Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Correcting link.
Changed line(s) 8,9 (click to see context) from:
The live Sunday night show aired opposite ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on CBS and ''Series/{{Maverick}}'' on Creator/{{ABC}}. One of Allen's guests was Johnny Carson, a future successor to Allen as host of ''Series/TheTonightShow''. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and ''Maverick'' star Creator/JamesGarner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early ''Tonight Show'', and Creator/SammyDavisJr
to:
The live Sunday night show aired opposite ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on CBS and ''Series/{{Maverick}}'' on Creator/{{ABC}}.[[Creator/AmericanBroadcastingCompany ABC]]. One of Allen's guests was Johnny Carson, a future successor to Allen as host of ''Series/TheTonightShow''. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and ''Maverick'' star Creator/JamesGarner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early ''Tonight Show'', and Creator/SammyDavisJr
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Alphabetizing example(s)
* VoxPops: Parodied with the "Man on the Street" sketches which featured cast members such as Tom Poston, Don Knotts, and Bill Dana playing comedic characters answering questions such as "How do you beat the heat wave?"
Changed line(s) 23,24 (click to see context) from:
* VoxPops: Parodied with the "Man on the Street" sketches which featured cast members such as Tom Poston, Don Knotts, and Bill Dana playing comedic characters answering questions such as "How do you beat the heat wave?"
to:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
----
!!This show provides examples of:
* EverythingIsAnInstrument: Music/FrankZappa played a bicycle on the show in one of his earliest TV appearances.
* LiquidCourage: Invoked in the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jose_Jimenez_(character) Jose Jimenez]] routine as performed by Bill Dana. The joke centered on the common use of 'blastoff' in spaceflight references.
-->'''Jose:''' I take a blast before I take off. Otherwise, I don't wanna go near that thing.
* WilliamTelling: Film/TheThreeStooges performed their "Maha" routine on the show once: Moe arranges for the nearsighted Rajah (Curly-Joe) to attempt to shoot a raisin off of Larry's head with a rifle.
* VoxPops: Parodied with the "Man on the Street" sketches which featured cast members such as Tom Poston, Don Knotts, and Bill Dana playing comedic characters answering questions such as "How do you beat the heat wave?"
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 4,5 (click to see context) from:
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night [[VarietyShow variety hour]], ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred included Creator/BobHope, Creator/KimNovak, Creator/ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others. The show's regulars were Creator/TomPoston, Louis Nye, Bill Dana, Creator/DonKnotts, Pat Harrington Jr., Dayton Allen (no relation), and Gabriel Dell. All except film veteran Dell were relatively obscure performers prior to their stints with Allen, and all went on to stardom.
to:
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night [[VarietyShow variety hour]], ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred guest-starred included Creator/BobHope, Creator/KimNovak, Creator/ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others. The show's regulars were Creator/TomPoston, Louis Nye, Bill Dana, Creator/DonKnotts, Pat Harrington Jr., Dayton Allen (no relation), and Gabriel Dell. All except film veteran Dell were relatively obscure performers prior to their stints with Allen, and all went on to stardom.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 4,5 (click to see context) from:
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night [[VarietyShow variety hour]], ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred included Creator/BobHope, Creator/KimNovak, Creator/ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others. The show's regulars were Tom Poston, Louis Nye, Bill Dana, Creator/DonKnotts, Pat Harrington Jr., Dayton Allen (no relation), and Gabriel Dell. All except film veteran Dell were relatively obscure performers prior to their stints with Allen, and all went on to stardom.
to:
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night [[VarietyShow variety hour]], ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred included Creator/BobHope, Creator/KimNovak, Creator/ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others. The show's regulars were Tom Poston, Creator/TomPoston, Louis Nye, Bill Dana, Creator/DonKnotts, Pat Harrington Jr., Dayton Allen (no relation), and Gabriel Dell. All except film veteran Dell were relatively obscure performers prior to their stints with Allen, and all went on to stardom.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 4,6 (click to see context) from:
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night [[VarietyShow variety hour]], ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred included Creator/BobHope, Kim Novak, Creator/ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others.
