The
Perry Como
Show

Although Perry Como had been seen on American television from 1949/1950 in the Chesterfield sponsored half-hour television shows, and then in the CBS-TV thrice weekly shows from 1950 when he switched from radio to full-time television, it wasn’t until May of 1955 that Perry signed an, up 'till then , unprecedented 12 year contract with NBC-TV.

This deal called for a one hour show to be seen on Saturday nights from 8.00pm to 9.00pm which would be called "The Perry Como Show". The very first of these shows premiered on the 17^th September 1955, had six sponsors, Kleenex, Dormeyer, Gold Seal, Noxzema, Armour and Toni, it went on to prove a phenomenal success both for Perry and NBC-TV and to also confirm Perry’s talents as an all-round showman. He was consistently voted the most popular male vocalist in polls throughout the United States and with his new television show was then voted the most popular TV personality.

That was in the United States, but we in England had to wait a while longer.  Finally It was announced in October 1957 that the "Perry Como Show" was to be seen on British television, and as a consequence it was shown on the BBC every week on Wednesday Night commencing on the 1^st January 1958, this became known in Harry Smith's household as "Wednesday Night is Como Night", and woe-be-tide anyone attempting to gain entry to the home that evening, even I had to remind my friends who called for me to go out for the evening that "nothing", repeat "nothing", would make me go out until after the show.

We in the Harry and Anne Smith family unit had grown up with Perry Como. Almost from the beginning one of the very first sounds we heard were the songs of Perry Como, so you could imagine the scene when it was announced that he would be appearing on British Television for the very first time, and so we settled down to a few years of Wednesday and Saturday night enjoyment unequalled in any sphere of entertainment.

It was strange to be sitting down and actually watching Perry perform for a television audience, strange simply because he gave away nothing new!  He was the same on screen as he was off, unassuming, soft spoken, and talented with a natural sense of humour. And so we here in England began a new and exciting period in the life of a certain entertainer called Perry Como.  Oh, we had recourse to the musicals of the cinema, we even still had our Empire theatres where we could go and see all the stars of the day perform, but this was something new, musical television, and Perry had it down to a "T".

As with all his shows, Perry opened with the immortal words "Dream Along with Me, I'm on my way to a Star", then a quick couple of songs , sometimes in medley form, before he actually said good evening, this was something we here in England didn’t have, the whole format of American TV compared to ours was different, following this he sometimes sang with the Ray Charles Singers or just sang while the Peter Genaro Dancers were doing their thing in the background.

At this point it became a sort of interval, only we didn’t get the American adverts being British TV, and then the show took on another change, again one that was new to the British Audience, Perry appeared sitting on a stool under a spotlight on a small platform and just at his feet was a small vase with a rose in it that became a symbol recognized all over the world as that of Perry Como.

Perry would then enter into a medley of songs that he had recorded or ones that were his favourites. This was a beautiful spot and when he finished leaving the viewer wanting more, it seemed as though he himself was saying "time for a break". What I would call the second half of the show commenced with Perry invariably singing a song that would introduce a special guest, be it from a play or film or theatre. Over the years many stars of all spheres of show-business queued up to appear on his shows, stars of screen, stage and even television wanted the opportunity to appear with Perry even for a moment.  And who could blame them, to appear with someone who had been voted the most relaxed guy in show business, (even if he himself once told a reporter that he "wasn’t relaxed, just tired".) would do their own status no harm at all.

Over the years Perry played host to lots of stars including Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Pat Boone, Ginger Rogers, Bob Hope, Gary Cooper, Petula Clarke, Charlie Rich, Pearl Bailey, Doris Day and many many more. All of this was good news to us here in England, simply because we weren’t so lucky as our American friends, Perry's shows started a whole new era of entertainment at least twice a week (including re-runs) and then got even better when he commenced with his "TV Specials" like "Perry in Lake Tahoe" or "Perry's Como Country" and even including our very own "Perry Como's Olde English Christmas". All these will get some kind of mention as the reports come to life.

Show 1 aired at 7.30pm on the 1^st of January 1958 with George Saunders, Janis Paige , Johnny Mathis and Lou Carter as Perry’s guests (See "the Harry Smith collection for content)

On Show 2 which aired at 7.30pm on the 8^th January 1958 Perry’s guests were Jackie Cooper, child Film Star , Pearl bailey, beautiful blues singer, and an act called "The Four Lads", popular singing group of the 50s who had million seller hits like, "Istanbul", and "Standing on the corner", which I remember singing as a teenager.

Show 3 started at 7.30pm on the 15^th January 1958 and alongside Perry was that first lady of voice, Ethel Merman whom Perry tried very hard on the show to get to sing quietly, all to no avail, the Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, fabulous singing duo of "Wake up little Susie" fame, and last but not least, the very famous stand up comedian of TV and Stage, Red Buttons.

Show 4 commenced at 7.30pm on the 22^nd of January 1958 and had as guests, Peter Lind Hayes, comedian/storyteller/talk show host who with his singing wife Mary Healy ( also on the show ) hosted a short lived TV show in the 50s but went on to be headliners in Las Vegas. Roger Williams , greatest selling popular pianist in history with the likes of "Autumn leaves" and "Born free" selling millions, and Jimmy Dean, country singer who received a gold record in 1962 for his version of "Big Bad John". Jimmy still performs but his main business these days is with "Jimmy Dean Foods", one of Americas leading suppliers of sausage and meat products where Jimmy is Chairman of the Board.

Bringing the month of January to a close was Show 5 which aired at 7.35pm on the 29^th of January 1958 and Perry’s guests this week were the inimitable Ginger Rogers, Gertrude Molly Berg, creator/writer/star of the "Goldbergs", a 1930s radio programme that moved to television in the early 50s, the programme was about an immigrant Jewish family in America.

To close the shows guest list was Johnny Peuleo and his Harmonica gang, Johnny was a midget who's all-harmonica group called "The Harmonica Rascals" featured slapstick comedy along with their music.

Along with the usual songs and special slots, like where the Ray Charles Singers did their own spot and the dancers did their solo spot, Perry almost danced with Ginger.  This , knowing Perry, was really something special to watch and a joy to behold, all to soon it was over, Perry had sung his closing number and the strains of "You are Never Far Away from Me" were streaming from the box in the corner. Harry's face , previously all aglow with enjoyment, was beginning to show the strains of disappointment that it was all over and a whole week had to be endured before we once again sat together to enjoy another Perry Como Show, but if tonight was anything to go by, it would be well worth the wait.

