Ladies’ Choice

1 9 5 3 (USA)
25 minute episodes

This short-lived summer series from NBC – “by the women of America, for the women of America” – featured three performances per show by undiscovered amateur and semi-professional variety acts – singers, dancers and instrumentalists – from all over the nation, presented by amateur women talent scouts.

The acts and their female sponsors were given all-expenses-paid trips to Hollywood from anywhere in the US to appear on the show. Winners received prizes, cash and professional engagements.

A home participation segment called “The Quick Identity Quiz” showed an unrecognisable photograph accompanied by a hint or a jingle. A random telephone call was then made by the host and if the viewer who answered could identify the person in the photograph, they won merchandise prizes. If they were unsuccessful, they were awarded a watch.

The series debuted on Monday 8 June 1953 and ran until September and was broadcast Monday through Friday afternoons from the NBC Television Studios at Olive and Alameda Streets in Burbank, California.

The host was amiable Irish tenor, Johnny Dugan. Dugan passed away in May 1972, aged just 52.

Host
Johnny Dugan