD was a filmed series comprised of 15 shows. Famous people read favorite literary selections aloud to a small group of children, often relatives of the reader.

Jackie Robinson recites the Gettysburg Address to his son David Robinson, daughter Sharon Robinson and wife Rachel Robinson.

NOTE: Letter dated Feb. 26, 2008, sent by Rachel Robinson, related to this TV Audio Air Check recorded off the air by Phil Gries on May 1, 1960.

THE JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION
One Hudson Square
75 Varick Street
New York, NY 10013

February 26, 2008

Phil Gries
Archival Television Audio, Inc.
209 Sea Cliff Avenue
Sea Cliff, NY 11579

Dear Phil,

My apologies for the long delay in responding to your kindness in sending me the exciting television audio air check of "Reading Out Loud" the TV program where Jack read the Gettysburg Address. The Jackie Robinson Foundation has moved and we are still locating material sent to us as we reorganize the archives.

I listened to the tape with ABSOLUE AMAZEMENT and DELIGHT. Sharon and I remember vividly the family trip to Washington, and we have one photo taken on that occasion. Unfortunately, I do not have any memory of the recording session.

It is thrilling for us to hear Jackie's reading of this profound speech, and we shall cherish and preserve it in our archives. Most importantly, we will share it with our visitors to the Jackie Robinson Museum now being designed.

Phil, I am deeply grateful to you for this historic gift, and we will appropriately attribute it's preservation to you.

Sincerely,

Rachel Robinson

cc: Della Britton Baeza
Len Coleman

In 1960, Virginia Winslow Hopper Mathews created the children's TV series Reading Out Loud with Westinghouse Broadcasting executive Mike Santangelo. Produced by Westinghouse for syndication, the show featured notable figures reading aloud their favorite books to children. It debuted February 7, 1960 on the five TV stations owned by Westinghouse in Baltimore, Boston, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco. READING OUT LOUD also opened on WNTA-TV, prior it becoming a Public Television Station (WNET-TV) in New York City and 46 educational TV stations around the U.S. It ran as a half-hour show for 15 episodes.

The following is a list of READING OUT LOUD guest appearances detailing the 15 broadcasts aired, and the dates when they were broadcast.

-First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (reading Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling to a group of children)-March 13, 1960.

-Actress Julie Harris (reading selections from Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in The Willows")-May 8, 1960.

-Actor José Ferrer (reading Huckleberry Finn)-March 20, 1960.

-Brooklyn Dodger baseball player (1947-1956) Jackie Robinson (reading excerpts from Stephen Crane's "The Red Badge of Courage" & Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" to his family)-May 1, 1960.

-Entertainer Garry Moore (reading The Legend of Sleepy Hollow)-Feb. 28, 1960.

-Novelist Pearl S. Buck (reading Chinese fables)-April 17, 1960.

-Actor Cyril Ritchard (reading "Alice in Wonderland")-Feb. 14 or 21(?)1960.

-Singer/actor/activist Harry Belafonte (reading a collection of Jamaican folk tale about Anansi the Spider Man)-April 10, 1960.

-Senator John F. Kennedy (reading The Emergence of Lincoln)-March 27, 1960.

-Pulitzer Prize poet and author, Archibald MacLeish (reading poems of Walter de la Mare to his grandchildren)-Feb. 7, 1960

-Stage Actress Eva Le Gallienne (reading Hans Christian Anderson's "The Ugly Duckling.")-March 6, 1960.

-Vice President Richard M. Nixon (reading Carl Sandburg's "Abe Lincoln Grows Up" to his daughter Julie and her friends)-April 3, 1960.

-UCLA English Professor / TV Educator Dr. Frank Baxter (reading the poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.")-April 24, 1960.

-Industrialist Charles H. Percy (reading from James Daugherty's "Poor Richard" to his children)-May 15, 1960.

-Actor Richard Boone (reading Bret Harte's story "How Santa Claus Came to Simpson's Bar.")-February 21, 1960.

#6977C: BELAFONTE...NEW YORK 19, N.Y.

Order

1960-11-20, CBS, 48 min.

   This video taped SPECIAL presentation centers around Manhattan's theater district. Hosted by Harry Belafonte, the program features jazz singer Gloria Lynne, John Lewis and the Modern Jazz quartet; the Contemporary String Quartet, and Herb Levy and his penny whistle.

#902: A 1960'S RADIO BROADCAST ADDITION: MEET THE ARTIST: AN EVENING WITH HARRY BELAFONTE AT CARNEGIE HALL

Order

1961-00-00, WABC, 58 min.

MEET THE ARTIST  a weekly broadcast with host Don Lowe spotlighting a different entertainer each week. 

Highlights from April 15, 1959 and May 2, 1960 Carnegie Hall benefit performances by Harry Belafonte with host Don Lowe presiding on the ABC Radio Network.  

 We hear over 15 different songs by Harry Belafonte as well and his anecdotal and direct conversation with his Carnegie Hall audience.

#6959: JOHN F. KENNEDY INAUGURAL GALA

Order

1961-01-19, N/A, 174 min.

Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford star-studded gala and party fundraiser staged at the national Armory in Washington DC on the night before JFK's formal inauguration.

#13568: EMMY AWARDS, 13TH PRIMETIME, THE

Order

1961-05-16, NBC, min.

Dick Powell and Joey Bishop are the hosts for the 13th Primetime Emmy Awards held in the Moulin Rogue Nightclub in Los Angeles, California.   

NOTE: Not Complete. Some abrupt continuity at times.

#11627: BELL TELEPHONE HOUR, THE: "OPENING NIGHT"

Order

1961-09-29, WNBC, 60 min.

January 12, 1959-April 26, 1968. This musical series ran semi regularly 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. 

Guests: The American Ballet Theater, Rosemary Clooney, Harry Belafonte, Eddie Condon and his Jazz Combo, Richard Tucker, Dorothy Collins, Reyes Fernandez, Anna Moffo, Lupe Serrano, Art Ferrante, and Lou Teicher.

#1331: BELL TELEPHONE HOUR: OPENING NIGHT, THE

Order

1961-09-29, 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.

#13743: CELEBRITY TALENT SCOUTS

Order

1962-08-25, CBS, 30 min.

A summer replacement series hosted by
Sam Levenson in 1960,
August 1- September 26,

Jim Backus in 1962,
February 3, - September 11,

Merv Griffin in 1963,
July 2, - September 17, 

Art Linkletter in 1965, (ONE HOUR series)
June 22, - September 7.

Art Linkletter later hosted the program as a mid-season replacement for the Steve Lawrence Show, again in a one-hour format, titled Art Linkletter's Hollywood Talent Scouts from December 20, 1965 - September 5, 1966.   

Scouts include Allen and Rossi, Jack E. Leonard, and Harry Belafonte. 

Host: Jim Backus

#19268: ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE

Order

1963-00-00, WCBS, 10 min.

June 20, 1948-June 6, 1971. Television's longest-running variety show ran on Sunday nights for twenty-three years. Its host, Ed Sullivan.  

Guests:Jack Carter, Harry Belafonte.         

Joined in progress. 

Songs: "Scarlet Ribbons" "Joy, Joy, Joy."

#L11647: BELL TELEPHONE HOUR, THE

Order

1963-04-11, WNBC, 52 min.

January 12, 1959-April 26, 1968. This was the final broadcast of the season. 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.

Musical variety featuring Harry Belafonte singing several songs, New York City Ballet dancers do a pas de trots frommGeorge Balanchine's "Paquita." Soprano Birgit Nilsson performs arias, and classical guitarist Andres Segovia plays three selections.




Duplicate of #1345.

#11647: BELL TELEPHONE HOUR, THE

Order

1963-04-11, WNBC, 52 min.

January 12, 1959-April 26, 1968. This was the final broadcast of the season. 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.

Musical variety featuring Harry Belafonte singing several songs, New York City Ballet dancers do a pas de trots from George Balanchine's "Paquita." Soprano Birgit Nilsson performs arias, and classical guitarist Andres Segovia plays three selections.

Guests: Harry Belafonte, The Belafonte Folk Singers, Patricia McBride, Patricia Wilde, Andres Segovia, Birgit Nilsson, Edward Villella, The New York City Ballet Dancers. 


Announcer: Mel Brandt.

Duplicate of #1345.

#1345: BELL TELEPHONE HOUR, THE

Order

1963-04-11, WNBC, 52 min.

January 12, 1959-April 26, 1968. This was the final broadcast of the season. 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.

#14276: CIVIL RIGHTS MARCH ON WASHINGTON, THE

Order

1963-08-28, VARIED, 150 min.

SPECIAL REPORTS RECORDED ARE INTERLACED IN THESE AUDIO AIR CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE DAY, STATIONS INTERRUPTING REGULAR PROGRAMMING, IN REAL TIME, AS EVENTS OCCUR. BROADCAST HEARD FROM WINS RADIO NEWS, ABC TELEVISION, WNBC RADIO, AND NBC TELEVISION. COVERAGE BEGINS AT 9:30 AM EASTERN STANDARD TIME.

On the day of this unprecedented extraordinary March on Washington, an estimated quarter of a million demonstrators planned to gather a the Washington Monument in the nation's capital. People from all walks of life and distances are taking part in a Jobs and Freedom March sponsored by six major civil-rights groups in the country. their goal: "A massive, peaceful and democratic demonstration as evidence of he need for the Federal government to take action on civil rights."

Howard K. Smith and Richard Bates report at the Lincoln Memorial. Ed Silverman reports on the parade march passing the White House, describing different groups who are marching. Jackie Robinson is heard...reports regarding the strength of the crowd now reaching 100,000 people...Eli Abel reports. Robert McCormack reports on Marian Anderson, singer. Advertisements for Freedom Land and the new Jerry Lewis show, and The Sunday Night Movie are heard.