As January came and went we arrived at February where, on the 5^th at 7.30pm we saw Show 6 begin, again the producer was John Street, strangely called a "film booking man".

Perry's guests were Pat Boone, he of the silver tongue, Peggy Lee, who needs no introduction, and John Bubbles (b1902 – d.1984), John Bubbles was a tap dancer who was credited with creating a new style of tap dancing called "Rhythm tap" (four to the bar rhythm instead of two to the bar phrases). He was part of a double act called "Bucket and Bubbles" and, whilst he danced, his partner would play the piano and occasionally get up and do a few dance steps himself. They appeared in several Broadway productions and also made several movies, John Bubbles was also considered the greatest ad-lib dancer of his time.

Shows seven and eight aired at 7.30pm on the 12^th and 19^th of February 1958 respectively with Ginger Rogers appearing on both shows, appearing with her on show seven was that great singer Tony Bennett and the very funny comedian Buddy Hacket. For show eight ginger Rogers was also joined by the wonderful Pearl Bailey and Jack Carter. Born in 1923, Jack Carter was a night club comedian actor.

Closing February was Show nine which went on the air at 7.30pm on the 26^th February 1958 and had as Perry's guests the one and only Judy Holliday, also appearing were George Hamilton IV along with the Ray Charles Singers and the Mitchell Ayres Orchestra.

Precisely at 7.29pm on the 5^th of March 1958 Show ten began, guest stars on this occasion were the Mary Kaye Trio, Julius La Rosa, and Joey Bishop of the "Rat Pack" fame.

The Mary Kaye Trio were a guitar playing/singing group very popular in Las Vegas, whilst Julius La Rosa was a singer whose claim to fame was to be "fired" live on air in 1953 by Arthur Godfrey. He was a frequent "fill-in" host for Perry and, indeed, hosted a summer replacement show for Perry. He continues to perform in Las Vegas and in several night-clubs.

Julius La Rosa married Perry's then secretary, Rosemary "Rory" Mayer in 1955.

Show eleven began at 7.31pm on the 19^th March 1958 and had Pearl Bailey and Kay Starr as guests, both needing no introduction.

In April 1958, on the 2^nd to be exact, at 7.30pm show twelve began with the by now familiar figure of Kate Smith adorning our screens, Kate (b.1910 – d.1987) was a top rated singer and host of many top rated television and radio shows, considered "all American singer" she was best known for her recording of the unofficial U.S. National Anthem "God Bless America".

Show 13 began at 7.30 pm on the 9^th April 1958 and Perry’s guests were the fabulous Kate Smith, two of the funniest men in the business Rowan and Martin, and the Goofers, a band of four young men, the leader being a certain Jimmy Vincent who went on to be the long time drummer for the "Louis Prima" band. Alongside of the usual regulars like Louis De Pron and his dancers, Mitchell Ayres and Ray Charles.

Show 14 commenced at 7.30pm on the 16^th April 1958 with the great and wonderful Judy Holliday, Frankie Avalon, Jimmy Dean who achieved fame in the 1960s by pioneering country and western songs on TV, had a hit in 1953 with "Bummin’ Around" ( one that Perry later recorded ) and Bill and Cora Baird, Puppeteers, joining Perry.

However, show fifteen was a gem in that the guest for this memorable evening was none other than the beautiful Irish actress with the reddest hair in show business, Maureen O Hara. This show went out at 7.32pm on the 30t^h April 1958 and was one of the best seen yet.

This concluded the shows for April 1958 and had been a great success as far as Harry was concerned, he was and still remained a fan who was 110% committed to Perry Como.

May opened up on the 7^th at 7.30pm with show sixteen with Ray Bolger, well known as the tin man in "the wizard of oz", alongside the now familiar Ginger Rogers.

Show seventeen began at 7.30pm on the 14^th May with a more musical theme to its programme, guests stars included Teresa Brewer, Frankie Laine, and the wonderful Count Basie as guests of Perry. Teresa Brewer was famous for her renditions of "Music Music Music" "Ricochet" "Till I waltz again with you" and "A tear fell" among her repertoire. Frankie Laine however was famous in England for his deep, loud voice that made windows shudder when you turned up the volume on your music players, his hits included "Answer Me" "Clear Cool Water" and the evergreen "Jezebel" all of which were thumping good tunes to get your teeth into. Count Basie had a ball playing wonderful jazz songs on the piano to which we all were very grateful.

Show eighteen on the other hand had a more comedy feel to it with guest stars Bob Hope, Carol Channing and Johnny Pueleo and his Harmonica gang. This show commenced at 7.53pm on the evening of the 28^th May 1958 and with Bob Hope needing no introduction and Carol Channing her effervescent self, it remains to say that another interesting fact is that both Bob and Perry have another vested interest in their respective golf careers, Bob with the "Bob Hope Classic" and Perry with his game for a Children's charity every year.

Show nineteen began at 7.32pm on the 4^th of June 1958, Harry was in his usual happy-go-lucky mood and settled down to watch what was by now his favourite TV show.

On the show were George Sanders the suave sophisticated film star of Hollywood (but who remembers him as the falcon?) Shirley Booth, (b.1898 – d.1992) well-known Hollywood actress who was voted "the worlds greatest actress" at the Cannes Film Festival of 1953, well known for her portrayal of "Hazel" in the Emmy award winning series on NBC 1961-1965 and CBS from 1965-1966. Also famous for her role in the 1952 film "Come Back Little Sheba".  Also appearing on the show were Marge and Gower Champion, a brother and sister dance act.

On the 11^th June at 8.50pm show twenty began with Perry's guests this time, Pearl Bailey, Gertrude Molly Bere and the opera singer/film star with a vivacious personality and high vocal range, Lily Pons. Lily came to America from France in 1930 and sadly died in 1976 (b.1898)

The last show of June 1958 was aired on the 25^th at 7.30pm with the actress Eve Arden, now sadly passed away, the great bass singer Tennessee Ernie Ford who was a big hit here in England with the song "Sixteen Tons" and last a singer who came from the ranks of the ray Charles singers , Rosemary June.

