Wednesday Wow: A Bewitching Turn at the Hollywood Palace

From 1964 to 1970, ABC ran "The Hollywood Palace," a weekly, hourlong variety show which was broadcast from the former Hollywood Palace.  Each week, a different host preceded over the festivities.

On October 1st, 1966, the lovely Elizabeth Montgomery was the host, and this bit of magic opened the show.  Did you know that the Bewitched them had lyrics?  Though they were never used on the show, it did.  Here they are:  

Bewitched, bewitched, you've got me in your spell.
Bewitched, bewitched, you know your craft so well.

Before I knew what you were doing, I looked in your eyes.
That brand of woo that you've been brewin' Took me by surprise.

You witch, you witch! One thing that's for sure,
That stuff you pitch, Just hasn't got a cure.

My heart was under lock and key, But somehow it got unhitched.
I never thought my heart could be had.
But now I'm caught and I'm kind of glad
To be bewitched. Bewitched.


The rest of the program ran as follows:

--Elizabeth Montgomery and Vic Damone - "Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered" duet
--Vic Damone (singer) - "Falling in Love with Love" and "I Cried for You"
--Paul Lynde (comedian)  
--Jackie Mason (comedian) 
--Morgana King (singer) 
--The Baja Marimba Band - "Portuguese Washerwoman" & "Acapulco 1922" 
--Paul Anthony's tigers 
--Sensational Parker (acrobatic act) 
--The Three Robertes (acrobats)


You'll notice, ABC got Paul Lynde and as many Bewitched references as they could in there.  the show ran on ABC, so, The Hollywood Palace was a great way to promote the networks other shows.  

I find this sort of thing fascinating.  And, of course, Lizzie was lovely.

The whole thing is on YouTube.  It's worth watching.

Enjoy!



 

At the Music Hall: Joanie and the J-Tones' "Two of a Kind"

Yes, I posted this last year, but, it's now a tradition.
Technically, this song isn't really "Music Hall."  In fact, it dates to 1964 and is the only surviving recording of the celebrated group, "Joanie and the J-Tones."  The group was formed in 1962 under the name "Rhoda and Leroy," however the name had already been taken.  

After years of struggle, Joanie and the J-Tones finally hit the charts with their best-selling hit, "Two of a Kind."  The unusual voice-cracking warbles of the "J-Tones," the stage name of Joanie's sidekick, Joseph Faceopesca, proved, however, to be the downfall of the group.  Joanie decided to go out on her own, and demanded the master recordings of "Two of a Kind."  Faceopesca, however, was bitter about being left behind, and, while at work at "Klown Burger," dropped the records into the deep fryer, claiming it was an accident.

Now, for the first time in over forty years, here is your chance to hear this celebrated tune.  

Happy Ham for Miss Landers Day, 2014!

On a chilly January Sunday, many years ago, Bertie and I were visiting my parents and we were all feeling a bit of ennui. Christmas and New Year’s Day had passed. The house was denuded of the shimmer and excitement of the holidays. Valentine’s Day was weeks away. Everything, for lack of a better word was, “blah.” And so, while my father and I set the table and tried in our own backward way to assist my mother with dinner, in the background, “Bonanza” played on TV. We noticed that the guest star in the episode was one Sue Randall, best known to most of us as Theodore Cleaver’s teacher—the beloved Miss Landers—on “Leave it to Beaver.” 

What was Miss Landers doing at the Ponderosa? We didn’t know. We weren’t paying attention. Yet, Hoss was going on at length about a ham. “What’s going on there?” My mother asked. “Dunno,” I replied. “They’re trying to get a ham for Miss Landers.”

And, suddenly, a light went on. It was “Ham for Miss Landers Day.” And, so, it has been since. The Sunday closest to January 28 is always “Ham for Miss Landers Day.” And, so, it is with great pride that I wish all of you a happy belated Ham for Miss Landers Day. It is my deepest wish that all of you (or even one of you) will celebrate this important holiday. After all, Miss Landers does need the ham. And though Sue Randall is long-gone—after having donated her body to science—we honor her memory and that of the charming, wide-eyed Miss Landers (to whom June Cleaver once “accidentally” made the gift of a lacy slip)—with these humble declarations of our support and obeisance. On this day, we eat in her honor. 

