One of the rotating hosts of 'All Star Revue' since 1951, Martha Raye became almost the only host in 1953 and took over the program entirely when it was renamed 'The Martha Raye Show' in January 1954. Writer-director Nat Hiken came up with the idea of casting ex-boxer Rocky Graziano as Martha's boyfriend. Nicknamed "Goombah" by Raye, Graziano was the perfect foil for the funny female's mugging. "Who ever thought I could do comedy?" the fighter wondered. Though typically gentle as a lamb, Rocky acted as Martha's protector and stood ready to pummel anyone (like the debonair and oft-recurring Cesar Romero) he thought was trying to make time with her. Most shows opened with a song and dance number performed by Martha and the Herb Ross Dancers.