Show twenty two opened on our screens at 7.30pm on the 2^nd of July and Perry opened the show in his own inimitable way with his signature tune "dream along with me". His guests were Johnny Mathis of "moon River" fame from the wonderful film "Breakfast at Tiffany's", those two laughter men of the small screen Dan Rowan and Dick Martin, from "Rowan and Martin's Laugh–In" and finally two child stars of the television hit in the U.S. for Danny Thomas’s "make room for daddy" Rusty Hamer and Sherry Jackson who both achieved stardom in this TV sitcom, sadly Rusty Hamer passed away in 1990(b.1947 – d.1990)

By now more and more guests were becoming known to us here in England and in show twenty three which started at 7/30pm on the 9^th July the guest list had Sally Ann Howes, celebrated actress daughter of the well known British actor Bobby Howes, the Mills Brothers, famous for their mixture of straight singing and uncannily accurate vocal instrumental imitations, not forgetting their rendition of "When You Were Sweet Sixteen" and "Basin Street Blues" both big hits for Perry. Ann Davis the actress who starred in many films and sit-coms, most notable as co-star in "Love that Bob" (the Bob Cummings show CBS 1955-1961) and as Alice the housekeeper in the classic 1970 sitcom "The Brady bunch". Jack Carter the nightclub comedian, and not forgetting the Baird Marionettes a very watch able puppet group who also supplied the puppets for the film "The sound of music".

Show twenty four aired at 7.29pm on the 23^rd July 1958 and had , as the film credits stated, " A cast of thousands" when in actual fact it was only five, but what a five!, Jane Wyman, beautiful film actress, Art Carney, comedian, Don Ameche, the aged silver screen star, Dean Martin, of Lewis and Martin fame and now a successful actor/singer and member of Sinatra's "Rat Pack" and finally the McGuire sisters, a singing act to rival the ever popular Fontane sisters who regularly appeared on Perry's shows, Harry drooled all night, he sang and laughed and smiled in all the right places, shouting all the time "Go on Per" or "let ‘em have it Per" and even "you can do it Per", we had never seen Harry so animated as he was that night, it was something to behold.

To close out the month of July show twenty five started at 7.31pm on the 30^th with guest stars Patti Page, one of Harry's favourite female singers, "Old Cape Cod" being his favourite, Dave Berry, stand up comedian and impressionist, and a child star by the name of Eddie Hodges who had appeared in films and on Broadway in such well known plays as "Huckleberry Finn" and "A hole in the head" alongside Frank Sinatra, he also had a hit record with "I'm Gonna Knock On Your Door". An interesting item concerning Eddie happened on February 9^th 1958 when the then Mayor of New York, Robert Wagner, barred then the 10 year old Eddie, and a current cast member of Broadways "Music Man" from appearing on the Perry Como show this week, the decision was based on a recommendation from the society for the prevention of cruelty to children. They stated that Eddie was already working a matinee and evening performances for the Broadway show, Eddie would have made $750.00 for the 15 minute appearance.

The final show of the series, show twenty six, went out on the 6^th August 1958 at 7.30pm and it, like its predecessors, was a humdinger, the guest list was Eydie Gorme, singer wife of Steve Lawrence, Paul Anka, the Canadian singer/songwriter, Roy Rogers, the evergreen cowboy, and the equally famous film star Tony Curtis.

Harry was heartbroken!, he now had to wait two months before Perry would be back on screen, the last two shows had been of enormous pleasure not only to Harry but the whole family.

Duly on time at 7.30 pm on the 3^rd October 1958 the 27th Perry Como Show hit our television screens with the guest list as follows:- first up was Robert Preston, star of stage and musicals, in particular "The Music Man" , then came one of the screens most famous leading ladies, the one and only Maureen O’Hara, to close the list we saw Jimmy Van Heuson who played some of his greatest songs.

Show 28 was again on time at 7.30 pm on the 10^th of October 1958 with Perry's guests this time being Thelma Ritter, comedy actress/film star who often played the housekeeper in many films, Vivian Blaine, who played Blossom Hart to Perry's Sergeant Laddie Green in the film version of "Something for the Boys" and the new wonder boy of rock and roll to come out of America, Tommy Sands.

Next it was time for show 29 to please the ever happy Harry, this time Perry's guests were Ray Walston, star of stage and screen and mostly remembered for his role in "South Pacific", the very beautiful actress Ann Sheridan, the ever popular Everly Brothers, and intertwining all these stars was the incomparable Frank Gallup, who we in England found to be a strange person to be on a show as an introducer of other stars, it was something new to us as our TV shows didn’t have anyone comparable.

Show 30 aired at 7.34pm on the 24^th October 1958, guest stars were ann. Jeffreys, who appeared to be an "enigma" for she wanted to be an opera singer when she was growing up but became a model instead, from there she got into acting and also worked in the musical theatre and had a two year run in "Kiss Me Kate" on Broadway, she has also appeared in many western movies in the 1940s and performed on other occasions with various opera productions.

Richard Hayman, a harmonica virtuoso who had a hit with "Ruby", the theme from the film "Ruby Gentry" starring Burt Lancaster.

And lastly Jackie Dennis, a rock singer from Scotland who had two hits in 1958 one being "La Dee Dah" and the other a cover version of "Purple People Eater".

To round off the month of October show 31 aired at 7.30pm on the 31^st October 1958 with Dale Robertson, famous star of film and TV, mostly westerns, at this point we had to guess just what TV series Dale had been in, Harry loved to hit us with this kind of problem especially as he knew the answer, (for those who don’t it was "Wells Fargo"). Shirley Booth, who again needs no introduction, and lastly Lucho Gatica, a singer who comes from Chile and is called the "Voice of the Bolero".

We in England had never heard of Lucho and were very pleased with what we saw.

The month of November started with show 32, this went out on our screens at 7.30 pm on the evening of the 7^th November 1958 and after Perry had got through his usual introduction we were treated to the wonderful voice of Eydie Gorme, very accomplished female singer and the wife of Steve Lawrence, equally adept singer.

Eydie was followed by Gretchen Wyler, actress, who starred in the 1955 Broadway production of "Silk Stockings" and went on the star in several movies as well, finally we watched Ralph Bellamy do his part on the show, Ralph was a very accomplished Hollywood actor. (b. 17.june 1904 –d 29 November 1991) one of his best roles was as the president Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Show 33 went out at precisely 7.30 pm on the 14^th November 1958, Perry's guests this time were the fabulous Lena Horne, Frank Gallup, Jimmy McHugh (b.1895-d.1969) composer, who collaborated with such lyricists as Dorothy Fields, Johnny Mercer, Frank Loesser, Jerome Kern and Gus Kahn, a spectacular array of talent if ever there was, some of the songs from this great array of talent were, "When My Sugar Walks Down the Street", "I Can't Believe that You're in Love with Me", "I Can't Give You Anything but Love", "On the Sunny Side of the Street", and to bring up the rear, "I'm in the Mood for Love" great songs indeed.

