Cool For Cats

1 9 5 6 (UK)

December 31, 1956 heralded the arrival of British television's first pop music program, Cool For Cats. Introduced by Kent Walton (later famed for his wrestling commentaries) the show featured dancers performing to popular records of the day.

The program budget was only £200 per show, so the dance routines were staged all over London's Television House (home of Associated Rediffusion); in the foyer, along corridors and up staircases.

At first only five shows were made, but it soon became so popular that it was screened three times a week. Not everybody approved - a group calling themselves 'serious music lovers' sent Kent Walton a card bearing the message 'Drop dead please'.