Reviewer:
richgoup
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August 14, 2012
Subject:
The Star Spangled Revue.
Original air date: 1950.
Cast: Milton Berle, Jerry Brandow, Steve Condos, Bill Hayes, Bob Hope (Host), Dennis James (Frigidaire Pitchman), Michael Kidd, Peggy Lee, Beatrice Lilie, Wendell Niles (Frigidaire Pitchman), Janet Reed, Frank `Sugar Chile` Robinson, Frank Sinatra and Arnold Stang.
From IMDB.
Early Revue for television; Big show of variety spomsored by Frigidaire.
Reviewer:
bgrauman
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January 25, 2011
Subject:
A defining moment in television
This was Bob Hope's first network TV special, produced by Max Liebman {also responsible for Sid Caesar & Imogene Coca's "YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS" at the time}, and originally telecast on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950 [5:30-7pm(et)]. It was a BIG DEAL, because virtually no one of Hope's stature had attempted a national TV special before. And it drew BIG ratings (over half of all TV sets in use were tuned to Hope that evening).
And Bob almost didn't appear in this special. He was avoiding television as much as possible in early 1950 (he considered radio and motion pictures an "easier racket"). He also declared that nNOBODY could pay him enough money to do a TV show. Then, the ad agency representing Frigidaire contacted Hope's agent, James L. Saphier, about doing this special, asking how much did Bob want? Hope snapped, "$50,000", figuring that would end it, as no one had ever asked for THAT much money to appear on ONE TV show back then. Instead of saying no, Frigidaire countered with an offer for FIVE specials- $40,000 for the first one, and $37,500 each for the rest. Even Hope couldn't pass that up, and finally agreed. Once he did the special, he embraced television wholeheartedly, appearing in monthly or semi-monthly specials for NBC through 1996 (while continuing his weekly radio show until it ended in 1955), and paved the way for other radio stars to follow him in the new medium.
This is an example of TV at its most primitive...AND entertaining.
Reviewer:
Noah 8-?
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August 5, 2010
Subject:
Reviewing the Review
Picture is . . . . lousy. But then whattya expect from the filming of a kinescope in 1950?
this is the FIRST EVER television appearance of Mister Bob Hope... and he says so, too.
A little song-an'-dance (Real Song-&-Dance) and some filler acts.... what the Mexican boys choir has to do with anything 'star spangled - I dunno.
It's one of the first ever broadcast variety shows.
Regarde' - - Dinah Shore as a brunette? An' short haired brunette to boot. Almost did not recognize her.
Of course, there is Bob's snappy patter and comic (not comedic) monologue and a couple of fluffs thrown in to make the show FUN.
No cussin'
No mucking about (can't nor ever could spel)
No bleeding
No doping
No Robbin'
No questionable taste anywhere.
Bob Hope (like Red Skelton) Class acts both - everywhere.
Bless 'em............ BOTH.
Noah 8-?