Frank McGee reports on the crowds as they reach the Lincoln Memorial. Ray Scherer at the Lincoln Memorial waiting for leaders to arrive anticipates the program will start at 1:30 pm. He describes details of the program. Martin Agronsky reports and interviews Norman Thomas of the Socialist Party, who praises the March. Richard Bates interviews Burt Lancaster. ABC NEWS journalist Lisa Howard interviews James Baldwin at the Washington Monument. He states that this day is a turning point, and that "Americans will grow up." Report on the many buses arriving with people who are heard singing, "We Shall Overcome." At 11:20 am an up to the hour report from Jim Groden.

Russ Ward interviews Marlon Brando at the Lincoln Memorial (recorded earlier). Joe Michaels reports observations from a Mobile Unit during drive around the surrounding area of Washington D.C. Dick Gregory speaks to the crowd. Bob Dylan, Joan Baez sing the spiritual song, "Hold ON." Burt Lancaster at the microphone..."The hour which we came approaches." He reads a scroll consisting of 1,500 supporters of the March. Announcements of the names of the speakers who will preside shortly are stated. Introduction of Harry Belafonte who reads some of the names on the scroll, including Marlon Brando, Tony Franciosa, Sammy Davis Jr., Steve Cochran, Robert Ryan, Sidney PoitIer, Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, Paul Newman, Charlton Heston, Lena Horne, Ruby Dee, others.

Harry Belafonte reads the pledge in its entirety, called "FREEDOM FOR ALL-THE AMERICAN DREAM." Marlon Brando is interviewed and states that "...all of us have been remiss in not voicing out..." On the podium Philip Randolph speaks, and introduces Camilla Williams who sings the National Anthem. Invocation by Patrick O'Doyle who states, "This is the largest demonstration in the history of this nation." Additional reports from different stations. Miss Daisy Bates gives a special award to Rosa Parks. Walter Reuther speaks, as well as Floyd McKissick, National Chairman of the Congress of Racial Equality...speaking for James Farmer who is in prison.

Senator Strom Thurmond from South Carolina voices his opinions...thinks that the March on Washington is unnecessary!

Howard K. Smith gives a commentary. Richard Bates reports, stating that the rally should wind up at around 4:40 pm. Freedom song is heard, "Freedom is Worth Shouting About." Mahalia Jackson sings a song requested by Dr. Martin Luther King, "I've Been Duped and I've Been Scared." A. Philip Randolph speaks abut the movement and those individuals whom have been devoted to the cause. Introduction of "moral leader of our nation," Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who gives his iconic 16 minute "I Have a Dream" speech.

#14276B: MARCH ON WASHINGTON, THE

Order

1963-08-28, WGBH, 900 min.

THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM - 1963 LIVE BROADCAST FROM THE EDUCATIONAL RADIO NETWORK (ERN).

This 15 hour treasure of archived programming, retained by WGBH, has been processed, refined, improved with continuity (extraneous master material eliminated), by Phil Gries.

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was originally broadcast live across the Educational Radio Network (known as ERN, a precursor to NPR which established itself in 1971) on August 28, 1963. The coverage began at 9am and continued for 15 uninterrupted hours, until Midnight. The live broadcast was heard on 89.7 WGBH Boston Public Radio, a member of the network and an active participant in the broadcast.

INCLUDED IN THE DAYS EVENTS AND RECORDED:

9am-10am-Introduction by anchor George Geesey, who reports from various locations by ERN staff. Pre-program entertainment from the stage at the Washington Monument grounds.

10am-11am-Interviews with participants, music from the stage Joan Baez, Peter, Paul & Mary, and Odetta. Segment also includes various interviews including with George W. Goodman, clergy from Acton, Mass., and an update from police headquarters.

11am-Noon-Bob Dylan sings. Comments from Bayard Rustin, Jackie Robinson. President John F Kennedy press conference clips, various on-the-spot interviews with marchers.

Noon to 1:00pm-Reports of the actual March, along with pre-recorded "reflections" on the meaning of the march by Roy Wilkins. Pre-recorded interview with John A. Volpe, former Massachusetts governor. Interview with Norman Thomas.

1:00pm-2:00pm-Interview with Marlon Brando. Pre-recorded interviews with Senator Paul Douglas (D-IL), Senator Kenneth Keating (R-NY), Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Josephine Baker, Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Dr Ralph Bunche, and Dick Gregory. Bob Dylan sings Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Len Chandler and Stuart Scharf sing, "Keep Your Eyes On The Prize." Interviews with Burt Lancaster and Harry Belafonte.

2:00pm-4:15pm - THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF THE MARCH:

Camilla Williams sings The National Anthem.
A. Philip Randolph introduction.
Daisy Bates speaks.
Dr. Eugene Carson Blake remarks.
Marion Anderson sings.
John Lewis speaks.
Walter Reuther remarks.
James Farmer (imprisoned) remarks read by Floyd McKissick).
Eva Jessye Choir perform.
Whitney Young remarks.
Roy Wilkins speaks
Mahalia Jackson sings.
Rabbi Joachim Prinz remarks.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. introduction by A. Philip Randolph.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks.
Bayard Rustin reads demands.
A. Philip Randolph reads pledge.
Dr. Benjamin E Mays of Morehouse College gives closing benediction.