The show's regulars were Tom Poston, Louis Nye, Bill Dana, Creator/DonKnotts, Pat Harrington Jr., Dayton Allen (no relation), and Gabriel Dell. All except film veteran Dell were relatively obscure performers prior to their stints with Allen, and all went on to stardom.
The show's regulars were Tom Poston, Louis Nye, Bill Dana, Creator/DonKnotts, Pat Harrington Jr., Dayton Allen (no relation), and Gabriel Dell. All except film veteran Dell were relatively obscure performers prior to their stints with Allen, and all went on to stardom.
to:
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night [[VarietyShow variety hour]], ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred included Creator/BobHope, Kim Novak, Creator/KimNovak, Creator/ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others.
others. The show's regulars were Tom Poston, Louis Nye, Bill Dana, Creator/DonKnotts, Pat Harrington Jr., Dayton Allen (no relation), and Gabriel Dell. All except film veteran Dell were relatively obscure performers prior to their stints with Allen, and all went on to stardom.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 4 (click to see context) from:
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night variety hour, ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred included Creator/BobHope, Kim Novak, Creator/ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others.
to:
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night [[VarietyShow variety hour, hour]], ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred included Creator/BobHope, Kim Novak, Creator/ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 7,9 (click to see context) from:
Other recurring routines included "Crazy Shots,” also known as "Wild Pictures," a series of sight gags accompanied by Allen on piano; Allen inviting audience members to select three musical notes at random, and then composing a song based on the three notes; a satire on radio's long-running The Answer Man and a precursor to Johnny Carson's Carnac the Magnificent.
The live Sunday night show aired opposite ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on CBS and ''Series/{{Maverick}}'' on Creator/{{ABC}}. One of Allen's guests was comedian Creator/JohnnyCarson, a future successor to Allen as host of ''Series/TheTonightShow''. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and ''Maverick'' star Creator/JamesGarner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early ''Tonight Show'', and Creator/SammyDavisJr
The live Sunday night show aired opposite ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on CBS and ''Series/{{Maverick}}'' on Creator/{{ABC}}. One of Allen's guests was comedian Creator/JohnnyCarson, a future successor to Allen as host of ''Series/TheTonightShow''. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and ''Maverick'' star Creator/JamesGarner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early ''Tonight Show'', and Creator/SammyDavisJr
to:
Other recurring routines included "Crazy Shots,” also known as "Wild Pictures," a series of sight gags accompanied by Allen on piano; Allen inviting audience members to select three musical notes at random, and then composing a song based on the three notes; a satire on radio's long-running The Answer Man and a precursor to Johnny Carson's Creator/JohnnyCarson's Carnac the Magnificent.
Magnificent.
The live Sunday night show aired opposite ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on CBS and ''Series/{{Maverick}}'' on Creator/{{ABC}}. One of Allen's guests wascomedian Creator/JohnnyCarson, Johnny Carson, a future successor to Allen as host of ''Series/TheTonightShow''. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and ''Maverick'' star Creator/JamesGarner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early ''Tonight Show'', and Creator/SammyDavisJr
The live Sunday night show aired opposite ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on CBS and ''Series/{{Maverick}}'' on Creator/{{ABC}}. One of Allen's guests was
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 8,9 (click to see context) from:
The live Sunday night show aired opposite ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on CBS and ''Series/{{Maverick}}'' on Creator/{{ABC}}. One of Allen's guests was comedian Creator/JohnnyCarson, a future successor to Allen as host of ''The Tonight Show''. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and ''Maverick'' star Creator/JamesGarner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early ''Tonight Show'', and Creator/SammyDavisJr
to:
The live Sunday night show aired opposite ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on CBS and ''Series/{{Maverick}}'' on Creator/{{ABC}}. One of Allen's guests was comedian Creator/JohnnyCarson, a future successor to Allen as host of ''The Tonight Show''.''Series/TheTonightShow''. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and ''Maverick'' star Creator/JamesGarner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early ''Tonight Show'', and Creator/SammyDavisJr
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 1,3 (click to see context) from:
[[quoteright:278:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Steve_Allen_Show_4100.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:278:The cover of the June 23, 1956 edition of Magazine/TVGuide -- a day before the show's debut.]]
