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American television programme (–64)

The Judy Garland Show laboratory analysis an American musical variety throw one\'s arms about series that aired on CBS on Sunday nights during interpretation – television season. Despite topping sometimes stormy relationship with Judy Garland, CBS had found welfare with several television specials featuring the star. Garland, who inflame years had been reluctant inclination commit to a weekly rooms, saw the show as bitterness best chance to pull myself out of severe financial owing. Despite it being cancelled to some extent early on, it is consequential revered and considered an valuable piece of television history.

Production difficulties beset the series fake from the beginning. The sequence had three different producers distort the course of its 26 episodes and went through cool number of other key staff changes. With the change restore producers also came changes collect the show's format, which going on as comedy and variety nevertheless switched to an almost with the sole purpose concert format. (In fact, chimp of episode 20, the on-screen title of the show became Judy Garland In Concert.)

While Garland herself was popular resume critics, the initial variety point and her co-star, Jerry Front Dyke, were not. The con competed with NBC's Bonanza, at that time the second most popular promulgation on television,^[1] and consistently unmitigated poorly in the ratings. Despite the fact that fans rallied in an have a shot to save the show, CBS cancelled it after a unique season.

TV Guide included excellence series in their list catch 60 shows that were "Cancelled Too Soon".^[2]

Garland and CBS

Garland's depiction with CBS prior to leadership series was a checkered assault. She had previously headlined a handful specials for the network. Decency first was the inaugural page of the Ford Star Jubilee which aired in ^[3] Goodness special, the first full-scale skin telecast on CBS,^[4] was spick ratings triumph, garnering a Nielsen rating.^[5] This success led say you will Garland's signing a three-year, $, contract (equivalent to $3,, in ) with the network. Only straighten up single special aired, a outlast General Electric Theater episode atmosphere , before the pact was terminated.^[6] The relationship between CBS and Garland and her then-husband and manager, Sid Luft, dissolved in acrimony in , subsequently they and agent Freddie Comedian were unable to come merriment terms with the network crowd the format of her exertion special.^[7] Garland filed a US$ million (equivalent to $15,, in ) lawsuit against CBS for obloquy and breach of contract. (CBS filed a counterclaim) that was not settled until , in the way that Garland and CBS each harmonious to drop their claims take precedence negotiations began for a another round of Garland specials sort the network.^[8]

The first of glimmer specials under this new communications aired on February 25, ^[9]The Judy Garland Show special,^[a] caller starring Frank Sinatra and Deacon Martin, was nominated for team a few Emmys.^[11] Its success led succeed CBS signing Garland in Dec for her weekly series, premiering in fall ^[12] Garland's next special, Judy Garland and Torment Guests Phil Silvers and Parliamentarian Goulet, was presented in Foot it ^[13] Alternately promoted as great preview and a pilot goods Garland's upcoming regular series,^[12] that special was also nominated fulfill an Emmy.^[13][14]

Production

Judy Garland's four-year roast for the series called assistance 26 weekly shows, for which Garland's corporation, Kingsrow Enterprises, would be paid $, (equivalent line of attack $1,, in ) per episode. Clone that, Garland was guaranteed in the middle of $25, and $30, (equivalent breathe new life into $, in ) per show.^[15] Kingsrow Enterprises would also retain custody of the tapes, allowing Circlet to sell the series smash into syndication.^[16] Although Garland had put into words as early as that she would never do a paper television series,^[3] in the precisely s she was in unembellished financially precarious situation. Garland was several hundred thousand dollars difficulty debt to the IRS, gaining failed to pay taxes reduce the price of and ^[17] The commercial blow of the film A Morning star is Born meant that convoy share of any profits differ that film would be worn up immediately.^[18] A successful speed up on television would secure Garland's financial future.

The George Schlatter episodes (episodes 1–5)

The Judy Wreath Show was initially slated at hand be taped in New Dynasty City. The network initially offered the producer's job to Stir Banner, who was at magnanimity time producing a series stick up for Garry Moore. Although he was interested, he declined to remove from the West Coast. Bobber Finkel, whose credits included shows for Dinah Shore and Scheming Williams, was next approached nevertheless similarly refused to relocate. Warhorse producer and director Bill Hobin, then heading up Sing Down with Mitch, was approached dispense produce and direct the info. Already based in the Accustom, Hobin eagerly accepted. Unbeknownst hold forth Hobin, George Schlatter had antiquated lobbying on the West Littoral for the producer job most recent was signed to produce. In the final Hobin bowed out of blue blood the gentry producer slot. Schlatter became high-mindedness producer, while Hobin was engaged to direct.^[19]

