Heritage Auction features items from Milton Berle's Beverly Hills Friars Club

The Heritage Auction is featuring some treasures from Milton Berle's Beverly Hills Friars Club, infamous for its celebrity roasts. Stars who frequented the club include Al Jolson, George Burns, Don Rickles, Bob Hope, Jack Benny and the members of the Rat Pack.

The items up for auction include:

• The pool table that the Rat Pack used to enjoy at the club.
• Schafer & Sons baby grand piano played by celebrity guests at the club.
• Original color sketches of members by artist Nicholas Volpe, including Frank Sinatra, Eddie Cantor and Ronald Reagan.
• The original brass emblems that adorned the club’s exterior walls.
• An autograph archive from each Celebrity Roast.
• Original photos of the members at club events, formerly framed on the walls of the club.
• Archives on various roasts, containing everything from guest lists to speeches to the seating charts.

Gazette Holiday Parade pays homage to classic television

In Schenectady, New York, the place where the very first television broadcast originated, the Gazette Holiday Parade on November 17 will celebrate classic television shows from the black and white era.  The marchers and the floats will represent some part of television's Golden Age. The parade is put on by the local newspaper, The Daily Gazette, and is expected to draw nearly 40,000 spectators.

A bit of a history lesson:  As we mentioned once before in an earlier blog, Schenectady, New York is where the very first television broadcast—the drama "The Queens Messenger"— originated in 1928, so the theme of the parade is very fitting.

"When Television Was Young"

Ed McMahon, the longtime announcer for "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" just released his oral history of early television, "When Television Was Young."  He has interviewed writers, producers, cameramen and stars from television's Golden Age, including Annette Funicello, Dick Clark, Andy Griffith, Art Linkletter, Gale Storm, Barbara Billingsley, Walter Cronkite, Jerry Mathers, Soupy Sales, Ron Howard, the late Merv Griffin and many others.  It provides a first-hand account of the beginnings of TV entertainment.

So when you're not glued to TV Land, read about classic television instead!

 

Luciano Pavarotti passes away

Yes, we are Classic Television Blog, but we still have time to celebrate the career of a music icon.  Last night, opera great Luciano Pavarotti passed away.  His incredible voice and even more incredible charisma made him the legend that he is today.  He's been on every big stage, from a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera House to being a guest star on "The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson."

His singing career ventured to the silver screen once in 1982 in a comedy called "Yes, Giorgio."  He also had a role in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's television adaptation of "Rigoletto;" though, television was nothing new for him.  By the end of his career he had appeared in more than 20 live opera performances.

Charlie Chaplin once lost a Chaplin look-a-like contest

We have all had days where we didn't feel like ourselves.  But, how about not looking like yourself?  It's happened to Charlie Chaplin!

At a Chaplin look-alike contest in a theater in San Francisco, Charlie Chaplin—the real Charlie Chaplin—failed to even make the final round, though there's no record of where exactly he placed.  During the event, he told a reporter that he was tempted to teach people how to do the Chaplin-walk. 

Apparently Bob Hope does a better Chaplin!  According to Snopes.com, Hope won a Chaplin contest in Cleveland when he was just a young comedian on the rise!

Classic television podcasts!

Our friends over at JustMyShow.com have rolled out a new service for classic and modern television fans alike.  Their podcast show features interviews with the stars from all eras, from the "Rocky" saga's Burt Young, to Terrence Winter, the executive producer of "The Sopranos."

If you have iTunes, you can listen to the podcasts with a free subscription; otherwise, non-iTunes users can download the shows from the Just My Show website.

Here are links of their most recent show, as well as two reruns from the archives:

Marion Ross, Mrs. C from "Happy Days" & Dan Lauria, Jack Arnold on "The Wonder Years."

The cast of the 1980s show "The Baseball Bunch."

TV Land's Greatest Catchphrases

Hope you enjoy!

