16mm TV Network Lab Kinescope Live Television Network Print

LAWRENCE WELK'S

TOP TUNES AND NEW TALENT

BROADCAST LIVE ON FEBRUARY 25, 1957

PRODUCED BY ABC-TV

Offered here is a 53-minute 16mm black-and-white kinescope sound print of the ABC-TV musical variety program Top Tunes and New Talent, starring legendary bandleader and television personality Lawrence Welk, originally broadcast February 25, 1957. Produced during the formative years of Welk’s television career, this lively early broadcast captures the orchestra leader at a pivotal time when his unique “champagne music” style was becoming a national television sensation. Programs such as Top Tunes and New Talent helped introduce Welk’s polished big-band sound and wholesome entertainment style to audiences across the country on the American Broadcasting Company.

Like many musical variety programs of the 1950s, the show blends orchestral arrangements, featured vocalists, dance numbers, and spotlight moments for the members of the orchestra. The program opens with a welcoming introduction and a “Meet the Band” segment before launching into an energetic lineup of musical selections performed by Welk and his orchestra. Among the featured pieces listed on the program sheet are “Two Different Worlds” by Lt. Steve Rossi, “Since I Met You Baby,” by Champagne Lady Alice Lon and the tropical-themed “Banana Boat Song.” The broadcast also features lively big-band arrangements such as “It's Dixcieland” and the orchestral favorite “Jealousy” reflecting the blend of contemporary pop and classic dance-band repertoire that defined Welk’s television style.

The episode also highlights several featured performers and guest vocalists associated with the Welk organization. According to the program list, performances include “Young Love” sung by Larry Dean, “I Want My Mama” an incredible performance by  Myron Floren, and “The Auctioneer” as performed by Jack Martin, "MaryAnne" by Maurice Pearson,  "The Marimba" featuring Jack Imel's stunning xylophone skills. The program continues with additional numbers including “Banana Boat Song,” “Who Needs You,” “Anastasia,” and “Moonlight Slumber,” as well as a spirited segment built around “Give Us This Day” by The Shetterly Sisters and “Wringle-Wrangle” performed by Larry Hooper. A very lively rendition of "The Emperor Waltz" by Sabrina Godfredson... The variety of musical styles—ranging from pop ballads and novelty numbers to big-band dance arrangements—captures the upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere that made Welk’s shows a staple of American television.

Kinescope recordings such as this were created by filming live television broadcasts directly from a studio monitor before videotape recording became widely used, preserving programs that otherwise might have been lost to history. Surviving prints provide an authentic window into the early days of network television entertainment. This broadcast of Top Tunes and New Talent offers collectors a fascinating glimpse into the early television career of Lawrence Welk and the musical variety format that would soon evolve into one of the most enduring programs in American television history. For collectors of historic television broadcasts, big-band music, and Lawrence Welk memorabilia, this rare kinescope print represents an exciting piece of 1950s television heritage.

This vintage kinescope is a rare preserved recording of live television just before videotape became commonplace. The entire show plays out in its original broadcast sequence, with over 20 musical numbers, host banter, and much seasonal staging. A must-have for collectors of early television, vintage variety programming, or Lawrence Welk memorabilia. Feel free to ask questions. 

Remember... these kinescope shows are some the rarest episodes that exist today because often times it is the ONLY version that survives of the ad itself... so don't let it slip by... for they do not turn up for bid very often...

Not many of these turn up so happy bidding...  

About the print:

16mm b/w kinescope sound print...  at about 53 minutes long...  

ready to show... mounted on a 2000' reel...

NO vinegar smell and is NOT nitrate...

Condition: ok here's the deal... print really runs beautifully... BUT...  the first 15 minutes has  moisture damage flashes present in the picture and audio track that occurs every 3 seconds that gradually clears up more and more until... and then it basically clear to the end...  NO ads present in this print... the image is super crisp and clear for a kinescope...  BOOMING sound... this is KINESCOPE... sold AS-IS!!!!