* Classic & Current Television Blog *
Your Classic TV Shows Blog

Here's a very entertaining blog authored by L.A. Post-Punk performer Michael Ely that will be of particular interest to those lucky enough to live in Tuscon.

John Mayer talks about life now that he can no longer sing.

History Channel's 'Swamp People' star Mitchell Guist died after boat fall. History and Original Media, producers of Swamp People, offered this statement: "We are extremely saddened to report that our friend and beloved member of the Swamp People family, Mitchell Guist, has passed away earlier today. Mitchell passed on the swamp, doing what he loved. We appreciate your respect for the Guist family's privacy and hope you join us in sending our thoughts and prayers to his brother, Glenn, and the rest of the Guist family.

Simon Cowell almost sounds like he wishes Britney Spears will fall apart during a live episode of 'X Factor.'

Remember the blow to the head that nearly killed Bret Michaels? His lawsuit against the producers of the Tony Awards and CBS is over - the settlement is confidential.

ABC has ordered 10 - count 'em 10 - new series for this fall.

Here's the Facebook page for my new book coming in June - PUNK. And here's a preview...

Harry's Law was cancelled - here were my two questions with Kathy Bates recorded before the show debuted two years ago.

This guy wants to built a working, real life replica of the starship Enterprise. Yes, as in fly the thing to Saturn, real life working.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 9:32am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

As I predicted Dark Shadows is a stiff, so-so reviews, only $28 million at the box office (Dark Shadows was predicted to earn a minimum of $35M). It looks like the movies based on TV shows curse is alive and well. I'll see it and offer my take - is it better than House of Dark Shadows? I am looking forward to the laughs and show references. The Avengers - over $100 million this weekend.

This is a must-read article on Jack Kirby's influence on the movies.

Jim Longworth will have an interview with Mad Man creator Matt weiner. He's in North Carolina shooting a feature length comedy that's loaded with stars.

Sunday, May 13, 2012 - 3:35pm
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

Kaptain Kidshow sends over these wonderful pictures of past Romper Room ladies from around the USA. Sunday, May 13, 2012 - 11:45am WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

ANOTHER PASSING
Kevin Butler writes: Mort Lindsey, who composed musical scores for the films "I Could Go On Singing", "40 Pounds Of Trouble", and the musical director for "The Merv Griffin Show" died at his Malibu, Cal. home after a fall on May 4, 2012. Mr. Lindsey was 89 years old.

Born in Newark, N.J. on March 21, 1923, Lindsey had received his formal education at Newark Arts H.S. and he later studied musical composition at Columbia University in NYC where he earned his doctorate in music education.

He created scores for the movies "Gay Purr-ee" (an animated feature film for UPA and Warner Brothers which starred the voices of Judy Garland, Robert Goulet, Paul Frees and Hermonie Gingold), "The Best Man" and "Stolen Hours".

He also served as Ms. Garland's musical director for her CBS TV musical/variety series and for her 1961 concert at NYC's Carnegie Hall (which was recorded and sold as an Grammy winning LP disc). Mr. Lindsey also appeared on camera as Ms. Garland's conductor for her last movie "I Could Go On Singing" in 1963.

He also arranged and performed the music for Pat Boone and for Barbra Streisand's CBS TV concert "A Happening In Central Park" (this televised concert was also produced, cut and released as a successful recording).

But Mort Lindsey will always be remembered for his work on "The Merv Griffin Show" which aired in national syndication (and briefly on CBS TV) during the 1960's, '70s and '80s and was taped first at NYC's "Little Theater" (now known as The New Helen Hayes Theater) and later in Los Angeles-first at The Hollywood Palace TV Theater and then at "The TAV Celebrity TV Theater". His work on Mr. Griffin's series earned him Emmy nominations and he won an Emmy for his work on Ms. Streisand's TV concert. He is survived by his wife Judy,three sons and three daughters.

We've lost so many great television talents lately.

Here is Merv Griffin in a duet with the great Jack Sheldon backed by Mort Lindsey and his orchestra.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 - 5:34am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

Me-Too is airing a tribute to George Lindsey all this week at 12 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. with episodes of ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ that feature stories around ‘Goober.’
Viewers can watch Me-Too on WCIU-TV 26.4, Xfinity 247/358, RCN 22, WOW 171 and AT&T U-verse 48.

