Box Set Breakdown

Merv-LogoVelvet_horiz-[Converted]-2Disc By Disc Breakdown

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

 

DISC 1

Episode #1
September 2, 1965 – Phyllis Diller, Capt. Mitsuo Fuchida, Frederick Ayer, Jr.

Merv welcomes zany comedienne Phyllis Diller who performs a 13 minute stand-up routine followed by a very lengthy interview. To illustrate the show’s wild diversity of guests, later Merv interviews Japanese pilot Capt. Mitsuo Fuchida who helped plan and lead the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He discusses his role in the attack and his conversion to Christianity.

Episode #2
September 8, 1965 – Richard Pryor, Phil Spector

Merv welcomes comedian Richard Pryor who is now a regular on the show, after Merv gave him his first break on TV. Later, in a very rare TV appearance by notorious record producer Phil Spector, he spars with all of the guests including Eartha Kitt a year before her famed role as Catwoman. 

Episode #3
September 14, 1965 – Dionne Warwick, Dick Gregory

Merv welcomes singer Dionne Warwick who performs two songs penned by celebrated songwriters Burt Bacharach & Hal David. African American comedian Dick Gregory not only does a stand-up routine but in a lengthy interview discusses issues of civil rights and how he got shot in the Watts riots in Los Angeles only one month prior to this appearance.

Episode #4
October 6, 1965 – Andy Warhol & Edie Sedgwick, Reni Santoni & Renee Taylor

In a one-of a-kind appearance renowned Pop artist Andy Warhol appears with ingénue Edie Sedgwick. During the nearly 20 minute “Interview” Andy refuses to speak and either nods yes or no answers to Merv’s questions or whispers the answers to Edie.

Episode #5
October 21, 1965 – Carol Burnett, Roddy McDowall, Oscar Levant

Merv welcomes author, composer, hypochondriac pundit Oscar LeVant who was a frequent guest on Jack Paar’s Tonight Show a few years prior. Later in the show Roddy McDowell of both the big and small screen dropped by. Legendary comedienne Carol Burnett appears at the end of the show to discuss her big move to California and how she used to be the president of The Merv Griffin Fan Club.

Bonus Section

Episode #6
November 9, 1962 – Danny Kaye, Dolores Wilson, Shelly Berman

In a very rare kinescope of Merv’s NBC show Danny Kaye drops in and takes over the entire show. Comic Shelley Berman appears later in the program with laryngitis from laughing backstage at Danny Kaye’s shenanigans.

May 1965 – News Segment-Interview With Merv Griffin

In a news segment taped outside “The Little Theater Off Broadway” near Times Square Merv Griffin discusses his new show on the syndicated Westinghouse Network and why he chose to keep his show in New York.

Back To Top
Merv_dingbat

DISC 2

Episode #1
November 11, 1965 – George Carlin, Henny Youngman, Minnie Pearl, Frankie Laine, Col. John Glenn

Merv welcomes crooner Frankie Laine performing two songs including Hank Williams’ classic “Your Cheating Heart.” Comic Henny Youngman affectionately known as “The King Of The One Liners” shows up with his violin and treats the audience to nearly 15 minutes of rapid-fire comedy. Grand Ole Opry star Minnie Pearl joins them to talk and perform her classic song, “How To Catch A Man.” Like Richard Pryor, George Carlin too became a regular on The Merv Griffin Show and on this date he did two separate stand-up routines including his famous “Indian Staff Sergeant” and the other being one of his earliest bits of political humor. His take on the John Birch Society is truly priceless. The episode closes out with a filmed segment of Astronaut Col. John Glenn filmed in the UK three years after he became the first person to orbit the earth.

