The Best of the Ed Sullivan Show

This time capsule set is a treasure trove of vintage clips (although not full performances) culled from the long-running The Ed Sullivan Show (1948-71), an American institution and a Sunday night family viewing tradition during an era of only three major broadcast networks. All America watched Ed, and a typical broadcast was like the proverbial box of chocolates: you never knew what you were going to get, but it would invariably be something for everyone. This boxed set collects six TV specials that offer a representative Sullivan sampling: Broadway luminaries, nightclub headliners, chart-topping rock bands, novelty acts, amazing animals, and for the kids, early incarnations of the Muppets, and the mouse puppet Topo “kees me goodnight” Gigio. The deal in our house when I was growing up was that our parents would watch the rock bands if we kids also watched the jazz and opera singers. What's great about these programs is that they rescue from relative obscurity now largely forgotten entertainers, such as President Kennedy impersonator Vaughn Meader, and pioneering comedian Moms Mabley. The first three discs are the best: a hit-filled retrospective hosted by Carol Burnett, a 50th anniversary special presented by the Smothers Brothers, and a tribute to comedians, comedy teams, and ventriloquists hosted by Mary Tyler Moore (there is minimal overlap in the material). Discs four, five, and six are respectively devoted to novelty performers from all over the world, animal acts, and bonus interviews with the artists (Ray Manzarek of the Doors recalls how the network censors warned Jim Morrison and company not to sing, “you know we couldn't get much higher” from “Light My Fire”). It's been said of Ed Sullivan that he couldn't dance, sing, or tell a joke, but he did that (i.e., displayed no obvious talent) better than anyone, making it look easy, even while stiffly introducing or awkwardly interacting with the entertainers. Sure to appeal to Baby Boomers, this is recommended. (D. Liebenson)