Toast of the Town Episode #17.19 (1964). That was the inflection point. It was the rise of rock and all electric and the fall of variety and music hall. That show has so many stories running through it, I’ll have trouble giving you all of them.

I’ll try though, I’ll try.

First let’s hear it first hand. Let Charlie and Mitzi tell you. They’re a priceless act themselves.

Act one, starting at 6:30 min.

Now you know the story, you’ll want to see Frank on that epic show.

You haven’t forgotten that magician though have you. I recognized his voice instantly from TAL. Take a guess before you look up the line-up.

Now that leaves us two of the other great acts to find. Unfortunately, I can’t find all of them, but then maybe this post will help you bring them to me.

Let’s look at that guy doing card tricks…

Not just any guy. A legend.

Who else would do a card trick and screw it up so perfectly? Planned mistakes, and comedic accidents. Rumor has it he was a magician of the old school…not just on stage, but he would hang out with the amateurs afterwards. There’s definitely not many of those left.

Which finally brings us back around to the title of the post and a woman who could entertain people with an empty paper bag. She was that good.

See for yourself…a little taste of Tessie.

Now the Beatles are stuck in my head. To be fair, they were pretty good too.