Classic television breathes new life on YouTube

In a day and age where online video is hotter than news of Paris Hilton prepping for prison, otherwise forgotten classic television programs are breathing new life on the Web. Times Online reports that YouTube is no longer just a place for one minute movie and TV highlights or home videos filmed by a shoddy webcam. After more than 330,000 people went to YouTube to watch a seven minute clip from the "Sopranos," Hollywood studios and rights management companies have become more motivated to open their content to the masses. However, companies like Sony are taking a "mash-up" approach where classic TV episodes are jumbled and chopped up to give the viewer a faster viewing experience—in threory, one could watch a 20 minute episode in less than nine minutes.

Furthermore, analysts speculate that we're only at the the forefront of the Web TV phenomenon. As devices like the Apple TV adapt to accommodate the YouTube platform, more content is expected to resurface online.

Rambo - renegade AND drug smuggler

Rambo, aka Sylvester Stallone, has plead guilty to smuggling 48-52 vials of testosterone and human growth hormones into Australia.  The vigilante could have faced up to five years in prison or $91,500 in fines had this been tried in federal court, however he only faces $18,500 for each offense due to being tried in local courts. 

Stallone's defense is that he has an unspecified medical condition and is dependent on it.  Check out TMZ's article on the subject.  Our only question is, could that unspecified medical condition be movie making?  What are your thoughts?

The remakes never cease! "Tintin" on the big screen

There must be a shortage of starving out-of-work script writers in the movie industry, because the influx of remakes from television, film and comic books to the big screen has become ridiculous.  The freshest non-adapted movie of late has come in the form of "Wild Hogs."  So, either there's nothing new and groundbreaking or (more likely) studios have become afraid of taking a chance and continually produce remake after remake.

The thought of "Transformers," "Get Smart" and a few others do have us salivating, but visions of "The Jetsons," "Speed Racer," etc. have us squirming.  What has brought on Hollywood's latest fad?

Apparently famed director Steven Spielberg, who owns the film rights to the "Tintin" comic books, will be producing and directing three big budget, animated (though lifelike) films based on the comics, alongside Peter Jackson.  We're not entirely sure how to feel about this—what do you think?  For more information check out Stuff's article on the subject.

Here's a new "Transformers" trailer, definitely one that has us giddy!

The time is nearing for Bob's final curtain

With each day we move closer and closer to Bob Barker's final curtain call, and we've been blogging a lot about that unfortunate upcoming event.  On the bright side, with this day comes a chance to relive and rehash some truly fond memories.  As we mentioned at the announcement, Wed. May 16, is CBS's all-night special tribute to Bob.  First there will be a special dedication show for Bob, followed by a "Top Ten" list on "The Late Show with David Letterman" presented by Bob himself, and to round out the night Bob will appear on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson."

Additionally, USA Today has a great article on the man himself, highlighting his love for animals and pets.  An interesting tidbit from the article is that he already has his headstone made (obviously without the year inscribed), and that he refuses to have "come on down" put on it, as he's hoping on "moving on up!"

More Classic Television goes to Hollywood

After this entry we're beginning to think we should maybe rename the Classic Television Blog to the "classic TV shows being made into movies blog." Why? Because it feels like that's all we've been blogging about lately.  Yes, you guessed it, there's another classic television series being turned into a movie.

ET Online reports that the late 1970s TV program, Fantasy Island, is the next classic television show to go Hollywood. In more exciting news - funny man Eddie Murphy has been cast for several rolls, which has become another Hollywood trend since 1998's Dr. Dolittle where Murphy played several leads rolls. This all thanks to work of hair and make-up artists.

Fantasy Island's release date has yet to be determined, but we'll be sure to let you know as soon we know.   

Where Have All the Good Names Gone?

The good people over at TV Squad wrote a blog entry asking where all the great made for television movie titles have gone.  They make a strong case, and even have a run down of 5 of their favorites.  Though our personal favorites of Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America and Frankenfish wasn't listed, it's still a great read.

And now for your viewing pleasure, BIRD FLU!

Game Show Network to Air All Things Barker

In another tribute to arguably the greatest game show host ever, the Game Show Network will be featuring all of Bob Barker's other game show appearances, outside The Price is Right.  Over at the Game Show Networks website viewers will be able to vote on who they'd like to see replace the great one.  Seems like everyone's getting in on the action, but on this occasion we don't mind any band wagon jumping at all.  Check out Zap2it's article for more information on show times. 

Here's a great clip of Bob receiving a hard time from one his guests on The Price is Right. Very Funny!