4:15pm-5:30pm-Demonstrators leaving, clean-up logistics, singing replays of Bayard Rustin reading the list of demands and A. Philip Randolph reading the march pledge, pre-recorded comments by James Farmer, recorded interview with Senator Hubert Humphrey, recorded report with G. Mennen Williams, pre-recorded report form Voice of America reporter Robert Rodden, Isaiah Minkoff interview, follow-up on earlier report of food poisoning pre-recorded statement from Louis Fox.

5:30pm-6:30pm-Commentaries on the march, problems of dispersal, pre-recorded telephone interview with Arthur Miller, live interview with Thomas Adel Queener (Ghana), discussion with psychiatrists Dr. Frank Abram Hale and Dr. Elizabeth Davis, press conference on White House meeting of top 10 march leaders with President John F. Kennedy.

6:30pm-7;00pm-Myron Spencer reports the news "Backgrounds." Myron Spence, director of the graduate school of business at Northeastern University with guest Dr. William C Kvaraceus, director of youth studies at the Lincoln Filenes Center and professor of education at Tufts University.

7:00pm-9:00pm-WGBH's Bill Cavness introduces excerpts from the afternoon's official ceremony from the Lincoln Memorial.

9:00pm-10:30pm-Panel discussion on the implications of the Freedom March on Washington. Moderator Geoffrey Godsell, editorial writer for The Christian Science Monitor, with his guests, Heywood Burns, author of "The Voices of Negro Protest in America", William Higgs, civil rights consultant and representative of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee on the Leadership Conference of Civil Rights, and William Goldsmith, assistant professor of politics at Brandies University.

10:30pm-11:00pm-Reflections on The March by ERN reporters who covered it. Anchor George Geesey with Malcolm Davis, Arnold Shaw, Al Hulsen, Cal Mositer, Jeff Giley, and David Edwards. Bob Medgar Evers, Charles P. McLean, director of public relations for the E.O. Elks, and Massachusetts Attorney General, Edward Brook.

11:00-Midnight- One hour WGBH News retrospective.

NOTE: The original archived complete 15 hour broadcast was recorded on 10 reels of 1/4" tape. WGBH took the lead related to coverage, though it was basically hosted out of Washington, D.C. This affiliate station was more stable than many of the others which were run mostly by college students.

There are many compromised audio issues in the archived reels. Performances on stage in many cases were recorded at much lower volumes and many speeches were recorded "off mike." Similar issues related to the volume exist when reporters at the scene are talking and then vast changes in volume are heard when switching to anchors who would report on follow up details and the dissemination of events that were happening and scheduled to occur.

The original recordings in some cases were poorly recorded in the first place at the time of the live broadcast. Whomever was controlling the sound mix of the varied broadcast audio feeds allowed, at times, for the ambiance of the crowd to overpower a performer on stage.

There existed at the time during transfers, dubbing, etc. other recording issues related to the archived tapes themselves which created level inconsistencies. Also, it must be remembered that THE EDUCATIONAL RADIO NETWORK at that time were comprised of NOT seasoned and experienced professionals like some of the other personnel employees working at the major networks.

Many of the above issues, related above, have been improved by Phil Gries after many hours of equalizing and remastering the entire broadcast. What now exists as archived at Archival Television Audio, Inc.is the best version known to exist.

#14276C: CIVIL RIGHTS MARCH ON WASHINGTON, THE

Order

1963-08-28, VARIED, 46 min.

14276C: CIVIL RIGHTS MARCH ON WASHINGTON, THE
Order
1963-08-28, , 46 min.
Anthony Quinn
Frank McGee
Jackie Robinson
Martin Agronsky
Howard K. Smith
Lena Horne
Dick Gregory
Charlton Heston
Paul Newman
Burt Lancaster
Marlon Brando
Robert Ryan
Ray Scherer
Ed Silverman
Gregory Peck
Sammy Davis Jr.
Tony Franciosa
Harry Belafonte
Marian Anderson
Bob Dylan
James Baldwin
Camilla Williams
Martin Luther King
Roy Wilkins
Lisa Howard
James Farmer
Strom Thurmond
Richard Bates
Eil Abel
Robert McCormack
Norman Thomas
Jim Groden
Russ Ward
Joe Michaels
Steve Cochran
Sidney Poitier
Ruby Dee
Patrick O'Doyle
Daisy Bates
Rosa Parks
Floyd McKissick
Walter Reuther
A. Philip Randolph

*Highlights
from ATA #14276 which runs 150 minutes.
Some of the names notated here may be omitted from this condensed version which runs 46 minutes.

SPECIAL REPORTS RECORDED ARE INTERLACED IN THESE AUDIO AIR CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE DAY, STATIONS INTERRUPTING REGULAR PROGRAMMING, IN REAL TIME, AS EVENTS OCCUR. BROADCAST HEARD FROM WINS RADIO NEWS, WABC TELEVISION, WNBC RADIO, AND NBC TELEVISION. COVERAGE BEGINS AT 9:30 AM EASTERN STANDARD TIME.

*Highlights
from ATA #14276 which runs 150 minutes.
Some of the names notated here may be omitted from this condensed version which runs 46 minutes.

