Ethel Merman, Gypsy Rose Lee Show, 1967 TV

Ethel Merman chats with Gypsy Rose Lee about her great musical hit "Gypsy," in which she played Lee's real-life mother. Also seen are rare rehearsal clips from the original stage production.

[@wotan10950]

Beverly Sills talked very highly in her memoir about Gypsy Rose Lee. They were on a transatlantic ship, and Sills described her as warm and intelligent.

[@vickibolsover6559]

two great women together. What great lives they have led. they don't make them like that anymore. Brilliant!

[@BalletBabyBoy]

We will never see great people like this again...they lived in a world gone by. Had hard lives and brilliant lives. So missed!

[@pugpal4468]

What's My Line?

[@jake8855]

I don't think either of them were all that great. And why are there so many of the same exact comment on older videos? "They don't make em like that anymore, blah blah blah..."

[@frankiebowie6174]

@@jake8855 You know nothing.

[@jake8855]

@frankiebowie6174 Even if that's true I still know more than you do.

[@frankiebowie6174]

@@jake8855 I’ve forgotten more than you’ll ever know.

[@PrincessSolitaire]

I remember seeing this program on local tv. Watching the video now, I can't get over how slender and beautiful Gypsy looked for a 50-something woman at the time. Nothing remotely mumsy about her. Didn't remember how warm and witty she was. Thanks for sharing!

[@guyritchie7504]

She died a few years after this aired.

[@poetcomic1]

Priceless, priceless footage of rehearsal footage in the space over the New Amsterdam Theater.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Amen to that !!

[@robertrobbins5691]

Ethel Merman! Unforgettable. One of a kind. So, too, Gypsy! Loved it. Thanks.

[@globalman]

Thank you for sharing this. A very special show with Ethel. I did see some episodes of Gypsy's show and loved her for her enthusiasm and charming personality. She was also quite intelligent. I had seen Ethel on Broadway in Gypsy when it premiered and met everyone in Ethel's dressing room with my mother. These are legends the like of which will never come again.

[@johndalton3180]

Very neat stories, globalman. In the end, we the sum total of our memories. And it sounds like you have some wonderful ones.

[@ivanfarkas2793]

Saw the show in 1960. Before mics, and Merman dominated the stage even from offstage with "Sing out, Louise!" After that read Gypsy's autobiography and also her sister June's "Early Havoc." Great education for a boy newly arrived in the US. Made me love musicals ever since.

[@jabjab4434]

Gypsy is my favorite of all time.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

I didn't know Gypsy Rose Lee had her own show. She's a really good hostess! I hope there are more complete eps out there somewhere!

[@barryfitzgerald2077]

Watched this after school at grandmas . We were watching when news broke in and said that Jayne Mansfield died in a car accident..

[@antoniod]

I knew Gypsy Rose Lee as a TV host before I knew her "Legend", and I was sad when she died.

[@aeichler]

She was a great wit and much for intelligent than initially given credit for.

[@deniselemucchi6882]

Steve Burstein me too! Since then watch the movie, Gypsy, whenever I can. I have the soundtrack so listen to it quite frequently. 💖💖💖

[@frankiebowie6174]

“Somehow I felt like a ghost at a banquet.”Gypsy Rose Lee was not only quick with the quips, she had an understanding of her place in American culture and her place in the musical GYPSY. One of a kind, and America and the world will never see her likes again.

[@johndalton3180]

So eloquent. A grand lady.

[@wmpetroff2307]

Now , that is CLASSY Television!

[@kyhilltophome3153]

I used to watch Gypsy's TV show when I was a kid.. I graduated HS in 1970 so this was my era!

[@CHARIOTEERDC]

Thanks so much for posting this! I remember watching Gypsy’s tv show when I was a boy and marveling at her elan, and her always engaging guests. This clip, with not only Merman, but with those home movies of the “Gypsy” rehearsal, is priceless!

