A Belated Christmas Gift From the 1968-’69 Season: More of THAT’S LIFE!

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Welcome to a new Wildcard Wednesday, featuring more of That’s Life (1968-1969, ABC)! This post was intended for publication as December’s Musical Theatre Monday entry, but when the opportunity arose to share additional rarities, I decided to delay its premiere into the new year. (So, if you’re wondering why you got an email this weekend announcing a new post that then took you to a broken link, it’s because I had to restore the old version, which was set for the earlier date. I fixed it immediately; that’s why you couldn’t see it when you clicked.)

So, what’s the deal? Well, initially, I could only offer audio recordings of That’s Life, the one-of-a-kind musical comedy series that ran for a single season and starred Bobby Morse with E.J. Peaker. (Read more about it here, from when I shared two October 1968 outings featuring Betty White and Ethel Merman, respectively.) I have audio of nine whole episodes… But, I’m happy to announce that I’ve finally gotten to see the series; I now also have four additional installments (with commercials) — in glorious color and decent video quality.

Thus, this month I’ll be offering, for subscribers who comment below to alert me of their interest, one of the audio-only recordings I first planned to share in December, along with an additional episode that you can actually SEE in all its glory… We’ll start with the audio; it’s Episode #15: “Sex And The Married Man,” which was broadcast 50 years ago this week, on January 07, 1969, and guest starred Dick Shawn, Goldie Hawn, and Norm Crosby. Here’s a taste — Goldie Hawn with “I’ve Got Your Number” (originally from 1962’s Little Me).

And now, the reason this post was delayed a month, I’m offering, to subscribers, one of the four AV segments I have of the series, Episode #13: Our First Christmas,” which was broadcast on Christmas Eve 1968, and guest starred Leslie Uggams, Rodney Dangerfield, Joe Jackson, Jr., and The Doodletown Pipers. It cuts out near the end of the closing credits but is otherwise complete, and it’s probably the most musically satisfying entry I’ve seen/heard so far of That’s Life. As a taste, here’s a pretty large excerpt, featuring Morse, Peaker, Uggams, and The Doodletown Pipers. Consider it a belated Christmas gift!

 

 

Come back next month for another Wildcard Wednesday! And stay tuned Tuesday for more sitcom fun!

12 thoughts on “A Belated Christmas Gift From the 1968-’69 Season: More of THAT’S LIFE!”

  1. Jackson, I simply do not know how you do it or where you find the time. But I’m awfully glad you do.

    May you unearth many other treasures in the new year.

    • Hi, Dwight! Thanks for reading and commenting.

      I appreciate your kind words. Let me know if you’re interested in these two episodes!

    • Hi, Charly! Thanks for reading and commenting.

      Let me know if you’re interested in accessing these two episodes!

  4. Thanks for the Christmas gift Jackson and the explanation for the broken link. I am so happy I saw this. As I said ( last year) I have a very faint memory of watching this show. I was 4 to 5 years old but I LOVED it. This was all such a treat. Thanks again for doing what you do and a blessed 2019 for you and all those you love.

    • Hi, Donald! Thanks for reading and commenting.

      I appreciate your kind words. Let me know if you’re interested in these two episodes!

  6. Hello! I’m back, and still subscribed :) ! Is there any chance you could send me these two episodes? Thanks so much! Love Robert Morse!

    • Hi, Shawn! Thanks for reading and commenting.

      I’m not seeing you as a subscriber yet. If you’ve already put in your email address on the home page, be sure to confirm your subscription!

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