Tom Poston- The Everyday Man Passes

EOnline reports that Tom Poston, most famously known for his role on The Bob Newhart Show, has passed away at the age of 85.  Poston has also been known to make appearances on almost every hit television sitcom known to man, with the exception of two, Seinfeld and Friends.  With so many favorite cameos - ours are when Poston showed up on Family Matters as the custodian, Mr. Looney; not to mention Poston's multiple roles on Home Improvement. 

What's yours?

Overlooking Modern Day Classics?

Mike Miley over at the Huffington Post wrote an article asking if we're neglecting today's modern day classics and awarding mediocre films.  He claims that groundbreaking films like Children of Men and Syriana are overlooked while films like The Departed and The Queen receive praise.  What he says makes sense, and is very possible. 

Miley also sparks an air of intrigue into whether or not we're doing the same with television.  Are we so focused on American Idol and The Real World that we're missing some truly great American TV history in the making?  Do we allow beautifully written shows to get cut, while adoring shows like Pimp My Ride?  What's your take?

Gere Caught up With a Pretty Woman

In case you haven't already heard, a warrant for Richard Gere's arrest was issued by an Indian court this past week.  Gere's transgression?  Recently at an event aimed at truck drivers in New Delhi to promote AIDS/HIV awareness, Gere kissed Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty on the cheek.  The Indian courts found this action to be vulgar and sexually explicit. REALLY?! 

Shetty explained that with Gere's inability to speak or understand Hindi, he was merely trying to act out a part from his role in Shall We Dance? to connect to the crowd.  Gere thinks that this is due to "very small right-wing, very conservative political party in India and they are the moral police in India."  And he hopes that this is just blow over as many celebrities are charged with these kinds of charges and have backed up the Indian court systems.

Check out more about this story at Reuters.

More on Rege's Grand Comeback

EOnline reports that Letterman's in debt to Regis, but it's not what you think.  Regis has stepped up and been a guest and guest host when Letterman has gone down due to illness.  Now it's his turn to return the favor, as he's been booked as Regis' first guest on his return show.

The bond these two share seems to go even deeper, as they both used the same doctor during their respective heart surgeries.  These two seem to take the old adage of "blood is thicker than water" a little too far!

Into Chevy Chase's Dark Closet

May marks the debut of a new horrific tell-all biography.  Many horrific tales come from dark individuals who are known for their crimes against humanity, this one comes from one of America's classic bright spots of laughter.  Comedic star, of SNL, Caddyshack, and various National Lampoon films, Chevy Chase sheds light on his truly gruesome childhood in his biography, I'm Chevy Chase . . . And You're Not.  After reading an article from the NYPost it's hard to see how anyone can find laughter.  We're glad that Chevy managed to come away from those experiences and fill our lives with joy and laughter.  We'll definitely be giving Chevy's new book a read, so stay tuned for reviews. In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite Chevy moments embedded below.

Ponch's Star Still Shining Bright!

MSNtv reported that California Highway Patrol Officer Frank Ponch Poncherello, or CHiPS star Erik Estrada to some, received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.  Though he only played a cop on television, Estrada did have the opportunity to actually be one, or reserve, on CBS's reality tv show Armed & Dangerous.  Here's to Ponch, while he never actually busted anyone, his hair was always in place.  Cheers!  And for your viewing pleasure, Ponch on a bike!

ClassicTelevionBlog Video... Take One!

Hey all you classic television lovers!  We just wanted to announce our latest installment into the blog, which we know you'll be delighted over.  Why?  Mainly because we already know that you love watching television, and if you're here, well, you obviously love CLASSIC television.

If you've glanced over to the right, you probably noticed that we embedded some classic television footage from YouTube.  Well, that's our Classic Television Channel!  We hope you'll subscribe and check out the clips regularly, as we've obtained clearance from various artists to use footage from their DVD libraries.

So, give the videos a gander and let us know if there's something you've been dying to see and we'll do our best to get it to you ASAP! And now for your viewing pleasure, the always hilarious Dom Irerra!!!

Mr. Peterman You're The Next Contestant...

