PLAYBOY'S PENTHOUSE {LENNY BRUCE} {60-MINUTE VERSION OF PREMIERE EPISODE} (TV)

Summary

The premiere of this series of variety programs hosted by Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner in a party setting at a Chicago penthouse. This program features comedian Lenny Bruce, who discusses the "party" itself; his views on society and what critics call his "sick" brand of humor; his admiration for Steve Allen despite problems with censorship during his appearance on the show; and his latest album. Other highlights include a discussion with singer Nat King Cole; pianist/composer Cy Coleman performing "Witchcraft," along with a new Frank Sinatra tune (as yet unrecorded), "The Best Is Yet to Come," with trumpet player Charlie Shavers, and "You Fascinate Me So"; and author Rona Jaffe on the new film "The Best of Everything," based on her book. Hope Lange and Brett Halsey are featured in a clip from the film. Commercials deleted. (The program ends abruptly before the conclusion.) (This syndicated series ran from 1959 to 1960.)

Details

• NETWORK: Syndicated
• DATE: November 30, 1958
• RUNNING TIME: 0:56:23
• COLOR/B&W: B&W
• CATALOG ID: T:24953
• GENRE: Music/Variety; Talk/Interviews
• SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Music, popular (songs, etc.)
• SERIES RUN: N/A
• COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

• Hugh Hefner … Host
• Lenny Bruce … Guest
• Nat King Cole … Guest
• Rona Jaffe … Guest
• Cy Coleman … Theme Music by, Performer
• Charlie Shavers … Instrumentalist, Trumpet player
• Hope Lange
• Brett Halsey
• Steve Allen