The Bell Telephone Hour
Synopsis
âThe Bell Telephone Hourâ was a musical variety show that aired on âNBCâ TV from 12 January 1959 to 14 June 1968 that showcased the best in Broadway, Classical, Concert, Jazz and Popular music each week. The series had itsâ own house band appropriately named the âBell Telephone Orchestraâ. The show also had itsâ own theme song being the âBell Waltzâ composed by âDonald Voorheesâ who was also the show's Orchestra conductor. Some of the greatest violinists of the 1960âs performed on this show that aired in the old âBlack & Whiteâ format. Some of these great violinists included âErica Morninâ, âIsaac Stern", "Michael Rabin", "Ruggiero Ricci", "Yehudi Menuhin" and "Zino Francesacatti". From time to time some of the great singers and bandleaders of the 1960âs would perform on the show as well. Some of these were âBing Crosbyâ, âGordon MacRaeâ, âJohn Garyâ, âLeslie Uggamsâ, âMary Martinâ, âNelson Eddyâ, âPatti Pageâ and âRoy Rogersâ. The TV show followed on the heels of itsâ predecessor with the same name on âNBCâ radio that aired from 29 April 1940 to 1958 on Monday nights at 8 PM. The name of the show was derived from itsâ Major sponsor âBell Telephone Laboratoriesâ. The TV version began airing on Friday nights at 8:30 PM once a month. It later was given itâs same time slot now airing every other week alternating with another show on the other weeks such as News shows and specials. The show time slot changed quite often over the years. In September 1960 it aired at 9 PM and in September 1961 it moved to 9:30 PM. In October 1963 it moved to Tuesday nights at 10 PM, September 1965 it moved to Sunday night at 6:30 PM and in September 1967 it made its' final move back to Friday night at 10 PM.
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in United States.
