The Big Show
by
The Big Show was a lavish NBC variety program hosted by Tallulah Bankhead, bringing together comedy, music, dramatic performances, and celebrity guests. Its broad format made room for different kinds of entertainment within a single broadcast, with Bankhead’s distinctive, theatrical presence providing a lively thread through the proceedings.
The program featured performers from stage, screen, and radio, including comedians, singers, and actors. Rather than centering on one continuing story, it offered a changing assortment of appearances and performances, giving each broadcast the feel of a major live variety event. Clifton Webb and Jimmy Durante are named in connection with this recording.
The appeal lies in the contrast between polished show-business spectacle and the spontaneity of a variety broadcast. Bankhead’s wit and commanding delivery help give the program its character, while the mix of musical and comic turns offers a snapshot of mid-century American entertainment.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.