[@1Phoebus]

Her Daytime talk show came on L.A.'s KTLA ch 5 when I was a teenager...I didn't know who Gypsy was...but I liked her witty sense of humor...her charm, her smile..and how attractive she was....watched her a lot...then a few years later...I learned who she was when "Gypsy" came out in the theaters....

[@sdgfsdfsdf1820]

Yes

[@95KIPPIE]

Ethel really was like a child. I think she was very proud of her accomplishments, and she got joy out of the smallest things.

[@angelinaaurelia1668]

Ethel Merman. What a voice! What a woman!

[@iamdornsky]

When I was a kid, this was a local show, and I used to watch it after school. I just loved Gypsy, she was so witty and fun. Thanks for posting this.

[@michelehurtado98]

I was born and raised in San Francisco and used to watch her show all the time. I was a big fan. At the time I was very active as a volunteer at ACT, American Conservatory Theater. Used to usher at the Geary Theater. Ethel Merman son's first name was Bob; cannot recall at this time what his last name was. It wasn't Merman; presumably his father's surname. Unfortunately he had a tragic end. A few years after Ethel Merman appeared on this show, Bob was the victim of a robbery gone bad. He was found murdered in the garage adjacent to the Geary Theater. Having had two siblings who died before both my parents died I can't imagine the agony Ethel Merman must have felt. I remember reading in the local San Francisco papers that whoever murdered him didn't know he was Ethel Merman son. it was evidently a random murder.

[@misterwhitman4368]

Did you ever watch the 1960's talk show "Girl Talk" ?

[@warrennotes3575]

David Whitman Character Actor of course, with Virginia Graham.

[@fmcg5364]

My sister used to love this show when she was a kid, I don't know how she found it and even more how did my sister hide it from my Mother

[@rayolivarez3106]

I LOVE vintage Hollywood & Broadway Musicals since immigrating to America 35 years ago. I was introduced to these 2 great ladies' body of work by my hubby of 16 years. Just finished watching Warner Bros.1962 Musical "Gypsy" with Rosalind Russell (who deserved an Oscar Award for her performance but lost to Sophia Loren) Natalie Wood & Karl Malden & got very curious about the REAL "Gypsy Rose Lee" (Louise Hovick) so I Googled her name & this clip popped up on the search & am sure glad Alan Eichler shared this segment with all of us. Was also unaware that Miss Gypsy Rose Lee had her very own TV Talk Show back in 1967 & I was wondering where I can purchase a DVD Copy of the TV episodes? Thank You Very Much Mr. Alan Eichler for uploading and sharing this episode of The Gypsy Rose Lee Show interview with The Great Ethel Merman. I Love It!

[@mariemarchesani1595]

Russell was terrible...apparently you did not see Merman or any other actress with voices of their own in the part on Y

[@rayolivarez3106]

@@mariemarchesani1595 Rosalind Russell is an Actress & NOT a Broadway Singer.

[@MrCrowebobby]

How I would love to see footage of old rehearsal movies of Broadway shows cleaned up as much as possible. Hope it will be done one day and I live long enough to see it.

[@hiyahandsome]

I remember Gypsy's TV Show from years ago and it is such a treat to see her again, especially with Ethel Merman. Thanks so much for posting these legendary ladies.

[@PRLambert63]

I would love to see all of the Gypsy Ross Lee home movies !

[@PRLambert63]

Forgive my spelling. Rose !

[@jubalcalif9100]

As I do when I take off may hat, you make a good point !! :-)

[@michaelexman5474]

that hair is spectacular

[@YoBoyMarcus]

What a wonderful document. Two amazing legends. Thank you for posting it.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I agree 100 per cent !! :-)

[@twerkinthecityhuh6340]

Loved how she used the term "icebox" takes me back to the 60's and prior .......

[@XX-gy7ue]

this is wonderful stuff , thank you so much for posting it!

[@lancedukel3436]

Fabulous! A joy to behold! Thankyou!