SPECIAL REPORTS RECORDED ARE INTERLACED IN THESE AUDIO AIR CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE DAY, STATIONS INTERRUPTING REGULAR PROGRAMMING, IN REAL TIME, AS EVENTS OCCUR. BROADCAST HEARD FROM WINS RADIO NEWS, ABC TELEVISION, WNBC RADIO, AND NBC TELEVISION. COVERAGE BEGINS AT 9:30 AM EASTERN STANDARD TIME.

On the day of this unprecedented, extraordinary March on Washington, an estimated quarter of a million demonstrators planned to gather at the Washington Monument in the nation's capital. People from all walks of life and distances are taking part in a Jobs and Freedom March sponsored by six major civil-rights groups in the country. their goal: "A massive, peaceful and democratic demonstration as evidence of he needs for the Federal government to take action on civil rights."

Howard K. Smith and Richard Bates report at the Lincoln Memorial. Ed Silverman reports on the parade march passing the White House, describing different groups who are marching. Jackie Robinson is heard...reports regarding the strength of the crowd now reaching 100,000 people...Eli Abel reports. Robert McCormack reports on Marian Anderson, singer. Advertisements for Freedom Land and the new Jerry Lewis show, and The Sunday Night Movie are heard.

Frank McGee reports on the crowds as they reach the Lincoln Memorial. Ray Scherer at the Lincoln Memorial waiting for leaders to arrive anticipates the program will start at 1:30 pm. He describes details of the program. Martin Agronsky reports and interviews Norman Thomas of the Socialist Party, who praises the March. Richard Bates interviews Burt Lancaster. ABC NEWS journalist Lisa Howard interviews James Baldwin at the Washington Monument. He states that this day is a turning point, and that "Americans will grow up." Report on the many buses arriving with people who are heard singing, "We Shall Overcome." At 11:20 am an up to the hour report from Jim Groden.

Russ Ward interviews Marlon Brando at the Lincoln Memorial (recorded earlier). Joe Michaels reports observations from a Mobile Unit during drive around the surrounding area of Washington D.C. Dick Gregory speaks to the crowd. Bob Dylan, Joan Baez sing the spiritual song, "Hold ON." Burt Lancaster at the microphone..."The hour which we came approaches." He reads a scroll consisting of 1,500 supporters of the March. Announcements of the names of the speakers who will preside shortly are stated. Introduction of Harry Belafonte who reads some of the names on the scroll, including Marlon Brando, Tony Franciosa, Sammy Davis Jr., Steve Cochran, Robert Ryan, Sidney PoitIer, Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, Paul Newman, Charlton Heston, Lena Horne, Ruby Dee, others. Harry
Belafonte reads the pledge in its entirety, called "FREEDOM FOR ALL-THE AMERICAN DREAM." Marlon Brando is interviewed and states that "...all of us have been remiss in not voicing out..." On the podium Philip Randolph speaks, and introduces Camilla Williams who sings the National Anthem. Invocation by Patrick O'Doyle who sates, "This is the largest demonstration in the history of this nation." Additional reports from different stations. Miss Daisy Bates gives a special award to Rosa Parks. Walter Reuther speaks, as well as Floyd McKissick, National Chairman of the Congress of Racial Equality...speaking for James Farmer who is in prison.

Senator Strom Thurmond from South Carolina voices his opinions...thinks that the March on Washington is unnecessary!

Howard K. Smith gives a commentary. Richard Bates reports, stating that the rally should wind up at around 4:40 pm. Freedom song is heard, "Freedom is Worth Shouting About." Mahalia Jackson sings a song requested by Dr. Martin Luther King, "I've Been Duped, and I've Been Scared." A. Philip Randolph speaks about the movement and those individuals who have been devoted to the cause. Introduction of "moral leader of our nation," Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who gives his iconic 16 minute "I Have a Dream" speech.

#14279: ''AMERICAN REVOLUTION OF '63 THE"

Order

1963-09-02, NBC, min.

A three-hour report on the current battle for civil rights and its historical background. Included are interviews with black leaders Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr, Malcolm X, Roy Wilkens, A. Philip Randolph, Harry Belafonte, and Jackie Robinson. Also appearing are Governor George Wallace, Governor Nelson Rockefeller, Orval Faubus, Bruce Catton, George Romney, and William Scranton. Also heard is Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett. An Emmy nominee as "Program Of The Year.". 

Heard is a promo for the NBC Huntley-Brinkley report. Promotion of new half-hour report.

#639: ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE

Order

1964-03-29, WCBS, 27 min.

Ed Sullivan's performing guests are the Kessler Twins, Jack Carter, and Harry Belafonte.

#11663: BELL TELEPHONE HOUR, THE

Order

1964-05-19, 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.

Guests: Harry Belafonte and The Belafonte Singers, Bandleader Woody Herman, Metropolitan Opera star, George London,and pianist Grant Johannesen.

Announcer: Mel Brandt 

Duplicate of #1364

#1364: BELL TELEPHONE HOUR, THE

Order

1964-05-19, 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.

