 The Judy Garland Show 
1 9 6 3 - 1 9 6 4 (USA)
CBS had high hopes for The Judy Garland Show which ran
from 19 September 1963 to 29 March 1964, but they never
materialised, perhaps because it was running opposite the
phenomenally successful Bonanza
(the Number One rated show that year) on NBC.
The show featured big glossy production numbers and guest stars
were everywhere - Mel Torme, Ethel Merman, Danny Kaye and Mickey
Rooney amongst them. But nothing seemed to work.
The format was changed to be more folksy, with Judy chatting
with guest stars and singing a little, but this didn't work
either.
Several of the shows during the last two months were simple
ones - a plain set with Judy and her guests just singing. That was
the best format, but by then it was too late.
There was one magical moment during the run, however. In 1964
she had two sensational guests; her 18 year old daughter, Liza
Minnelli, and another unknown, 22 year old Barbra Streisand.
All that the three of them did was sing - solos, duets and
trios, but the audience knew it was truly a magical moment.
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