Episode #2
February 4, 1966 – Willie Mays, Tallulah Bankhead, Lionel Hampton

Merv welcomes jazz great Lionel Hampton who performs two numbers with Merv’s band including Glenn Miller’s classic “In The Mood.” Legendary actress Tallulah Bankhead shows up slightly tipsy and the ensuing interview is truly a spectacle. Baseball Hall Of famer Willie Mays joins them a mere 5 months after hitting his career 500th home run. After the interview Willie Mays hits balls into the audience, something the lawyers for the networks of today certainly would never allow.

Episode #3
July 18 & 19, 1966 – Dr. Timothy Leary, Mort Sahl, Marion Williams

Merv welcomes political humorist Mort Sahl. Legendary Gospel great Marion Williams tears the house down with three numbers. In a rare discussion on a “talk-show” Dr. Timothy Leary advocates the use of LSD a mere three months before it became illegal in California. By 1968 it was completely outlawed in the US. Because Merv felt the topic was so fascinating, he had Dr. Leary on the next night (July 19th) where both he and political talk show host David Susskind got into a very heated debate on the subject.

Bonus Section

December 30, 1965 – Salvador Dali

Eccentric painter Salvador Dali has a lengthy 16-minute discussion about his surreal artwork and the inspiration behind it.  

January 10, 1966 – Bob Crane

Merv welcomes Bob Crane who discusses in detail the cast of the hit new TV Series Hogans’s Heroes which had only been on the air for a few months.

February 23, 1966 – Phil Spector

Belligerent record producerPhil Spector makes an unannounced visit to the set and spars with actor Phil Foster and author Virginia Graham.

March 7, 1966 – Redd Foxx

Comic Redd Foxx also known as the “King Of The Party Records” makes an appearance and, as usual, his material is borderline suitable for broadcast at the time.

June 9, 1966 – Norman Rockwell

It what may be the only appearance he made on a talk-show, famed illustrator Norman Rockwell is interviewed about his work.

Back To Top
Merv_dingbat

DISC 3

Episode #1     
July 20, 1966 – Jayne Mansfield, Henny Youngman, Monti Rock III, Dr. Henry Brill

Henny Youngman returns to the show to deliver his distinctive brand of comedy. In one of the more surreal moments on the show starlet Jayne Mansfield shows up with her dog and four of her five kids including a 2-year-old Mariska Hargtigay who later would go on to star in Law & Order: SVU. In a bid for equal time and to rebut the comments of Dr. Timothy Leary made a day earlier Merv invites Dr. Henry Brill to speak of the dangers of LSD.

Episode #2     
August 1, 1966 – Everly Brothers, Richard Pryor, Jerry Lewis, Dagmar, Charlie Callas

Merv welcomes The Every Brothers to the set to perform their number one 1957 hit “Bye Bye Love. In what is undoubtedly one of the standout moments of this box set comedian Richard Pryor and Jerry Lewis appear together trading barbs back and forth. Towards the end of the show, blond bombshell actress Dagmar inspires Richard, Jerry & Merv to engage in a full-blown water-spitting battle around her. These are unscripted moments that are rarely seen on TV these days.

Episode #3     
July 6, 1967 – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Harry Belafonte

Merv Griffin welcomes civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King and singer/social activist Harry Belafonte for a 40-minute interview. Taped nine months before his assassination, Dr. King discusses civil rights, Vietnam and his hopes for the future. While Dr. King is recognized for his empowering speeches, it is rare to see footage of the late civil rights leader on a non-news program in such an intimate setting.

Bonus Section

August 10, 1966 – Freddy Martin

Merv welcomes his old friend Freddy Martin to the show to speak about their days together when Merv was the singer in Freddy’s big band. In a very rare reunion, Merv and Freddy perform their top ten hit from 1949 “I’ve Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts.”

September 1, 1966 – Adam West & Burt Ward

Merv welcomes Adam West and Burt Ward, stars of the Batman TV series. They were in New York promoting the Batman movie which was released in July of that year.