[[caption-width-right:278:The cover of the June 23, 1956 edition of Magazine/TVGuide -- a day before the show's debut.]]
to:
[[caption-width-right:278:The
[[caption-width-right:290:The cover of the June 23, 1956 edition of
Changed line(s) 5,6 (click to see context) from:
The show's regulars were Tom Poston, Louis Nye, Bill Dana, Creator/DonKnotts, Pat Harrington, Jr., Dayton Allen, and Gabriel Dell. All except film veteran Dell were relatively obscure performers prior to their stints with Allen, and all went on to stardom.
to:
The show's regulars were Tom Poston, Louis Nye, Bill Dana, Creator/DonKnotts, Pat Harrington, Harrington Jr., Dayton Allen, Allen (no relation), and Gabriel Dell. All except film veteran Dell were relatively obscure performers prior to their stints with Allen, and all went on to stardom.
Changed line(s) 8,9 (click to see context) from:
The live Sunday night show aired opposite ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on CBS and ''Series/{{Maverick}}'' on ABC. One of Allen's guests was comedian Creator/JohnnyCarson, a future successor to Allen as host of ''The Tonight Show''. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and ''Maverick'' star James Garner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early ''Tonight Show'', and Creator/SammyDavisJr
to:
The live Sunday night show aired opposite ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on CBS and ''Series/{{Maverick}}'' on ABC.Creator/{{ABC}}. One of Allen's guests was comedian Creator/JohnnyCarson, a future successor to Allen as host of ''The Tonight Show''. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and ''Maverick'' star James Garner Creator/JamesGarner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early ''Tonight Show'', and Creator/SammyDavisJr
Changed line(s) 14 (click to see context) from:
Allen remained host of "Tonight" for three nights a week until early 1957, when he left the "Tonight" show to devote his attention to the Sunday night program. It was his (and NBC's) hope that ''The Steve Allen Show'' could defeat ''Ed Sullivan'' in the ratings. Nevertheless, the TV Western ''Maverick'' often bested both ''Sullivan'' and ''Allen'' in audience size. In September 1959, Allen relocated to Los Angeles and left Sunday night television (the 1959-'60 season originated from NBC Color City in Burbank as ''The Steve Allen Plymouth Show'', on Monday nights). Back in Los Angeles, he continued to write songs, hosted other variety shows, and wrote books and articles about comedy.
to:
Allen remained host of "Tonight" ''Tonight'' for three nights a week until early 1957, when he left the "Tonight" show to devote his attention to the Sunday night program. It was his (and NBC's) hope that ''The Steve Allen Show'' could defeat ''Ed Sullivan'' in the ratings. Nevertheless, the TV Western ''Maverick'' often bested both ''Sullivan'' and ''Allen'' in audience size. In September 1959, Allen relocated to Los Angeles and left Sunday night television (the 1959-'60 season originated from NBC Color City in Burbank as ''The Steve Allen Plymouth Show'', on Monday nights). Back in Los Angeles, he continued to write songs, hosted other variety shows, and wrote books and articles about comedy.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 8,11 (click to see context) from:
The live Sunday night show aired opposite The Ed Sullivan Show on CBS and Maverick on ABC. One of Allen's guests was comedian Johnny Carson, a future successor to Allen as host of The Tonight Show. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and Maverick star James Garner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early Tonight Show, and Sammy Davis, Jr.
Allen's show also had one of the longest unscripted "crack-ups" on live TV when Allen began laughing hysterically during "Big Bill Allen's Sports Roundup." He laughed uncontrollably for over a minute, with the audience laughing along, because, as he later explained, he caught sight of his unkempt hair on an off-camera monitor. He kept brushing his hair and changing hats to hide the messy hair, and the more he tried to correct his appearance the funnier it got.