Offer gifts of modest underwear to your friends (or your child's second grade teacher), raise your glass of ginger ale high and bid your loved ones a very, very happy “Ham for Miss Landers Day.” Beaver would like that, and, I’m sure Hoss would, too.


This is what started it all...



Bonanza - The Horse Breaker from Bonanza Fan on Vimeo.

What's Bertie Watching: White Collar!

Finally, White Collar, is back tonight on the USA Network at 9:oo Eastern/8:00 Central.  Led by the brilliant Matt Bomer, and the stellar Tim Dekay, the cast of this entertaining look at the pairing of a master forger and an FBI agent, includes Tiffani Thiessen, Willie Garson, and Marsha Thomason.  

We at Stalking the Belle Époque have at special respect and affection for Mr. Bomer, so we encourage you to tune-in to USA tonight.  And, even though Bertie and I have invested what seems like endless months watching the fashion histrionics of Project Runway and even though the Project Runway season finale--the payoff for many weeks of viewing meltdowns, violent outbursts, some hideous and some lovely dresses, and, even, Tim Gunn falling up a flight of subway stairs, we're just going to have to watch the repeat of the finale at 1:00 Eastern/12:00 AM Central on Lifetime because NOTHING beats Bomer.

  

Saturday Silliness: The Original Color Pilot for “The Munsters”

The Munster Residence as we knew it from the show.

Personally, I preferred The Addams Family because, to me, at least, they seemed more realistic. However,The Munsters was not without its appeal. I always loved the façade of the Munsters’ house. That set still exists (though drastically altered and nearly unrecognizable) at Universal City and was most recently used as a façade for Desperate Housewives.  Universal doesn't value its old sets the way the former Columbia Ranch (now Warner Brothers) does, but that's one of my hot-button topics and I'm not going to start on it just now.

As is often the case, the pilot show for The Munsters was quite different than the program that was picked up. The pilot was filmed in color with a largely different cast. The house is the same façade, however, it is in its original state—known at the time as “Maxim House.” The set was changed when the show went into production. The Second Empire tower and central gable were altered for the final show.



The Original Munster Facade
Known as "Maxim House"
Retroweb

Network executives felt that the unaired pilot was too similar to The Addams Family. The character of “Phoebe” was changed to “Lily.” Phoebe as played by the stunning Joan Marshall (also known as Jean Arless) was stylistically too close to Morticia Addams. When the show was picked up, Joan Marshall was replaced with Yvonne DeCarlo.

This clip from the unaired pilot is quite interesting, especially if you’re a fan of The Munsters. It’s always a bit startling to see pilot episodes, but they’re an integral part of the history of any production. Imagine what the show might have been like had the cast remained the same.

Friday Fun: A Comedy Tonight!

Something familiar,
Something peculiar,
Something for everyone:
A comedy tonight!

Something appealing,
Something appalling,
Something for everyone:
A comedy tonight!

Nothing with kings, nothing with crowns;
Bring on the lovers, liars and clowns!

Old situations,
New complications,
Nothing portentous or polite;
Tragedy tomorrow,
Comedy tonight!

Something convulsive,
Something repulsive,
Something for everyone:
A comedy tonight!

There's so much to love about this clip from a 1974 episode of The Carol Burnett Show which features Joel Grey and Vincent Price.  Here, the company begins with a favorite Sondheim tune and launches into a routine which I find wholly amusing.  

Enjoy!

At the Music Hall: Joanie and the J-Tones' "Two of a Kind"

Just to note, Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square will return with new chapters tomorrow, Tuesday, April 2.  

I thought that since today is the day after easter, I would surprise everyone with a special edition of "At the Music Hall."

Technically, this song isn't really "Music Hall."  In fact, it dates to 1964 and is the only surviving recording of the celebrated group, "Joanie and the J-Tones."  The group was formed in 1962 under the name "Rhoda and Leroy," however the name had already been taken.  