Also on the show was Louis de Pron and his dancers, who had been on Perry's shows since the show of 5^th March 1958.

As far as I know Louis de Pron was the choreographer/dancer on Perry's shows until the middle of the 1960s when Peter Genaro took over full time with his dancers. Peter appeared as a guest in his own right on the show which went out on the 8^th May 1960 alongside other guests such as Bing Crosby and Genevieve, Peter's first slot with his dancers took place on Perry's show of 25^th December 1960 and stayed as resident until the shows closed (as far as I know, Louis de Pron finished on Perry's shows with the 19^th of June 1960 show.)

And so November came to an end with show 34, this aired at 7.32pm on the 21^st of the month 1958.

Singing for us was Perry's guest Jane Morgan, she had a wonderfully vibrant voice which she used to good effect and her duet with Perry was one to listen to again and again.

To end the guest list was "Kukla and Ollie", a puppet act created by puppeteer Bill Tillstrom, who teamed up with Fran Allison to form "Kukla, Fran, and Ollie". They also had a very popular television show with the same name.

December 1958 started with show 35 on the 5^th of the month at 7.30pm precisely, with guests Sally Ann Howes, actress daughter of Bobby Howes, Richard Adler, the Buffalo Bills, Giselle Mackenzie and Frank Gallup in his usual roll.

On the 12^th of December 1958 at exactly 7.30 pm show 36 began with the evergreen Frank Gallup, Conway Twitty, Marge and Gower Champion, Ralph Blaine, Hugh Martin and Louis de Pron and his dancers, the producer was Philip Barker.

Show number 37 began at 7.31 pm on the 19^th December 1958 with guest stars Dorothy Collins, Vera Ellen, the leggy sylph like dancer from many musicals out of Hollywood, and Harry Warren, famous composer of many modern songs including some that Perry recorded.

Show 38 aired at 7.36 pm on the 26^th December 1958 and had as its guests Kukla and Ollie (puppets) the very delightful singer Ann Blyth, and it was all gelled together by the one and only Frank Gallup.

And so 1958 came to a close and Harry was not only happy and relaxed but also a bit up-tight because 1959 promised to be just as good, or even better, and true to its word 1959 started with show 39 on the 2^nd of January at 7.32 pm.

Guesting this time were Art Carney comedy actor, Steve Lawrence, singer husband of the great Eydie Gorme, Joe Bushkin, Delores Hawkins and the Louis de Pron dancers, I must not forget of course the input made by the Ray Charles Singers and the Mitchell Ayres Orchestra who as usual did the most stirring work on Perry's behalf.

On the 9^th of January we saw show 40 commence at 7.30 pm sharp with the wonderful Kate Smith in attendance alongside the equally great Andy Williams, also on the show was Harry Ruby.

8.00pm on the 16^th of January 1959 saw show 41 take to the air with Perry's guests the stupendous Rosemary Clooney, Claudio Villa, that wonderful actress Jane Wyman and to end with the Kingston Trio, with Mitchell Ayres leading the orchestra the show was produced by Philip Barker.

When show 42 took to the air waves at 8.00 pm on the 23^rd January 1959, we all thought we had gone out for the evening to the local empire, for on the bill this week was that stage and film comedy star Eddie Foy Jr, the Teddy Bears singing group, Dick Van Dyke, marvelous TV/stage/film comedy actor, the supremely great Nat King Cole, who needs no introduction at all, the beautiful singer Rosemary June (brother Bob's favourite) and to cap it all we had the great talents of Ray Charles, Mitchell Ayres and Louis de Pron, a really super show that left you wanting more.

Show 43 had as Perry's guests the great female singer Kay Starr, Sammy Cohn, and Frank Gallup along with Ray Charles and Mitchell Ayres, the show went out at 8.00 pm on the 30^th January 1959.

February brought us show 44 which aired at 8.02 pm on the 13^th with stars Patti Page, Tab Hunter, film star pin-up, and Rowan and Martin who were as crazy as ever. Ray Charles and Mitchell Ayres gave the show its usual panache along with the Louis de Pron dancers.

The final show of February 1959 was show 45 which went out at 8.00 pm on the 20^th. Guests were Connie Francis, the bubbly singer who sang songs that were written for her by Neil Sedaka, the wonderful – magical Mills Brothers, Al Hoffman, Dick Manning, Sid Gould, and Perry's manager, Mickey Glass.

At exactly 8.00 pm and 33 seconds on the 6^th March 1959 a Tele-recording of the original American show of "The Perry Como Show" commenced on BBC TV.

Taking part in the show were of course Perry Como with his guests for the evening: Frank Gallup…Gary Cooper…Lena Horne…the Jaffa Quartette…The Ray Charles singers… Louis De Pron and his dancers and Mitchell Ayres' Orchestra.

The beginning was taken up with Perry singing the opening bars to the familiar "Dream Along with Me". This was followed by Perry, the Ray Charles Singers, and the resident dancers together with the orchestra singing and dancing for the next few minutes or so three songs with a western flavour, namely, "Hallelujah", "The Hanging Tree", and finally "High Noon", at which point Perry's guest, the one and only Gary Cooper, made an appearance. Amid some good natured banter between the two Perry finished up wearing a cowboy Stetson.

Perry then went on to sing the evergreen number "More Than You Know", ( written by Youmans, Rose and Eliscu ) this lasted for roughly three and a half minutes before Perry then sang the opening bars to a song written by Bob Charleton called "Jada" which led to another of Perry's guests "The Jaffa Quartette" taking the stage and singing a medley of tunes called "Waterloo", "Row, Row, Row" and "Sing You Sinners" which ended the first part of the show. 

This led to Perry's "Spot" and he sang the introduction to "Saturday Night with Mr. C." ( written by Ray Charles ) and we were then treated to Perry singing "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" and "All I Do is Dream of You".

We were then treated to one of show-businesses most famous female entertainers, the very lovely Lena Horne, and along with the shows resident maestro musician Mitchell Ayres, she treated us to "One for My Baby" the Arlen, Mercer classic, and finished with the Bloom, Mercer classic, "Day In, Day Out".

