"The New Steve Allen Show" (1961) TV series 1961-1965

Writers:

Bill Dana (writer)
Arne Sultan (writer)

Seasons:

1 | unknown

Release Date:

27 September 1961 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Talk-Show

Plot Keywords:

Character Name In Title

Cast

Steve Allen	...	Himself - Host / ... (20 episodes, 1961-1964)
Johnny Jacobs	...	Announcer (9 episodes, 1961)

Runtime:

48 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Trivia:

From 1962-1965, Allen re-created the Tonight Show madness on a new late-night Steve Allen Show syndicated by Westinghouse TV. The show, taped in Hollywood at the Vine Street Theater and was marked by the same wild, unpredictable stunts, such as 'Man In The Street' and comedy skits that often extended down the street to a supermarket known as the Hollywood Ranch Market. He also presented Southern California eccentrics including health food advocate Gypsy Boots and an early musical performance by Frank Zappa. The show also featured plenty of jazz played by Allen and members of the show's band, the Donn Trenner Orchestra, which included such virtuoso musicians as guitarist Herb Ellis and flamboyantly comedic trombonist Frank Rosolino.

Quotes:

[repeated line]
Host: Schmock!

Movie Connections:

Follows "The Steve Allen Show" (1956)

Hi ho, Steverino!

Of all the ancient up-from-the-dead lame TV shows on cable today, why has this show not found a place? If every episode of "The New Steve Allen Show" were on DVD, I would buy it instantly. This show helped save my life.

I was wiped out by a blood disease at age 17 in the summer of '61 but every weeknight at 11 p.m. on WOR Channel Nine out of New York City came "The New Steve Allen Show." It was better than the earlier version on NBC, wilder and more unscripted, absolutely off the wall.

You could tell when Allen was a little tired or bored--then watch out. He was quick, very very quick. And he had one of the most infectious laughs I've ever heard. You hoped something would go wrong so he would crack up. When he began that high-pitched cackle, you had to laugh along with him.

Most of the old NBC gang was there, although Tom Poston is not listed in the credits. Steve's forays into the street to talk to passersby or perform some rather risky stunts were electric. Dave Letterman, Jay Leno, thank Mr. Allen. But it was Allen's wonderful way with words and comic subtlety that kept me watching.

As a talk show host, Allen was incomparable. Laughter does heal...when it flows from the comedy of Steve Allen. And it inspires--I later published a comic novel. Should have dedicated it to this man. I loved him and I miss him.