#693: LES CRANE SHOW, THE NEW

Order

1964-08-03, WABC, 62 min.

The Premiere Pilot show on National Nighttime ABC Television is broadcast. Les Crane's guests include Harry Belafonte, Ricardo Montalban, Robert Preston, Celeste Holm and Mel Brooks, who does a satirical recap of tonight's broadcast.

Television History of the LES CRANE SHOW

September 16, 1963 - July 31, 1964 (WABC N.Y.)
August 3 - 8, 1964 (ABC)
November 9, 1964 - February 26, 1965 (ABC)
June 28, 1965 - October 22, 1965 (Nightlife ABC)
January 15, 1968 - September 6, 1968 (WNEW N.Y.)

Debut of program was September 16, 1963. For the first month the title of the telecast was NIGHT LINE...LES CRANE. Beginning on October 22, 1963 the title was changed to THE LES CRANE SHOW.

These late night LIVE broadcasts were aired Monday thru Friday. on local station WABC New York. Beginning December 6, 1963 late night broadcasts aired Tuesday thru Saturday. Also, another time slot opened for Crane with a similar format airing on WABC in the afternoon...a one hour version broadcast from 1:30-2:30pm, five days a week, and again returning to late night broadcasting usually 1am to 2:00am after the WABC late movie, THE BEST OF BROADWAY. This TALK SHOW / PHONE IN version of The Les Crane Show concluded its final broadcast on July 31, 1964.

On August 3, 4, 5, 6, & 8, 1964 THE NEW LES CRANE SHOW premiered...a five program trial rivaling Johnny Carson's TONIGHT SHOW. It was Nationally televised and it is considered the FIRST network talk show program to compete with THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON.

On November 9, 1964 THE LES CRANE SHOW premiered and aired regularly weeknights on the ABC network, opposite Johnny Carson's TONIGHT SHOW.
After 14 weeks, and low ratings, this series ended with its last telecast airing on February 26, 1965. Les Crane's late night network career was over, as a solo host, and never to be resumed Nationally.

ABC renamed their late night time slot NIGHTLIFE, premiering on March 1, 1965.This one hour forty five minute weekly late night talk series showcased guest hosts. This series run lasted four months, the last broadcast airing on June 25, 1965. Guest hosts included: Shelley Berman, Pat Boone, Jack Carter, Allan Sherman, Dave Garroway, Bill Cullen, William B. Williams (announcer of this series run), Eddy Arnold, Dale Robertson, Dick Shawn, Louis Nye, & Jan Murray.

Form June 28 to October 22, 1965 Les Crane returned to this time slot...the series title remaining, NIGHTLIFE. Les Crane no longer was a solo host. He co-hosted with Dave Garroway, and Nipsy Russell.

Two years later, Les Crane returned to local late night television appearing for eight months on WNEW channel 5 in New York 11:15pm - 12:15am from January 15, 1968 changing time slots on July 8, 1968, 11:45pm - 12:45pm. Final show aired on September 6, 1968, and it was the last time Les Crane would host a late night television talk show.

NOTE: A two hour radio broadcast profiling Les Crane, including TV Audio Air Check Crane highlights from the ATA archive can be listened to in its entirety. It appears on the ATA website under the link TV CONFIDENTIAL. The segment (SOUNDS OF LOST TELEVISION) was recorded in Pasadena California and aired in 2014 with host Ed Robertson, and guest Phil Gries.

NOTE: Most all of Les Crane's cumulative 26 months of broadcasting as a talk show host is today non-existent. Tapes were destroyed, erased and whereabouts unknown. The 27 LES CRANE SHOW television air checks archived in the Archival Television Audio, Inc. library is the largest collection known to exist of extant Les Crane broadcasts in the country.

Extant examples existing elsewhere include two broadcast kinescopes archived by The Paley Center for Media (one from 1967, and the other, a broadcast from January 31, 1968 titled "Rich Jews." There is archived at UCLA FILM & TV ARCHIVE four extant examples related to Les Crane, including a preserved 41:36 minute compilation demo/presentation kinescope reel with clips from the New Les Crane Show five night trial run (August 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 1964).

The content of what the UCLA Film & TV Archive's has related to the above programs include the first show with Les Crane introducing his show and Robert Preston (2:53), a bullfighting segment with Ricardo Montalbaum (6:32), a Jackie Robinson segment debating William F. Buckley with Shelley Winters on the panel (5:40),a Pamela Mason and Artie Shaw segment (3:50), a segment related to New York City cab drivers with Les Crane interviewing a number of them (5:59), guest Irving Schulman, Adela Rogers St.John and two other guests discussing the legendary actress Jean Harlow (4:18), a segment related to "Deathtraps related to playgrounds in New York" and interviewed comments from women on the street (3:11), an in studio interview segment with Marguerite Oswald, mother of Lee Harvey Oswald 4:14), and an in studio interview with Richard Burton and Les Crane sign off (6:03).

Of interest, as to the quality of the video and audio, it is noted many variations exist including tinny sound reproduction, at times, poor audio clarity, at times, echo effect, tinny effect, at times, occasional video glitches, dark, high contrast segments at times, overexposed ("milky") segments. at times.

