HAZEL!!!!!

With the recent release of the movie "The Help" I had to write a blog about one of the most famous sitcoms about a lovable wisecracking maid played by the wonderful and talented Shirley Booth and the sitcom is called "Hazel" It is one of my favorites classic sitcoms. Hazel was based on the comic strip by the same name that was published in the "Saturday Evening Post" by Ted Key.

"Hazel" and "Hazel" aka Shirley Booth


Hazel ran from 1961 to 1965 on NBC ( the same network as Perry you know and in fact one of the episodes in the first season dealt with the Baxter's buying a color TV and watching Perry Como (Love Love!!)  You may not have heard of Shirley but she was an amazing actress. Shirley appeared on The Perry Como Show in 1961 and the Andy Williams Show in 1964 ( Lucky Shirley!!)

The Wonderful Shirley Booth in 1963 (Did you know this photo was taken by Roddy McDowall Aka Planet of the Apes etc..) Roddy was also a photographer!

She was royalty in the theatre and on Broadway.She also played "Miss Duffy" On the radio show "Duffy's Tavern" you know " where the elite meet to eat" Shirley was also married from 1929 to 1949 to the star of the show Ed Gardner. She also did a few movies her most famous is "Come Back Little Sheba" with Burt Lancaster. She won a Tony and an Oscar both for this role. She is one of the only actresses to win an Oscar, Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe (Go Shirley!!)  Many people told her not to Hazel because back then if you were in the theatre you absolutely did not do TV and Shirley wanted to play the role and Shirley has said in many quotes that she loved playing Hazel and that people know her from Hazel and not her movies.  Hazel starred Don Defore who incidentally played "Thorny Thornberry" Ozzie Nelsons neighbor on "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" before he did Hazel.  Don played George Baxter ( who Hazel called "Mr. B") who was a lawyer. In real life Don originally started out wanting to become a lawyer but changed his mind.

"Mr B you'd  better not be raiding the Frigidaire!!"

(Did you know that Don had a restaurant in Frontierland at Disneyland from 1957 to 1961 called "The Silver Banjo." Dons children often joked about growing up in Disneyland ( pretty cool to me and knowing Walt Disney I am jealous here!!!)  His wife was and interior decorator played by Whitney Blake ( who Hazel called "Mrs. B") who was also the mother of Meredith Baxter who played  the mother on "Family Ties."They had a son Harold Baxter who was played by Bobby Bentrock and the family dog was Smiley. Many of the situations dealt within the family, neighbors etc. Shirley was funny and just wonderful in the role and it is just a great family show.

"HI" From Hazel and the Baxter's!

Another interesting thing about Hazel is the show was sponsored by Ford Motor Company and the 1962-1965 seasons where filmed in color along with the new car models I love It during the 63-64 season when Hazel drives a Mustang in the Credits  (Insert Wilson Picketts Mustang Sally here!!) or actually Mustang Hazel!!!!  Shirley's real name was Thelma Marjorie Ford I wonder If she was related to Henry somehow Hmmm?


Season 2 Is brought to you In living COLOR on NBC!!!

The last season was filmed on CBS and lasted from 65 to 66. Don and Whitney left the show and had Harold and Hazel move in with Mr. Baxter's brother, wife and daughter. Did you know Ann Jillian was in the last season also she played Steve Baxter's secretary!!

1965-1966 cast with Ray Fulner as real estate agent Steve Baxter, Julia Benjamin as Susie Baxter and
Lynn Borden as Barbara Baxter. Did you know her father Bill Freyse, drew the comic "Our Boarding House" in the 1950s and 1960s.

Shirley returned to TV in 1973 in the TV Series "A Touch Of Grace"  This show was directed by Carl Reiner on ABC. The show lasted one season. After concluding the series, Shirley retired to Cape Cod( Insert Patti Page and Jerry Vale "You're Bound to fall in love with Old Cape Cod!!" ) Shirley died in 1992 and is missed. One thing I like about Shirley besides being an amazing actress is that she was nice and down to earth and she was also shy ( like me.)  One of my favorite quotes from her is this one " Acting is a way to overcome your own inhibitions and shyness the writer writes a confident personality and that what you become unfortunately only for the moment."

Shirley with her Oscar in 1953 for "Come Back Little Sheba."