To close the show Perry and Lena sang the wonderful Brown, Henderson number "Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries", and the show finished with the orchestra playing the closing music. The show was produced by Philip Barker.

Show 47 began at 8.01pm on the 13^th of March 1959 and the guests included the wonderful comedy actress Eve Arden and the famous British singer/showman Max Bygraves who had a series of record hits with "sing along" themes here in England.

Show 48 commenced at 8.00pm on the 20^th March 1959 and had the following guest stars, Kitzu, Lorin Hollander, ( b.1945 ) concert pianist, Lorin was a child prodigy who made his debut at the Carnegie Hall at the tender age of eleven. Gene Barry, well known TV and film Star, and to end the list, Paul Anka, famous Canadian singer/songwriter who’s most famous number was "Diana", he also wrote the lyrics to Frank Sinatra’s "My way".

Show 49 started at 8.00pm on the 27^th of March 1959, Perry’s guests were June Valli , singer ( b.1930-d.1993 ) who’s biggest hit was "Crying in the Chapel", also guesting was "The Jaffa Quartette".

Show 50 began at 7.56pm on the 3^rd of April 1959 with once again Lorin Hollander as guest, he was joined by Dorothy Collins singer/actress ( b. 1926 Ontario, Canada ) who was the lead singer on the programme "Your Hit Parade", she married at one stage Raymond Scott, Bandleader, who led the orchestra for Perry at the "Coppacabana Club" in New York. Also on the guest list were the "Students of the Ballet Theatre School".

Show 51 commenced on the 10^th April 1959 at 7.30pm and had as guests the Everly brothers, who need no introduction, and the famous lyricist/composer Billy Rose ( b. 1899-d.1966 ) who’s songs included "Its Only a Paper Moon", "Me and My Shadow", "More than you Know", and the hugely popular "Without a Song", ( one of Perry’s best ).

Show 52 started at 7.30pm on the 17^th April 1959, Perry’s guests this time were Dave King, British stand-up comedian/TV/Film star, and who was the host of the "Kraft Music Hall" on TV in 1959, he followed Milton Berle, comedian, and only lasted a year before Perry took over and the rest as they say is history, also on the show was the latest pop idol of the age "Fabian".

Show 53 began at 7.30pm prompt on the 24^th April 1959 and Perry’s guests were Frankie Laine, singer, Kathryn Grayson, singer/film actress of many MGM musicals, and Oscar Hamilton II.

For show 54 which commenced at 8.01pm on the 1^st May 1959 Perry’s guests were Lew Carter, Jazz pianist/arranger for the Tommy Dorsey orchestra and the amazing Bobby Darin, of "Mack the knife" fame.

Show 55 started at 7.59pm sharp on the 8^th May 1959 and we had a great evening listening to Eydie Gorme, wonderful songstress and wife of the equally wonderful Steve Lawrence. Also on the bill was E.Y.Hargurg ( b.1896 – d. 1981 ) co-writer of the songs "Over the Rainbow" and "Brother Can You Spare a Dime" with Harold Arlen.

Show 56 commenced at 8.01pm on the 15^th May 1959, guests included the British comedy singing star of stage and screen Hermoine Gingold, Singer Jane Morgan, and the Four Freshmen. A popular jazz vocal group since 1948 with over 50 albums to their credit, the original Four Freshmen were Bob Flanigan, Don Barbour, Ross Barbour, and Ken Albers. Current members of the Four Freshman today ( 2004 ) include: Bob Ferreira, Vince Johnson, Brian Eichenberger and Curtis Calderon. Also on the list of guests was Johnny Burke ( b.1908 – d.1964 ) composer/lyricist who collaborated with Jimmy Van Heuson on songs like "Pennies from Heaven" and "Swinging on a Star".

Show 57 began at 8.01pm on the 22^nd of May 1959 and Perry had as guests, Carol Haney ( b.1924 – d.1964 ) Choreographer/dancer/singer and one time assistant to Gene Kelly and married to Larry Blyden. She was famous for her stage/film roles in "The Pyjama game" and "Kiss me  Kate", she was joined by Joni James, singer who was born in Chicago by the name of Joan Carmello Babbolo and recorded for MGM until 1964 and then retired from show-business due to a lack of sales/interest in her. Also on the bill was Jackie Miles ( b. 1913 – d.1968 ) who was one of the top night-club comedians of the 1950s and was adept at storytelling and character comedy.

Show 58 started at 8.02pm on the 29^th May 1959 with guest stars Kay Starr, female singing star born in Oklahoma to an Irish mother and an Iroquois Indian father, she once sang with the Glenn Miller band, her real name is Katherine La Verne Stacks and her most famous songs were the enormously popular 1953 hit "The Wheel of Fortune" and the 1956 recording of "The Rock and Roll Waltz", a big hit in the UK, Dave King, British comedian, and Enzo Stuarti, an Italian singer who performed at Las Vegas and on the theatre circuit, he sang a range of music from opera to pop.

Show 59 had as guests, Bob Williams and his dog. Bob is Editor of the courier/tribune and coined the catchphrase "Always get the dogs name!", Giselle Mackenzie, singer, Carol Hughes, actress ( b.1910 – d.1995 ) and Dorothy Fields, lyricist, ( b.1905 – d. 1974 ) who collaborated with the likes of Jimmy McHugh, Jerome Kern and Cy Coleman on songs which included "On the Sunny Side of the Street", "Don’t Blame Me" and "I Can't Give You Anything but Love", the programme started at 7.59pm on the 5^th June 1959.

Show 60 had guest stars Betty Johnson, singer, who made various appearances on shows hosted by Bob Newhart, Jack Benny, Ed Sullivan and of course Perry Como. Also on was Nacio Herb Brown, composer/lyricist with the firm of De Sylva, Brown and Henderson, Frank Gallup, announcer and David Lawrence, Mayor of Pittsburgh 1946-1959 and Governor of Pennsylvania from1959 to 1963, all joining Perry for the evenings entertainment, the show began at 8.01pm on the 12^th June 1959.

Show 61 closed the current run of shows as we knew them and all the regular artists appeared on the show, namely , Frank Gallup, Mitchell Ayres, Ray Charles and Louis De Pron and dancers, the show started at 8.30pm on the 26^th June 1959.

