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54th Street Revue

54th Street Revue
GenreVariety
Written by
Directed byRalph Levy
Presented by
Music byAl Selden and Bill Scudder
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes29
Production
Executive producerBarry Wood
Running time44-52 minutes
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseMay 5, 1949 (1949-05-05) –
January 20, 1950 (1950-01-20)

54th Street Revue is an American variety television program that was broadcast on CBS from May 5, 1949, through March 25, 1950. The program was a "showcase for up-and-coming professionals", originating from a theater on 54th Street in New York City.[1]

Hosts for 54th Street Revue included Jack Sterling, Al Bernie,[2] Billy Vine,[3] and Joey Faye.[4] Regular performers on the program included Bambi Lynn, Annabel Lyons, Joe Silver,[5] Pat Bright, Russell Arms, Marilyn Day, Cliff Tatum, Butch Cavell,[6] Bob Fosse, Mort Marshall, Wynn Murray, and Carl Reiner[1] The regular cast changed frequently as entertainers found other jobs "that were more substantial than employment in early television".[7]

Barry Wood was the executive producer, with Ralph Levy as director. Al Selden and Bill Scudder created original music and lyrics for the show.[1] Writers included Alan Sands, Jess Kaplan,[8] George Axelrod, Allan Sherman, and Max Wilk.[1] Harry Sosnick directed the orchestra.[9] The program initially was on Thursdays from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. In September 1949 it moved to Fridays from 9 to 10 p.m., ET, and in January 1950 it moved to Saturdays from 8 to 9 p.m. ET.[7]

Although the program was scheduled to end in late November 1949, its time on the air was extended "at least through Dec. 23".[10] In late January 1950, its run was extended again on an alternate-weeks schedule as two advertising agencies showed interest in its "rising ratings and its low budget".[11]

A review in the February 1, 1950, issue of the trade publication Variety noted that the program's pace had "become too even and placid for its own good."[12]

Critical response

A review in The New York Times called 54th Street Revue "a pleasant enough undertaking, with several bright spots" but said that it was unlikely to change existing TV ratings.[13] The review said that Sterling's personality fell short of what the show needed. The weakest component, it added were sketches, "which for the most part have been very labored".[13] The review concluded with a suggestion that cutting the program to 30 minutes might make it better.[13]

References

  1. ^ a b c d McNeil, Alex (1996). Total Television: the Comprehensive Guide to Programming from 1948 to the Present (4th ed.). New York, New York: Penguin Books USA, Inc. p. 284. ISBN 0-14-02-4916-8.
  2. ^ "Radio and Television: S. L. Weaver Named Video Vice President at NBC — F. W. Wile Jr. to Be His Assistant". The New York Times. July 6, 1949. p. 50. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  3. ^ "Radio and Television: The Aces, Comedy Team Since 1930, to Make Video Debut on WABD Next Wednesday". The New York Times. November 28, 1949. p. 42. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  4. ^ "Tele Chatter: New York". Variety. February 8, 1950. p. 32. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
  5. ^ Terrace, Vincent (2011). Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010 (2nd ed.). Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. p. 341. ISBN 978-0-7864-6477-7.
  6. ^ "Top Broadway Performers Offered in '54th Street Revue'". Deseret News. May 31, 1949. p. 31. Retrieved July 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle (1999). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present (7th ed.). New York: The Ballentine Publishing Group. pp. 343–344. ISBN 0-345-42923-0.
  8. ^ "Short Scannings". Billboard. July 23, 1949. p. 13. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  9. ^ "Speedway, Television Debut Take Spotlight". The Indianapolis Star. May 30, 1949. p. 11. Retrieved July 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Radio and Television: WJZ-TV Expects to Be Transmitting From the Empire State Tower by Jan. 1". The New York Times. November 22, 1949. p. 58. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  11. ^ "CBS-TV reprieves '54th Street Revue'". Billboard. January 28, 1950. p. 8. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  12. ^ "Tele Follow-Up Comment". Variety. February 1, 1950. p. 32. Retrieved December 24, 2022.
  13. ^ a b c Gould, Jack (May 29, 1949). "Programs in Review: 'Mr. I. Magination' — Songs by Downey — 'Blind Date' — A Variety Revue". The New York Times. p. X 9. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
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