June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971
Oldest known surviving COMPLETE broadcast of a TOAST OF THE TOWN with opening and closing.
ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles.
Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.
The broadcast begins with announcer Bern Bennett stating guests, and introducing Ed Sullivan. A Balinese dance troop performs. Ed Sullivan (host), Ray Bloch and His Orchestra, The De Marco Sisters sing a melody of songs, Jody Gilbert (tap dancer), double talk artist Al Kelly, Jerry Bergen, Jimmy Smith (xylophone). Ed has guests in his audience stand up for a bow, including Francis Marion, Sue Ryan, Monica Lewis who appeared on the premiere TOAST OF THE TOWN eight weeks prior on June 20, 1948, Harry Hirschfield, who claims to be the first person ever on television, chats with Ed and does a comic monologue, and Peggy Lee sings, "It's Magic," "I Can't Give You Anything but Love Baby." She speaks with Sullivan. From the Liberty Music Store a comedy bit and musical finale with the entire cast.
NOTE: This broadcast was transcribed from a 16" Electronic Transmission disc, less than a year since the advent and use of Kinescope technology, commercially introduced, September 15, 1947, developed by KODAK, NBC, and Dumont Networks.
Sound of this TOAST OF THE TOWN transfer varies at times and there are sections were "noise" from the ET transfer to 1/4" reel to reel tape is heard. However, over all, sound is very good and quite listenable. A rare example of a COMPLETE ONE HOUR "lost" television broadcast, circa 1948, surviving only as audio.