January 18, 1967 – Jane Fonda & Roger Vadim

Merv welcomes legendary actress Jane Fonda and her then-husband director Roger Vadim. They speak of their latest film “The Game Is Over,” the subject of nudity in films and their upcoming project “Barbarella”

Back To Top
Merv_dingbat

DISC 4

Episode #1     
October 3, 1967 – Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, Carl Reiner

On the first color episode in this set Merv welcomes legendary comedy writer/actor/director Carl Reiner to the show. In a very rare appearance, Senator Robert F. Kennedy in a candid interview, speaks for nearly 20 minutes about poverty, race and Vietnam. Sadly 8 months later he would be assassinated during his campaign for the presidency.

Episode #2     
December 20, 1967 – Richard M. Nixon, David Susskind

Merv welcomes former Vice-President Richard Nixon just prior to his announcement to run for president in 1968. Famed political talk-show host David Susskind spars with Nixon over the perception of him as a viable candidate.

Episode #3     
August 18, 1969 – Woody Allen, Moms Mabley, Hedy Lamarr, Ted Sorensen, Leslie Uggams

In Merv’s debut show on the CBS network he welcomes legendary comedienne Moms Mabley who addition to being incredibly funny also performs her massive hit “Abraham, Martin & John.” Comic/Actor/Director Woody Allen appears to promote his latest movie “Take The Money And Run.”

Episode #4     
November 21, 1970 – John Wayne

Merv travels to John Wayne’s cattle ranch in Arizona to discuss his acting career and to witness him hosting a bull auction.

Bonus Section

May 14, 1970 – Gore Vidal

Taped ten days after the tragedy at Kent State, author/political pundit Gore Vidal visits the show to discuss his world views and the call to impeach President Richard Nixon.

Back To Top
Merv_dingbat

DISC 5

Episode #1      October 28, 1971 – Dennis Hopper, Willie Mays, James Brolin, Diane Baker

Merv welcomes back baseball great Willie Mays who was less than two years away from retirement. Actor James Brolin is seen early in his career before he became a household name. Maverick actor/filmmaker Dennis Hopper appears as a disenfranchised idealist having recently fallen from Hollywood’s good graces. After riding high on the success of “Easy Rider” he made “The Last Movie” which won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival but was trashed by critics and moviegoers in America. For nearly 30 minutes he speaks of his career and thoughts on the industry.

Episode #2      December 6, 1972 – Isaac Hayes, Staple Singers, Luther Ingram, Albert King, Johnnie Taylor, Carla Thomas, Emotions

Filmed at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Merv turns his entire show over to Soul legend Issac Hayes as a tribute to famed Memphis-based music label, Stax Records. Over the course of the hour artists such as The Staple Singers, Johnnie Taylor. Albert King, Luther Ingram, Carla Thomas, The Emotions and Isaac himself perform the songs that made them iconic artists. As a bonus there’s an unaired version of Ashford & Simpson’s classic song, “Reach Out (And Touch Somebody’s Hand” performed by all of the artists.

Episode #3      April 27, 1973 – Jack Benny

Merv devotes the entire show to show-business legend Jack Benny, looking back at his often-neglected film career, his TV show, his friendship with George Burns and Bob Hope, and his legendary “feud” with Fred Allen.

Bonus Section

December 21, 1971 – Eva Gabor (Guest Host), Chuck Norris

Eva Gabor guests hosts and welcomes karate champion and future action superstar Chuck Norris. Watching Chuck Norris give Eva Gabor karate lessons has to be seen to be believed.

December 27, 1971 – Roger Miller (Guest Host), Glen Campbell, Dick Clark

Guest Host Roger Miller welcomes country icon Glen Campbell. Together they speak about the state of country music and perform a duet of “Old Toy Trains.” Dick Clark, host of American Bandstand, drops in to discuss his show and tell backstage stories of Rock Music’s greats.

January 13, 1972 – James Caan

James Caan appears two months before the release of “The Godfather.” During the interview he discusses what it’s like to work with Marlon Brando.

