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MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO SEMINAR SERIES, THE: AN AFTERNOON WITH STEVE ALLEN {LONG VERSION}

Summary

One in this series of seminars conducted by The Museum of Television & Radio. In this seminar, conducted in conjunction with the Museum's exhibition "Steve Allen: A Retrospective" and moderated by the Museum's president, Robert M. Batscha, entertainer Steve Allen discusses his distinguished career in television and radio. The seminar begins with a highlight tape of Allen's work, including footage from the first "Tonight" show in 1954 and the PBS series "Meeting of Minds" in 1977. Following this presentation, Allen takes questions from the audience. Topics of the discussion include the following: the genesis of "Meeting of Minds," a concept which Allen says goes back to his childhood; the origins of the various catchphrases which sprang from Allen's shows; his feelings about the blacklisting of the McCarthy era; how Steve Lawrence and Eydie GormŽ became involved with "Tonight"; Allen's early experimentation in radio as a preparation for television; the way disaster feeds comedy in a talk show format; his ongoing series of mystery novels featuring himself and wife Jayne Meadows as the lead characters; the composition of his trademark song "This Could Be the Start of Something Big" and his overall creative process; the current fixation with celebrity in American culture; the outlandish stunts Allen performed on his shows; the tragic destruction by fire of most of his "Tonight" programs at the facility in which they were stored; Allen's early education and unusual family background; and his appraisal of "Meeting of Minds" as his most satisfying achievement.

Details

  • NETWORK: Paley
  • DATE: April 14, 1994 12:30 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 1:26:00
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: T:31936
  • GENRE: Seminars
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Television personalities
  • SERIES RUN: N/A
  • COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

  • Robert M. Batscha … Moderator
  • Steve Allen … Guest
  • Eydie Gorme
  • Steve Lawrence
  • Joseph McCarthy
  • Meadows, Jayne (See also: Allen, Jayne Meadows)