The Ed Sullivan Show (1948–1971)
"Toast of the Town" (original title)

The classic prime time variety show most famous for its vaudeville acts and its rock music performances.

Stars:

Ed Sullivan, Johnny Wayne, Frank Shuster

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 4 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Ed Sullivan	...	Himself - Host (1054 episodes, 1948-1971)

Storyline

Ed Sullivan's show was straight out of old vaudeville; brief acts of every description, from slapstick comedy to operatic arias. At least once, he showed a film, the only known film of Anna Pavlova (doing her Swan Dance). The Muppets' first TV appearance was on Ed Sullivan. Stiff and expressionless, with a peculiar voice and a talent for mispronunciation, Sullivan was at least as recognizable as Cronkite to early 60's viewers.

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Plot Keywords:

rock music | variety | actor name in title | live audience | singer | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 June 1948 (USA)

Also Known As:

You're the Top

Filming Locations:

CBS Television City - 7800 Beverly Blvd., Fairfax, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), Sullivan Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (1965-1971) Black and White (1948-1965)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cancelled in 1971 by CBS. The decision was a controversial one, since it was made at the end of the 1970-71 season and did not give Sullivan the opportunity to mount a farewell show after more than 20 years on the air. Sullivan would return for a few specials over the next year, however. The Canadian comedy duo of Johnny Wayne & Frank Shuster appeared on the show more often than any other act - nearly 80 appearances.

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Quotes

Bing: You certainly get around.
Bob: I have to, with my kind of act.

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Connections

Featured in American Masters: No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005)

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Soundtracks

"Mahna Mahna"
Written by Piero Umiliani
Performed by The Muppets

User Reviews

Sunday nights!

The hottest stars. The number one hits. Ed Sullivan had em all and he had em on Sunday nights. He did nothing more than introduce the acts but that was enough. Was that Sunday night in February of 1964 when he had The Beatles for the first time the most famous night in the history of entertainment on Television? You won't get an argument from me.