170 likes | 177 Views
Explore iconic moments in television history, including Lucille Ball's "I Love Lucy," Ed Sullivan's star-studded variety show, "All in the Family's" groundbreaking social issues, M*A*S*H's anti-war series, and Johnny Carson's legendary late-night reign.
E N D
Landmark Television Broadcasts Entertainment
Lucille Ball • Was cast on a popular CBS radio program “My Favorite Husband” with Richard Denning • When the show went to television, Lucy insisted that Desi Arnaz co-star. Show became ‘I Love Lucy.’ • Show was sponsored by Phillip Morris. • L.B. appeared on TV for more than 30 years.
Network Reservations • Desi was a Cuban (minority) • Worried about a mixed marriage in a prime time television show • CBS claimed they wouldn’t be believable • In response, Ball and Arnaz created a live stage show which won rave reviews on national tour and that convinced CBS
Filmed in Hollywood • Lucy and Desi didn’t want to move to NY • Hollywood Boom in full swing • 16mm to 35mm film was sharper • Created television image • Lucy was pregnant • In the end, Lucy and Desi separated • Lucy was successful, Desi was not
Ed Sullivan • Sportswriter/ theater columnist for New York Daily News and radio • Unlikely Television star • Nicknamed “Great Stone Face” • His show ran from 1948 to 1971
Original name of his show • “Toast of the Town” June 20,1948 • Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis performed • Rodgers and Hammerstein –Broadway composers • Name changed to “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1955
Sullivan and Presley • Sullivan paid Presley an unprecedented $50,000 for three appearances • 1st Appearance September 9, 1956 Largest Audience to date Sullivan was not there due to car accident • 2nd Appearance October 8, 1956 • 3rd Appearance January 6, 1957 Sullivan tried to avoid trouble about hip shaking by having cameras only shot Presley from waist up
Other Famous Acts on Sullivan Show • Beatles (1964) • Rolling Stones • Doors • Unlike many shows of the time, Sullivan asked that musical acts perform their music live, rather than lip-synching to their recordings. Some of these performances have recently been issued on CD
All in the Family • Show ran from 1971-1980 • Ranked #1 in Nielson Ratings from 1971 - 1976. • Name changed in 1981-1984 “Archie Bunker’s Place” • Inspiration from British television comedy “Till Death Do Us Part” - Middle-aged hotheaded lout and sharp tongued wife. Norman Lear also combined his own family experience.
All in the Family • First father of the family the network had in mind was Mickey Rooney • CBS avoided backlash over material on show’s debut, January 12, 1971 by beginning show with disclaimer: “…seeks to throw a humorous spotlight on our frailties, prejudices, and concerns. By making them a source of laughter, we hope to show- in a mature fashion-just how absurd they are.”
All in the Family - Social Issues • All in the Family broke ground in its depiction of issues previously considered unsuitable for U.S. Network television such as: • Racism, Homosexuality, Women’s Liberation, Rape, Miscarriage, Breast Cancer and Impotence.
All in the Family • Sammy Davis loved the show, since it “exposed some of the ills of today’s society.” • Since Archie is a racist, Sammy was perfect foil, Black, Jewish, celebrity, glass eye • February 19,1972 Sammy kisses Archie on his cheek- Archie is both horrified and confused in photograph
All in the Family • That episode won Emmy for Best Directing- John Rich was director • Show had spinoffs Maude The Jeffersons
M*A*S*H • MASH was inspired by a novel by Richard Hornberger, then a 1970 film by Robert Altman, movie was successful. • MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) • Show’s debut September 17,1972-1983 • 251 Episodes • Anti-war series set in Korean War 1951-54
M*A*S*H • Final show aired on February 28, 1983 • It was movie length, two and half hours • 60.3 rating/ 77% share • 77% watching television were watching MASH • 30 second commercials were $450,000 A record at the time
Johnny Carson • “King of Late Night” • Carson was on air 1949-1961 • Carson replaced Jack Parr • The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson 1962-1992
Changes Carson made to show • Added sidekick- Ed McMahon • Refused to deliver monologue • Carson had a cool demeanor (opposite of Jack Parr) • Show time from 11:15 PM had no affiliates • NBC moved show to 11:30 PM • Guest Hosts included Jay Leno and Joan Rivers • The guests on his historical “second-to-last-show” were Robin Williams and Bette Midler