UCLA compilation tape playback (41 minutes & 38 seconds) evaluation by Phil Gries after viewing:

1-Open of The New Les Crane Show 0:00-02:50
Audio tinny, and with some echo.
Poor to Medium sound quality.

2-Bull fighting segment 2:53-10:00 A pane discussion led by Ricardo Montalbaum and Celeste Holm.
Base audio, not very clear. Sound and video improve toward the end of the segment.

3-Jackie Robinson debate with William F. Buckley, with Shelley Winters supporting Robinson. !0:00-15:40.
Audio sounds like it was microphone recorded. Video with occasional glitches fairly good.

4-Pamela Mason and Artie Shaw segment. 15:40-19:10.
Audio base quality. Video only fair.

5-Segment profiling cab drivers shot exterior night. Les Crane interviews different cab drivers about Barry Goldwater running for President of the United States. 19:10-24:09.
Underexposed (dark) video. Audio fair.

6- Marguerite Oswald, mother of accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, is interviewed by Les Crane. He asks her if she thinks her son killed the president. 24:09-28:23.
Video contrast, but clean. Audio tinny (sounds as if recorded by microphone). Picture becomes more hazy toward the end with blacks more dispersed.

7- Guests Irving Schulman, Adela Rogers St. John and others, discuss actress Jean Harlow.
28:23-31:27.
Hazy video effect, noise heard on audio track.

8-Topic: "Deathtraps for playground in New York." Exterior night interviews of woman on the street commenting. 32:41-35:52.
Video very dark and with contrast. Audio tinny as if microphoned recorded.

9- Guest Richard Burton is interviewed in studio by Les Crane.
Among the topics are anecdotes by Burton related to actor Peter O'Tool. Crane thanks his audience at home and in the studio for viewing and signs off. 35:52 - 41:36.

NOTE: The Les Crane Show late night talk program on ABC during the 1964-65 television season pioneered a format of television later embraced by icon Phil Donahue, Crane fell to NBC’s The Tonight Show, a national brand with a decade of broadcasting tenure, proved its dominance. Donahue began his legendary career in Dayton in 1967, evolving into a daytime programming staple for nearly 30 years.

Les Crane’s daughter Caprice points out that her father used journalism to cover topics and people that others feared to explore. “He created the shotgun mike,” says Crane of her dad, who passed away in 2008. “He had guests who did not provide the typical fluff, for example, Malcolm X, Bob Dylan, and the mother of Lee Harvey Oswald. He had the first publicly gay man on his show. He was also an amazing listener who helped create a new television format that demanded more information for the listener.

The Les Crane Show didn’t last long because the person who tries the new thing always gets penalized. People are afraid of the unknown until it becomes mainstream.”

A renaissance media man for the second half of the 20th century, Crane held interests and influences beyond journalism. “My dad gave The Mamas and the Papas group its name,” reminds Caprice Crane. “Casey Kasem credited him with inventing the Top 40 radio format at KRLA. He also got into the computer business before it was big. His company was Software Tool Works, which produced the Chess Master computer program. He was always before his time.”

Crane’s innovative format allowed one of baseball’s biggest heroes, Jackie Robinson, to debate one of conservatism’s biggest allies, William F. Buckley. Nowhere on television in the mid-1960s could audiences see this type of television fodder. Unfortunately, The Les Crane Show fell victim to a common policy of television networks destroying tapes because of the shortsighted view that future generations would not be interested. How wrong they were.

#971: BELL TELEPHONE HOUR: GREAT MOMENTS, THE

Order

1965-04-27, WNBC, 52 min.

Bell Telephone Hour celebrates its silver anniversary with five "great moments" from previous broadcasts. Performers include Harry Belafonte, Maurice Chevalier, Robert Preston, Joan Sutherland and Clifford Curzon. Announcer is Mel Brandt.

#1827: DANNY KAYE SHOW, THE

Order

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.

#11565: DINAH SHORE SHOW, THE

Order

1965-09-15, ABC, 60 min.

November 27th, 1951-July 18th, 1957 (NBC)
October 20th, 1957- June 25th, 1962 (NBC)

From 1951 until 1957 Dinah Shore hosted a fifteen- minute musical show which was seen only once or twice a week before the NBC evening news. During the 1956-1957 TV Season, in addition to her 15-minute show, Dinah starred in a number of specials that were sponsored by Chevrolet broadcast on Sunday evenings.
The second series of television Specials was telecast as a one-hour variety show on Sunday Evenings, from 1957-1962.

Dinah's guests are Harry Belafonte and Sargent Shriver, director of the Peace Corp. On this musical salute to the Peace Corp, Harry Belafonte sings and dances "Mangwene Mpulele," a Swahili party song, Dinah sings in Iranian, Indian, Spanish, and Portuguese, and Harry and Dinah do a song written by Africans in Sierra Leone for volunteer Jim Sheahan.
Dinah and Harry both have a personal interest in the Peace Corp.
Dinah's nephew is a volunteer worker in Iran, and Harry is a member of the Corps National Advisory Council. Dania Krupska choreographed the numbers, featuring dancers and singers of ten nationalities. Lou Solomon wrote the script. Robert Emmett Dolan conducts the orchestra.

