Show # 177 Feb.  2, 1961

Ernie's Guest: Brenda Lee

Script Notes: 15 year-old Brenda Lee performs her hit, "I'm Learnin' 'Bout Love" on this 1961 Ford Show Classic. Other highlights: Ernie plays an unsympathetic soda jerk to Lee's send-up of 'Set 'Em Up, Joe'; a classic sketch!

Musical Numbers: Oh, Susanna, Camptown Races/Sewanee River: Ernie and The Top Twenty / Vocal Symphony: Harry Geller and The Top Twenty / I'm Learnin' 'Bout Love / Set' Em Up, Joe: Brenda / Old Rugged Cross: Ernie and The Top Twenty

Cast: Ernie Ford, Brenda Lee, The Top Twenty

Show # 178   February 9, 1961

Ernie's Guest: Bobby Laugher

Script Notes:  Ernie runs afoul of librarian Bobby Laugher in this lighthearted February installment.

Musical Numbers: Heart Of My Heart/Under The Bamboo Tree: Ernie and The Top Twenty / Cold, Cold Heart: Ernie / Lord, I'm Coming Home: Ernie and The Top Twenty

Cast: Ernie Ford, Bobby Laugher, The Top 20

Show # 179 Feb.  16, 1961 ▪ CARMEN

Script Notes: Although this last of the Ford Show  Operettas -Ernie's  version of Bizet's Carmen- did not fare nearly as well with the press or the public as its predecessor's, The Mikado and HMS Pinafore, it showcased some of the most memorable performances by Ernie and members of The Top Twenty ever captured during the series' 4+ year run.

Cast: Escamillio: Ernie Ford / Carmen: Karen Wessler / Don Jose: John Guarnieri / Micaela: Irene Cummings / Chorus: The Top Twenty

Musical Numbers: Girls And Soldiers / The Habanera / Gypsy Song / My Mother / Gypsy Song / Toreador / This Flower / Nothing Can Stop Me / Duet / Finale

Show # 180   February 23, 1961

Ernie's Guest: Minnie Pearl

Script Notes: Cousin Minnie and Ern catch up on a few memories

Musical Numbers: Dark As A Dungeon: Ernie / Water Boy: The Top Twenty guys / I Really Don't Want To Know: Ernie / Stand By Me: Ernie and The Top Twenty

Cast: Ernie Ford, Minnie Pearl, The Top Twenty

 

àNext: Season Five Cont'd