The Perry Como Music Hall

When the shows returned later that year the "Perry Como Show" had become "The Perry Como Music Hall" these became known to Harry and others in England as "The Kraft Cheese Music Hall", who were the main sponsors. The shows were produced by Yvonne Littlewood.

The first "Music Hall" show began at 8.00pm on the 11^th of November 1959 and had the Everly Brothers who need no introduction and Jack Cole, ( b.1911-d.1974  "Father of Dance Jazz" credited with virtually inventing theatrical jazz dance, as guests.

Show 2 commenced at 7.59pm on the 18^th November 1959 with Perry's guest Dorothy Collins.

Show 3 started at 8.03pm exactly on the 25^th November 1959 with Perry’s guests being the wonderful and funny Phil Harris, ( b.1904-d.1995 ) singer/bandleader/comedian, the voice of "Baloo" in "The Jungle Book" and married to Harry’s favourite female film/singing star Alice Faye. Carol Haney, choreographer and Dick Clark, TV entertainer/producer/host of the long running show "American Bandstand", he also runs Dick Clark Productions a very powerful and influential production company.

Show 4 began at 8.03pm on the 2^nd December 1959 and Perry’s guests were Rosemary Clooney, Nat King Cole , Gail Davis ( b.1925-d.1997 ) Actress- star of TVs "Annie Oakley" and the ever Frank Gallup.

Show 5 started at 8.02pm on the 9^th December 1959 and the guest stars were Teresa Brewer, singing star of the fifties who had hit after hit, the best being "Music, Music, Music" and "Ricochet" which she disliked.  She went into semi-retirement in the 1960s but returned again in the 1970s, the Lennon Sisters, a singing group of four sisters who were regulars on the Lawrence Welk Show from 1955-1968, their names were, Diane, Peggy, Kathy, and Janet. Also on the show were Paul O’Keefe, actor best remembered for his part in TVs "Car 54 Where Are You".

Show 6 which started at 8.02pm on the 23^rd December 1959 had as guests, Jane Morgan, singer, the Weire Brothers, four brother dance and comedy group, and Maurice Evans, ( b.1901-d.1989 ) actor/producer/director once considered the greatest Shakespearean actor on the American stage, he became a US citizen in 1941.

Show 7 commenced at 8.01pm on the 30^th December 1959 with guest stars Shari Lewis ( b.1933-d.1998 ) children's entertainer who gave us "Larry the Lamb" and Bob Williams and his dog.

Show 8 began on the 6^th January 1960 at 7.56pm and had as Perry’s guests, Frankie Vaughan, British singer and star of TV/Stage/Films. The Anna Sorolov Dancers and to end the show , the Bilko Platoon, the men of Barrack B from Fort Baxter but without Sergeant Bilko, alias Phil Silvers.

Show 9 commenced at 7.55pm on the 13^th January 1960 with guest stars, Connie Francis, Dolores Gray, film star/singer/dancer whose best performances to be remembered are "Kismet" and "The Opposite Sex", Joe Bushkin, ( b.1916 ) Pianist/composer/arranger who played with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. And Tony Mottola, ( b.1918 ) one of the most respected guitarists in show-business, and one of Perry’s featured guitarists. He started his association with Perry in 1943 playing on his radio program and was featured during the "Sing to me Mr. C" segment on Perry’s TV show, he also played on many of Perry’s RCA Victor recordings.

Show 10 started at 7.55pm on the 20^th January 1960 with Dave King and the Lennon sisters as guests.

Show 11 began at exactly 7.56pm on January the 27^th 1960 and had Imogene Coca, ( b.1908-d.2001 ) film star/comedy actress, remembered for her part alongside Sid Caesar in "Your Show of Shows" on NBC from 1950-1954. Cliff Norton a comedian/actor who guested regularly on the Dave Garroway programme playing many situation comedies, and Jonah Jones ( b.1908-d.2000 ) Grammy Award winning trumpet player who rose to fame with the Cab Calloway Orchestra as guests.

Show 12 which began at 7.54pm on the 3^rd February 1960 had as Perry’s guests, Tommy Sands. pop idol, Sandra Church, actress who starred with Marlon Brando in "The Ugly American" Steve Rossi and Allen, comedy duo. Steve Rossi is now retired and his one time partner, Marty Allen is still going strong in Las Vegas doing an act with his wife. Also on the list was the all American Football team.

Show 13 began at 7.55pm precisely on the 10^th February 1960 with the delectable Kay Starr, the wonderful Paul Anka and for the first time in his own right, Peter Genaro, dancer.

Show 14 started at 7.54pm on the 17^th February 1960 and had guests the beautiful Lena Horne and Corbet Monica, comedian who appeared frequently on the Ed Sullivan Show but is best remembered for spending 40 years as an opening act for headliners such as Frank Sinatra and others.

At 8.20pm on the 24^th February 1960 show 15 began with Perry’s guests being, Kaye Ballard, Birgit Nillson, Carol Haney and the wonderful singer J.P. Morgan, who remembers the great "The Day that the Rains Came Down".

Show 16 with guest stars Raymond Massey, Dorothy Collins, and the Kingston Trio began at 8.27pm on the 2^nd of March 1960.

Show 17 started at 7.54pm on the 9^th March 1960 with Bert Lahr, Kay Starr, and the Mills Brothers as guests alongside the usual guests of Louis de Pron and his dancers, Mitchell Ayres and the Ray Charles Singers.

Show 18 which started at 8.26pm on the 16^th March 1960 had Robert Morse, Nancy Walker, Theodore Bikel, Carol Lawrence, actress/singer who created the role of "Maria" in "West side story" on Broadway, and Pat Benton, a member of the Ray Charles Singers, as guests.

Show 19 which commenced at 8.29pm on the 23^rd March had Ben Adams, Frank D’Rone, highly acclaimed jazz singer from Chicago, and Frank Gallup as guests.

Whereas show 20 had the wonderful Giselle Mackenzie, Frankie Avalon and Bob Denver, famous for his role in "Gilligan's Island" from 1964-1967, who is also the host of a syndicated radio show in West Virginia, as guests, the show started at 7.56pm on the 6^th April 1960.

Show 21 began exactly at 7.38pm on the 20^th April 1960 with Ann Thomas and the Bill Baird Puppets as Perry’s guests.