We've blogged several times about potential candidates to replace Bob Barker on The Price Is Right  and as more news begins to unravel, Classic Television Blog (CTB) is there to aggregate it.

John O'Hurley, most famously known for his role as Mr. Peterman on Seinfeld, is the new apparent front runner to replace the legendary Bob Barker on The Price Is Right.  For a while it seemed as though George Hamilton had the hosting gig in the bag, but that was until O'Hurley auditioned. O'Hurley, apparently, floored the producers during his audition, and left them with a difficult decision. O'Hurley's no slouch in the hosting arena as he's hosted Ms. America, the Emmy's, and Family Feud.  Check out TMZ's article for more information.

A True Tragedy

Most of the time we watch television tragedies to be entertained, to take us through the emotional roller-coaster only to realize that it's all fiction.  We're able to put down the remote/snacks/pillow and all is right in the world.  We live the love, heart-break, and sorrow of all the characters and rejoice all their accomplishments. 

Today's entry contains no updates or rejoices because we've been forced to digest a tragedy that lingers beyond any form of entertainment.  Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to the victims, families, students, faculty, and friends affected by the Virginia Tech tragedy.  There's no good way to end an entry of this nature, because when I'm done typing and turn off the tube the tragedy will continue to burn in our hearts.  It lingers as a constant reminder and warning that entertainment tragedy gets its inspiration somewhere.

Sometimes, there aren't enough words to be written that can right the wrongs and ease the pain.

A Regis Update

MSNtv reports that Regis is close to being back to his old form and healthy enough to return to television by tomorrow. However, you won't see Rege return to Live with Regis and Kelly tomorrow morning, instead, we'll have to wait another week. Regis will be back on air April 26, a whopping 6 months after his heart surgery. While he claims that he is a new man with new perspectives, we all know he's the same fun-loving and light hearted man that America loves so dearly.  Welcome back Rege!

Jackson Three - Simple as Do Re Me, CBS?!

Just when the Jacksons seemed to be on the way out, as Michael's and Janet's careers are on the tail-end, they come back in full- or 3/billion- effect.  A Reuters article implies that 3 of the famed Jackson family will unite to create a new CBS show called Pop Dynasty, where families will compete American Idol style to find the next family singing act. 

The two most famous Jacksons, Michael and Janet, are not signed on to the show, though Tito, Jermaine, and Latoya are.  With the famed success of the Jackson's, Osmond's, and Hanson's America is definitely in need of another round of good old fashion family harmonizing.

Get Smart's New Look

USA Today gave a first look insight into the new adaptation of the hit classic television show, Get Smart.  As we reported before, this new adaptation will star Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway as the two lead agents, Maxwell Smart and Agent 99.  While the terrors of the Cold War are long gone, this updated version will deal with the government's post 9/11 miscommunication.

For more information, check out USA Today's article.  Also, here's a clip of the old show just for giggles.

Lopez First to Bite the Price Dust

Last week we reported that Mario Lopez may be in the running to replace Bob Barker as the next The Price is Right host.  Well, all that hoopla may have been for naught, as The Hollywood Reporter reported that Mario has signed on to play a role in the CW's Eight Days a Week.  Even though it's only in pilot format, if it were to land and take off, his ability to be host of the daily landmark show would be nil.

80 Years And Going Strong

April 7th, 2007 marks the 80th birthday of the television, and what a grand 80 years it has been. The folks over at Wired have a great read on the topic. They do a great job of illustrating the metamorphosis of the television into the tube, be it YouTube or webcasts. Traditional programming may be in the decline, but television will never die. 

The thought of life without television has gotten Jim and I all teary-eyed, as we'd probably have a vice in underwater basket weaving instead of having couch potato bottoms.  LONG LIVE TV!

Price Might Not Be Right For Georgie

Yesterday we reported that Bob Barker's replacement on The Price is Right might be George Hamilton.  Well, it looks like he might not be alone.  Here's a short list of others also in the running:

• George Hamilton
• Mario Lopez (or A.C. Slater to some of our readers)
• John O'Hurley
• Todd Newton
• Dave Price
• Mark Steins

On a side note, Rosie O'Donnell threw her name into the hat, though with all the recent controversies surrounding Rosie her invite may be hard to come by.  Checkout EW's article on ole Bobby's replacement.

