The Ford 50th Anniversary Show

The Ford 50th Anniversary Show: A Time Capsule of Mid-Century America

Imagine stepping back into a time when television was still a novelty, where every program was crafted with meticulous care and presented without commercial interruptions. The Ford 50th Anniversary Show, broadcast on June 15, 1953, was such an event—a two-hour live television special that felt like a grand celebration of the past and a glimpse into the future.

Who Was Behind This Spectacle?

The show was a collaborative effort, with Condensed Infos to The Ford 50th Anniversary Show, featuring an all-star cast and choreography by Jerome Robbins. It was Edward R. Murrow who presented the segment on the Great Depression and the New Deal, while Lowell Thomas offered an ironic story and paid tribute to Amos ‘n’ Andy.

Star Power at Its Best

The Ford 50th Anniversary Show was a star-studded affair. Rudy Vallée, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Fisher, and Wally Cox performed a medley of songs that resonated with the audience. Marian Anderson sang the spiritual ‘He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,’ while Ethel Merman and Mary Martin dazzled with their duets.

Choreography and Dance

The show was not just about music; it also featured dance segments choreographed by Jerome Robbins. A segment reviewed dance styles of the 1920s, blending history and entertainment in a way that felt both nostalgic and forward-looking. The costumes were designed by Irene Sharaff, adding to the visual spectacle.

Commentary and Historical Context

Edward R. Murrow’s commentary on topics such as nuclear war and McCarthyism added depth to the show. His narration about the battle against aggression included excerpts from Winston Churchill’s speech, providing a historical context that was both relevant and timeless.

A Cultural Milestone

The Ford 50th Anniversary Show was more than just entertainment; it was a cultural milestone. It received four honors at the 1954 Sylvania Television Awards, marking its significance in television history. Critics praised the blend of talent and production quality, with some even calling it ‘the biggest TV show in history.’

The Legacy Continues

Due to its popularity, Ford replayed the program continuously at the Ford Rotunda in Dearborn, Michigan, attracting over 100,000 visitors from June 16 to June 29. The show received positive reviews from critics like Jack Gould of The New York Times, who called it ‘one of the epochal evenings in the entertainment world.’

Enduring Impact

The Ford 50th Anniversary Show has stood the test of time. In 1960, television critic Marie Torre wrote that the Ford show is ‘still held as the measuring rod for the best in television entertainment.’ Forty years after the broadcast, television critic Tom Shales recalled it as both ‘a landmark in television’ and ‘a milestone in the cultural life of the ’50s.’

The Ford 50th Anniversary Show was a testament to the power of television as an art form. It showcased the best of what mid-century America had to offer, blending history, entertainment, and culture in a way that continues to inspire us today.