1970 ‘GEORGIE’ AWARDS

September 20, 1970

On Sunday, September 20, 1970, “The Ed Sullivan Show” presented the AGVA (American Guild of Variety Artists) Entertainer of the Year Awards. The awards are nicknamed the Georgies, after showman George M. Cohan. The award statuette was in his likeness. 

This is the opening episode of “The Ed Sullivan Show’s” 23rd season. The long-running variety series premiered on June 20, 1948 with the title “Toast of the Town.”  On September 25, 1955 (the start of season 9) the series was re-titled “The Ed Sullivan Show”.  On February 9, 1964 the Beatles made their “Ed Sullivan” debut. The Beatles’ three 1964 Sullivan appearances were among the highest rated TV programs of the 1960’s.
In 1967, Ed’s NYC studio, Studio 50, was officially re-named The Ed Sullivan Theater. CBS cancelled the series in 1971. The final new show aired on March 28, 1971, followed by several weeks of reruns.

The Entertainer of the Year Awards were taped Caesars Palace Las Vegas. This was the first annual Georgie Awards. 

THE HONOREES

Lucille Ball presents the Georgie Award for Best Female Comedy Star of the Year to Carol Burnett. From 1966 to 1971 Lucy and Carol alternated appearing on each other’s television shows. Three days before these awards aired, they both did cameo appearances on “The Dean Martin Show.” This was one of Ball’s 11 appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” between 1954 and 1970. 

Tommy Smothers (of The Smothers Brothers) presented the Georgie Award to Flip Wilson, Best Male Comedy Star of the Year.  From 1968 to 1971, Tom and Flip appeared on each other’s television shows. Like Lucy and Carol, three days before these awards aired, they both did cameo appearances on “The Dean Martin Show.”

Actor Marc Copage presents Outstanding Animal Act trophy to Tanya The Elephant. Tanya had previously appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1967 and 1969. 

Milton Berle presents an award to Radio City Music Hall. President of Radio City Music Hall James Gould accepts. In 1938, Milton Berle was featured in the film Radio City Revels. In 1998, Berle celebrated his 90th birthday on the Radio City stage. This marked Berle’s fourth appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” 

Danny Thomas presents the Golden Georgie Award to Jimmy Durante, who is not there to accept the award. Thomas and Durante appeared on screen together more than 15 times from 1950 to 1969, including an episode of “The Danny Thomas Show” titled “Durante and Danny” in 1966. 

Ed Sullivan presents an award to Bob Hope. This is Hope’s seventh time appearing on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” 

PERFORMANCES

Sullivan introduces a pre-taped clip of Barbra Streisand singing “On A Clear Day” at Vegas’s International Hotel. She is named Best Female Singer of Year.

Blood Sweat and Tears perform “Lucretia Mac Evil". They are named Best Group of the Year. 

Tom Jones is named Best Male Singer of the Year. He performs “Cabaret” from the musical of the same name. 

Melba Moore is named Best New Young Star. She sings “I Got Love" from the musical Purlie.

The Peter Gennaro Dancers perform. They worked extensively on “The Kraft Music Hall” from 1960 to 1971. 

The Flying Alexanders trapeze act performs.