The Big Show is a radio program that features famous guests performing skits, songs, and comedic routines, with the aim of attracting dwindling audiences back to radio. Hosted by Tallulah Bankhead, the 90-minute show was known for its stellar line-up of guests, which included names such as Ethel Merman, Danny Thomas, Fanny Brice, Phil Silvers, Bob Hope, Clifton Webb, Gloria Swanson, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Holliday, Ethel Barrymore, Jimmy Durante, Milton Berle, and many more. The show's format included comedy, drama, and music, all performed by the biggest stars of the time.
The Big Show premiered on November 5, 1950, and aired on the NBC radio network every Sunday night for the next three years. A total of 57 episodes are known to exist today. The show was considered a rousing success and played an important role in keeping American radio alive during the advent of television. NBC invested heavily in the show, with some episodes costing over $100,000 to produce. The show featured several notable sponsors, including the Kingsport Times-News and featured top talent from various forms of entertainment, including film, stage, music, and radio.
Sources: archive.org, wikipedia.org, otrcat.com