Mr. Lindsey was best-known as the grinning gas station employee in ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ from 1964 to 1968, as well as in ‘Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.’ as the title character’s cousin in the Andy Griffith spin-off TV series.

Below are titles of the episodes featured in this week’s tribute to George Lindsey during the regularly scheduled broadcast times and dates of ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ on Me-Too.

Monday, May 7
12:00 p.m. “Eat Your Heart Out”
10:30 p.m. “Fun Girls”

Tuesday, May 8
12:00 p.m. “Goober’s Replacement”
10:30 p.m. “Goober Takes a Car Apart”

Wednesday, May 9
12:00 p.m. “Mind Over Matter”
10:30 p.m. “Andy & Helen Have Their Day”

Thursday, May 10
12:00 p.m. “Goober Makes History”
10:30 p.m. “Goober & The Art of Love”

Friday, May 11
12:00 p.m. “Goober the Executive”
10:30 p.m. “The Lucky Letter”

Oh that Fun Girls episode is so funny!

Speaking of which Kevin Butler has an obit for George Lindsay, he was such a great character.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - 7:29am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

WHERE I HAD LUNCH
Anyone remember Biff Burger? When I was a kid there were several around - in the pecking order of burger chains in the 1960s/'70s there was McDonald's at the top, Burger King just below, Hardees, then Biff Burger taking up the rear. Like the other chains Biff Burger (stands for "Best in Fast Food") was different from the rest, they had their own tangy sauce that the burger was dipped in after cooking in a special rotating broiler. I hardly ever ate at one but Biff Burger was always less expensive than the other chains which led to the impression (in my mind, anyway) that their burgers weren't as good.

The chain went under in the mid-1970s and the restaurants disappeared almost completely by the mid-1980s but two still survive using the same recipes with the same basic look to the places. One is in St. Petersburg, Florida the other I just ate in, the renamed Beef Burger (the owner changed the name in the 1980s in case the franchise was revived and he got hit with back fees).

Beef Burger is a 50+ year institution in Greensboro, NC, it's like going back in time with the 1970's chairs and tables (yellow and attached as one unit, naturally) and the 1980's arcade games. They still use the classic "Biff" character, one of the worst designed mascots in history!

And the food - grease-liscious. Best steak sandwich I've had in a while. UNC-G students have long flocked to this place to down cheap eats that really soak up the alcohol - although they have a sign on the door that says, "If you're drunk eat somewhere else."

You can find the history of Biff Burger at this wonderful site. Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - 11:03am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

UPDATES
I can finally relax behind my new book, it's off to the editor. You can ignore it on Amazon in a month or so.

Comedians Cedric “The Entertainer” and Niecy Nash star in the TV Land's newest original series, The Soul Man (formerly known as “Have Faith”), which begins production this week for a total of 12 episodes,

Car 54 Where Are You? season 2 is on DVD now, while I don't think this season quite comes up to the hilarity quotient of the first it's still a joy to watch. I'll tell you more soon.

Overseas The Avengers has already made $178 million - in one weekend.

Star Trek: The Next Generation is coming soon to Blu-Ray.

Due to a multi-million dollar scam 300,000+ people could lose their internet access this summer. Is your computer infected with this new virus? This page will tell you if you are - there is nothing to download, the page just detects whether you are looking up IP addresses correctly.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012 - 9:33am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

Kevin Butler has a comprehensive obit on Dick Clark here.

The Fox network got underway 25 years ago with one night of programming.

I've been out of play the last week finishing my book Punk which goes to the editor this week. I also auditioned for a major role in a new TV drama I can't tell you about. Something else to be rejected for. Fun times.

Greg Allman's autobiography is coming soon - it promises to be a real page turner.

Just recieved Shout! Factory's latest release - Route 66 the complete series. I'll tell you more later but it's awesome.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 11:43am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Dame Maggie Smith is leaving Downton Abbey after season three and the Christmas special following the third season.

Neville Ross contacted Warner Archive Collection about whether Hank, a one season wonder from 1965, will ever get a DVD release. "There are no video masters, and there is no way for us to even see this series. So there's a mastering cost appended to a series that is virtually unknown, and we haven't even researched the music. Unlike something akin to SEARCH which has an ardent following despite only a one-season run, putting serious bucks behind this series is a bit of a challenge. But we never say never, and if we find the music is clear, and there is more interest apparent than just the few inquiries we've received, it isn't impossible to conceieve we'd pursue this. One of us on team WAC remembers staying up past his bedtme to watch this show as a young child...and liking it a lot! There's the answer for you, and fans of this show. Thanks Neville!

Former child star Mara Wilson (Mrs. Doubtfire) speaks out about why she quit the business. "Here is something no real celebrity will ever tell you: film acting is not very fun," she wrote. "Doing the same thing over and over again until, in the director’s eyes, you “get it right” does not allow for very much creative freedom ... In terms of sheer adrenaline, film has absolutely nothing on theater."

Former rocker Ted Nugent stated that he would be "dead or in jail by this time next year" if President Barack Obama is re-elected. That not-so-veiled threat got the attention of the Secret Service.

New pics from the next Batman movie are online. You just have to look dontcha!

Meanwhile the second Avengers trailer is awesome, the trailer is not always indicative as to whether it's a good film but it's a good start. On the other hand they're giving a lot away and that's usually a bad sign.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - 10:23am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

FRIDAY FUN
Someone mentioned Tiny Tim on Facebook today, what an unusual but consummate performer he was. A font of wisdom when it came to archaic musical styles, he apparently knew every song from the Jazzbo age. Musical director Tim Fowlar told me Tiny could barely cross the street by himself but had whatever the musical version of photographic memory is.

Here's Tiny Tim performing 'Living In the Sunlight.'

This You Tube video details the Last Days of Tiny Tim, sad and ignominious. I'd be interested to see that theatrical production on Tiny that the author talks about.

The Alberici Sisters talking about our book Beyond Our Wildest Dreams at TVConfidential.net.

Eastbound and Down is coming to an end after 3 seasons.

Friday, April 13, 2012 - 5:04am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

BACK!
Once again I'm apologizing for being out for the last week, I'm working furiously to finish my next book, a story no one who reads this column will care about! That said, I've never been happier with anything I've written.

The Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention will be held in Hunt Valley, MD on Aug. 9-11.  Scheduled guests include: Shirley Jones, Jay North, Jeanne Russell, Van Williams, Ron Ely, Sherry Jackson and others.

Speaking of conventions, some poor Trekkies got pulled over by a rough cop and the video is appalling.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012 - 11:44am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

GREAT NEWS FOR CLASSIC TV LOVERS
Ever wonder what happened to Lancelot Chimp Secret Chimp? Not the character, the real chimp? He's still alive and well, living at the ldlife Waystation in CA. Why bring it up? Well dear friends, Lancelot Link Secret Chimp is finally coming to DVD! From the press release: Film Chest and Allan Sandler have put an incredible amount of work into a special features disc with interviews from the original producers and creators (also the documentary, "I Created Lancelot Link"), slideshow, music videos, and an interview with Lance, himself!

Not only that, 10% of all proceeds from the 3 disc collector’s edition will be donated to Lance’s “retirement fund” and the Wildlife Waystation. How cool is that? (Did you know 'Lance' was also Judy the Chimp on Lost in Space?)

More from the press release: We will be releasing an official version of Lancelot Link: Secret Chimp May 29th, working closely with Allan Sandler and SBM Productions, the original producer/creators of the show. ABC has allowed us to use their original elements from the show; therefore, this version of the series will be the best quality in the market. Personally, I can't wait to see the show again, it was one of the few genuinely funny shows from the Saturday morning genre, written and produced by vets of The Carol Burnett Show. And the documentary I Created Lance Link is fantastic!

Speaking of fun from the past Kevin Butler tells us: Chuck McCann's book "The Let's Have Fun Scrapbook: My Life In The Wacky World Of Television" will be coming out soon. The book will be sold first thru Chuck's website "The Let's Have Fun Store" and later at comic book stores and at Barnes & Noble. From the look of it this promises to be a real page turner.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 8:54am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

REBOOTS
Chuck McCann's web store is open with lots of goodies, check it out. And check out his Let's Have Fun Club site for rare video treats!