Trini and Vikki The Texas Hammers

Well folks I haven't blogged in a few days but I have been selling produce in 110 degree heat and taking occasional sabbaticals to Waco for tax free weekend. I had a fabulous reunion with a shopping mall! I know my title is channeling The Jim Adler "The Tough Texas Lawyer Hammer" commercials which incidentally I have not seen in ages! Anyway, turning across "This Old House" on the tube I thought " If I had a Hammer" Trini Lopez!  I know my mind is not normal what is normal hmmm?( Actually to be fair Peter Paul and Mary had a great version of this song too I heard Trinis version first though.) I think this song should be Bob Villas anthem for "This Old House" Or "Habitat for Humanity" because it has a great message to it! Anyway, Trini Lopez is a native Texan and He was originally from Oak Cliff. He had several songs including "Lemon Tree" and "Michael" His most famous though is "If I had a Hammer." Did you know that he was discovered by Frank Sinatra and is in The Las Vegas Legends Hall of Fame! ( Go Trini!)

Trini Lopez

I  know this song goes with the political climate of the 1960's but for me it is about  coming together and making a difference while we are here and being there for each other and loving and helping each other because that is what we are supposed to do! :) Well moving on to another native Texan I had to post about Vikki Carr. She is originally from El Paso and she lives in San Antonio now. She has also recorded many Spanish albums ( like Eydie Gorme and Linda Ronstadt) The first song I ever heard from her is "It must be him"  from 1967 and was nominated for 3 grammys.  She also has a wonderful version of " Can't take my eyes Off of you" Which was also done by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons ( yes on the " I love you baby" part I am belting it out in my car!) I wonder if when Frankie Valli tours or goes on vacation if he stays at the Four Seasons and gets a discount for promoting it!

Vikki Carr " It must be Him but its not him..........."

 She is also a fabulous singer and entertainer who  has appeared on many variety programs including Bing Crosby's and she was one of the first female guest hosts on you know Heerrees Johnny!!! and has sang for 5 presidents. ( well I have sang for president Sanchez at Navarro and to be fair it was the whole choir! ;) Anyway, She has a star on the Hollywood walk of fame, has won 4 Grammys and has entertained around the world!! ( they both still entertain)  She and Trini both have done Humanitarian work and I thank them for not only being amazing entertainers but for making a difference in the world through themselves and music! :)

( I had to Post this this is Fabulous. It is Trini and Vikki singing " If I had a Hammer" from 1965!)


"I'd Hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land...." :)

Will The Real Bud Collyer Please Stand Up?

Seeing a customer yesterday with a superman shirt today made me bring this blog idea to fruition( My mind is random I know! ) This blog is about the wonderful and classy game show host Bud Collyer. Bud Collyer was not just a game show host he also was the original Superman and Clark Kent on radio on "The Adventures of Superman." He used two different voices when he played Clark Kent and Superman. He also did many radio game shows including "Break the Bank" and Winner Takes All" He is also best known for hosting two wonderful game shows " Beat The Clock" and "To Tell The Truth"

Bud Collyer ( or is he?) ;)
 I loved watching these shows on "Game Show Network." "Beat the Clock" usually aired really late and It got me through my nights of sleep deprivation! On "Beat The Clock "Two couples where preselected from the studio audience and they had to complete various stunts within a time limit in 60 seconds to win cash and prizes. The name came from the huge clock that counted down the seconds and the cash prize was usually 100 or 200 dollars. Some examples of the stunts they did were carrying a ping-pong ball from one side of a water-filled tub to the other, without allowing the ball to fall off;  and stuffing eight balloons in a lidded wastebasket without breaking any.

Well, we know this stunt involves an elephant.
Basically It was kind of like "Fear Factor" back then except simpler. "Beat the Clock" Ran from 1950 to 1961 on ABC. One thing I like about Bud is that he was just a classy and wonderful human being like other hosts like Bill Cullen and Allen Ludden ( future blogs hmmm?) He would often be encouraging to the contestants and had just as fun with the contestants as they did. ( You know we all need encouragement from time to time! :) He also would send contestants children gifts even if they were or weren't there at the show! 

