1 9 6 3 (USA)
10 x 30 minute episodes
Debuting on 20 October 1963, this Sunday night ABC comedy panel show featured guest comics performing material (sketches, monologues, or routines) submitted by aspiring and undiscovered comedy writers.
After the performance, the material was evaluated by the panel of guest comedians – and the audience “laff-o-meter” – and offered for sale. Interested parties were able to purchase the material by contacting the show’s producers.
Guest comedians included Mickey Rooney, Cara Williams (of Pete and Gladys), Phil Foster, Shecky Greene, Buddy Hackett, Bill Dana, Bob Cummings, Jim Backus, Marty Ingels, Louis Nye, Cliff Arquette, Paul Winchell with Jerry Mahoney, Dan Rowan, Dick Martin, Morey Amsterdam, Jayne Meadows and Pat Harrington Jr.
Former $64,000 Question quizmaster Hal March hosted. El Producto cigars sponsored the show.
Critics and viewers were not kind to the show and it was gone by Christmas 1963.
Hal March suffered a heart attack and died in 1970 while co-hosting TV game show It’s Your Bet.
Host
Hal March