Show # 131   December 31, 1959

Ernie's Guest: Charles Laughton

Script Notes: New Year's Eve, '59 finds Ernie once again begging Charles Laughton to read some of Bristol's finest poetry ...

Musical Numbers: On Behalf Of The Visiting Firemen: Ernie and The Top Twenty / Medley: You've Gotta Be A Football Hero/The Eyes Of Texas Are Upon You/Down The Field (The Syracuse Fight Song)/Bengal Swing (LSU)/Alma Mater (Miss.)/Yoh, Washington/On Wisconsin: The Top Twenty / A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: Ernie

Cast: Ernie Ford, Charles Laughton, The Top Twenty

Show # 132   January 7, 1960

Ernie's Guests: Queen For A Day's Jack Bailey. and Dean Martin

Script Notes: In a surprise cameo, Dean Martin drops by as Ernie and pal Jack Bailey poke a little fun at The Rat Pack in this January, 1960 Ford Show Classic!

 

 

Musical Numbers: Hey Joe: Ernie and the gang / St. Louis Blues: The Top Twenty / Talk To Me: Jack Bailey / Return To Me: Ernie / Wabash Blues: Ernie / An Evening Prayer: Ernie and The Top Twenty

Cast: Ernie Ford, Jack Bailey, Dean Martin, The Top Twenty

 

Show # 133  Jan.  14, 1960 ▪ H.M.S. PINAFORE

Script Notes: Following the incredible success of The Ford Show's first foray into opera with Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado in April of '59, Ernie and the production team were confident that another Ford Show operetta could be equally well-received. They were right. On January 14, The Ford Show aired its version of Gilbert & Sullivan's classic, H.M.S. Pinafore, to rave reviews from coast-to-coast. As with The Mikado, the production stayed true to the original songs, condensed the story to fit all three acts into 26 minutes,  featured members of The Top Twenty in major roles, and was restructured in a way that allowed Ernie to not only carry the lead role (Sir Joseph Porter) but also that of the narrator (Ernie himself) tying the story's events together as only Ernie could tell them; and all driven with the sure hands of the Mikado's stellar production team. The result? An instant Ford Show Classic.

Dateline: Variety - January 18, 1960: "Ernie Ford's version of H.M.S. Pinafore was deliciously irreverent. Spiced with Ernie's patented narrative, it was Gilbert & Sullivan by way of Tennessee....A gem of a narrative-and a vital approach to the overall stylized treatment. Credit writers Howard Leeds and Norman Paul for an outstanding job, and a tip of the old straw hat to Ernie Ford for putting it across."

Cast: Sir Joseph Porter: Ernie Ford / Captain Corcoran: Dick Wessler / Ralph Rackstraw: Chet Fisher / Josephine: Donna Cook / Little Buttercup: Susan Lovell / Dick Deadeye: Ken Harp / Bill  Bobstay: Howard Chitjean / Bob Beckett: Don Kent / Hebe: Joanne Burgin / Sir Joseph's Sister: Katherine Steele / Chorus: The Top Twenty

Musical Numbers: We Sail The Ocean Blue: Men's Chorus / I'm Called Little Buttercup: Buttercup / I Am The Captain Of The Pinafore: Capt. Corcoran / British Tar: Male Chorus / Sorry Her Lot: Josephine / I Am The Monarch Of The Sea/When I Was A Lad: Sir Joseph / Never Mind The Why And Wherefore: Sir Joseph, Capt. Corcoran, Josephine / Carefully On Tiptoe Stealing: All

Musical Direction: Harry Geller / Art Direction: Ed Stephenson / Costumes: Ret Turner / Adaptation: Howard Leeds, Norman Paul / Directed by Selwyn Touber

Show # 134   January 21, 1960

Ernie's Guest: Cliff Arquette

Script Notes: In arguably one of the best Ford Shows from 1960, Charlie, Mama, and Papa Weaver all pay Ernie a visit in this January '60 airing. Ford Show trivia: Arquette holds the all-time record for most return guest appearances. Harry, Ernie and the gang kick this great show off with a swingin' version of the Johnny Mercer favorite, "Would You Like To Swing On A Star".

Musical Numbers: Would You Like To Swing On A Star: Ernie and The Top Twenty / Medley: Click Go The Shears/Waltzing Matilda: The Top Twenty / Too Old To Cut The Mustard: Ernie and Cliff / Hold To God's Unchanging Hand: Ernie

Cast: Ernie Ford, Cliff Arquette, The Top Twenty

Show # 135   January 28, 1960

Ernie's Guest: Singer Jimmie Rodgers

Script Notes: Ernie gives expectant father Jimmie Rodgers a few pointers on the fine art of diapering a baby in this January, 1960 telecast.

Musical Numbers: Down By The Station: Ernie and the gang / Tender Love And Care: Ernie / Honeycomb: Jimmie / She's My Baby: Ernie and Jimmie / Take My Hand, Precious Lord: Ernie and The Top Twenty

Cast: Ernie Ford, Jimmie Rodgers, The Top Twenty

 

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