TODAY {50TH ANNIVERSARY} {TAPE 3 OF 3} (TV)
Summary
Continued from T:71127. Tape three of three. One in this series of early morning programs, featuring interviews, special features, and news. This episode celebrates the program's 50th anniversary. This tape begins by showing a "Today" moment that the show is "less than proud of." Then, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy join Katie Couric and Matt Lauer in studio. Rosie O'Donnell surprises them by banging on the outside glass during the interview. Afterward, O'Donnell joins Al Roker, who presents the weather. Then, correspondent Jamie Gangel discusses what the world was like in 1952 during the height of the "baby boom." Included is an interview with noted historian David McCullough. Then, Couric visits with former "Today Girls" -- young ladies that handled weather, fashion, and interview segments in the early years of the show -- Estelle Parsons, Lee Meriwether, Florence Henderson, and Betsy Palmer who discuss such topics as: how the women got the job; Parsons's interview with Eleanor Roosevelt during which the former First Lady fell asleep; Meriwether being offered the job during her reign as Miss America; Meriwether's interview with Marlon Brando during the premiere of "Guys and Dolls"; a humorous interview Palmer once had with author Rona Jaffe; and Henderson having to hide her pregnancy on the show. Next, the Hellcats (part of the United States Military Academy Band) play. In a filmed segment, Bob Dotson talks to viewers across the country who share their memories of "Today." Next, Roker presents the weather with Elliot Cuker of Cooper Classic Cars, who shows off more cars from the 1950s. Afterward, Ann Curry presents her predecessors at the "Today" news desk: Edwin Newman, Deborah Norville, John Palmer, and Faith Daniels. They touch on such topics as: Newman's coverage of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth; Newman's innovative "self" interview; an amusing cooking segment involving a breadmaker and a microwave that disconcerted Norville; the running joke of Palmer never being allowed to go on remote segments; and Daniels's defining moment on air. Next, entertainment critic Gene Shalit presents his greatest on-air moments, featuring appearances by such luminaries as Roberto Benigni, Mel Brooks, and Carol Channing. Finally, the show toasts itself with a magnum of1952 Chateau Latour and a performance of "Happy Birthday," sung by Tony Bennett. This tape includes raw, unaired feed. Includes commercials.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: January 14, 2002 9:00 AM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:56:55
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:71128
- GENRE: News
- SUBJECT HEADING: She Made It Collection (Katie Couric); She Made It Collection (Jane Pauley)
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1952-
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Commercials - 10-10-220 long-distance calling
- TV - Commercials - Almay mascara
- TV - Commercials - American Egg Board for The Incredible Edible Egg
- TV - Commercials - Cottonelle toilet paper
- TV - Commercials - Geico car insurance
- TV - Commercials - Homestyle Bakes dinners
- TV - Commercials - JC Penney salon
- TV - Commercials - L'Oreal hair coloring
- TV - Commercials - Listerine mouthwash
- TV - Commercials - Little Debbie snacks
- TV - Commercials - Mr. Rooter plumbers
- TV - Commercials - Nexium acid reflux medication
- TV - Commercials - Nutricia Scan Diet
- TV - Commercials - Pier 1 Imports home stores
- TV - Commercials - Pledge Grab-It wet floor wipes
- TV - Commercials - Royal Caribbean cruise lines
- TV - Commercials - Sears washers, driers
- TV - Commercials - Slim-Fast meal bars
- TV - Commercials - Suave hairspray
- TV - Commercials - Sudafed sinus pressure reliever
- TV - Commercials - Tropicana orange juice
- TV - Commercials - Vagisil vaginal itch relief
- TV - Commercials - Viactiv calcium chews
- TV - Commercials - Welch's fruit juices
- TV - Promos - "Fear Factor"
- TV - Promos - "The Bush White House: Inside the Real West Wing"
CREDITS
- Katie Couric … Anchor
- Matt Lauer … Anchor
- Ann Curry … Reporter
- Al Roker … Reporter
- Bob Dotson … Reporter
- Jamie Gangel … Reporter
- Elliot Cuker … Guest
- Faith Daniels … Guest
- Florence Henderson … Guest
- David McCullough … Guest
- Lee Meriwether … Guest
- Edwin Newman … Guest
- Deborah Norville … Guest
- Rosie O'Donnell … Guest
- Betsy Palmer … Guest
- John Palmer … Guest
- Estelle Parsons … Guest
- Gene Shalit … Guest
- Tony Bennett … Performer
- Roberto Benigni
- Marlon Brando
- Mel Brooks
- Carol Channing
- Elizabeth II
- the Hellcats
- Rona Jaffe
- Kermit the Frog
- Miss Piggy
- Eleanor Roosevelt