Ethel Stops the Show (1/20/55)

Ethel Merman is the ultimate showstopper in the finale of Chrysler's Shower of Stars on CBS-TV. Jan. 20, 1955.

[@MrTrackman100]

Say I'm weary, say I'm sad. Say that wealth and health have missed me---But add: I saw Ethel Merman 60 years ago on stage as Rose in "Gypsy"! (Freshman in NY college.)

[@showtunestarpower]

I never ever get tired of watching and listening to Merman sing the ultimate anthem to show business. No one has ever sung this song with the dramatic conviction of Ethel Merman. Her voice remains absolutely unique and glorious. What a treasure she remains to past, present, and FUTURE generations!

[@chocolatesouljah]

My mother was no Ethel Merman fan but always maintained that only SHE could sing this song! No one else came close. I teach musical theatre and you better believe all my young students learn about Merman.

[@scottmiller6495]

Most young people of today 35 and under couldn't care less about an entertainer like Ethel Merman, it's horrible and they'll never want to know what great talent used to be like, it's outrageous!!!!!

[@scottmiller6495]

Most young people of today 35 and under couldn't care less about an entertainer like Ethel Merman, it's horrible and they'll never want to know what great talent used to be like, it's outrageous!!!!!

[@allancuseo7431]

Every performance from Ethel Merman is special

[@dmiller1000]

I was -4 months when this show aired. My dad bought a '55 Chrysler at the end of the '55 model season. Maybe this show sold him. Maybe not. The credits at the end say the whole production was supervised by the great Jule Styne. The full kine is out there somewhere...

[@globalman]

William Lundigen!! .... This is the television I was weened on. Mostly it was live so much was lost, lucky there is some film or kinescopes. Pity we did not have digital technology then when there were truly legendary performers to capture for posterity unlike much of the mediocrity of recent generations which will haunt for centuries. Ethel was one of the most talented, celebrated and adored performers of the 20th century. The greatest songwriters wrote songs and shows just for her. She turned straw into gold. To see her live on stage was an experience beyond description.

[@chocolatesouljah]

e. I teach musical theatre and you better believe all my young students learn about Merman.

[@yvonnecortez765]

i wish i coulda seen her on broadway there will never be anyone to compare to the great ethel merman

[@louismondelli3044]

I saw Ethel Merman in Hello Dolly!!

[@linamae89]

That is really cool.

[@jamesfox2579]

Ethel Merman was a TRULY talented woman! THIS woman sang like no one ever could come close to imitating! ONE of a kind! RIP Ethel!

[@robertdufour2456]

So nice! Thank you for sharing this!

[@mylittledogshoppesouthpark1350]

That song belongs to her!

[@leemclaury6251]

The one and only……

[@britanniatheatre3726]

Such a performer! Here's our own homage to Ethel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5bTnniCf9uIitU

[@XX-gy7ue]

SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC