Category Archives: Television 1950s

First practical videotape recorder demonstrated in Chicago 60 years ago today (Apr 14 1956)

(Saturday, April 14, 1956) — Ampex Corp. demonstrated the first practical videotape recorder (in a format known as 2″ Quadruplex) today at the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (NARTB) convention in Chicago. Continue reading First practical videotape recorder demonstrated in Chicago 60 years ago today (Apr 14 1956)

Elvis Presley performs on ‘The Milton Berle Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Apr 3 1956)


Video: '''The Milton Berle Show'' - 3 April 1956'

(Tuesday, April 3, 1956, 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) — Elvis Presley made the first of two appearances on the comedy-variety show The Milton Berle Show, broadcast live from the deck of the USS Hancock on NBC while docked at the Naval Air Base in San Diego, California, performing 13-second “Shake Rattle & Roll,” “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” He earned $5,000. Continue reading Elvis Presley performs on ‘The Milton Berle Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Apr 3 1956)

Soap operas ‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Edge of Night’ premiere 60 years ago this afternoon (Apr 2 1956)


Video: 'Vintage Soap Opera Classic: As the World Turns ( April 10, 1957)'

(Monday, April 2, 1956, 1:30 p.m./4:30 p.m. EST) — The television soap operas As the World Turns and The Edge of Night premiered this afternoon on CBS. Continue reading Soap operas ‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Edge of Night’ premiere 60 years ago this afternoon (Apr 2 1956)

‘Marty’ wins Best Motion Picture at 28th Academy Awards 60 years ago this hour (Mar 21 1956)


Video: '1956 Oscars' (20 videos)

(Wednesday, March 21, 1956, 7:30-9:00 p.m. PST)Marty, a romantic drama film about a lonely butcher who finds love despite the opposition of his friends and family, won four Oscars tonight at the 28th Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture, Delbert Mann for Best Director and Ernest Borgnine for Best Actor. Continue reading ‘Marty’ wins Best Motion Picture at 28th Academy Awards 60 years ago this hour (Mar 21 1956)

‘Producers’ Showcase’ and ‘The Phil Silvers Show’ big winners at Emmy Awards 60 years ago this hour (Mar 17 1956)


Video: 'I'm Flying (Peter Pan - 1956 Broadcast)'

(Saturday, March 17, 1956, 6:00-7:30 p.m. PST) — Mary Martin of Peter Pan and Lloyd Nolan, the neurotic captain of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, walked off with 8th Primetime Emmy Awards tonight as the best actress and actor on television in 1955. Continue reading ‘Producers’ Showcase’ and ‘The Phil Silvers Show’ big winners at Emmy Awards 60 years ago this hour (Mar 17 1956)

Elvis Presley makes national TV debut on ‘Stage Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Jan 28 1956)


Video: '19560128 - Elvis Presley - Dorsey Brothers Stage Show-1'

(Saturday, January 28, 1956, 8:00-8:30 p.m. EST) — Elvis Presley, 21, made his first national TV appearance tonight on Stage Show, broadcast live from CBS Studios in New York City and hosted by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, performing “Shake, Rattle and Roll/Flip, Flop and Fly” and “I Got a Woman.”

The Whiting Sisters perform on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Jan 22 1956)


Video: 'Margaret & Barbara Whiting "Ain't We Got Fun" on The Ed Sullivan Show'

(Sunday, January 22, 1956, 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) — The Whiting Sisters (Richard Whiting’s daughters Margaret and Barbara) performed “Ain’t We Got Fun” on tonight’s live edition of the CBS-TV variety show The Ed Sullivan Show from CBS Studio No. 50 in New York City.

Bo Diddley performs on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Nov 20 1955)


Video: 'Bo Diddley Ed Sullivan Show1955 mpg'

(Sunday, November 20, 1955, 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) — Bo Diddley performed “Bo Diddley” on tonight’s live edition of the CBS-TV variety show The Ed Sullivan Show from CBS Studio No. 50 in New York City. Continue reading Bo Diddley performs on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Nov 20 1955)

‘The Eating Contest’ episode airs on ‘You’ll Never Get Rich’ 60 years ago this hour (Nov 15 1955)


Video: 'The Phil Silvers Show Season 1 Episode 9 Eating Contest'

(Tuesday, November 15, 1955, 8:00-8:30 p.m. EST) — Bilko discovers that the G.I. he’s sponsoring in an eating contest only eats when he’s miserable on tonight’s episode of the CBS sitcom television series You’ll Never Get Rich.

In 1997, TV Guide ranked this episode number 53 on its “100 Greatest Episodes of All Time” list.

‘Better Living Through TV’ episode airs on ‘The Honeymooners’ 60 years ago this hour (Nov 12 1955)


Video: 'The Honeymooners S01E07 Better Living Through TV'

(Saturday, November 12, 1955, 8:00 p.m. EST) — Ralph devises a get-rich-quick scheme: selling Handy Housewife Helpers on TV on tonight’s episode of the CBS sitcom television series The Honeymooners.

In 2009, TV Guide ranked this episode number 7 on its “100 Greatest Episodes of All Time” list.