[@catmother4214]

A fantastic clip !!! I really enjoyed it. 🌹💃🌺❤️🌸🎈💋🌸🌸💋🎈❤️🌺💃🌹🥀🌸💋🥀🌸

[@MaxRyan777]

Wow! What awesome footage! So glad I found this! TY!

[@keithwalker3890]

Gypsy Rose Lee had a sparkling personality!!

[@chocolatesouljah]

I found this incredibly moving. And that rehearsal footage was stunning!

[@laurencebarton276]

It was syndicated nationally - unsure of the details.

[@jackandthebeanstalk4253]

She seemed like an extraordinarily talented woman

[@cuddles669]

These ladies were fabulous ❤️

[@margaretdrew3186]

Brilliant to see the real gypsy rose lee . No one has ever been better than her she is the original.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I have a notion to second that emotion !! :-)

[@shiftinglands4129]

Jackpot I love these two!

[@tricki30]

Brilliant .

[@6Hex9]

That was amazing.

[@XX-gy7ue]

LOVE THEM BOTH !

[@wwshd5393]

It’s so interesting to hear Gypsys thoughts on her mother. It’s possible that they were a bit censored because of what was taboo at the time on tv. But it does seem even so that she really had little ill will towards Rose. Which means it’s possible that the original version of Gypsy wasn’t just a product of musicals being happier and more elevated in the 50s but the intended version of gypsy. It would be interesting to see what she thinks of the changes in the revivals today if she was stock alive

[@douglassnook1300]

The back stage footage is awesome.

[@satori03]

Thank you. I never knew Gypsy had a show....I think she is WONDERFUL!

[@randysills4418]

I am reading, "Gypsy, A Memoir" by Gypsy Rose Lee and it is excellent!

[@kathyhinkley4716]

I remember this show when I was a kid. It was on a local Washington DC station if my memory is correct. Gypsy was a kind, friendly host who put her guests at ease. Thanks for posting. Truely days gone by.

[@Spiderman7Bob7]

As in those days a fan could afford to see a show like "Gypsy". Today it's very difficult for average working class to afford the thearter's outragious prices. In May the great Carol Burnett is coming ti The Chicago Theatre with her special variety. As much as I love Carol I can't afford $195.00 for a ticket. And of cours I have friend's who would want to go along too, but those steep prices are impossible.

[@stevepotfora7461]

Audra McDonald has been announced in Gypsy for 2024. Orch prices are $315 for Broadway.

[@dannyabe6452]

I think the Gypsy Rose Lee show would be popular today. She was a great host.

[@chrischeshire6528]

Thanks for posting this, I watched her but couldn't remember what year she was on. Thanks again!

[@onemercilessming1342]

In 1978, I saw a vaudeville revival in summer stock theater. Gypsy Rose Lee was the main attraction. Of course, by 1978, Gypsy had been dead for about 8 years. The woman that they had portray her was an incredible look alike who had Gypsy's "tease" routine down pat. It's a pity that there aren't more vaudeville revivals. Yes, the jokes were corny and the acts banal by today's standards, but it WAS an art form that is worth preserving.

[@usmale49]

This was great. Thank you for posting!!

[@normalittle16]

I watched her Show , and loved her.

[@allancuseo7431]

What a thrill to see this.. 2 great stars!

[@luckyoldfart]

What a fabulous documentary/ time capsule for the original Gypsy B'way production. And GRL was such a great host/ media personality. They don't make 'em like this anymore.

[@rivaridge7211]

I well recall Ethel Merman singing "Everything's Coming Up Roses," at Ronald Reagan's inaugural gala in January 1981. The late Maureen Reagan (the daughter of Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman) wiped away happy tears as Ethel grandly sang the first few song lines. Gypsy Rose Lee was a true natural as a talk-show host - she was 56 years-old here and was still quite lovely. Sadly, she would pass on about three years later (April 26,1970) of lung cancer at age 59 (way too young!)