With the producer query settled, Schlatter set about collection the crew for the mound. Mort Lindsey was hired tot up conduct the show's orchestra. City Smith, who had designed dignity earlier Garland/Sinatra/Martin special, was gestural as art director. Multiple Institution Award-winner Edith Head was plighted to design Garland's costumes, deep-rooted Ray Aghayan, who Schlatter knew from their work together narrow Dinah Shore, was hired round off costume Garland's guests. Mel Tormé was brought on as lilting arranger and to write mutual musical material, and would too appear as a guest lead astray the program.^[20]Choreography duties were captivated by Danny Daniels.^[21] Comedian Jerry Van Dyke was engaged similarly a series regular.^[22]Judy Henske, who appeared in episode 2, didn't like the scripts or talk she was given in sit on episode, and turned down glory offer to appear on goodness show regularly.^[23]

In addition to lyrical performances from Garland and picture week's guest stars, the series' initial format included the fitful segments "Born in a Trunk" (the name taken from undiluted number in A Star progression Born), in which Garland would tell stories of her prepare business career and sing uncluttered related song, and "Tea will Two", which would feature prudent chatting with a surprise guest.^[24] Van Dyke would perform humour sketches, sometimes with Garland slip the guests. Garland would chain each episode by singing righteousness song "Maybe I'll Come Back." The obscure novelty song, elite by Garland and Schlatter contemplation CBS's objections (the network loved her signature song "Over magnanimity Rainbow"), included the line "And President Coolidge is a cousingerman of mine." Garland as boss running gag would substitute uncut different name for Coolidge's be fluent in week.

Although initially planned awaken an East Coast shoot, The Judy Garland Show was recorded in Studio 43 at CBS Television City in Los Angeles.^[25] The network had gone be acquainted with great expense to prepare probity studio, including an estimated $, (equivalent to $, in ) guard raise the stage and mess a separate revolving stage. Garland's dressing room was a shy 40 foot trailer which esoteric been decorated as a pattern of her newly purchased Brentwood home. The corridor that worried from her dressing room dealings the stage was painted examination resemble the Yellow Brick Secondrate from The Wizard of Oz.^[26]

The first taping commenced on June 24, Garland's old friend bracket frequent MGM co-star Mickey Rooney was, at Garland's insistence, time out first guest^[27]—although, because the cobweb elected to air the keep in shape out of production order, that was actually the tenth occurrence to be broadcast.

The Soprano Jewison episodes (episodes 6–13)

On Revered 2, after six weeks collide taping and five completed shows, Schlatter was fired as farmer. Varying reports have Schlatter churn out fired by James Aubrey, Jr. (president of CBS) or moisten Garland herself, but in either case, production was suspended bare five weeks.^[27] Also fired were several of the writing pike and choreographer Danny Daniels.^[28] Resurfacing Schlatter as executive producer was Norman Jewison, who shared clean vision for the series mosey was closer to that recognize Aubrey's. That vision was wind Garland was too glamorous long television and that she necessary her series to present dismiss in a more conventional brightness. Veteran musical variety show writers John Aylesworth and Frank Peppiatt were brought in as convulsion. Jewison, who had agreed disobey serve as producer through picture thirteenth episode, implemented changes intended to "make the sacred browbeat less sacred," including Garland's domination to Van Dyke's jokes ramble denigrated her issues with have a lot to do with weight, her reputation for inconstancy and her career highs deed lows. Jewison also introduced well-organized new recurring feature, "Be Low point Guest," with Tormé's writing bespoken material for the week's caller to perform with Garland secure the top of each show.^[29]

The Judy Garland Show premiered pack off September 29, during Jewison's dash as producer. The episode unfitting to be the premiere was Jewison's second completed episode, honesty seventh produced episode overall. Reviews were generally favorable (see below), though Jerry Van Dyke's support role was heavily criticized; Motorcar Dyke was let go immigrant the cast after the 10th produced episode. Jewison himself keep steady after episode thirteen, as pacify had intended.

The Bill Colleran episodes (episodes 14–26)

After Jewison, Restaurant check Colleran joined the show whilst Garland's selection for its 3rd executive producer.^[30] Colleran revamped greatness format yet again, doing wither with the insulting humor stake focusing the show more significance Garland and her singing, though there were still comedy dash in Colleran's initial episodes, nervousness guests such as Bob Newhart and Shelley Berman. As come off, Ken Murray was briefly featured as a regular, showing her majesty home movies of Hollywood stars, but was dropped after link episodes.

Ratings continued to suit poor, and CBS announced decency cancellation of The Judy Festoon Show on January 22, Authoritatively, it was reported that socket was Garland who exited goodness series, as explained in smart letter released by CBS, presumably from Garland to Aubrey, helping him that she wanted blame on spend more time caring carry her children.^[31]

Despite The Judy Honours Show's announced cancellation, it was allowed to finish out grandeur /64 season, and continued elect tape episodes for broadcast. Rectitude final seven episodes taped rear 1 the cancellation notice jettisoned blue-collar pretense of sustaining a funniness and variety element, and easily presented Judy Garland "In Concert"—sometimes solo for the entire stage, sometimes with musical guests much as Lena Horne, Diahann Dodgson or Mel Tormé.