Bob Barker - Going Out With a Bang

Most send offs are an after thought, maybe a special last episode or a last call at the end of the show.  Johnny's farewell was the exception, as NBC actually made an event out of it and brought back some the Tonight Show's favorite guests and memories.  Thankfully, CBS has taken note and plans to go all out for Bob Barker. 

Here's a break down of the events-

• May 16th at 8 p.m. - a prime time showing of the Price is Right with an opportunity to win $1 million.  Making this Bob's last evening hosting gig.
• May 17th - CBS will air a special "Bob Barker: A Celebration of 50 Years on Television," showcasing Bob's 35 years on "Price" as well as his other accomplishments.
• CBS and YouTube have created a special section where fans can upload a 15 sec tribute to Bob Barker, with the best ones being aired on either the daytime or prime time editions of "Price is Right"
• June - Bob will host his final "Price" episode.

For more on the finale check out Variety.com's article.

In other Barkermania, a replacement host for The Price is Right may already be in the works, but no one will ever be able to fill Bob's shoes nor hold the phallic mic the same.  Who's going to replace Bob?  Broadcastingcable.com is saying it's George Hamilton.  Sorry George, but you've got some big shoes to fill.

Leave The Remorse to KITT

KITT, famed as Michael Knight's (aka David Hasselhoff's) car from Knight Rider, is up for sale.  Now you can purchase the car that leaves the buyers remorse to the car.  Every turn you negotiate and every decision you make will be questioned and pestered by KITT!

All joking aside, the suped up 1982 Pontiac Trans Am is being sold by Johnny "Vette" Verhoek out of Kassabian Motors at around $149,995.  The car was one of four used for the closer shots of the show, with all the key instruments, including the front red scanner light as well as the instrument panel for all the cool tricks the car can't actually do.  Have no fear though, if you're stuck in traffic  you can push the buttons to your hearts delight and nothing will happen!

For more information, check out MSN TV's article on the sale.

Scotty Beamed Into Space

James Doohan, most famously known for his part as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott on Star Trek, remains will be beamed into space in the latter parts of April 2007.  Well, not so much beamed as propelled by a giant rocket in New Mexico.

Doohan, as well as the remains of 200 other individuals, were placed onto the rocket at the end of March.  The families of these individuals paid $495 to have their loved ones blasted into space.  Read more about this at MSN TV.

New Maytag Man - "No Professional Training"

Whirlpool has chosen a successor for the pop culture icon Ol' Lonely, aka the Maytag Man.  Clay Jackson is more William Hung, of American Idol fame, than he is reminiscent of his predecessors, due to his, as William would say, "no professional training."  This means that Jackson was not an accomplished actor prior to putting on the famous blue windbreaker and cap. 

Jackson beat out the other 1,500 contenders that showed up for the audition open to professionals and amateurs. It's said that the new Maytag Man won for his embodiment of the entire character and brand as he displays the attributes of "reliability and dependability."  Let's just hope he also knows how to kill time and fight off boredom.  For more info check out the article in the NYTimes.

Family [Un]Ties - Little Keaton Arrested

Little Andy Keaton, Brian Bonsall, isn't so little any more.  Bonsall was arrested of charged of second-degree assault and false imprisonment against his girlfriend.  Bonsall reportedly poured a alcoholic beverage on his girlfriends heads while she slept, tried to choke her, and flung her on a bed when she tried to flee. 

Bonsall claims self-defense as he had flung her only after she tried and successfully cut his arm and face during the altercation.  Check out MSN news' article for more information.

The Dukes get the Boot

Two ex Dukes of Hazzard stars, turned country music stars, were given the boot early this week when the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra decided to cancel their scheduled performance. The events organizer Ben Jones, also known as Cooter, the Dukes mechanic in the hit TV show, was dismayed to learn that the orchestra had received numerous complaints from people who declared the Dukes too racist and thought they shouldn't be glorified on stage. Tom Wopat and John Schneider, otherwise know as Luke and Bo Duke, were scheduled to perform with the orchestra on July 19th, but are now left disappointed with an open date on their calendars.