Can You Beat The Clock?
 Buds other show that he hosted is "To Tell The Truth" on CBS from 1956 to 1968. I know you might not have heard of it but you have heard probably the saying most associated with this show. "Will The Real (Contestants Name) Please Stand Up?" It was sampled by rapper Eminem in his "Will the real Slim Shady please stand up!") Well now you know as Paul Harvey used to say "The Rest of The story!" Anyway, on "To Tell the Truth" there were 3 people with the same name and one was the "REAL" person and the other 2 were imposter's and they had to fool the four celebrities. Two of the famous panelists were Tom Poston of "Newhart" and "The Bob Newhart Show" and the multi talented and classy Kitty Carlisle Hart. ( Wow I guess they both have hart you gotta have hart as the song goes! ( sorry couldn't resist!)

 Bud is in the back, Tom Poston is on the left and Kitty is far right.
 Bud passed away in 1969. I forgot to mention that the sponsor incidentally for most of "Beat The Clocks" run was Sylvania light bulbs and so I guess sometimes Bud was "Walking in the Light" as I would say. He also wrote two books titled "Thou Shall not fear" and "With the Whole Heart" I Think Bud was a believer don't you? I think we should all live our lives with our whole heart especially for the lord and for others! :) And as Bud would end his show "Don't You Forget To Tell The Truth!"

"Don't You Forget To Tell The Truth!" ;)

Perez Prado and Don Pardo

I know try saying this 3 times fast! What a tongue twister right? Anyway the following above titles aren't famous Spanish restaurants (even though I am currently craving spinach enchiladas from Gilberto's restaurant (which are delish by the way!)

Spinach Enchiladas Yum! (No this was not exactly what my plate looked like the other day at Gilberto's with my Mom but it will suffice!)

 Well, If you were at a restaurant the first person in the blog title could play the music, and the second person could announce the menu and daily specials for you. Anyway, Perez Prado is first listening to a mixed CD in my car it has the song "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" This song came out in 1955. There were also many vocal versions of this song as well by artists such as Alan Dale ( he was a popular big band singer and appeared on many shows in the late 40's and 1950's In fact his show was one of the first to be kinescoped across the country!) 

Alan Dale

and Bing Crosby ( aka Der- Bingle!) I know you have probably heard it before like many instrumentals that you don't particularly know the names of. Perez was a Cuban bandleader and composer and he also was know as the " King of the Mambo"


Perez Prado
He composed "Mambo Number 5" before Lou Bega remade and sampled it in 1999. ( It came out when I was in high school)  The Original " Mambo Number 5" came out in 1949. 

Now On to Don Pardo. Who is Don Pardo?

Don Pardo

Ringing any bells? Well see, I know you know who he is. If you have watched a single episode of "Saturday Night Live" then you have heard him. You see ever since Saturday Night Live began in 1975 he has been the announcer. He began his career in Radio for NBC.  One thing interesting about Don is that He retired in 2004 and lives in Tucson, Arizona and he flys from Arizona to New York to announce for Saturday night live when they have a new episode.  He is 93 years old (Go Don!) He also has a lifelong contract with NBC! The only other person to have one Is Bob Hope. ( Thanks for the memories Bob!)

" The following program is brought to you "In Living Color" on NBC!
( Or actually on my blog!) ;)

Sidney Liebowitz and Edith Garmezano

Well Sidney and Edith hmm? What can I say I love them both they are both more well known actually as "Steve and Eydie" or "Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme." They are also two of my favorite singers together and separately. I had the amazing opportunity to see them play the last show at the Stardust hotel in Las Vegas in 2006.

Steve and Eydie in 2008! ( Love Love!) :)


I took a picture but this one is better!

It was amazing to be a part of history especially when you didn't even know it was going to be the last show. Marty Allen and Frankie Avalon were there. ( I actually walked by Marty Allen going into the showroom!") It was amazing to see two Vegas legends! Anyway Steve and Eydie both got their start on " "The Steve Allen Show" ( before Leno there was the king of late night Johnny Carson then we had Jack Parr then Allen) Steve Allen also wrote the song that they are most associated with "This could be the start of something big!" ( Yes I confess I was blasting Steve and Eydie coming to Coriscana today!!)  On the show they sang and did skits ( much like they did on Carol Burnett) Eydie originally sang with "Tex Benekes" Band and many of those musicians were from the original Glenn Miller Orchestra!  Steve got his start on " Arthur Godfreys Talent Scouts" ( Think "American Idol" or "Americas Got Talent." today.)They married in 1957 ( the same year as my grandparents) and have been entertaining ever since.

