The Big Show (radio show)

The Big Show was an American old-time radio program which was a a 90-minute extravaganza featuring big name actors, singers and comedians.

Related Topics:
American - Old-time radio

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Well known actress Tallulah Bankhead served as the "Mistress of Ceremonies" for the show which aired on NBC radio. When the show debuted on November 5, 1950, it was an outstanding success.

Related Topics:
Tallulah Bankhead - Mistress of Ceremonies - NBC

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With television steadily encroaching on the radio audience, NBC went all out to try and keep radio from the predicted death. Newsweek said that The Big Show was "The biggest bang to hit radio since T.V. started." $100,000 was budgeted for one show.

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Much of The Big Show's success was attributed to Bankhead's trademark wit. Although the show was scripted, Bankhead was known to ad-lib. Much of the banter consisted of playful put-downs between Tallulah and her guests. Guest stars included Groucho Marx, Fred Allen, Judy Garland, Jimmy Durante, Louis Armstrong and many of the biggest names of the day.

Related Topics:
Groucho Marx - Fred Allen - Judy Garland - Jimmy Durante - Louis Armstrong

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The Big Show aired every Sunday night from 6-7:30 and ran for two years.

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