54th Street Revue

54th Street Revue is an American variety television program that was broadcast on CBS from May 5, 1949, through March 25, 1950. The program was a "showcase for up-and-coming professionals", originating from a theater on 54th Street in New York City.^[1]

Hosts for 54th Street Revue included Jack Sterling, Al Bernie,^[2] Billy Vine,^[3] and Joey Faye.^[4] Regular performers on the program included Bambi Lynn, Annabel Lyons, Joe Silver,^[5] Pat Bright, Russell Arms, Marilyn Day, Cliff Tatum, Butch Cavell,^[6] Bob Fosse, Mort Marshall, Wynn Murray, and Carl Reiner^[1] The regular cast changed frequently as entertainers found other jobs "that were more substantial than employment in early television".^[7]

Barry Wood was the executive producer, with Ralph Levy as director. Al Selden and Bill Scudder created original music and lyrics for the show.^[1] Writers included Alan Sands, Jess Kaplan,^[8] George Axelrod, Allan Sherman, and Max Wilk.^[1] Harry Sosnick directed the orchestra.^[9] The program initially was on Thursdays from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. In September 1949 it moved to Fridays from 9 to 10 p.m., ET, and in January 1950 it moved to Saturdays from 8 to 9 p.m. ET.^[7]

Although the program was scheduled to end in late November 1949, its time on the air was extended "at least through Dec. 23".^[10] In late January 1950, its run was extended again on an alternate-weeks schedule as two advertising agencies showed interest in its "rising ratings and its low budget".^[11]

A review in the February 1, 1950, issue of the trade publication Variety noted that the program's pace had "become too even and placid for its own good."^[12]

References

1. McNeil, Alex (1996). Total Television: the Comprehensive Guide to Programming from 1948 to the Present (4th ed.). New York, New York: Penguin Books USA, Inc. p. 284. ISBN 0-14-02-4916-8.
2. "Radio and Television: S. L. Weaver Named Video Vice President at NBC — F. W. Wile Jr. to Be His Assistant". The New York Times. July 6, 1949. p. 50. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
3. "Radio and Television: The Aces, Comedy Team Since 1930, to Make Video Debut on WABD Next Wednesday". The New York Times. November 28, 1949. p. 42. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
4. "Tele Chatter: New York". Variety. February 8, 1950. p. 32. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
5. Terrace, Vincent (2011). Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010 (2nd ed.). Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. p. 341. ISBN 978-0-7864-6477-7.
6. "Top Broadway Performers Offered in '54th Street Revue'". Deseret News. May 31, 1949. p. 31. Retrieved July 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
7. Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle (1999). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present (7th ed.). New York: The Ballentine Publishing Group. pp. 343–344. ISBN 0-345-42923-0.
8. "Short Scannings". Billboard. July 23, 1949. p. 13. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
9. "Speedway, Television Debut Take Spotlight". The Indianapolis Star. May 30, 1949. p. 11. Retrieved July 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
10. "Radio and Television: WJZ-TV Expects to Be Transmitting From the Empire State Tower by Jan. 1". The New York Times. November 22, 1949. p. 58. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
11. "CBS-TV reprieves '54th Street Revue'". Billboard. January 28, 1950. p. 8. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
12. "Tele Follow-Up Comment". Variety. February 1, 1950. p. 32. Retrieved December 24, 2022.