After years of struggle, Joanie and the J-Tones finally hit the charts with their best-selling hit, "Two of a Kind."  The unusual voice-cracking warbles of the "J-Tones," the stage name of Joanie's sidekick, Joseph Faceopesca, proved, however, to be the downfall of the group.  Joanie decided to go out on her own, and demanded the master recordings of "Two of a Kind."  Faceopesca, however, was bitter about being left behind, and, while at work at "Klown Burger," dropped the records into the deep fryer, claiming it was an accident.

Now, for the first time in over forty years, here is your chance to hear this celebrated tune.  

Happy Ham for Miss Landers Day!

On a chilly January Sunday, many years ago, Bertie and I were visiting my parents and we were all feeling a bit of ennui. Christmas and New Year’s Day had passed. The house was denuded of the shimmer and excitement of the holidays. Valentine’s Day was weeks away. Everything, for lack of a better word was, “blah.” And so, while my father and I set the table and tried in our own backward way to assist my mother with dinner, in the background, “Bonanza” played on TV. We noticed that the guest star in the episode was one Sue Randall, best known to most of us as Theodore Cleaver’s teacher—the beloved Miss Landers—on “Leave it to Beaver.” 

What was Miss Landers doing at the Ponderosa? We didn’t know. We weren’t paying attention. Yet, Hoss was going on at length about a ham. “What’s going on there?” My mother asked. “Dunno,” I replied. “They’re trying to get a ham for Miss Landers.”

And, suddenly, a light went on. It was “Ham for Miss Landers Day.” And, so, it has been since. The Sunday closest to January 28 is always “Ham for Miss Landers Day.” And, so, it is with great pride that I wish all of you a happy belated Ham for Miss Landers Day. It is my deepest wish that all of you (or even one of you) will celebrate this important holiday. After all, Miss Landers does need the ham. And though Sue Randall is long-gone—after having donated her body to science—we honor her memory and that of the charming, wide-eyed Miss Landers (to whom June Cleaver once “accidentally” made the gift of a lacy slip)—with these humble declarations of our support and obeisance. On this day, we eat in her honor. No, not ham. I don’t really like ham. But, pancetta is always nice. Offer gifts of modest underwear to your friends (or your child's second grade teacher), raise your glass of ginger ale high and bid your loved ones a very, very happy “Ham for Miss Landers Day.” Beaver would like that, and, I’m sure Hoss would, too.

The Bomb

Marijuana is the flame, heroin is the fuse, L.S.D. is the bomb.

--Joe Friday

Let's hope 2013 ISN'T like this.

Having a Ball

Don't put that drumstick up your nose. 

--Shirley Partridge

Let's hope 2013 is like this...lots of happy people, doin' things, havin' a ball...together.  Havin' a ball.

Saturday Silliness: Howdy Doody's Christmas, 1957

How could I not share this with you?

Monday Madness: Step into Christmas

I don't think that I need to explain to regular readers why I chose this for today's bit o' fun.  You all know my deep affection for the television shows of the 1950s-1970s, of course, when I'm not watching strange cartoons from the 30s.  

And, look, Shirley Booth's in it!  I applaud the creator of this fun compilation.  Well done!

Enjoy!

Wednesday Wackiness: A Birthday with Hazel

I don’t usually post weird or silly videos in the middle of the week, but since it’s 12/12/12 and since it’s the day of my 39th birthday and since I’m weird and silly anyway, let’s do it. My greatest birthday wish is to watch an episode of “Hazel” with all of you…remotely, at different times, from our own homes. Enjoy.

Sunday Morning Special: Point Me in the Direction of Albuquerque

The first season, 1970, of the Partridge Family featured a slightly different version of the theme song as introductory music. A variation of the popular song, “C’mon Get Happy” which would open the show for the remainder of its run, “Hear Us Singin’,” provided viewers with some backstory. That first season also ended with thirty seconds of sheer bliss—“Point Me in the Direction of Albuquerque,” written by Tony Romeo. 

It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when you hear this. I’ve listened to it on a loop for a few minutes already.

Sunday Morning Special: Joan Crawford on "The Lucy Show," 1968

Joan Crawford was one of the top stars in the U.S. while Lucille Ball was struggling to maintain her status as “Queen of the B-pictures.” But, by the late 1960’s, Lucy was the bigger star, and Joan needed money—desperately.

So, you’d think that given all of that, and given their shared past, that Lucy and Joan could have gotten along for a week, if only just to shoot Joan’s appearance on “The Lucy Show.”