Allen's show also had one of the longest unscripted "crack-ups" on live TV when Allen began laughing hysterically during "Big Bill Allen's Sports Roundup." He laughed uncontrollably for over a minute, with the audience laughing along, because, as he later explained, he caught sight of his unkempt hair on an off-camera monitor. He kept brushing his hair and changing hats to hide the messy hair, and the more he tried to correct his appearance the funnier it got.
to:
The live Sunday night show aired opposite The ''The Ed Sullivan Show Show'' on CBS and Maverick ''Series/{{Maverick}}'' on ABC. One of Allen's guests was comedian Johnny Carson, Creator/JohnnyCarson, a future successor to Allen as host of The ''The Tonight Show. Show''. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and Maverick ''Maverick'' star James Garner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early Tonight Show, ''Tonight Show'', and Sammy Davis, Jr.
Creator/SammyDavisJr
Allen's show also had one of the longest [[{{Corpsing}} unscripted"crack-ups" "crack-ups"]] on live TV when Allen began laughing hysterically during "Big Bill Allen's Sports Roundup." He laughed uncontrollably for over a minute, with the audience laughing along, because, as he later explained, he caught sight of his unkempt hair on an off-camera monitor. He kept brushing his hair and changing hats to hide the messy hair, and the more he tried to correct his appearance the funnier it got.
Allen's show also had one of the longest [[{{Corpsing}} unscripted
Changed line(s) 14 (click to see context) from:
Allen remained host of "Tonight" for three nights a week until early 1957, when he left the "Tonight" show to devote his attention to the Sunday night program. It was his (and NBC's) hope that The Steve Allen Show could defeat Ed Sullivan in the ratings. Nevertheless the TV Western Maverick often bested both The Ed Sullivan Show and The Steve Allen Show in audience size. In September 1959, Allen relocated to Los Angeles and left Sunday night television (the 1959-'60 season originated from NBC Color City in Burbank as The Steve Allen Plymouth Show, on Monday nights). Back in Los Angeles, he continued to write songs, hosted other variety shows, and wrote books and articles about comedy.
to:
Allen remained host of "Tonight" for three nights a week until early 1957, when he left the "Tonight" show to devote his attention to the Sunday night program. It was his (and NBC's) hope that The ''The Steve Allen Show Show'' could defeat Ed Sullivan ''Ed Sullivan'' in the ratings. Nevertheless Nevertheless, the TV Western Maverick ''Maverick'' often bested both The Ed Sullivan Show ''Sullivan'' and The Steve Allen Show ''Allen'' in audience size. In September 1959, Allen relocated to Los Angeles and left Sunday night television (the 1959-'60 season originated from NBC Color City in Burbank as The ''The Steve Allen Plymouth Show, Show'', on Monday nights). Back in Los Angeles, he continued to write songs, hosted other variety shows, and wrote books and articles about comedy.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 4 (click to see context) from:
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night variety hour, ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred included Creator/BobHope, Kim Novak, ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others.
to:
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night variety hour, ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred included Creator/BobHope, Kim Novak, ErrolFlynn, Creator/ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 2 (click to see context) from:
to:
[[caption-width-right:278:The cover of the June 23, 1956 edition of Magazine/TVGuide -- a day before the show's debut.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
[[quoteright:278:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Steve_Allen_Show_4100.jpg]]
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night variety hour, ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred included Creator/BobHope, Kim Novak, ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others.
The show's regulars were Tom Poston, Louis Nye, Bill Dana, Creator/DonKnotts, Pat Harrington, Jr., Dayton Allen, and Gabriel Dell. All except film veteran Dell were relatively obscure performers prior to their stints with Allen, and all went on to stardom.
Other recurring routines included "Crazy Shots,” also known as "Wild Pictures," a series of sight gags accompanied by Allen on piano; Allen inviting audience members to select three musical notes at random, and then composing a song based on the three notes; a satire on radio's long-running The Answer Man and a precursor to Johnny Carson's Carnac the Magnificent.
The live Sunday night show aired opposite The Ed Sullivan Show on CBS and Maverick on ABC. One of Allen's guests was comedian Johnny Carson, a future successor to Allen as host of The Tonight Show. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and Maverick star James Garner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early Tonight Show, and Sammy Davis, Jr.