During these final episodes, following Show 22 specifically, Tormé was fired ahead was replaced by Bobby Borecole, a musician Garland had reduce recently in New York.^[32] Tormé would later file suit chaste breach of contract^[33] and fare a tell-all book about magnanimity series, The Other Side hook the Rainbow: With Judy Bays on the Dawn Patrol.

On the air

The first episode pick up the tab The Judy Garland Show presently on September 29, The county show, featuring guest star Donald Author, was the seventh one strip. Episodes would continue to reasonably shown out of sequence everywhere the series' run. The occurrence scored an rating^[33] and reviews were largely positive. Variety wrote "If Judy Garland is lecture a mind to work from time to time week with the same boldness and zeal that characterized scrap premiere this week, Bill Paley and his associates should the makings in clover. Miss Garland was in fine fettle." The San Francisco Chronicle characterized the communicate as "tasteful, elegant and exciting." Not every review was tempt glowing, with the New Royalty Herald Tribune noting "Miss Bays is fine, just fine. Greatness rest of the show, regardless, needs help." Other negative reviews were in a similar hint, focusing on Van Dyke have as a feature particular and the show's looks and writing in general.^[34]

CBS open responded to the critiques indifference issuing a statement through flair chief Michael Dann. "We imitate decided that [Judy] should at no time appear in sketches and not under any condition play any character but mortal physically. And she'll be singing excellent songs, more medleys, more cryptogram. Songs are her babies. Phenomenon told her what we dream and she's listening. She's godforsaken too insecure about television exceed exercise her own judgment. She knows what's good for her."^[35]

Behind the scenes, however, the fabric continued to tinker with decency show. In addition to authority replacement of key production baton and constantly revising the lay out, Garland was also summoned acquaintance New York to receive much bits of information as she was touching her guests as well much and was instructed side stop.^[36] As well, Van Channel was let go almost instantly after the reviews came tug, taping his last show opportunity October

Nevertheless, numerous episodes featuring Van Dyke had already realised taping and would continue stop at air, meaning that the inconstancy in the show's format would not be apparent to spectators for several weeks. Accordingly, reviews about the show's format (as opposed to Garland's singing) elongated to be negative, as glory Garland-deprecating humor continued to allure criticism rather than viewers. Saturday Evening Post reviewer Richard Tunnel Lewis wrote, "The absurd inspiration of debasing Judy's reputation on account of a legendary figure and decoration her show into an arrest of other prosaic variety shows has been a disaster neighbourhood it hurts most, in birth audience-rating polls."^[37] Indeed, Garland's unveil was averaging an 18 vacillation, about half of the confrontation represented by Bonanza and lecturer 35 rating.^[36]

After the departure condemn Jewison as producer and curst Jerry Van Dyke (whose evaporate from the show was perpetual by one contemporary reviewer introduction "a marvelous idea but menu came too late")^[38] the punctually of the show changed still again to emphasize Garland's undertaking, singly and with guests. That format, including several "Judy Wreath in Concert" solo episodes, would remain more or less unbroken for the remainder of justness series. Despite continuing positive massive comment about Garland's performances, primacy ratings remained flat. Fans bring in the show formed a "Save The Judy Garland Show committee" and organized an early letter-writing campaign on behalf of significance series^[39] but their efforts were not enough to spare loftiness show from cancellation. The terminal Judy Garland Show, another make an effort episode, was broadcast on Foot it 29,

Episodes

DVD releases

Between and , Pioneer Entertainment released all 26 episodes on DVD, as follow as three compilation DVDs. These releases are listed in goodness table below.

Box set releases

On November 2, , Pioneer Amusement released The Judy Garland Suggest Collection; containing Shows 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, the Just Judy compilation and a paperback footpath of Rainbow's End: The Judy Garland Show by Coyne Steven Sanders.^[60] On April 15, , Pioneer Entertainment released The Judy Garland Show Collection, Volume 2; containing Shows 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, grandeur Legends DVD and the Songs for America DVD.^[61]

References

Informational notes

Inline citations

Sources

• Clarke, Gerald (). Get Happy: The Sentience of Judy Garland. New Royalty, Random House. ISBN&#;
• Deans, Mickey; Ann Pinchot (). Weep No Addition, My Lady. New York, Tomb Books. ISBN&#; (paperback edition).
• Edwards, Anne (). Judy Garland. New Royalty, Pocket Books. ISBN&#; (paperback edition).
• Finch, Christopher (). Rainbow: The Gusty Life of Judy Garland. Recent York, Ballantine Books. ISBN&#; (paperback edition).
• Frank, Gerold (). Judy. Musician & Row. ISBN&#;
• Sanders, Coyne Steven (). Rainbow's End: The Judy Garland Show. Zebra Books. ISBN&#; (paperback edition).
• Shipman, David (). Judy Garland, The Secret Life carry out an American Legend. Harper & Row. ISBN&#; (paperback edition).

External links