Perry Como, Janet Blair, Mike Nichols & Elaine May Live - Improvisations to Music

Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall. March 1, 1961.
With Mitchell Ayers' Orchestra.
Perry and Janet sing popular songs with humorous conversations by Nichols and May.
1:07 - Shortnin' Bread (Perry & Janet)
1:20 - Mike & Elaine
2:52 - I Wonder What's Become of Sally (Perry)
3:14 - Shine On, Harvest Moon (Perry)
3:22 - Lover, Come Back to Me (Janet)
3:32 - Pennies from Heaven (Perry)
3:47 - Mike & Elaine
5:15 - This Could Be The Start Of Something (Janet)
5:35 - It's A Big, Wide, Wonderful World (Perry)
5:47 - Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (Janet)
6:00 - Why Do I Love You (Perry)
6:06 - Mike & Elaine
6:42 - The Varsity Drag (Perry)
7:03 - Witchcraft (Perry & Janet)

[@davidkelly7272]

WOW this is i credible!! 64 years ago,yes 64 years ago the BBC in the UK showed 2 seasons of the 'Perry Como Show' in 1962 on their one non commercial TV channel i.e without the KRAFT adverts. I recorded them all on my reel to reel 4track tape recorder, and I still have them! May & Nicols were unknown to me but I remembered their routines on the show and retold the clever piece about the doctor AND another where Nicols was attempted to get a flat in Washington at the time of Kennedys Inauguration It was very funny. 10years later I retold this sketch to a visiting American TV executive,over here to work on GRANADA TV in Manchester; she was anazed that I'd even heard of this amazingly talented couple who of course went on to much greater acclaim and success. May still with us at 90!!

[@horstiausderau6214]

Thanks

[@CostAnder]

You are welcome!

[@dianeanderson6104]

Love anything with Mike Nichols and Elaine May. Really enjoyed this one. Thanks for posting.

[@CostAnder]

You are welcome!

[@margaritaperla]

MIKE AND ELAINE! thank you for uploading this

[@CostAnder]

You are welcome!

[@fifthbusiness1678]

The band here is incredible. Just picking up or initiating the melody. So much talent in Hollywood in those days.

[@jcq1961]

Strange how the orchestra knew where this was going. Lots of fun though. Thanks for posting.

[@CostAnder]

I guess they rehearsed it. You are welcome!

[@markschildberg1667]

I’m sure Janet, Perry and the band worked out the music in advance, given the arrangement. As for Mike and Elaine, I’ll bet they really were improvising.

[@saxongirl2054]

Oh I love this! Perry had the best guests.❤

[@CaliforniaPickin]

Lets give it up for my MOM, JANET BLAIR! She stole the show I think. Thank U for posting this !

[@CostAnder]

You are welcome!

[@CaliforniaPickin]

@@CostAnder I just shared in 2 big groups so watch for many views and likes!

[@CostAnder]

@@CaliforniaPickin many thanks!

[@john-paulmichelangelo5180]

How wonderful is this? My Mother Mary Florence had control of the only TV back in the late 50's and early 60's when I was less an than 10. Her favorite singers were Perry Como and Andy Williams; and their music was like forced breast milk to me. I still love Perry & Andy and the their great banter will the stars of the day mostly filmed LIVE with a studio audience.

[@stan.rarick8556]

What a setup - the accompaniment was playing the melody before they began singing 😄

[@stan.rarick8556]

Don't get me wrong, this was wonderful

[@chazinko]

This is delicious!

[@marytheresejacksonlutz2533]

Had forgotten the song “Mammy loves shortening, shortening bread.” My mom used to sing it to me. Thanks for sharing this-a great variety show.

[@CostAnder]

You are welcome, Mary!

[@vincentdesapio]

I was too young to remember Perry Como's variety show, but I do remember watching Ed Sullivan's variety show. I have to say that Ed Sullivan's version of variety programming was a pale comparison largely because Ed never engaged with his guest stars in the personable way that Perry did. Leaving aside the fact that Ed didn't sing and never engaged in comedy repartee the way Perry did on the show.

[@mrluckyuncle]

I’m guessing that Kraft was a sponsor of the show.