Chevy Chase is feuding with the showrunner / writer of Community. He walked off the set of the last episode then showed up for the wrap party that night. The guy is impossible to work with, you'd have to be crazy to give this insane drug addict a job. In truth, he was forced on the producers by the network. Listen to the profanity laced phone message Chase left. We had to work with Chevy on the poster for his multi-million dollar bomb 'Whatever Whatever Invisible Man' whatever it was movie. He was insufferable. He was lucky to be working at all now I doubt if he'll ever be seen in movies or on TV again. The best he can hope for is a cameo when they reboot the National Lampoon's Vacation series - and you just know they will.

A remake of The Munsters is still underway even as a new pilot was rejected by the network. They think there's still a way to do it.

Word on the street is that James Bond will parachute into the British Olympics opening ceremony. Which one? I guess Connery is too old to do it but it would be cool if ALL the Bonds parachuted in.

Doris Day did a very rare interview with Terri Gross on Fresh Air, listen.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 8:07am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

DID YOU KNOW?
Dallas is returning in June on TNT and early reports are good. Series reboots are tricky things but after Battlestar Galactica turned out so nicely I won't trash the concept. And they are bringing back enough of the original cast to make it interesting. It's all up to the writers and producers who are relatively new to TV.

Here's a first look at the new Man of Steel logo and costume. Well, the costume was sneaked a few months ago...

Disney is resolved to a $200 million loss on John Carter.

This is a bizarre idea - dial-a-star.com lets you talk to a C level star for $20 a minute or less, some as low as $3.00 a minute. I don't recognize most of these people, porn stars I suspect but you can talk to a cast member of The Sopranos for $10 a minute. Not sure why. (I'll talk to you for 50 cents an hour. Heck, I'll pay you!)

Give a listen to the eerie music from Dark Shadows composed by Robert Cobert.

Friday, March 30, 2012 - 8:54am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

SHA NA NA
I freakin' hated the Sha Na Na syndicated series (1977-1981) that ran in the 1970s, I think it was the overbearing fake laugh track that bugged me most, that and the over acting. It seemed at a glance to be too contrived so I never gave it a chance. Fifties music wasn't real high on my Hit Parade either.

I realize now that, like Hee Haw another show I rejected from the outset, Sha Na Na hosted an amazing array of musical guest stars, especially singers from the neglected era of fifties pop and doo wop. Thankfully the shows look like they exist somewhere, clips are on You Tube. Here are some examples of the great retro-tunes the series had to offer. An incredibly versatile group, each member could sing the lead vocals, here it's Johnny Contaro doing 'Just Like Romeo and Juliet'.

With guest Teresa Brewer singing 'New Orleans'.

Sha Na Na with do wop artist Little Anthony.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 8:39am
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

Read more TV Blog entries!

TELEVISION BLOG
Your Classic TV Show Blog

(Another goofy shot from a film shoot.)

Welcome to the TVparty! Blog - a TV blog that focuses on classic Television and all other aspects of pop culture both old & new! Your retro entertainment TV blog! Your host - Billy Ingram is one of the nation's top Pop Culture Gurus and expert on classic TV. Seen on VH1, Trio & Bravo!

If you have a TV blog - let's exchange links! CONTACT ME

 

NEW Book on LA Punk Rock
Coming Soon!

Beyond Our Wildest Dreams - 400 pictures, 342 pages! READ ABOUT THIS BOOK Beyond Our Wildest Dreams - FacebookPage RAT PACK BOOK

Enjoy Obscure 70s Music!

 

Past TV Blog Entries: Dating Game / Sunday Morning TV / Make Room For Granddaddy / Car 54 Where Are You? / Vince Neil's Public Service Announcements / Joe E. Ross / RESCUE KITTY GOES NUTS! /Filthy Rich / Police Squad / Elizabeth Taylor Outtakes / Christmas Blog / Lost Christmas Specials of the 50s & 60s / 1970 TV Shows / Strother Martin / Joya Sherrill / Super Circus / 1950's The Big Show / Saturday Morning TV Memories / Hilarious Outtakes / The Smothers Brothers Revisited/Thanksgiving TV Shows / Thanksgiving Day Parade TV History / Thanksgiving TV Cartoon Specials of the 1970s /WPIX Thanksgiving Day TV Specials / Christmas Specials / INTERVIEW WITH DARIN BROOKS /

