AMERICA TONIGHT {AMERICA 2 NIGHT}: CELEBRITY NIGHT (TV)
Summary
One in this series of satirical, mock talk shows set in Alta Coma, California, hosted by the smarmy Barth Gimble and his dim-witted sidekick Jerry Hubbard.
In this episode, Barth and Jerry discuss their journey to the West Coast, explaining that they traveled on a Trailways bus and brought their own food instead of risking the fare at rest stops all across America. Jerry adds that Barth chivalrously "helped" a young lady seated next to him with a little cash. The hosts then introduce footage from their press conference upon arriving in California, where they were greeted by the likes of Burt Lancaster, Steve Allen, Harvey Korman, Andy Williams, Paul Lynde, and Milton Berle, all of whom seem only slightly familiar with "America 2 Night." Finally, Barth welcomes Sally Hayes, soon-to-be widow of condemned murderer Steven Hayes; Barth explains that he has chosen a few winners from the "I'd Like to Throw the Switch Because ..." contest, in which viewers wrote in requesting a chance to participate in Steven's televised execution. Commercials deleted.
(Martin Mull and Fred Willard originated their roles as Barth Gimble and Jerry Hubbard in "Fernwood Tonight," telecast in syndication in 1977.)
Details
- NETWORK: Syndicated
- DATE: April 13, 1978
- RUNNING TIME: 0:21:24
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:50879
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Talk shows; Parody
- SERIES RUN: Syndicated - TV series, 1978
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Alan Thicke … Producer, Writer
- John Maxwell Anderson … Associate Producer
- Jim Drake … Director
- Norman Lear … Created by
- Jeremy Stevens … Writer
- Tom Moore … Writer
- Dan Wilcox … Writer
- Tom Dunsmuir … Writer
- John Boni … Writer
- Norman Stiles … Writer
- Happy Kyne and the Mirth Makers … Music Group
- Martin Mull … Cast, Barth Gimble
- Fred Willard … Cast, Jerry Hubbard
- Frank De Vol … Cast, Happy Kyne
- Burt Lancaster … Cast, Himself
- Steve Allen … Cast, Himself
- Harvey Korman … Cast, Himself
- Andy Williams … Cast, Himself
- Paul Lynde … Cast, Himself
- Milton Berle … Cast, Himself
- Sallie James … Cast, Sally Hayes