Wednesday 25 April 2012

A to Z 1950s/60s Nostalgia: V

V Smell:
Parma Violets - They were sold as a natural breath freshener. I don't think they worked.

V Memories:
Variety Shows - I really miss Variety Shows on the television. I used to love the song and dance format with the occasional comedian, juggler, magician. It was pure, light-hearted entertainment and we don't get enough of that sort of thing these days. My favourite was...


Sunday Night at the London Palladium: It was first presented by Tommy Trinder "You lucky people!" and then by Bruce Forsyth, who's still going strong with his "Nice to see you, to see you nice!" catch phrase. The show always began with a line of dancers, usually the Tiller Girls.

Before the big star turn there was a short game show involving people from the audience.


As a child the highlight for me was the finale when the guests all stood behind huge letters on a rotating stage and waved as they came round to face the audience. I waved back!


The Good Old Days: This was a revival of the music hall. Everyone, both on and off stage, had to wear Victorian or Edwardian clothes and the songs and entertainment were all from that era too. It took place in a theatre in Leeds and was compered by Leonard Sachs. The show always ended with everybody singing "Down at the Old Bull and Bush" [tra la la la la]


Music/chat shows: Many music stars of the time had their own shows which were a cross between variety and chat. There was the Cilla Black Show, The Andy Williams Show, The Cliff Richard Show and many more. Even these no longer exist. I think that TV producers should lighten up a bit and bring back variety!!

V Programmes:
On TV:
Vision On

On Radio:
Variety Bandbox

Film:
Viva Las Vegas



Frankie Vaughan with his top hat and super-smooth bow tie.
V Names:

Gore Vidal
The Ventures
Velvet Underground
Bobby Vee
Frankie Valli
Ricky Valence
Frankie Vaughan
Gene Vincent who provides the...


V Music:
Gene Vincent singing Be-Bop-A-Lula



Not many V programmes but I'm sure you know of more!

If you're enjoying these memories then you'll also enjoy Anne Mackle's blog at Is Anyone There? and her A to Z memories of the 1960s and 70s.