The Gladiators are Back

Thanks to the good people at ESPN Classics, we will once again get to watch Viper, Steel and Nitro (just to name a few) parade around in skin tight costumes and fight through the Eliminator. Yes, you guessed it, American Gladiator's returns to television. Starting April 2, the show will air every weekday at 7 p.m. With apologies to UFC and WWE, this is ultimate in action-based TV.

If you don't remember all the excitement of American Gladiators, here's a refresher:

All Time Greatest Television Hosts

MSNtv's put together a list of the greatest television hosts of all time.  The list contains the ground-breaking entertainment styles of Johnny Carson and heart-felt emotions of Oprah, to the slap-stick political bashings of Jon Stewart.  Some notable and impactful hosts have been left off the list, however this list gets the job done.

We've reported on possible replacements in the near late night future, think any of them could possibly be the next great host?  From what we saw from Sandler as Letterman's fill-in, we're thinking we might need to keep looking.  What do you think?

Iconic Horror Film Director Passes at 79

Though Stuart Rosenberg's credits don't show an Academy Award, his legacy and films left an impact that will compete with any Academy Award winning director.  Best known for his direction of Cool Hand Luke and Amityville Horror, Stuart Rosenberg passed away Sunday, March 18, 2007 from a fatal heart attack.  Read more about the incident at EOnline.   

Barker Going Out With a Bang - Emmy Style

We've already reported, sentimentally, that Price is Right game show host Bob Barker would be stepping down. Now we're pleased to report that Barker is up for his 18th Daytime Emmy.  Even if he wins purely due to his retirement, we'd happily accept the fact.  Barker could also win in 2008 due to the Emmy's running on a calender year basis, and Barker would have a partial year under his belt. 

Barkers biggest rivals in the category are Alex Trebek of Jeopardy!, Pat Sajak of Wheel of Fortune and Ben Bailey of Discovery's Cash Cab.  Read more about the other Daytime Emmy nominations at MSNtv.

First the Rege, Now the King?

CNN talk show host, Larry King, underwent vascular surgery on Friday, March 16, 2007.  The procedure was done to remove plaque from the artery and promote blood flow.  MSNews reported that King was anxious to get back to work and interview Senator Barack Obama.

Jeopardy, Still Breaking New Ground

After 23 years on air, Jeopardy is still making news as three contestants ended up in a three-way tie on Friday, March 17, 2007. A three-way tie hasn't ever happened in the history of Jeopardy. Amazing!

ALVIN! SIMON! Jason Lee?

Yahoo News reports that My Name is Earl star Jason Lee is set to play Dave Seville.  Does the name sound familiar?  It should considering it was the voice of reason for over 60 years to his beloved adopted Chipmunk children.  What originally started out in a sound studio as novelty recordings, transcended from vinyl to television and now into a live action film.  The film is set to be released in 2008.

New Heart, Same Old Rege

We reported that Regis Philbin went under the knife for triple bypass heart surgery last week, and we're happy to report that Rege is still alive and kicking.  EOnline reports that Regis was up and "harassing people," which his fans know is a good sign that nothing's changed.  Philbin's doctor stated that he has the heart of a 19 year old, meaning we'll have a stronger and younger Rege for many years to come!

Here's one of my favorite classic Regis Philbin moments, it's Regis in a commercial for Hai Karate cologne:

All Time Greatest Puppet Master?

Over the years numerous shows have come and gone trying to showcase their abilities to play with puppets and have domination over the puppet nation.  The folks over at MSNtv have put together a list of Masters of Puppets.  Surprisingly everyones favorite purple dino, Barney, and crime solving blue pup, Blues Clues, didn't make the cut, but one notable Lamb did!  Here's to puppets, may their reign on captivating our hearts never end-just like the song!

Jerry Springer Taking the Reigns From Regis

MSN News reports that hot off of his appearance on Dancing with the Stars, Jerry Springer will take over the hosting duties of America's Got Talent from Regis Philbin.  Many know Springer for his circus ringmaster duties on the Jerry Springer Show, while others remember him as Mayor of Cincinnati, and some only recently from his last dancing gig.  We'll see if dancing like a stage monkey, being a political figure, or a ringmaster has trained him well enough to host what Americans think is talent.