But, by all accounts, this was not possible.

“The Lucy Show” was essentially a color “I Love Lucy” without Ricky and Fred. I know, I know, Lucy purists will say that the shows were very different, but they really weren’t. Aside from different back-stories and circumstances, the program centered around Lucy doing foolish things and getting Vivian (Vivian Vance who played Lucy’s best friend and neighbor “Ethel Mertz” on “I Love Lucy”) into trouble by her involvement.

So, we’re not looking at Ibsen or Tennessee Williams here. Lucy often had big-name guest stars on her shows, and, she asked Joan to guest in an episode in which the story dictated that Lucy and Vivian inadvertently stumble upon Crawford's new country home—a fixer-upper which the star has vowed to finish on her own. Seeing the dilapidated mansion and the star in her work clothes, they naturally come to the conclusion that the legendary actress had fallen on bad times (she kind of had in real life). Naturally, they arrange for a benefit to raise money for the celeb and, of course, ask her to star in it, too. 

Now, it’s no secret that our Joanie liked a nip or two or three during the day. She used her ever-resent silver flask of vodka to full her Pepsi up with a little extra “kick.” Lucy, no stranger to the sauce herself, was, however, very anti-drinking on set. When she saw Crawford and her flask, Lucy was livid. Then, when Crawford was late to the set, Lucy was as red as her hair.

Reportedly, Lucy called Joan and the two had a vicious phone fight wherein Lucy told the Oscar winner to get her act together or she’d be fired and replaced with Gloria Swanson for whom the script had originally been written in the first place.

Lucy, whether justly or not, decided Crawford was drunk during the filming of the episode. You can see what you think. Is Joan’s speech a little slurred? Nevertheless, Lucy was not pleased and had Joan repeat a dance number over and over and over again in front of a live audience—finally and humiliatingly cutting the number at the last minute. This was a great blow to Crawford who had begun her career as a dancer. She felt the insult very deeply, and, when the final shot had been completed, Joan declared, "My God, they tell me I'm a bitch - Lucy can out-bitch me any day of the week!"

And, so, for your Sunday Morning Special this week—here’s the whole bloody mess. Enjoy!

Sunday Morning Special: Young April Winchell on the Paul Winchell Show

Paul Winchell

We here at Stalking the Belle Époque are fans of the late Paul Winchell and his very talented and gloriously funny daughter April Winchell.  Here’s a chance to see the two of them together.  This clip from “The Paul Winchell Show” shows that even as a youngster, April was always a joy!

What's Bertie Watching? USA’s White Collar

The USA Network’s White Collar remains one of the best shows on television due in large part to the excellent cast, brilliant writing and slick production. I’ve always contended that the pairing of the show’s leads Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay is among the finest moments in casting in television history.

Bomer as the charming con-man “Neal Caffrey” brings both danger and sensitivity to the role. Bomer’s “Neal” is more than the typical gorgeous bad boy. He’s a complicated young man who is conflicted. Is he simply greedy? No. The writers and producers of the show have cleverly revealed bits of Neal’s past, giving us a nod that he acts as he does in response to some deep disappointment. Neal is constantly searching for something, trying to fill his emptiness with each new conquest. Still, such back-story would be moot without the right actor. Bomer—with each sly smile, each fleeting pained look, each shrug of his shoulders conveys more in one glance than most actors do with a whole monologue.

Similarly, Tim DeKay as FBI Agent Peter Burke is not the usual one-note fed. Peter is both on the side of the law and loyal to Neal with whom he has developed a reluctant friendship. Peter’s affection for Neal is palpable. He wants Neal to be reformed, to be successful and happy. He wants to believe in Neal, but Neal—at every turn—makes this a difficult task. Again, in the hands of a lesser actor, the relationship could seem flat and forced. But, DeKay brings a heart to Peter which is believable and natural.

Rounding out the cast are Willie Garson, Tiffani Thiessen and Marsha Thomason. The program is elegant, sharp and sumptusouly shot. In many ways, it’s a love-letter to Manhattan with long, luxurious shots of the city.

White Collar returns to USA tomorrow, Tuesday, July 10 at 9/8 Central.

