The Big Show, Radio's Last Hope

The Big Show was a variety program created by NBC Radio in hopes of keeping the medium competitive with television. In 1950, listeners were deserting radio and becoming TV viewers. NBC's answer was to produce a lavish, expensive, star studded program that would stop the exodus. The Big Show was 90 minutes long, featuring the greatest comedians, stage, screen and music talent of the day, hosted by actress Tallulah Bankhead. It premiered on November 5, 1950. But the Big Show could not turn the tide, the golden age of radio was rapidly ending. NBC cancelled the show after two seasons and a reported loss of $1 million, which was a lot of money in the 1950s. You're going to hear Big Show #5, broadcast on December 3rd, 1950, featuring comedians Fred Allen, Joan Davis, Phil Silvers, and President Harry Truman's daughter Margaret.More at http://krobcollection.com