1965-66 Television Season 50th Anniversary - The Dean Martin Show (w/legendary guest Sid Caesar)

Variety shows were in full bloom on network television in the 1965-1966 television season, and no better than the brand new 'The Dean Martin Show.' As we wrap up our look back at the 50th anniversary of that glorious television season, our last stop is with Dean, and guest star Sid Caesar. Two of television's all-time greats, we chose this clip from Dean's show (available on DVD on the 'King of Cool - The Best of the Dean Martin Variety Show'/Collector's Edition... we highly recommend this DVD set ... it is a remarkable collection!) because it features the great Sid Caesar. This video clip is from an episode first broadcast on NBC on the night of December 15, 1966. We'll start with some background on Dean's show: it ran on NBC on Thursday nights for nine seasons, a remarkable 261 episodes, from September 16, 1965 to April 5, 1974. That final season was primarily 'celebrity roasts' themes, which Dean would go on to continue as NBC specials for the rest of the decade. Season 8, ending on April 12, 1973 were that last of the variety show themed episodes. Each season, very special in their own way. It is legendary work by some very talented people that created this special Dean Martin show. Dean was extraordinary, with his charm, talent and lack of preparation (legendary in itself!) for each episode that made this show so incredible and often very funny. But credit also should go to two other men who really became the backbone of the series: producer/director Greg Garrison and music director Lee Hale. Their work stands the test of time. Mr. Hale wrote a book about the Dean Martin Show - it is available (out of print) on Amazon from private collections. Highly recommended reading. And now, a word about the great Sid Caesar. When they write about the history of television, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, Mr. Caesar's name and fingerprints are all over that history - and for good reason. He, along with Milton Berle and Red Skelton, were three of the original pioneers of the comedy variety format. Mr. Caesar's show - 'Your Show of Shows', was a landmark series. Innovative, cutting edge, and a launch pad for new talent who were all free and encouraged to experiment and push boundaries with their work. The cast and writers on that show is a who's who of television: Sid Caesar Imogene Coca Howard Morris Carl Reiner Mel Brooks Neil Simon Howard Starbuck Later Caesar productions included writers Larry Gelbart and Woody Allen. 'Your Show of Shows' ran on NBC from February 25, 1950 to June 5, 1954. This video clip is presented here on YouTube for the entertainment and informational value of the viewer, and no copyright infringement is intended. Enjoy! And long live Dean Martin and Sid Caesar!