A two hour SPECIAL (live, tape, film) as Television takes a look at the decade just ended, the 1950's, its very first.
Henry Fonda is the host for this two hour show.
Jackie Gleason's career is reviewed and he performs the "Sid, Old Kid" number from his Broadway musical "Take Me Along."
Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews present "My Fair Lady" songs. Rex: "I'm an Ordinary Man," Julie: "Just You Wait."
Shelley Berman, and Mike Nichols and Elaine May, comedians who were introduced in the Fifties, lampoon psychiatry.
Dick Van Dyke pantomimes dance crazes of the decade. His partner for this comedy sequence is Maria Karnilova.
Betty Comden and Adolph Green satirize cultural developments of the Fifties.
Suzy Parker represents the American woman in "The Creature," a film sequence created by Richard Avedon. Charles and Ray Eames also have contributed film features.
Television and Movies are highlighted in clips from outstanding productions, including memorable the Mary Martin-Ethel Merman TV Show produced by Leland Hayward, who also has produced tonight's show.
Excerpts from records illustrate music of the fifties.
News Events of the decade are recalled by eyewitnesses. The voices of these men are heard: Arthur Godfrey, sports stars Roy Campanella, and Roger Bannister, sea captain Kurt Carlsen, submarine camp;ain William Anderson, explorer Edmund Hillary.
Eric Sevareid provides commentary during the show, which consists of live, tape, and film elements.