June 7, 1972 – Warren Beatty

In a very rare TV appearance, Warren Beatty comes on the show to discuss his support for Senator George McGovern who was running for President against Richard Nixon. This was two months before the famous “Watergate” break-in.

Back To Top
Merv_dingbat

DISC 6

Episode #1      July 31 & August 1, 1973 – Ingrid Bergman, Jacqueline Bisset, George Segal, Richard Pryor, Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge, Rex Reed

Merv travelled to the south of France for The Cannes Film Festival to interview Hollywood legends such as Ingrid Bergman, Jacqueline Bisset & George Segal. Richard Pryor is interviewed about the start of his acting career and legendary country artist Kris Kristofferson is on hand to discuss his role in Pat Garrett And Billy The Kid.

Episode #2      October 12, 1973 – Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz, Jr., Gary Morton, Gale Gordon

Merv salutes the comic legend Lucille Ball with guests including her children Lucie Arnaz & Desi Arnaz Jr and husband Gary Morton as well as her longtime co-star Gale Gordon. She is also surprised by her old friend Bob Hope.

Episode #3      November 29, 1973 – Bette Davis, Walter Pidgeon, Olivia De Havilland, Samantha Eggar, William Wyler

Merv salutes the great director William Wyler who among his many accolades directed Ben Hur. On the show to pay homage to Mr. Wyler are legendary actress Bette Davis who in 1938 won best actress for her role in the Wyler directed film ‘Jezebel.” Olivia De Havilland appeared in Wyler’s 1949 film “The Heiress” a role that also landed her an Oscar for best actress. Walter Pidgeon (who also is on hand to salute Mr. Wyler) was nominated in 1942 for best actor in the Wyler directed film “Mrs. Miniver”. The episode closes with William Wyler himself coming on to discuss his work.

Bonus Section

December 5, 1975 – James Michener

Merv welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Michener (South Pacific, Hawaii, Centennial, Space, Texas) to discuss his life and work.

Back To Top
Merv_dingbat

DISC 7

Episode #1      February 16, 1976 – John Denver, Starland Vocal Band

John Denver sits with Merv for the entire episode and in between talking about his life and career he performs some of his most beloved songs such as “Leavin’ On A Jet Plane”, “Take Me Home Country Roads”, “Back Home Again” and “Looking For Space.” John’s special guest are The Starland Vocal Band” performing their #1 hit “Afternoon Delight.”

Episode #2      November 30, 1976 – Farrah Fawcett-Majors, Lindsay Wagner, Marie Osmond, Michael Learned, Gladys Knight

Merv welcomes his special guest Lenore Hershey (editor of Ladies Home Journal) in a special salute to women who have achieved. Throughout the episode some of the top women in the field of Hollywood and music visit and talk about their careers. Marie Osmond, Michael Learned and Gladys Knight all speak of their careers and Farrah Fawcett-Majors appears a few months after her debut on the hit TV series Charlie’s Angels. Lindsay Wagner speaks with Merv about her leading role in the Bionic Woman during the start of its second season.

Episode #3      September 22, 1977 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Alex Haley, Louis Gossett, Jr.

On this special show saluting black achievement Merv welcomes sports legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who speaks about his extensive career in basketball and his Islamic faith. Famed author of Roots Alex Haley discusses the book and miniseries which had aired earlier in the year. Actor Louis Gossett, Jr. discusses his Emmy winning role in Roots.

Bonus Section

July 8, 1977 – Steve Martin

Legendary comic Steve Martin does a stand-up routine on this show taped in Las Vegas. Additionally there’s a hilarious filmed segment with Steve and Merv at the casino.

January 12, 1978 – Ray Bradbury

Pulitzer Prize-winning science fiction author Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles) is on hand to discuss Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters Of The Third Kind and the future of the human race. He also reads some poetry from his collection When Elephants Last In The Doorway Bloomed.

