The Big Show - Single Episodes
Read by Tallulah Bankhead
The Big Show premiered on November 5, 1950, as a response to the dwindling radio audiences due to the rise of television. NBC invested significantly in this 90-minute program, which featured a variety of famous guests performing skits, songs, and comedic routines.
Tallulah Bankhead, who had previously guest-starred on various radio programs, was chosen to host the show. Although she was initially nervous and uncertain about her role, she approached the show with guarded anticipation. Over the next three years, The Big Show aired every Sunday night and became a resounding success, showcasing a diverse guest list that included Ethel Merman, Bob Hope, and Laurence Olivier, among many others.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.
Chapters
Reviews
A window to great talent from the early 1950s
Robert B. Livingston
This is an excellent radio broadcast series worth turning to for diversion and pleasure when one's time allows. These programs provide a great escape. The early 1950s were not the most particularly agreeable years with the rise of repressive McCarthyism, the Cold War and fear of nuclear war, the Korean conflict, etc.-- but the entertainment world still dazzled with remarkable talents, which included incomparable iconoclasts and wits. The series host, Tallulah Bankhead, and her "reputation" certainly kept the series lively. I think it is too bad that she is less remembered today. Wouldn't it be nice if the USPS would issue a stamp with her picture on it? Thus far, as I listen to the programs, I've not gone without some hearty laughs. The comedic routines and banter are thoughtfully interspersed with some more weighty dramatic sequences, chorals, songs, and more-- from which one can draw reflection. The Big Show portrayed an America that could laugh at itself, be more inclusive: a Big Family, so to speak. Radio, and later television, had the power to broaden one's thinking. What became of that? What is to become of the internet? For the time being, the internet is certainly wonderful in the way it can bring these wonderful programs and people back to life. I would mention, that the audio quality varies, parts are difficult to hear, I noticed that the end part to Episode 28 appears to be missing. I am glad the Old Time Radio archivists are working to steadily improve and restore the programs as much as possible. My hat is off to them.
Great series but skip the last available show
BellonaTimes
The one with Richard Easton is a complete bore. Tallu sounds desperate, the jokes are lamer than usual, even Ethel Merman disappoints -- although she and Bankhead have an okay catfight at one point. If you like unintentional humor, Peter Lorre sounds like a parody of himself by Mel Blanc, but it just goes on too long. Bottom of the barrel is purported comedian Joe Frisco who is about as funny as your own stubbed toe. The rest of the series is generally excellent, especially the ones with Groucho, Phil Harris, George Sanders, & Bob Hope. The episode from London with Sanders features a wonderful reading of "Antony & Cleopatra" by Vivien Leigh and then-husband Laurence Olivier. The 4/1/51 episode has great repartee between TB and Ethel Barrymore. This is a must for theater buffs.
New Year's Eve 1950 show
MPDMedia
Download or play this episode if you want to cure the C-19 Blahs. Was listening to this last night and was blown away by buried treasures like Gloria Swanson and Jose Ferrer performing a scene from Twentieth Century; 14-year-old Margaret O'Brien and Ferrer doing the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet; Fran Warren's two songs, the latter of which (So In Love) is included in a show-ending Best of Broadway 1950 medley; Vivian Blaine in character from Guys and Dolls bantering with Tallulah, and loads more. There is some unfortunate radio static bleed on the Swanson/Ferrer pairing, but maybe a freelance audio engineer can figure out how to remove it.
Worthwhile
davidinberkeley
Be prepared for a vaudeville-variety format and some kind-of silly interstitial banter between guests. Beyond that this is a great representation of the biggest talents from this era. I do enjoy it and save it for a long weekend afternoon of cooking and dishwashing.
They don't make talent like this anymore...
Iowatvman
These are true classics--great talent, great writing, it's hard to ask for more. It's just unfortunate that so many episodes seem to be missing. Thank you, NBC, for throwing away your history...
Tallulah!
ninkon
Absolutely fantastic! I am so glad to be able to listen to these recordings and Tallulah Bankhead, what a personality! And that laughter! Better quality wouldn't hurt though, but I'm not fussy, just glad these exist!
THAT BIG GREAT SHOW
andrew a
Just love the old time radio, can't get enough of it. This collection just a delight, I listen to it all the time. Miss Bankhead is simply outrageous.
The Big Show
pdatto
Listening to the greats of yesteryear is a lesson in true talent.