Show 22 which was broadcast on the 1^st of May at 7.30pm exactly was a memorable one for the guest list. This was one of Perry’s Music Hall Shows performed exclusively in England and we were treated to a guest list that included, Sir Ralph Richardson, Margot Fonteyn, Harry Secombe, who received the CBE following this show and was ultimately Knighted, Russ Conway, Fenella Fielding, comedy actress, The Duke of Bedford and a cast of many.

Show 23 was the St Valentines Day show .8.5.60  Aired on BBC TV , Sunday, May 8^th at 7.30p.m. 1960.

During the fifty-five minutes the show lasted, two of the most easy going and unworried singers in show-business, sing there way through some of the craziest songs of the 1920s, which both admit to being old enough to remember.

The clock creeps round to its appointed time, a quiet hush descends on the gathered audience, tick-tock tick-tock, suddenly its time, lights dim, talking fades, the audience sit up with an air of expectancy that they have waited a full week for, and then it happens:-" dream along with me - I’m on my way to a starrrrr" . . . then the unmistakable voice of Frank Gallop comes wafting over the air-waves, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Perry Como Show and here is the star of the show, Mr. Perry Como!"  . . . rapturous applause comes flowing from the television screen, the sound of the Mitchell Ayres Orchestra, with Nick Perito leading, breaks into a medley of music and song that is strangely familiar to all those glued to the 12 inch box that stands in the corner of the room.

No its not the cinema, Its Sunday night in Harry Smiths house in downtown England, and thousands of ordinary people in thousands of ordinary homes like his have tuned in to this Sunday night treat from the BBC," The Perry Como Music-Hall" only there is something wrong here as on to the screen comes that well known face of . . . Bing Crosby!!! . . .  more music, only this time its:- "On behalf of the visiting fireman from California, I’d like to say merci’ " . . . what has gone wrong? Have the BBC done the dirty on us? . . . no . . . its just that this particular show, going out on May the 8^th 1960 is Perry's thank you to the Irish/American population, a St. Patricks Day Show with guest stars Bing Crosby . . . Genevieve . . .  the dancer Peter Genaro, and the Ray Charles Singers.

Perry then enters into shot and stands there with Bing, they look at each other, then Bing says:-

"Can I do something for you?" laughter from the audience and Perry replies:-

"No . . . just browsing!" and on it goes:-

Bing . . . "Are you in show-business?"

Perry . . . "Not for the past five minutes!" more laughter,

Bing . . . " I know you?"

Perry . . . "Sure you do, I’m the mystery guest!" howls of laughter,

Bing . . . "It’s so nice having you on your show".

By now hundreds of Perry Como fans are writhing in absolute glee, relaxed and happy , gone are the problems of the sixties that rage outside , tonight is their night, and for at least an hour they will forget that any problems ever existed, some will be transported into the make believe world of the stage and actually assume the role of mentor to this formidable of all entertainers, Mr. Perry Como.

The show continues with Perry and Bing exchanging jocular asides, trouble about the seating arrangements gets Bing to utter "Oh come on . . . you mean we’re not going to sit down?" at which point tens of chairs are brought out onto the stage, small chairs, large chairs, settees, divans, and even a high chair at which Bing says:-

"What's this a high chair?" and Perry replies "No , that’s a Dean Martin special" and amid peels of laughter Bing says "That’s right . . . he always was a bottle baby!".

As they both sit down, with a tuneful melody playing in the background, more banter between Perry and Bing leads them into a melody of old time songs that were sung by our aged relatives, a pleasure to behold, two of the worlds greats singing their way through some of the worlds oldest and greatest comedy songs like . . . Yes, we have no bananas . . . and . . .  animal crackers . . . aba daba honeymoon . . . Barney Google . . . Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Sheen . . . and Constantinople . . . where Bing makes a mistake and amid more laughter makes the statement "I blew it!".

With the sound of more old type songs ringing in your ears, Perry and Bing continue to remind us just how our forefathers (and mothers) entertained themselves.

Soft songs . . . loud songs . . . crazy songs . . . and love songs . . . at one point the strains of toora loora loora echo through the TV set as the band begin to strike up one of the greatest of great songs and then, just as Perry is singing the introduction someone drops something in the background, just for a split second Perry hesitates then, like the trouper he is , he says aloud "You couldn’t do it in any other song , right!?" more rapturous applause as Bing picks up the cue and continues to sing the old Irish ballad.

On and on it goes, we are transported in time to an Irish bar where Perry , Bing and Genevieve are standing and chatting about her (Genevieve) being from France and is going to sing an Irish song , "this’ll get you in trouble in Boston and a lot places on 5^th Avenue" says Bing, and then a real bit of fun and laughter as Genevieve starts in to sing :-

"Who threw the overalls in Mrs. Murphy's parlour?" . . .  with her French accent and the nigh on difficult words to go with it, its no wonder it went into hysterics, and none laughing more than our small happy band gathered around that small TV set.

Following Perry and Bings Melody of old faithfuls , Perry reminds Bing that they "cut" the first half of this record on his show and that that night they played it back for them, "could they do the same thing tonight?" asks Bing , "sure they could" states Perry, "Frank (Gallop) do you think you could play the thing back for us" . . . "of course Mr. Como, the flip side as we say in downbeat!" . . . in utter amazement the next voices we hear are those of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin singing "All the Way" and "That’s Amore" respectively.

At that point amid more gales of laughter the two of them settle down to give us ten minutes of sheer joy and perfection as they take us through another medley of popular standards.

And so closes another Wednesday night in downtown England , another night of fun , laughter, and sheer contentment; but what made it all the better for this particular "Music-Hall Show" was that from it came a long playing record.

On the 29^th February 1960 Perry was a guest star on Bing Crosby's Show, it was here that they "cut" the first half of the record , the second half being the Perry show, up until that time ,they had never recorded together and a formal recording session never did take place, we are lucky therefore that someone had the foresight to arrange this "record".

My father Harry managed to obtain a copy of the show (on record) which takes pride of place in his collection, years later he managed to get a copy of the record itself called . . . Crosby and Como, A limited Collectors Edition , (LABEL , Broadway, intermission BR 123. 1984). and MANY years later I was able to obtain a video copy of the show (which he wore out) so that he could enjoy this televisual feast over and over again.

I managed to obtain the video in time for Christmas and as is usual in many homes on Christmas day, after dinner at my sisters, we settled down to watch a "film" on TV, we didn’t let on but watched his face when instead of the usual Christmas movie, out of the screen came Perry's St. Patrick's Day Music Hall Show, apart from the initial "ahhh" we never heard another word from him until it was over, but his face spoke volumes, it was his favourite show as well as mine.

