THE BIG SHOW

ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 2/25/51 (Live)
NETWORK: NBC
RUNNING TIME: 90 Minutes

The Cast
Uta Hagen
Jack Haley
Judy Holliday
Paul Kelly
Robert Merrill
Olsen & Johnson
Monty Woolley
Meredith Willson and The Big Show Orchestra & Chorus
Tallulah Bankhead (Host)

Click here to listen to excerpts from this program

Show Format

SEGMENT #1: Tallulah Bankhead reads a dubious "fan" letter. The anonymous author of the letter turns out to be Judy Holliday. Click here to read a transcript of their conversation. The segment runs 5 minutes.

SEGMENT #2: Meredith Willson and The Big Show Orchestra & Chorus perform the song "The Military Polka."

SEGMENT #3: Tallulah Bankhead and Meredith Willson discuss their hometowns.

SEGMENT #4: Uta Hagen and Paul Kelly perform a scene from the play "The Country Girl."

SEGMENT #5: Tallulah Bankhead talks to Uta Hagen and Paul Kelly about opening night. Judy Holliday joins in.

SEGMENT #6: Meredith Willson and The Big Show Orchestra perform an instrumental version of "Here Comes the Springtime."

SEGMENT #7: Tallulah Bankhead and Jack Haley discuss income taxes and vacations.

SEGMENT #8: Jack Haley performs a comic song about Irish movie stars living in Hollywood.

SEGMENT #9: Tallulah Bankhead talks with Olsen & Johnson about how their vaudeville act does not translate to radio.

SEGMENT #10: Tallulah Bankhead tries to introduce Robert Merrill, but Olsen & Johnson interfere.

SEGMENT #11: Robert Merrill sings "Di Provenza il Mar, il Suol" from the opera "La Traviata."

SEGMENT #12: Tallulah Bankhead chats with Robert Merrill about his collection of classic cars. Judy Holliday interrupts to give Tallulah some advice.

SEGMENT #13: Judy Holliday sings/performs the comedy routine "I Can Dream Can't I."

SEGMENT #14: Tallulah Bankhead trades barbs with Monty Woolley. Olsen & Johnson join in.

SEGMENT #15: Tallulah Bankhead and Monty Woolley perform a scene from the play "The Man Who Came to Dinner."

SEGMENT #16: Skit - Judy Holliday and Jack Haley perform a comic spoof of "The Man Who Came to Dinner."

SEGMENT #17: Tallulah Bankhead tries to find a dinner date among the guest stars.

SEGMENT #18: Meredith Willson and The Big Show Orchestra & Chorus perform the song "My Darling."

SEGMENT #19: The entire cast take turns singing the verses of the show's closing theme song, "May The Good Lord Bless and Keep You."

Show Credits*

Produced and Directed by Dee Engelbach

Written by Goodman Ace, Selma Diamond, George Foster, Mort Greene and Frank Wilson

Announcer Ed Herlihy

*Credits were announced only on a time permitting basis. These are general credits for the radio series "The Big Show" and may have differed from week to week.