October 1, 1952-September 10, 1961 (NBC TV).
1970 & 1983 (SYNDICATED).
NBC 30th Anniversary Show televised February 26, 1981, co- hosted by Ralph Edwards and David Frost.
THIS IS YOUR LIFE was hosted by Ralph Edwards. It was a sentimental human interest show which he began on radio in 1948. Each week a special guest was lured to the studio by a ruse and then surprised as Edward's announced, "This is your Life!" Long lost friends and relatives materialized during the ensuing half hour to relive long-forgotten incidents going back to early childhood. The programs were broadcast LIVE and reverted to Video Tape at the start of the 1959-1960 season, at which time most of the telecasts were pre-recorded.
Bob Warren announcer.
The surprised guest received a 16mm film of the program and a Bell & Howell projector.
The guest is Dr. Lee DeForest (1873-1961), the inventor and self-described "Father of Radio," and a pioneer in the development of sound-on-film recording used for motion pictures. Included guests whom surprise Dr. DeForest are his wife, Marie, Eugenia, Allen B. DuMont, and Eugenia Ferrar who was the first person in history to sing over a wireless radio broadcast in 1907.
Dr. Lee De Forest highlights of the program include: an introduction by Allen B. DuMont, who talks about the inspiring life of De Forest; a review of the inventor's life; visits from his sister Mary and a childhood friend, who reminisce about De Forest's formative years; De Forest recalls working his way through Yale, an experiment that got him into trouble at the university, and his first achievement in radio transmission; a visit from the friend who helped him to experiment with the wireless, a visit from friends who recall the risks De Forest took in Cuba while attempting to set up the wireless for the Navy and the invention of the three element radio tube; and a visit from his wife Marie, and three daughters.
One Comet Cleanser commercial is included.
Ralph Edwards is the host. Announcer is Bob Warren.
