Marie Wilson
The TV version of “My Friend Irma” aired on CBS from January 1952 until
June 1954. It was the first series telecast from the CBS Television City facility
in Hollywood. Marie Wilson portrayed the title character, Irma Peterson, on
radio, in two films and the television series.
CBS’ Television City in Hollywood, 1952 (LIFE)
AM America was a morning news program produced by ABC in an attempt
to compete with Today on NBC. The show never found an audience after its
premiere. Lasting just under ten months, its final installment aired on October
31, 1975.
Comedian Jackie Gleason sits behind the wheel of his new Buick as
assembly plant manager H.T. Anderson stands along side.
The Buick Motor Company signed Jackie Gleason (above) to one of the largest
contracts ever entered into with an entertainer. Gleason agreed to produce 78
half-hour shows over a two-year period for $6,142,500.
Original run on CBS: October 1, 1955 – September 22, 1956.
Art Carney (left) and Jackie Gleason on the Honeymooners set.
Edgar Bergen and his dummy Charlie McCarthy
Edgar Bergen became the first ventriloquist to perform on national radio when
he and his wooden partner Charlie McCarthy initially appeared on The Rudy
Vallee show on NBC radio, December 17, 1936. Their appearance was so
successful that they were given their own show the following year in May, as
part of The Chase and Sanborn Hour.The program aired until July 1, 1956.
Singer Rudy Vallee
From left: Edgar Bergen with Charlie McCarthy and W.C. Fields, NBC radio.
Gertrude Berg (born Tillie Edelstein) played Molly
Goldberg
The Goldbergs is a domestic comedy-drama featuring
the home life of a Jewish family living in the Bronx. The
program was devised by writer-actress Gertrude Berg
who also starred as the lovingly meddlesome matriarch
Molly Goldberg. The 15-minute program was broadcast
from 1929 to 1946, first on NBC, later moving to CBS in
1936.
