Circus Time Explained

Circus Time is a variety program presented in the United States by television network ABC on Thursday evenings from October 4, 1956 to June 27, 1957.[1]

Circus Time was not an actual circus broadcast but rather a circus-themed program, in which both traditional circus acts and more traditional mainstream forms of entertainment were presented. The host, or "ringmaster" in the show's parlance, was ventriloquist Paul Winchell, who was "assisted" by his dummies Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff. Mainstream musical guests appearing on the program at times included The Diamonds, Mickey and Sylvia and the Dell Vikings.

Martin Stone Associates produced the program. Hartz Mountain Products and Bauer & Black were sponsors.[2]

References

  1. Book: Woolery . George W. . Children's Television: The First Thirty-Five Years, 1946-1981, Part II: Live, Film, and Tape Series . 1985 . The Scarecrow Press . 0-8108-1651-2 . 120–121.
  2. January 23, 1957 . 19 . 'Circus Time' Gets Additional Sponsor . Variety . May 26, 2023.