(I have this CD!)
They both appeared on Broadway in the Musical "Golden Rainbow and Steve Appeared in "What Makes Sammy Run" in 1964 and he won a Drama Desk Award. My favorite version of  I've Gotta Be Me" is Steve's" ( which incidentally came from this musical!) I think Sammy Davis Jr.s version is more well known I think. A neat fact for you High school Musical Lovers their son David Lawrence is a composer and composed all the High School Musical films. Steve and Eydie also had many records together and separately. Eydie also released many Spanish albums in other countries. In the 70's ( I soo wish they would release these) they had 3 TV specials dedicated to Cole Porter, Ira Gershwin, and Irving Berlin.

With Gene Kelly In their tribute to George& Ira Gershwin "Our Love is Here to Stay" in 1975

They also both performed on "The Carol Burnett Show" I wish we had TV like this today. In the early 90's they toured with Frank Sinatra on his "Diamond Jubilee Tour" They have both made many TV appearances as well.  ( I remember them both playing Tweedledee and Tweedledum in the 80's version of "Alice In Wonderland with Sammy Davis Jr and Donald O' Connor)

Steve and Sammy "Celebrating Irving Berlin"

Sadly Eydie retired in 2009 but Steve still performs. He is still wonderful. I thank them for continuing to do the music they love and sharing it with us. They are both wonderful singers and It is so sad that we will never see the likes of them again! They have released a lot of their music and they have a cool website http://www.steveandeydie.com/  Go and check it out! :)

Lets sing " Your walking along a street or your at a party...."

Dinah Burt Bert and Muah!

No, Its not a law firm and even  if it was it would definitely be an interesting one! I know that if you had a television back in the day you most definitely saw the lovely and talented Dinah Shore. I know Dinah would be happy and quite pleased with me because every day I am "Seeing the USA in my Chevrolet!" Dinah was the first woman to ever have a prime time variety series ( Go Dinah!)

Dinah Shore with one of her Emmy's.

 
Loving the Logo! 

Dinah was also an avid Golfer who helped start a professional golf tournament for Women. (I need remedial golf aka putt putt!) From 1956 to 1963 she hosted Her "Dinah Shore Chevy Show." on NBC. The same network as my fav Perry Como! Dinah was a talented big band singer who also sang on many shows including her own. ( Another person I want to meet and talk and sing big band songs with!) From 1970 to 1974 she hosted her famous "Dinah's Place" and from 1974 to 1980 she hosted her talk show Dinah! ( and yes it has the ! at the end!) Her last talk show ran on TNN from 89 to 92. I remember TNN with her, Crook and Chase, and Ralph Embry at my grandparents house. Basically before Martha Stewart we had Dinah who loved her guests to show off talents that people normally didn't get to see. Dinah loved to cook and would talk and eat with her guests ( a la Martha!)

Her Cook Book from 1990 hmmm It all looks so delish! Well actually  as Dinah would sing it looks "Delightful, Delicious and De-lovely!"

Dinah also dated Burt Reynolds ( hence the Burt in the title) This brings me to another Bert: Bert Convy. There is a connection between the two also. Bert Convy was also another talented versatile performer. He is best known for hosting the hilarious Goodson/Todman creation "Tattletales" (I will write a future blog on this")

Burt Convy "The audience is divided into three sections Red, Banana and Blue. Which celebrity couple will win today?"

He also hosted the updated version of "Super Password" from 84 to 89. He also hosted "Win Loose or Draw" from 87 to 89. This connects to the other Bert because Burt Reynolds and Bert Convy created "Win Loose or Draw and incidentally the set was modeled after his living room.

So this is what Burts living room looked like. The world finally knows now!

Burt and Bert co produced the syndicated version. The other version was hosted by Vicki Lawrence ( Carol Burnett, Mama's Family on NBC) and it was directed by Richard Kline of Three's Company. Basically "Win Loose or Draw The series was basically an adaption of the old party game Charades, and had two teams of three players each, with two celebrities and a contestant on each team. The players had one minute (60 seconds) to give clues to a secret phrase by sketching on a large tablet, without using letters, numbers or verbal clues. If the other team member guessed correctly, the contestant received a cash prize. If not, the other team was allowed to guess. I loved watching it on the game show network!

