TOAST OF THE TOWN {WILL MASTIN TRIO, JULIUS LaROSA, FRED ASTAIRE, DOROTHY DANDRIDGE} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of variety programs presided over by Ed Sullivan. Highlights include the following: Sammy Davis, Jr. does impressions of Nat King Cole, Frankie Lane, and others singing "Hey There"; performs as a young singer auditioning for a Broadway director; sings and tap dances to "That's Entertainment"; and introduces his father, Sam Davis, Sr., and uncle, Will Mastin, who perform a soft shoe to "Tea for Two." Other highlights include the following: a visit from British strongwoman Joan Rhodes; an acrobatic dog act called "Excess Baggage" involving five dogs and lots of suitcases; Julius LaRosa performs; Sullivan invites Fred Astaire to join him from the audience after screening a clip from the star's latest picture, "Daddy Long Legs," in which Astaire sings and dances to "Something's Gotta Give" with Leslie Caron; and Dorothy Dandridge sings "I Got Rhythm." Additionally, Sullivan introduces audience members Charlotte Brooks, a "Look" magazine photographer, and Tony DeMarco, welterweight boxing champion. Includes onstage commercials and a promo.
(Series title varies; as above, 1948-1955; as "The Ed Sullivan Show," 1955-1971.)
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: April 3, 1955 8:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:59:39
- COLOR/B&W: B&W
- CATALOG ID: T80:0755
- GENRE: Variety
- SUBJECT HEADING: Variety; African-American Collection - Music
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1948-1955
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Commercials - Lincoln & Mercury automobiles
- TV - Promos - "Toast of the Town"
CREDITS
- Marlo Lewis … Producer
- Ed Sullivan … Producer, Host
- John Wray … Director, Choreographer
- Bloch, Ray, and His Orchestra … Music Group
- Will Mastin Trio, The … Music Group
- Dorothy Dandridge … Singer
- Julius LaRosa … Singer
- Sammy Davis Jr. … Singer, Dancer
- Will Mastin … Dancer
- Joan Rhodes … Guest
- Fred Astaire … Guest
- Sammy Davis Sr.
- Leslie Caron
- Charlotte Brooks
- Tony DeMarco