Penthouse Party

Last updated
Penthouse Party
Genre Variety
Created byLester Lewis
Presented by Betty Furness (host)
Anita Ellis
Don Cherry
Buddy Weed Trio
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes39
Production
Running time30 minutes
Original release
Network ABC Television
ReleaseSeptember 15, 1950 (1950-09-15) 
June 8, 1951 (1951-06-08)

Penthouse Party is an American television variety series that aired on ABC from September 15, 1950, until June 8, 1951. [1]

Contents

Format

Penthouse Party was hosted by Betty Furness [2] and was set in her penthouse. [1] Pianist Buddy Weed and singer Don Cherry were regulas on the program. [2] Each episode began with Furness inviting viewers to "Come on inside and meet all the folks." [1] Most celebrity guests were active in music or theater in New York, and they often demonstrated talents not associated with their public images. [1]

Guests who appeared on the program included Joan Blondell. [3]

Production

The 30-minute show was produced by Lester Lewis, [4] and ran for 39 episodes. [5] From September to December 1950, the show aired Fridays from 10 to 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time. [1] From January 5, 1951, [6] to June 1951, the show aired Fridays from 8:30 to 9 p.m. E T. [1] Sponsors included Best Foods. [7]

The show was replaced by The Jerry Colonna Show.[ citation needed ]

Critical response

A review in the trade publication Variety described the premiere episode as "marked by an easy, informal atmosphere" [4] It commended Furness's "effortless intros and general poise". [4]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle F. (June 24, 2009). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. Random House Publishing Group. p. 1066. ISBN   978-0-307-48320-1 . Retrieved December 3, 2023.
  2. 1 2 "TV Hostess Played by Betty Furness: Latest of Medium's Glamour Girls Seen in 'Penthouse Party' Over A. B. C." . The New York Times. October 14, 1950. p. 21. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  3. Kennedy, Matthew (September 28, 2009). Joan Blondell: A Life between Takes. Univ. Press of Mississippi. ISBN   978-1-62674-432-5 . Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 "Penthouse Party". Variety. September 20, 1950. p. 30. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
  5. "Video Feels Steel Shortage; ABC Loses Two Web Clients". Billboard. May 26, 1951. p. 5. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
  6. "'Penthouse' To Move". Billboard. December 23, 1950. p. 5. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  7. "ABC-TV Sells 2 Shows for Sun. Schedule". Billboard. November 18, 1950. Retrieved December 2, 2023.