FEATURES YOU MIGHT ENJOY: NYC Kid Shows Dark Shadows Movie Rodney Dangerfield Classic TV Moms Adventures of Superman Was Lost a Rip-Off? KISS in the 1970s TV Cigarette Commercials

Doris Day Daniel Boone & Fess Parker That Girl Mr. Ed & Marilyn Monroe?!? Ooh! Ooh! Joe E. Ross Vivian Vance 1988 Saturday Mornings Classic TV Shows of the 1960s & 1970s

ShoutFactoryStore / Cool new web series The Hive
 

Dish Network TV Blog Back in the days these guys still used to smoke real tobacco cigarettes. Nowadays you can get electronic cigarettes on the net

The beautiful dresses at dressale.com

Actors in North Carolina / TV Blog / Greensboro Actors

Lost Kid Shows / Movie Stars on TV / Saturday Morning Shows / Video Vault / TV Goodbyes / Fabulous Fifties / Unseen Scenes / Game Shows / Requested Forgotten TV Shows / The Super Sixties / The New * * Shows / 1980's Wrestling / TV Show Blog

Classic TV on the Internet!

Classic TV / Classic TV Commercials / 1950's TV / 1960's TV / 1970's TV / TV Games / Classic Cars / John Wayne / Gene Roddenberry / Rockford Files / Sea Hunt / Superman on DVD / Toy Gun Ads / Flip Wilson Show / Big Blue Marble / Monty Hall / Carrascolendas / Mr. Dressup / Major Mudd / Chief Halftown / Baby Daphne / Sheriff John / Winchell & Mahoney / Fireball X-L5 / Mr. Wizard / Captain Noah / Thanksgiving Day Specials / Disney's First Christmas Special / Saturday Morning Cartoons / Amahl & the Night Visitors / Holiday Toy Commercials / Lucy & Desi's Last Christmas Show / Joey Heatherton / Fat Albert / The Virginian / Bewitched / Death of John Wayne / 1974 Saturday Mornings / Chuck McCann / Rudolph Collectables / Shrimpenstein / Local Popeye Shows / New Treasure Hunt / 1966 ABC TV Shows / 1967 TV Shows / 1968 TV Shows / Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes & Baby Doll / Fridays / TV Moms / Bette Midler in the 1970s / Bonus 1970's Stuff: Biff Burger / Star Wars / KISS / Lancelot Link / Saturday Morning Cartoons / Wonder Woman / Classic Comic Books / Andy Griffith / Cher / TV Shows on DVD / Outtakes & Bloopers / 1967 TV Shows / Romper Room / ABC Movie of the Week / The Goldbergs / Daws Butler Commercials / Saturday Morning Commercials / Captain Kangaroo / Chicago Local Kiddie Shows / Boston Local TV / Philly Local TV / NYC Local Kid Shows / Amos 'n' Andy / Electric Company / Bette Davis / Judy Garland / Christmas Specials / Redd Foxx / Good Times / Sitcom Houses / What's Happening! / Winky Dink & You / Sonny & Cher / Smothers Brothers / Commercial Icons of the 1960s / Soupy Sales / The Carpenters / Route 66 / Bozo / The Carpenters Christmas Specials / Local Kid Shows / Death of TV's Superman / Wonderama / Sesame Street / Bob Hope Specials / Little Rascals / 1980's Retro Gay T-Shirts / 1980's TV Wrestling / Fess Parker / Howdy Doody / TV Blog / Lost In Space / Pinky Lee / 1980's LA Punk Rock / Alex Toth Book / TV Terrorists / Irwin Allen / The Untouchables / Carol Burnett Show / Batman TV Show / Green Hornet / Today Show History / Our Gang / Doris Day Show / 1970's Commercials For Women / Bill Cosby in the 1970s / The Golddiggers / Lola Falana / 1970s TV Shows / David Bowie on TV / Hudson Brothers / Jackie Gleason / Hollywood Squares / Match Game / Bob Keeshan / Gumby / The Flip Wilson Show / Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour / The Bobby Darin Show / The Richard Pryor Show / George Burns / Lucy's Lost Christmas Special / Classic Christmas Toy Commercials / Cricket On The Hearth / 1950's Holiday Shows / Amahl and the Night Visitors / A Christmas Carol on TV / The Yule Log / Celebrity Commercials / Rudolph / Movie Posters & More!