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The Nat King Cole Show  /  The Dinah Shore Chevy Show  /  The Big Party

June 13, 2015 - 7:30 pm
Billy Wilder Theater

The Nat King Cole Show

NBC, 10/29/1957

One of the most popular entertainers of his generation, Nat “King” Cole sold millions of records and played to packed audiences across the globe.  In this pioneering effort, Cole would break television’s unspoken color barrier as one of the first African Americans to host a network TV show.  This stellar episode of the landmark variety series features the sublime talents of Cole and his guest, fellow musical legend, Johnny Mercer.

NBC.  Executive Producer: Carlos Gastel.  Producer: Bob Henry.  Director: Bob Henry.  Announcer: Vince Pelletier.  Host: Nat "King" Cole.  With: Johnny Mercer, The Cheerleaders.  DigiBeta, b/w, 30 min.

The Dinah Shore Chevy Show

NBC, 4/5/1959

One of the most beloved television icons of her era, Dinah Shore brought her considerable Southern-styled charm and vocal talents to this multi-Emmy Award winning variety show that ran for seven successful seasons on NBC.  In this broadcast, Dinah reminisces about her TV career and welcomes show-stopping entertainers Louis Prima and Keely Smith and their musical group, Sam Butera and The Witnesses. 

A Henry Jaffe Production in association with NBC.  Producer: Bob Finkel.  Director: Dean Whitmore, Bob Finkel.  Writers: Johnny Bradford, Ray Brenner, Leo Townsend.  Host:  Dinah Shore.  With: Louis Prima, Keely Smith, José Greco, Sam Butera and the Witnesses.  DigiBeta, b/w, 60 min.

The Big Party

CBS, 10/8/1959

In a perfect mélange of the television variety show genre and high camp, The Big Party explores a tantalizing premise—what if movie idol Rock Hudson phoned his pal Tallulah Bankhead for her advice in throwing a bash for their celebrity friends?  The charmingly offbeat results defy expectations, with an eclectic all-star line-up of party guests including Sammy Davis Jr., Esther Williams and comedian Mort Sahl. 

Producer: Perry Lafferty.  Director: Norman Jewison.  Writers: Selma Diamond, Jay Burton, Goodman Ace, George Foster.  Guest Host: Rock Hudson.  With: Tallulah Bankhead, Sammy Davis, Jr., Mort Sahl, Esther Williams.  DigiBeta, b/w, 90 min.

Part of: 
Archive Television Treasures—50th Anniversary