Show 24 took place at 7.30pm on the 15^th May 1960 and had as guests, Eydie Gorme,with husband Steve Lawrence, Don Adams, Martin Green and the Ray Charles Singers with the Mitchell Ayres' Orchestra and the Louis De Pron dancers.

Show 25 began on the 22^nd May 1960 at precisely 7.46pm and had as guests, Jane Morgan, Elaine Dunn, singer/actress who appeared in "Bye Bye Birdie" on Broadway", The Four Lads, and the usual orchestra under the leadership of Mitchell Ayres, along with the Ray Charles Singers and Louis De Pron and his dancers.

Show 26 which went out at 7.29pm on the 29^th May 1960 had Eve Arden, Sarah Vaughan, The Piero Brothers and Allen and Rossi as guests.

Show 27 started at 7.49pm on the 5^th June 1960 and starred Kay Starr, Neile Adams, singer/actress who appeared on Broadway in

"The Pajama game" and "Kismet", and the great Steve McQueen as guests.

Show 28 went out at 7.32pm on the 12^th June 1960 and had Toni Arden, singer, who recorded for Decca and Columbia and had a big hit with "Besame Mucho, and Roger Williams as guest stars.

At 7.30pm on the 19^th June 1960 show 29 was aired, included on the guest list were the Crosby Brothers, Carol Lawrence, Don Adams and the beautiful Genevieve, music was provided by the incomparable Mitchell Ayres, with the superb Ray Charles Singers and the Louis De Pron dancers.

Show 30 which aired at 7.32pm on the 26^th June 1960 had as guests Donald Stewart, Carl Marlow, Miechi, and Ernest Adler .

This ended another current run of Perry Como shows until later in the year when they began again with:

Show 31 which aired at 7.47pm on the 19^th November 1960, guest stars were Ethel Merman, Shelley Berman, Frankie Avalon and Fabian.

Show 32 began at 7.46pm on the 26^th November 1960 with guests Sid Caesar and Bobby Rydell.

When show 33 went out at 7.50pm on the 10^th December the guests included , Jack Parr, Keely Smith, and the High Lamber dancers.

Show 34 brought us Tommy Sands, the Crosby brothers and the Lennon Sisters and the show went out at 7.47pm on the 17^th December 1960.

The final show of 1960 was show 35 which aired at 10.00pm on Christmas Day 1960 and had as guests , Ginny Tiu, Kokomo, and Peter Genaro, choreographer, and his dancers, this was the first time that Peter appeared in his own right with the dancers, replacing Louis De Pron.

The 3^rd of January 1961 saw the beginning of show 36 which started at 7.30pm and had Ginger Rogers, Della Reese and Renee Taylor, actress, as guests.

Show 37 commenced at 7.30pm on the 10^th January 1961 with Connie Francis, Kay Thompson and Milt Kamen as guests.

While show 38 had Bob Hope, Ann Bancroft and Peter Genaro and his dancers as guests, the show started at 7.30pm on the 17^th January 1961.

Show 39 began at 7.30pm on the 24^th January 1961 and included Juliet Prowse, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Milt Kamen and the Kingston Trio as guests along with the usual residents of the show.

Show 40 commenced at 7.30pm on the 31^st January 1961 with guest stars George Gobel, Gwen Verdon, Paul Anka and Peter Genaro and dancers.

Show 41 began at 7.30pm on the 14^th February 1961 with Peggy Lee, Shelley Berman, and Peter Genaro and his dancers.

At 7.32pm on the 21^st February 1961 show 42 began. Guest stars were Eydie Gorme, Andre Previn, and Sammy Kahn along with the regulars.

Show 43 started at 7.30pm on the 28^th February 1961 with Caterina Valente, Nancy Walker, and the Limelighters, a folk singing musical trio, as guests.

Whilst show 44 had Jimmy Durante and Ann Bancroft guesting, the show started at 7.31pm on the 7^th March 1961.

Show 45 commenced at 7.31pm on the 14^th March 1961 with Janet Blair, Mike Nichols and Elaine May as guests.

Show 46 started at 7.30pm on the 28^th March 1961 and Perry’s guests were those two senior members of the silver screen Don Ameche and Francis Langford.

Show 47 was at the usual time of 7.30pm on the 14^th April 1961 this time with Dorothy Collins and the Lennon Sisters as guests.

Show 48 began at 7.30pm on the 18^th April 1961 with Martha Raye, Ginny Tiu, and Julie Newmar as guests.

Show 49 with Catarina Valente, Bobby Rydell and Don Adams as guests was aired at 7.30pm on the 25^th April 1961.

Show 50 commenced at 7.30pm on the 2^nd of May 1961 with Martha Raye and Milburn Stone as Perry’s guests. Also as special guest was Gary Player, the South African golfer.

Show 51 had Jane Morgan and Paul Lynde as guests and the show started at 7.29pm on the 9^th of April 1961.

Show 52 began at 7.30pm on the 16^th May 1961 with guest stars Paul Anka, Marion Marlowe, ( b.1939 ) singer, a regular on the Arthur Godfrey shows and appeared on Broadway in "The Sound of Music", and Jack E. Leonard.

Show 53 started at 7.30pm on the 23^rd May 1961 with Don Ameche, Francis Langford, Paul Yade and the West Point Glee club as guests.

Show 54 began at 7.30pm on the 30^th May 1961 with Perry’s guests, Martha Raye, George Gobel, and Paul Lynde .

Show 55 which started at 7.30pm on the 6^th June 1961 was the penultimate show from the maestro, guest stars were Brenda Lee and Wilfe Arquette.

The last and final show ever to be seen as a "Music Hall" was Show 56 which started at 7.30pm on the 13^th June 1961, Perry’s guests were, Frank Gallup, Paul Lynde, Frank Peppiatt, writer on Perry’s shows who went on to be a Television Producer, John Aylesworth, Dwight Hemion, Nick Vanoff and Michi along with the usual regulars.

Harry became a little morose for a while, the only thing that made him look to the future with any sign of contentment was a series of specials that he knew Perry would be embarking on and would be shown here in England at various dates later on, but while they had lasted the Perry Como Shows and Music Halls were the best thing that had entered Harry’s life for many a long year which he would treasure throughout his life.