Air Time ‘57 (or simply Air Time) is a live musical variety series that aired briefly on ABC. It was hosted by singer and radio star Vaughn Monroe. Scheduled opposite shows that were more solidly established, the program lasted little more than three months.

Air Time '57
Written byHarvey Orkin
Directed byHal Davis
Country of originUnited States
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes15
Production
ProducerAllan Stanley
Running time30 minutes
Original release
NetworkAmerican Broadcasting Company
ReleaseDecember 27, 1956 (1956-12-27) –
April 4, 1957 (1957-04-04)

Background

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Monroe had previously hosted two other network television shows: the one-season The Vaughn Monroe Show in 1950 (also known as Camel Caravan and based on the radio show of the same name) and The Vaughn Monroe Show in 1954 and 1955 (a 15-minute summer replacement series for The Dinah Shore Show). Air Time was an attempt to continue to capitalize on Monroe's successful singing career.[1]

Allen Stanley was the producer, and Hal Davis was the director. The show was presented by the U.S. Air Force Reserve.[2]

Cast

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Jazz trumpeter Bobby Hackett and the Elliot Lawrence Orchestra were regulars on the show. One or more guest stars also appeared each week.[3]

Dorothy Collins guested on the first show.[4]

Broadcast history

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Air Time was broadcast at 10:00 pm on Thursdays opposite Playhouse 90 on CBS and Lux Video Theatre on NBC.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Cox, Jim (2012). Musicmakers of Network Radio: 24 Entertainers, 1926-1962. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc. ISBN 978-0-7864-6325-1
  2. ^ "Air Time '57". Variety. January 2, 1957. p. 21. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  3. ^ Brooks, Tim & Marsh, Earle (2007). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present (9th ed.). New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN 978-0-345-49773-4.
  4. ^ Broadcasting Telecasting: The Businessweekly of Radio and Television. January 7, 1957. pg. 20
  5. ^ Hyatt, Wesley (2003). Short-Lived Television Series, 1948-1978. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc. ISBN 0-7864-1420-0