Highlights:

"Getting To Know You, "Shenandoah," "Manha de Carnaval,"- Dinah
"Blowin In The Wind,"- Harry Belafonte
"Eleven Cents An Hour," "Mr.Sheahan, Goodbye," "Bharat Mhata," "Bally Mena," "El Naranjero," "Planting Rice," "La Suliram,"-Dinah Shore, Harry Belafonte.

#5461: STROLLING '20s, THE

Order

1966-02-21, WCBS, 52 min.

Musical-variety, evoking the tempo, feeling and spirit of New York's Harlem in the 1920's.

#7415: STROLLING '20S, THE

Order

1966-02-21, WCBS, 00 min.

Musical-variety, evoking the tempo, feeling and spirit of New York's Harlem in the 1920's.  

Dupe Of Number 5461.

#6949A: ABC STAGE 67; A TIME FOR LAUGHTER

Order

1967-04-06, ABC, ?? min.

September 14, 1966 - May 11, 1967. A potpourri of assorted specials with no regular host. Included were variety, dramas, and occasional documentaries.


Produced by Harry Belafonte

#10273: TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE: SUBSTITUTE HOST, HARRY BELAFONE

Order

1968-02-05, NBC, 55 min.

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992.

In 1968, America was embroiled in protests over civil rights and the Vietnam War. In that tumultuous time, “The Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson turned over hosting duties for an entire week to actor and activist Harry Belafonte. His cast of guests included Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy, just months before they were assassinated, during a week that’s been mostly lost in American history.

NOTE: Only 51 total minutes related to all five 90 minute broadcasts survive as video (Dr. Martin Luther King, appearing on the fourth night, Singer, Leon Bibb singing "Suzanne," and Senator Robert F. Kennedy appearing on the first night...). All other programming was erased by NBC shortly after the airing of these five programs on color 2" Quad Video Tape. Archival Television Audio, Inc. has archived audio recordings, taped off the air during the first two broadcasts (Feb. 5, and Feb. 6, 1968) totaling 80 minutes, 59 minutes of which are unique...erased by NBC.

This first show of five consecutive broadcast nights. Joined in progress. Final few minutes are heard of Bill Cosby' "Noah" comedy routine. Bill joins Harry at the desk. Cosby talks about his upcoming TV Special. Belafone recounts story of Bill Cosby's early school days where he was labeled a "clown." His report card indicated that he would not amount to anything.

Senator Robert F. Kennedy is introduced. Harry Belafonte discusses many topics with the Senator, including Negro issues...poverty, current legislation, other. Kennedy states that there will be 70,000 fewer jobs this Summer, his meeting with Black Nationalists and their discontent with current governmental politics. There is a huge gap between the poor and the affluent in the USA. Also discussed is the war in Viet Nam. No hate for President Lyndon Johnson and optimism that America will be successful with its commitment in the Viet Nam conflict. Belafonte relates his introduction in 1961 on a visit to the White House of his admiration of The Peace Core and current disillusionment by today's applicants. Bill Cosby adds his own comedic philosophy during this 21 minute segment.

Senator Kennedy discussed the 1968 race for the Presidency not confirming he is a candidate.

Lena Horne is introduced. She sings "I Concentrate on You." Lena and Harry talk about the same Manhattan building they both live in, he on 5th floor and she on the 13th floor. Both Harry and Bill state their admiration of Lena Horne's beauty as a grandmother, Cosby flirting with her and then apologizing comedically to his wife Camille who may be watching the show. Lena Horne states her commitment to her marriage and love of her grandchildren. Harry remembers incident meeting Lena and she befriending him in 1949 when he just got out of the Navy.

Introduction of the Smothers' Brothers. They sing "The Same As My Old Man'" and do their usual comedic stand up routine around this song. Tom mentions he is 31 years old, Dick, 29 years old and Bill Cosby states he is 30 years old. Harry Belafonte and the Smothers' Brothers discuss their CBS TV Show and controversy surrounding the series. Tom mentions that they only usually do five minutes of observational political humor during an hour variety format, and what makes their show stand out is the fact that no other variety shows on television elect to cross this road. Belafonte asks what jokes CBS does not permit the Smothers' Brothers to perform on their show. Bill Cosby chimes in with his point of view. Both Tom and Dick state, in comedic fashion, that they are appreciative of CBS for allowing them to be on The Tonight Show with Harry to do "distasteful" material that they could not do on their own show.

Harry Belafonte reads list of entertainers who will appear on tomorrow nights show. He thanks his guests for appearing and signs off. Ed McMahon mentions that this program has been pre-recorded.

At the time, Carson’s pioneering late night variety show had become one of the country’s most influential platforms. So the move to have Belafonte take this mainstream institution and transform it into a multicultural and political experience, introducing white America to his world of art and activism, was unprecedented.

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.

Duplicate of #753A.

#753A: TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE: SUBSTITUTE HOST, HARRY BELAFONE