February 14, 1978 – Joan Rivers

Merv brings the show to Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas and his guest comedienne Joan Rivers discusses traveling and her directorial debut in the film Rabbit Test.

Back To Top
Merv_dingbat

DISC 8

Episode #1      November 7, 1978 – Lillian Carter, Andy Williams, Loretta Lynn

From Las Vegas, Merv welcomes Lillian Carter (the mother of President Jimmy Carter) and singer Andy Williams surprises her with a rendition of his classic “Moon River”. Country icon Loretta Lynn performs two numbers including her autobiographical hit “Coal Miner’s Daughter”.

Episode #2      June 25, 1979 – President Gerald Ford, Gene Wilder

In this unique episode Merv conducts two interviews without any audience present. His first guest is former President Gerald Ford who discusses his presidency and his controversial pardon of President Richard Nixon for his role in the “Watergate” coverup. In a very rare TV appearance Merv’s second guest is the actor Gene Wilder who in an intimate 30-minute interview speaks about his career, his family and his latest film “The Frisco Kid.”

Episode #3      October 31 & November 1, 1979 – Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Anne Bancroft, Rob Reiner & Penny Marshall, Gene Wilder, Gene Hackman

Taped on location in Venice, Italy for Merv’s Tennis In Venice Charity Tournament, Merv welcomes Mel Brooks and many of the stars in his close-knit circle to discuss food, filmmaking and funny business.

Episode #4      December 20, 1979 – Steve Martin, Carl Reiner, Jackie Mason

Merv welcomes comedian Steve Martin to discuss his acting debut in the film “The Jerk” which had been released the previous week. Director Carl Reiner is on hand to speak about Steve’s performance in the film and comedian Jackie Mason does a stand-up routine on the current state of politics in 1979.

Bonus Section

November 21, 1979 – Barbara Walters

Legendary journalist Barbra Walters speaks to Merv about her life, her career and interviewing the Pope.

Back To Top
Merv_dingbat

DISC 9

Episode #1      January 9, 1980 – Francis Ford Coppola, Gene Hackman, Cindy Williams, Talia Shire, Frederic Forrest

Merv welcomes Academy Award winning director Francis Ford Coppola to discuss his latest film Apocalypse Now which had only been out for a few months. Actors Gene Hackman and Cindy Williams discuss their work in Copolla’s “masterpiece” The Conversation. Copolla’s sister Talia Shire best known for her work in the “Rocky” films is on hand to discuss what is was like working for her brother in the Godfather films.

Episode #2      May 28, 1980 – Brooke Shields & Christopher Atkins, Mickey Rooney

Merv welcomes friend and frequent guest Mickey Rooney who speaks about his current work on Broadway in “Sugar Babies” and his numerous marriages. Stars of The Blue Lagoon Brooke Shields & Christopher Atkins drop by to discuss the film one month before its release.

Episode #3      August 22, 1980 – Shelley Winters, Charles Grodin, June Carter Cash, Irving Stone

Merv welcomes Shelley Winters to promote her autobiography “Shelley: Also Known As Shirley” Actor Charles Grodin speaks about his various roles. In a very rare appearance without her husband Johnny, June Carter Cash performs two numbers and speaks about her life as the wife of a country legend. Author Irving Stone (Lust For Life, The Agony & the Ecstasy)  chats with Merv about his epic historical novel The Origin, a fictional biography of Charles Darwin.

Bonus Section

August 29, 1980 – Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes

Taped in Las Vegas, boxing champions Muhammad Ali & Larry Holmes appeared on stage with Merv in preparation for their fight on October 2 of that year. Shouting matches ensue for the cameras and everyone has a bit of fun with Merv trying to break up the fighting. Ali had come out of retirement to try and become the first four-time World Heavyweight Champion.

