Show # 47   November 21, 1957

Ernie's Guests: Rosemary Clooney and Danny Arnold

Script Notes: In this, her second Ford Show visit in as many seasons, Rosie Clooney joins Ernie for one the series' best musical half-hours. Standout moment: Ford Show writer and comic Danny Arnold makes a cameo appearance as the ubiquitous Fred Fricke, -stage manager to the stars- in this eighth Ford Show to close without a hymn.

Musical Numbers: Don't Be Ashamed Of Your Age: Ernie and The Top Twenty / Just Between You An Me: Rosie / Medley: Mmm, Would You Like To Take A Walk/Let Me Put My Arms Around You/You're An Old Smoothie/Gimme A Little Kiss/Ma, He's Makin' Eyes At Me/Ain't We Got Fun/Mmm, Would You Like To Take A Walk (reprise): Ernie and Rosie / Medley: Rose Of San Antone/Tumbling Tumbleweeds/Ragtime Cowboy Joe: Ernie and The Top Twenty / Give Me A Straw Hat And A Cane / Won't You Come Home BIll Bailey: Ernie and Rosie

Cast: Ernie Ford, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Arnold, The Top Twenty

Show # 48 Nov. 28, 1957

Ernie's Guest: Charles Laughton

Script Notes: An icon of the British stage and film, Charles Laughton's narrative woven through the traditional a cappella harmonies of Ernie and The Top  Twenty on "Bless This House", the hymn closing this Ford Show's second Thanksgiving offering, made this November, '57 airing one of the most dramatic, and emotionally charged closings produced during the series' five-year run. A true Classic.

Musical Numbers: Turkey In The Straw: Ernie and The Top Twenty / Varsity Drag: The Top Twenty / Chances Are: Ernie / Bless This House: Ernie, Charles, The Top Twenty

Cast: Ernie Ford, Charles Laughton, The Top Twenty

Show # 49   December 5, 1957

Ernie's Guest: William Frawley

Script Notes: Taking a break from his regular duty as the best-known neighbor on TV, 'Fred Mertz', William Frawley drops by the Ford Show to reminisce with Cousin Ern. A great show!

Musical Numbers: Just Born To Be Your Baby: Ernie and The Top Twenty / Song And Dance Man: William / Carolina In The Morning: Ernie and William / I Am A Pilgrim: Ernie

Cast: Ernie Ford, William Frawley, The Top Twenty

Show # 50   December 12, 1957

Ernie's Guest: Actress Laraine Day

Script Notes: Before becoming known as Mrs. Leo Durocher, Laraine Day had earned her showbiz stripes on Broadway, in films and in television. Her only visit to The Ford Show, she drops by to let Ernie know she's found Betty's Birthday present--which turns out to be a mink. NOT what Ernie had in mind at all...!

Musical Numbers: It's A Good Day: Ernie and The Top Twenty / Medley: Love Is A Many Splendored Thing/Amor/C C'est L'Amour/That's Amore/Love Letters In The Sand/Hooray For Love: Ernie, Laraine and The Top Twenty

Cast: Ernie Ford, Laraine Day, The Top Twenty

Show # 51 Dec. 19, 1957

Ernie's Guests: Lee Aaker & Rin Tin Tin

Script Notes: In a moment that could only have happened on live television, and in a scene that has become one of classic TV's golden moments, Ernie's youngest son, Brion, captures the spotlight with his own idea of keeping tempo with his Dad in the closing carol of this December 19, '57 offering; The Ford Show's second Christmas broadcast, and Lee & Rinnie's second Holiday visit.

Musical Numbers: I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm: Ernie and The Top Twenty / Carol Of The Drums: The Top Twenty / Medley: Deck The Halls/Joy To The World/The Christmas Song/Carol Of The Bells/Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer/Hark, The Herald Angels Sing/God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen/The First Noel/I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas/Adeste Fidelis/Silent Night/Christmas In America/Children Go Where I Send Thee: Ernie, The Top Twenty and guests

 

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