Sunday Morning Special: Montgomery Clift on “What’s My Line,” 1963

Among the many people who crossed the stage on the panel show, What’s My Line?, a bevy of celebrities appeared to promote their latest projects as well as delight audiences who didn’t have as many opportunities to see their favorite stars as we do now.

Montgomery Clift—looking slightly worn-out—appeared on the show in 1963 to promote what would be one of his final films—Freud. The embattled Clift had embarked on a difficult phase of his life. Gripped by addiction and emotional problems left over from his terrible car accident, Clift was having a difficult time coping with both his career and personal life by this point. Nevertheless, he soldiered on, giving audiences a thrill and presenting his usual cool, charming façade.

Object of the Day: Beat the Clock, circa 1950

Beat the Clock was a popular television game show on CBS from 1950-1958 and on ABC from 1958-1961. In recent years, the show has been resurrected several times in updated versions. The show’s original host was Bud Collyer assisted by a most-silent model named Roxanne. Contestants on the show were challenged to complete simple physical feats (called “problems”) before sixty seconds ran out. The time was kept on a giant clock which featured the name of the show’s sponsor. For much of the run, Beat the Clock was sponsored by Sylvania.

As was often the case (and still is), game shows usually produced a home version on the form of a board game. Here’s the Beat the Clock home version from between 1950-1953. The box features photos of Collyer and Roxanne as well as a prominent reference to Sylvania. I’ve never played the game, but it has a lot of complicated little pieces which would allow the home user to recreate some of the stunts seen on the show.

If you’ve not seen Beat the Clock, enjoy this clip from an early broadcast of the program.

What's Bertie Watching? The Eleventh Season of Dancing with the Stars

Contrary to popular belief, dogs do watch television. At least, that’s been my experience with Bertie. When Bertie first came to live with me, I was rather surprised by his reaction to an episode of The Golden Girls. In that particular episode, “The Girls” had a mouse in their kitchen. Bertie got up, went to the television, got on his hind legs and barked at the mouse. When the mouse ran out of frame, Bertie looked behind the TV. Now, I’d known dogs to react to sound from television shows before—doorbells, other dogs barking, etc. But, I’d never experienced a dog actually reacting to visuals on TV. And, so, we experimented. He recognized the fact that Toto was a dog in The Wizard of Oz, and showed me that he didn’t care much for Toto by barking. To this day, “Where’s Toto?” will get you the same response. He also recognized that Scooby Doo was some kind of dog, albeit a peculiar one.

So, I shouldn’t have been surprised when Bertie took a fancy to Dancing with the Stars. As a general rule, I’m not usually a fan of reality shows. But, there’s nothing particularly realistic about DWTS. I was also glad to see ballroom dance get some primetime recognition. The first time we watched Dancing with the Stars, Bertie sat mesmerized. In subsequent viewings, he began to wag his tail upon hearing Tom Bergeron’s cheerful cry, “Live, this is Dancing With the Stars.” If Bertie is in another room, upon hearing Tom Bergeron’s voice, he’ll come running. Even if I mimic Mr. Bergeron with a hearty, “Live…” Bertie is sent into wild fits of tail-wagging ecstasy.

Tonight marks the debut of Dancing with the Stars’ Eleventh Season. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation of moments that will make us cheer and moments which will make us cringe as an odd assortment of “celebrities” take the dance floor. This year's cast is:

David “Baywatch and some other stuff” Hassellhoff
Jennifer “That really was me in Dirty Dancing” Grey
Kurt “Some Kind of Footballer” Warner
Brandy “I have no apparent last name”
Florence “Fashionable Brady Mullet” Henderson
Michael “The Situation—honestly? Is it a situation I can avoid?” Sorrentino
Michael “Remember me from that episode of The Nanny?” Bolton
Audrina “I have no idea” Patridge (not Brady-nemesis, Partridge)
Bristol “My mom is famous” Palin
Rick “Some Kind of Sports Fellow from California” Fox
Margaret “I’m sassy” Cho
Kyle “I was on a Disney Channel Show, or maybe I still am” Massey

Though we don’t know who all of these people are. We’re sure to be watching—tail wagging. Bertie, however, still wants to send his votes to Marie Osmond.