Big Party, The

1 9 5 9 (USA)
7 x 90 minute episodes

This short-lived CBS series featured an informal gathering of celebrities milling around, chatting and performing around an old piano in the penthouse “home” of a personality (in reality, episodes were filmed at CBS Studio 52 in New York).

Each party was hosted by a different celebrity, with hosts including Rock Hudson (whose guests were Tallulah Bankhead, Esther Williams, Mort Sahl, and Sammy Davis Jr.); Greer Garson (joined by Martha Raye, Sal Mineo, Walter Slezak, Mike Nichols, Elaine May, Peter Lind Hayes, and Mary Healy); Irene Dunne (whose guests were Gypsy Rose Lee, Jack Carter, Dorothy Loudon, The Charlivels, Cesare Siepi, Julie Styne and Pearl Bailey);  Eva Gabor (with guests Carol Channing, Peggy Lee, Sir John Gielgud, Lionel Hampton and The Benny Goodman Trio), and Douglas Fairbanks Jr, (joined by Bobby Darin, Mike Nichols, Elaine May, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Nancy Walker and the Jose Greco dance company).

The series ran at 9.30 pm on alternate Thursday evenings from 8 October 1959 to 31 December 1959 and was sponsored by Revlon Cosmetics (represented by actress Barbara Britton).

Although 15 shows were initially planned, Revlon terminated their sponsorship after only seven shows had been presented but failed to obtain big ratings.

Goodman Ace was the creator and chief writer. Perry Lafferty and Robert Tamplin were the producers.