The Frank Sinatra Show (CBS)
Encyclopedia
The Frank Sinatra Show (also known as Bulova Watch Time) is a CBS
musical variety TV series which aired from 1950
to 1952
. As with many variety shows of the time, The show was broadcast live and was recorded via kinescope
. Some episodes were 30 minutes long while others were 60 minutes. As its title suggests, it was hosted by Frank Sinatra
and sponsored by Bulova Watches. Sinatra would perform songs and skeches with his guests. The series is reportedly in the public domain
.
In his book The Forgotten Network (2004), David Weinstein claims that the surprise popularity of the DuMont Television Network
series Life Is Worth Living
in 1952 was the final blow that led to the cancellation of The Frank Sinatra Show. He notes that controversy surrounding Sinatra's affair with Ava Gardner
, along with several unpopular singles, had caused ratings to slip. Life Is Worth Living, which averaged about 10 million viewers at a time when there were four major television networks in the United States, eroded the ratings of the show even further, to the point that The Frank Sinatra Show finally left the airwaves.
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
musical variety TV series which aired from 1950
1950 in television
The year 1950 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1950.-Events:*February 12 – European Broadcasting Union inaugurated....
to 1952
1952 in television
The year 1952 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1952.-Events:*January 14 – NBC's Today show debuts, with host Dave Garroway, newsreader Jim Fleming and announcer Jack Lescoulie....
. As with many variety shows of the time, The show was broadcast live and was recorded via kinescope
Kinescope
Kinescope , shortened to kine , also known as telerecording in Britain, is a recording of a television program made by filming the picture from a video monitor...
. Some episodes were 30 minutes long while others were 60 minutes. As its title suggests, it was hosted by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...
and sponsored by Bulova Watches. Sinatra would perform songs and skeches with his guests. The series is reportedly in the public domain
Public domain
Works are in the public domain if the intellectual property rights have expired, if the intellectual property rights are forfeited, or if they are not covered by intellectual property rights at all...
.
In his book The Forgotten Network (2004), David Weinstein claims that the surprise popularity of the DuMont Television Network
DuMont Television Network
The DuMont Television Network, also known as the DuMont Network, DuMont, Du Mont, or Dumont was one of the world's pioneer commercial television networks, rivalling NBC for the distinction of being first overall. It began operation in the United States in 1946. It was owned by DuMont...
series Life Is Worth Living
Life is Worth Living
Life is Worth Living is an inspirational American television series which ran on the DuMont Television Network from February 12, 1952 to April 26, 1955, then on ABC until 1957.-Broadcast history:Hosted by Bishop Fulton J...
in 1952 was the final blow that led to the cancellation of The Frank Sinatra Show. He notes that controversy surrounding Sinatra's affair with Ava Gardner
Ava Gardner
Ava Lavinia Gardner was an American actress.She was signed to a contract by MGM Studios in 1941 and appeared mainly in small roles until she drew attention with her performance in The Killers . She became one of Hollywood's leading actresses, considered one of the most beautiful women of her day...
, along with several unpopular singles, had caused ratings to slip. Life Is Worth Living, which averaged about 10 million viewers at a time when there were four major television networks in the United States, eroded the ratings of the show even further, to the point that The Frank Sinatra Show finally left the airwaves.