From Amazon.com:
A great concept: The Beatles appeared four times on CBS' The Ed Sullivan Show, and while one is tempted to skip through this collection to watch only the Fab Four's 20 performances, there is historic value in seeing Sullivan's complete programs. With America reeling from the murder of a popular president, JFK, less than three months prior, the Beatles' Sullivan debut on February 9, 1964, ushered a renewing joy into the country's living rooms. The band kept it up another two weeks, sharing Sullivan's variety-show bills with the likes of impressionist Frank Gorshin, comedians Allen & Rossi, future Monkee Davy Jones (in a scene from Oliver!), and sundry unrepentant vaudevillians, magicians, and acrobats. Various problems with microphones and bad direction (one barely sees John Lennon on 2/9) couldn't stop the magic, and by the time the Beatles made a return trip in September 1965, the group's brilliance and wit outsized their television surroundings.
All of you youngsters (as Ed would say) should buy this just to see the other acts. To you, they'll seem like they're from another planet. Take a look at the complete lineup of the acts right here.
My mother-in-law got this for me for Christmas last year. I love it! You don't see variety tv like that any more. It's fun watching Ed trying to hide his displeasure when the crowd won't shut up for him to announce the next act.
Posted by: Mark | 04/04/2005 at 03:32 PM
It is a great video.
You can see the future of TV. The different genres of acts was to become the specialty channels of today.
The commercials are amazing also. It is interesting the types of products that are still being advertised today and those that are not. Also the simplicity of the ads belie that in many cases, the message is similar to today's but without the glitz.
Posted by: Phil Monk | 04/06/2005 at 12:04 PM
I just ordered my copy to-day!
Posted by: Tom McMahon | 04/07/2005 at 08:14 PM