[@micdom43]

Wonderful

[@josehonorioferreirapaes9921]

THE HAIR IS ETHEL IS BRILLANT KKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

[@khalil9611]

jose honorio ferreira paes: Your mentality is questionable...

[@ellDiavolo666]

If Ryan Murphy ever does Gypsy Rose, it's gotta be his Sarah Paulson :)

[@jabjab4434]

Ohh no. Please.

[@ChrisPeck-niganma]

Two legends in the flesh

[@susanhopkinswarneke2335]

I remember my grandmother watching this show

[@kenkrausse3624]

Gypsy and me are kindred spirits

[@devin597]

ethel is so sweet

[@ManagerGuy1]

Did Ann Jillian play the role of Dainty June in the movie Gypsy? The June Havoc role - she was Gypsys very talented sister.

[@smichelle65]

Yes, and also, Morgan Brittany (then known as Suzanne Cupito) played Baby June.

[@GypsyFairy85]

I used to watch this snuggled in bed with my mother while she drank her morning coffee and had a cigarette. I remember the sponsor was Stella D'oro.

[@thesingngchubbs97oapqueen85]

I don't know why, and I am not saying this to disrespect anybody, but in this clip , Ms Merman reminds me of the actress Charlotte Rae. (Mrs Garret from the Facrs of Life). Gypsy Rose is so beautiful here. Inside as well as out. She didn't let her childhood get in the way of her life

[@MountTheodore72]

Gypsy's personality reminds me of Judy Garland giddy and witty.

[@jan-christinejohnson8852]

😃💝 🎶

[@Witchofthewoods.]

She was hilarious. 😂

[@stephenr3910]

What I get from the musical is that she wanted to be noticed by her mother and often felt invisible to her.

[@leslieholm9542]

The original ADD talk host.

[@craigstrong3383]

What is with Ethel's hat?

[@92jwiener]

I understand this is 1967, but what animal decided to rest on Ms. Merman's head??

[@athenathegreatandpowerful6365]

Looks like about 6 mink.

[@positiveparentingwithgrann8261]

Just finished reading her memoir. The mom had no empathy or compassion. She used her daughters and they had a pretty bad childhood.

[@dicedchickenbig7789]

do you happen to have Gloria Swanson on Gypsy Rose Lee Show

[@aeichler]

Sorry, no.

[@65wiseman]

Ethel looks like a slimmer version of Roseanne Barr.

[@stephaniemitchellmitchell746]

65wiseman seriously 😒

[@patrickhicks9880]

wasn't gypsy rose lee the inspiration behind whatever happened to baby jane?

[@rharvey2124]

No.

[@tbec3011]

Ethel looks better with bangs rather than her trademark hair blown back style.

[@fundifferent1]

50 years before Cardi B.

[@jspud10]

Omg. That wig on Ethel’s head is horrendous.

[@katherineyost1653]

It’s a fur hat on top of wig. Fur hats were popular in that era.

[@rocantenrocanten4150]

это ад

[@poetcomic1]

This show and Pamela Mason Show: it was Gay Sesame Street.

[@itstheburnz]

GRL talks too much... How about a question...

[@Patrick3183]

Ethel’s hair is shockingly bad

[@Moore-s5p]

very fake teeth

[@khalil9611]

Tia Moore: Very fake attitude...

[@globalman]

Learn this phrase "if you cannot say something nice then say nothing at all". Her teeth were not fake. Her sister June Havoc a well known actress of the 40's and 50's had a similar smile and bite.

[@globalman]

+Eric Cartman you obviously have no experience with theatre people of that generation. She was anything but fake. A warm, charming and delightful woman.

[@BBCHZ]

At some point in her career, I believe it was the movie studio, made her get all her teeth capped. They were a constant source of pain and discomfort for her, causing her migraines.

[@emobutterflylady]

Riiiiiigggghhhht...because people today look soooo natural.😜

[@stuartlee6622]

Seriously, Anne Coulter could play Miss Lee! She sounds just like her!!