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6 Episodes 1959 - 1959
Episode 1
Thu, Oct 8, 1959
In a perfect melange of the television variety show genre and high camp, "The Big Party" explores a tantalizing premise-what if movie idol Rock Hudson phoned his pal Tallulah Bankhead for her advice in throwing a bash for their celebrity friends? The charmingly offbeat results defy expectations, with an eclectic all-star line-up of party guests.
Episode 2
Thu, Oct 22, 1959
At the party in Greer's apartment, her performing guests play it safe with uncontroversial and well worn material, including Nichols and May's "Broken arm man" routine, Peter Lind Hayes'"Nightclub Heckler" routine, and "Last drinker at the bar" bit. Greer does the death soliloquy from "Camille", and Martha Raye does a slapstick parody of same.
Episode 3
Thu, Nov 5, 1959
Irene Dunne is tonight's hostess. On her guest list are singer Pearl Bailey, comedian Jack Carter, actress-authoress Gypsy Rose Lee, opera star Cesare Siepi, songwriter-producer Jule Styne, and French acrobatic entertainers Les Charlivels.
Episode 4
Thu, Dec 3, 1959
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. plays host to comedian Danny Thomas; the comedy team of Mike Nichols and Elaine May; Spanish dancer Jose Greco; Chuck Connors from TV's "Rifleman"; singer Bobby Darin; and songwriters Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. Comedienne Nancy Walker turns up as Fairbanks' maid. Greco and three members of his troupe perform "Vaquero," and Greco also offers a solo dance.
Episode 5
Thu, Dec 17, 195990 mins
Eva Gabor's place is the scene of tonight's party. The partygoers include Sir John Gielgud, musical-comedy star Carol Channing, jazzmen Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton and Gene Krupa, singer Peggy Lee and comedian Alan King.
Episode 6
Thu, Dec 31, 195990 mins
Guests for this party include opera star Patrice Munsel; Paul Whiteman and his orchestra, the singing Ames Brothers, and ventriloquist Senor Wences. Executive producer and co-director Abe Burrows entertains at the piano. Barbara Britton, who delivered the commercials on previous "The Big Party," episodes acts as hostess for this New Year's Eve show.