Allen's show also had one of the longest unscripted "crack-ups" on live TV when Allen began laughing hysterically during "Big Bill Allen's Sports Roundup." He laughed uncontrollably for over a minute, with the audience laughing along, because, as he later explained, he caught sight of his unkempt hair on an off-camera monitor. He kept brushing his hair and changing hats to hide the messy hair, and the more he tried to correct his appearance the funnier it got.
Allen helped the recently invented Polaroid camera become popular by demonstrating its use in live commercials and amassed a huge windfall for his work because he had opted to be paid in Polaroid Corporation stock.
Allen remained host of "Tonight" for three nights a week until early 1957, when he left the "Tonight" show to devote his attention to the Sunday night program. It was his (and NBC's) hope that The Steve Allen Show could defeat Ed Sullivan in the ratings. Nevertheless the TV Western Maverick often bested both The Ed Sullivan Show and The Steve Allen Show in audience size. In September 1959, Allen relocated to Los Angeles and left Sunday night television (the 1959-'60 season originated from NBC Color City in Burbank as The Steve Allen Plymouth Show, on Monday nights). Back in Los Angeles, he continued to write songs, hosted other variety shows, and wrote books and articles about comedy.
----
In 1956, Creator/{{NBC}} offered Creator/SteveAllen a new, prime-time Sunday night variety hour, ''The Steve Allen Show'', aimed at dethroning Creator/{{CBS}}'s top-rated ''Series/TheEdSullivanShow''. The show included a typical run of star performers, including early TV appearances by Music/ElvisPresley and Music/JerryLeeLewis. Many popular film and television stars that guest starred included Creator/BobHope, Kim Novak, ErrolFlynn, Creator/AbbottAndCostello, Esther Williams, Film/TheThreeStooges, Creator/JerryLewis and a host of others.
The show's regulars were Tom Poston, Louis Nye, Bill Dana, Creator/DonKnotts, Pat Harrington, Jr., Dayton Allen, and Gabriel Dell. All except film veteran Dell were relatively obscure performers prior to their stints with Allen, and all went on to stardom.
Other recurring routines included "Crazy Shots,” also known as "Wild Pictures," a series of sight gags accompanied by Allen on piano; Allen inviting audience members to select three musical notes at random, and then composing a song based on the three notes; a satire on radio's long-running The Answer Man and a precursor to Johnny Carson's Carnac the Magnificent.
The live Sunday night show aired opposite The Ed Sullivan Show on CBS and Maverick on ABC. One of Allen's guests was comedian Johnny Carson, a future successor to Allen as host of The Tonight Show. Among Carson's material during that appearance was a portrayal of how a poker game between Allen, Sullivan, and Maverick star James Garner (all impersonated by Carson) would transpire. Allen's programs also featured a good deal of music; he helped the careers of singers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, who were regulars on his early Tonight Show, and Sammy Davis, Jr.
Allen's show also had one of the longest unscripted "crack-ups" on live TV when Allen began laughing hysterically during "Big Bill Allen's Sports Roundup." He laughed uncontrollably for over a minute, with the audience laughing along, because, as he later explained, he caught sight of his unkempt hair on an off-camera monitor. He kept brushing his hair and changing hats to hide the messy hair, and the more he tried to correct his appearance the funnier it got.
Allen helped the recently invented Polaroid camera become popular by demonstrating its use in live commercials and amassed a huge windfall for his work because he had opted to be paid in Polaroid Corporation stock.
Allen remained host of "Tonight" for three nights a week until early 1957, when he left the "Tonight" show to devote his attention to the Sunday night program. It was his (and NBC's) hope that The Steve Allen Show could defeat Ed Sullivan in the ratings. Nevertheless the TV Western Maverick often bested both The Ed Sullivan Show and The Steve Allen Show in audience size. In September 1959, Allen relocated to Los Angeles and left Sunday night television (the 1959-'60 season originated from NBC Color City in Burbank as The Steve Allen Plymouth Show, on Monday nights). Back in Los Angeles, he continued to write songs, hosted other variety shows, and wrote books and articles about comedy.
----
