The Frank Sinatra Show (ABC)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Frank Sinatra Show was an ABC variety and drama series, starring Frank Sinatra, premiering on October 18, 1957, and last airing on June 27, 1958.
[edit] Summary
This was Sinatra's second attempt at a television series, his first was for CBS between 1950-52.
The series was originally slated to consist of thirteen variety episodes, thirteen dramas starring Sinatra, and ten dramas hosted by Sinatra, filmed at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood rather than broadcast live. Sinatra was paid $3 million for the series, and granted near total artistic freedom.
The drama segments of the show fared less well against the variety episodes in ratings and the final total was fourteen live variety shows, eight filmed variety shows, four dramas starring Sinatra, and six dramas hosted by Sinatra. Rather than thirty six episodes for the season, ABC cut its losses and reduced the total number to thirty two.
Sinatra hated rehearsing, and tried to make eleven shows in fifteen days, the series subsequently received a critical mauling, and it was Sinatra's last attempt at a television series.
[edit] Guest appearances
- Bing Crosby
- Sammy Davis, Jr.
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Bob Hope
- Peggy Lee
- Dean Martin
- Ethel Merman
- Robert Mitchum
