Tuesday, July 27, 2010

28 July 1956 “TV Time: Betty White and Jimmy Boyd”

I thought it might be fun to let you watch an episode of the Betty White Show. This is the type of programming we are accustomed to here in 1956 (though this original airdate was 54 I believe). This was a sort of variety show where in Betty would play different characters. This episode is fun because she plays a rather hoity toity movie actress staying with a down home family in Nebraska. It even includes the car commercial (as commercials were then being sponsored by and actually a part of the show).
boyd Both of these clips here include Jimmy Boyd who is rather an interesting character and singer. Read his info HERE. He sang “I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus” when he was 11.jimmyboydalbum He picked cotton to help feed his family of 21 brothers and sisters. Originally from Mississippi his family moved to California and couldn’t afford tickets for all, so Boyd had to ‘hobo’ his way out to his family.
Enjoy:
The second clip has a return of Jimmy Boyd doing a duet with Betty White. It just honestly seems rather wholesome, good natured and well, innocent fun. I do wish we could turn back the clock on sarcasm and meanness. I enjoy the modern ribbing as much as the next person, but whenever I see such shows I think maybe innocence and general kindness is such an important thing we have somehow lost.
Later Betty White would have Boyd as a guest star on her show entitled “Date with the Angels” Here is that episode of that to enjoy:
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