This dance was choreographed by Jack Cole, best known today for his work with Marilyn Monroe. He trained many of the best new dancers who came out of the studio system, Gwen Vernon being one.
All hail Sid Caesar, Chita Rivera, and Jack Cole!!! Thank you for posting this incredible bit of historic hipness. 'Would like to know who the backing big band was and who did the hip arrangement?!
If I'm not mistaken, this was the final year of C/H, and as you say, it looks like Sid was ready to take some chances and depart somewhat from the enormously successful formulas used in the past on YSOS and C/H..I am guessing ratings pressure added to the thinking of going outside the box...I am guessing this kind of skit, would have appealed to certain folks, but might have fallen flat with others, so used to the regular material...
I haven't seen all of the CH episodes available at the Paley Center yet, but I think you're right on both counts. It must have been depressing to have won a slew of Emmys and been nominated for them every year and still watch your ratings fall. Of course, it was also the beginning of the deluge of Westerns that basically took over the airwaves for a while--the golden era of comedy-variety shows was just about over. --kjh
I totally agree with you, daniel, though it's from a very limited perspective having seen only about 10-12 hours of CAESAR'S HOUR material-- total. It's always struck me that the sketches on CAESAR'S HOUR were longer and more ambitious, and sometimes-- like this one-- just plain "out there" in comparison to YSOS. Probably more so in the latter shows, but so much of what I have is undated, it's tough to chart any sort of trends like this. Stands to reason, though! [wgw]
Ceasar's Hour was great with Nanette. Find the one where Howie Morris (?) was Sid's father and slept on the floor of the attic so his son could go to college and become a doctor. Then when Sid was at a club one night and everyone was singing, they all loved the way he sang and Sid became a famous singer instead of a doctor as his father, Howie was crying in the attic. Barbara C.
Is that the name of a sketch? I'm sorry to say I don't have a copy of it, if so! Anything I ever turn up, though, will get posted here, and I'm always anxious for more material. (Just to be clear, this comment is from an alternate account, but I'm the guy who posts these videos, Gary. So glad you've been enjoying them!)
Sid Caesar said he was over-the-top boozing and drugging by this time. It shows. The mugging begins at the beginning, and it is painful to watch this skit. I had to turn it off. He threw himself away on drugs and booze.
Jeezus Christ, it's a comedy skit intro goofing on the pretentious character as well as pseudo hipness that sometimes is found in jazz!!! Plus Sid was a former tenor jazz saxophonist and knows of what he speaks. All hail Caesar!
![SID CAESAR: Break Your Brains [SPOOF] (CAESAR'S HOUR, Apr 16 1957)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XpoR9dblJvs/mqdefault.jpg)
![SID CAESAR: Break Your Brains [SPOOF] (CAESAR'S HOUR, Apr 16 1957)](/img/tr.png)
![SID CAESAR: This Is Your Story [This Is Your Life Spoof] (YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS, Apr 3, 1954)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BQBlEnsylI0/mqdefault.jpg)
![SID CAESAR: Vacant Holsters [SPOOF] (CAESAR'S HOUR - VERY rare sketch!)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4eaHi7BRMfQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![NLE Choppa - Or What ft. 41 (Orchestra Mix) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/biOFASEgSOM/mqdefault.jpg)
Seeing this in 2024 classic wonderful eternal genius of Sid Caesar
I greatly, GREATLY appreciate these classic shows. Thank you for your hard work and keep 'em coming!! :D
Glad you're enjoying them. More to come! Thanks for your comment. --kjh
"Jazz is a beautiful woman whose brother is a policeman!" XD
This dance was choreographed by Jack Cole, best known today for his work with Marilyn Monroe. He trained many of the best new dancers who came out of the studio system, Gwen Vernon being one.
From 1956 to 2024. Includes the great Chita Rivera. A treasure. Thks all
YES!
All hail Sid Caesar, Chita Rivera, and Jack Cole!!! Thank you for posting this incredible bit of historic hipness. 'Would like to know who the backing big band was and who did the hip arrangement?!
That's the most swinging rendition ever of Beale Street Blues.
This one is Sid’s version of Leonard Bernstein’s Ominbus series on music appreciation.
The only difference between this and a Stanley Donen-directed musical number is the lack of Technicolor. Excellent on all counts.
If I'm not mistaken, this was the final year of C/H, and as you say, it looks like Sid was ready to take some chances and depart somewhat from the enormously successful formulas used in the past on YSOS and C/H..I am guessing ratings pressure added to the thinking of going outside the box...I am guessing this kind of skit, would have appealed to certain folks, but might have fallen flat with others, so used to the regular material...
I haven't seen all of the CH episodes available at the Paley Center yet, but I think you're right on both counts. It must have been depressing to have won a slew of Emmys and been nominated for them every year and still watch your ratings fall. Of course, it was also the beginning of the deluge of Westerns that basically took over the airwaves for a while--the golden era of comedy-variety shows was just about over. --kjh
Sid Caesar: Your Show of Shows / Caesar's Hour / Admiral Broadway Revue I love these shows.
I totally agree with you, daniel, though it's from a very limited perspective having seen only about 10-12 hours of CAESAR'S HOUR material-- total. It's always struck me that the sketches on CAESAR'S HOUR were longer and more ambitious, and sometimes-- like this one-- just plain "out there" in comparison to YSOS. Probably more so in the latter shows, but so much of what I have is undated, it's tough to chart any sort of trends like this. Stands to reason, though! [wgw]
Ceasar's Hour was great with Nanette. Find the one where Howie Morris (?) was Sid's father and slept on the floor of the attic so his son could go to college and become a doctor. Then when Sid was at a club one night and everyone was singing, they all loved the way he sang and Sid became a famous singer instead of a doctor as his father, Howie was crying in the attic. Barbara C.
Find Caesar's Hour...a show called "Gee What Ears".....
Is that the name of a sketch? I'm sorry to say I don't have a copy of it, if so! Anything I ever turn up, though, will get posted here, and I'm always anxious for more material. (Just to be clear, this comment is from an alternate account, but I'm the guy who posts these videos, Gary. So glad you've been enjoying them!)
How great was TV in the "50's.
Sid Caesar said he was over-the-top boozing and drugging by this time. It shows. The mugging begins at the beginning, and it is painful to watch this skit. I had to turn it off. He threw himself away on drugs and booze.
Jeezus Christ, it's a comedy skit intro goofing on the pretentious character as well as pseudo hipness that sometimes is found in jazz!!! Plus Sid was a former tenor jazz saxophonist and knows of what he speaks. All hail Caesar!
OH PSHAW! You are what in the '60's would scornfully be called a "square."
Feel free to skip the intro.
That was the worst. It is a total waste of time.
you suck
You have no taste whatsoever!
Don't you like musical numbers?