 I thank you for reading my blog and as Dinah would sign off on her show with a kiss MUAH!

The Whammy and Real Estate

I am trying to have clever titles my friends but this blog is about the game show host Peter Tomarken. Yes being a game show connoisseur you know this would come up and hopefully I would not get a " Whammy" Whammy referring to the game show "Press Your Luck" in which he hosted from 1983 to 1986.

WHAMMY!!!

Peter Tomarken
My high school speech teacher was on this show and I incidentally saw  a couple of her episodes because I would be a faithful game show network watcher. Peter also worked for the Game Show Network for several years and I wish he did now because I miss my classic game shows. ( Bring back Gene, Brett and Charles please!)  Peter also went to Beverly Hills High School the high school of the stars with writer Nora Ephron and actress Bonnie Franklin (Who played the mother on the TV Series "One Day At A Time.") Peter also had a pilots license and worked in Real Estate after leaving game shows. Sadly, Peter and his wife died in a plane crash in 2006. They were both on there way to San Diego for the group Angel Flight West, which provides air transportation to medical patients who can't afford air travel. Like I said why can't more TV personalities be like this today doing great work for others because that is what the lord put us here for to help and love be there for one another! :)

Press Your Luck?
Well basically on "Press Your Luck" you answered a question and pressed your luck on the magic light up board for a vacation, money or a whammy! Contestant Michael Larson cracked the light pattern on the board and walked away well a pretty wealthy man!

The magic board "Big Money Big Money No Whammys!"



OOPS DOUBLE WHAMMY! :)

The Missing Mignon ( Its not what you think!)

"Hello Dare!" As Eva Gabor would say as Lisa Douglas on "Green Acres" and wife of Eddie Albert Oliver Wendall Douglas. Well this blog is about Mignon. No, not the steak even though I am kind of hungry right now. Mignon was the name of the Yorkie that the Douglases' had as a pet on the show.Actually waiting on a customer today with a Yorkie made me ponder this question that has been on everyones minds or at least mine anyway! You see Mignon was present during the first and during the second season of the show but then he just disappeared.

I Couldn't Resist Mignon and Arnold!

Hmm it just makes you wonder having the same creator ( Paul Henning) as Petticoat Junction and The Beverly Hillbillies ( often these three shows would intertwine as two of them were both set in Hooterville) A theory perhaps having the second season of Petticoat Junction in which they got a dog ( Actually they just called it "Dog" but the dogs name in real life was "Higgins") 

"Higgins"
Maybe it got jealous and ran away. Maybe Lisa accidentally cooked it into her "Hotcakes" those of you that watch the show know that is the only thing the she knew how to make and even then she really didn't make them well! Maybe it was like Lisa and wanted the stores and Times Square and Park Avenue!  I guess until a definite answer comes to pass we can ponder this Question and so until then "Green Acres we are there!"

It all starts with a Title Well Manson Willams I guess.

 Hi there everyone! Well  me being an avid lover of classic television, movies, music, and game shows I thought I would share that love with everyone. I love to write so why not I said and on my way to work to sale peaches in 100 degree heat I heard the song "Classical Gas" come on the radio. (actually I had a cd in) so I thought lets go with it being the current gas prices I know we wish for "classical gas" prices and such. Growing up listening to older music I always loved the song "Classical Gas" If you haven't heard the song you can hear it here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhMuCiAe6vA   This song was done by Manson Williams.  Mason wasn't just an avid guitar player. He was also a stand up comedian who wrote for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour on CBS and he won an Emmy for his work in 1968. Having a background in folk music, He helped create the theme song and the background music to many of their comedy routines.  He also helped discover Steve Martin who he hired as a writer for the Smothers Brothers. Mason also won two Grammy awards that year for "Classical Gas." Manson also wrote for Andy Williams, Dinah Shore ( before Martha Stewart there was Dinah but I am not sure if Martha can sing though and I am pretty sure Dinah did not have any insider trading issues!) Glen Campbell,  Petula Clark, and Roger Miller.   So I guess next time you here classical gas on the radio or on your ipod and or cd and or youtube ( whatever option is available I guess) You can enjoy this Tidbit of Trivia! :)


Here Is Manson With His Two Grammys in 1968!