Show # 24 March 21, 1957

Ernie's Guest: Steve Allen

Script Notes: In another classic sketch continuing writer Norman Lear's sideswipes at network TV, Steve tries to convince Ernie to use the newest technological advancement in television: the canned audience. "It's called the Bop-A-Rola, Ernie. Just set the dial ...you've got six settings for laughs, three levels of applause...it's all right here. No need for all these...people up there. And no matter how bad your show is, Ernie, the Bop-A-Rola here can make it a hit...!" Naturally, one touch from Ernie, and the newest advancement promptly explodes! The fifth Ford Show to close without a hymn.

Musical Numbers: Banana Boat: Ernie and The Voices / I Dreamed: The Voices / Cotton Candy And A Toy Balloon: Steve / Hog Tied Over You: Ernie, Steve, and The Voices / Sleepy Time Down South: Ernie

Cast: Ernie Ford, Steve Allen, The Voices Of Walter Schumann

Show # 25 March 28, 1957

Ernie's Guest: Singer Jo Stafford

Script Notes: One of the all-time greatest singers of American  pop music, Jo Stafford was best known for her hits with soldiers overseas, earning her the nickname, "G.I. Jo". Her training under the likes of Tommy Dorsey also earned her a reputation of being one of the most versatile singers in the business, at home and comfortable with a Broadway show tune, a Hoagy Carmichael standard, or a Dorsey swinger. In this first visit to The Ford Show, she and Ernie reminisce about Radio Days.

Musical Numbers: Don't Be Ashamed Of Your Age: Ernie, and The Voices / Round And Round: The Voices / Takin' A Chance On Love: Jo / Hey, Good Lookin', Friendship: Ernie and Jo / I Am A Pilgrim: Ernie

Cast: Ernie Ford, Jo Stafford, The Voices Of Walter Schumann

Show # 26 April 4, 1957

Ernie's Guest: Pat O'Brien

Script Notes: The Silver Screen's Father Flanagan pay a visit  to the little screen's Father Peapicker and confesses he's always wanted to play the heavy...

Musical Numbers: Company's Comin': Ernie and The Voices / Sweet Sugar Cane: The Voices / Dear Old Donegal: Pat / The Old Rugged Cross: Ernie and The Voices

Cast: Ernie Ford, Pat O'Brien, The Voices Of Walter Schumann

Show # 27 April 11, 1957

Ernie's Guest: Wally Cox

Script Notes: TV's Mr. Peepers comes to Ernie for some  needed lessons in confidence...Peapicker-style.

Musical Numbers: False Hearted Girl: Ernie and The Voices / Chantez, Chantez: The Voices / I Want To Be Ready: Ernie and The Voices

Cast: Ernie Ford, Wally Cox, The Voices Of Walter Schumann

Show # 28 April 18, 1957

Ernie's Guest: Jackie Cooper

Script Notes: One of the movies' most popular leading men and the star of the NBC hit sitcom, "The People's Choice", Jackie Cooper visits Ernie in this Easter, '57 broadcast, finding both of them trying to keep their tailors happy. Standout moment--Ernie and Jackie's duet of "Here Comes Peter Cottontail". 

Musical Numbers: I'm Walkin': Ernie and The Voices / Easter Parade: The Voices / Peter Cottontail: Ernie, Jackie and Cleo / The Lord's Prayer: Ernie

Cast: Ernie Ford, Jackie Cooper, The Voices Of Walter Schumann

Show # 29 April 25, 1957

Ernie's Guest: Caesar Romero

Script Notes: Making the first of two visits to the Ford Show, suave, debonair Caesar Romero is Ernie's guest for this April 25, 1957 effort. 

Musical Numbers: Why Baby, Why?: Ernie and The Voices / Rock and Roll Square Dance: The Voices / The Ninety And Nine: Ernie and The Voices

Cast: Ernie Ford, Caesar Romero, The Voices Of Walter Schumann

Show # 30 May 2, 1957 

Ernie's Guest: Joseph Cotten

Script Notes: Cotten, star of  TV's "On Trial", puts Ernie on the witness stand in this sixth Ford Show to close without a hymn

Musical Numbers: Blackberry Boogie: Ernie / Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho: Ernie and The Voices / September Song: Ernie

Cast: Ernie Ford, Joseph Cotten, The Voices Of Walter Schumann

 

Show # 31 May 9, 1957 (Pre-empted)

 

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