Back To Top
Merv_dingbat

DISC 10

Episode #1      October 6, 1980 – Dick Cavett Interviews Merv Griffin

In the summer of 1980 Merv released his first autobiography named Merv and in a very unusual moment on TV, famed talk-show host Dick Cavett takes over hosting duties and for the entire episode Merv was his guest. Merv spoke to Mr. Cavett about his career and some of his favorite moments on the show.

Episode #2      August 24, 1981 – Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby

Taped In Las Vegas Bill Cosby drops by for a nearly 20 minute segment. Young comic Jerry Seinfeld debuted on Merv before he ever did the Tonight Show and here is one of his earliest appearances on the show.

Episode #3      May 24, 1982 – William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley

Merv salutes the cast of Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan a few week before its release with William Shatner, Leornard Nimoy & DeForest Kelley.

Episode #4      May 26, 1982 – Sylvester Stallone, Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire, Mr. T, Carl Weathers

Merv salutes the film Rocky III with Sylvester Stallone, Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers and Mr. T who made his acting debut in this blockbuster film.

Bonus Section

November 2, 1981 – Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta

In a rare TV appearance John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John speak about their relationship, the price of fame and the blockbuster film Grease which was released three years earlier.

February 15, 1982 – Maya Angelou

Author/Poet/Playwright/Singer/Actress/Re­naissance Woman Maya Angelou shares her thoughts on life in this poignant interview.

June 25, 1982 – Orson Welles (Guest Host), Andy Kaufman

Guest Host Orson Welles welcomes comedian turned “wrestler” Andy Kaufman. Andy is wearing his neck brace from his famed match with Jerry Lawler in April of that year and seems overwhelmed by Mr. Welles’ admiration for him..

Back To Top
Merv_dingbat

DISC 11

Episode #1      June 30, 1982 – Carole King, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda, Loretta Swit, Lee Grant

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of Ms. Magazine, Merv welcomes women’s rights activist Gloria Steinem to discuss how far women’s rights have advanced and far they have to go. Joining Gloria making her first American TV appearance since the 1960s is singer/songwriter Carole King performing three numbers including “Natural Woman” from her mult-platinum selling album “Tapestry.” Academy award winning actress Jane Fonda speaks about women’s rights during the same year she released her famous Jane Fonda Workout Video. Academy award winning actress Lee Grant showed up to show her support for Gloria and Emmy award winning actress Loretta Swit is seen a few months before the final season of M.A.S.H.

Episode #2      December 22, 1982 – Sir Laurence Olivier

Merv welcomes legendary actor Sir Laurence Olivier for an intimate 30-minute interview, discussing the actor’s celebrated career and family life.

Episode #3      June 23, 1983 – Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston, Clive Davis, Sandy Duncan

Legendary record producer and music mogul Clive Davis is on hand to discuss the current state of the music industry. Clive introduces his latest discovery – an unknown 19-year old singer from New Jersey named Whitney Houston two years before her first album was released. “You won’t forget that name” said Merv reassuringly, after Houston had wowed the audience with her performance of “Home” from the musical The Wiz. At the end of the program Whitney performs a three song duet with her mother Cissy Houston.

Episode #4      September 27, 1983 – President Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan

Merv went on location to the White House to interview his old friends President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan. This marked the first time a sitting President appeared on a non-news talk show. The President talks about how the assassination attempt affected him, “Reaganomincs” the problems in the Middle East and his legacy.

Episode #5      July 19, 1984 – Jim Henson & Frank Oz, Muppets, Dabney Coleman

On this special episode Merv is invaded by The Muppets to promote their third film The Muppets Take Manhattan a mere 6 days after its release. In addition to Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie and Animal, creators Jim Henson & Frank oz speak of the movie and the history of The Muppets.

Bonus Section

January 17, 1983 – Don Rickles & Mr. T

In one of the greatest awkward segments in TV history, Merv sets up his old pal Don Rickles with bodyguard turned actor Mr. T and waits for the fireworks to fly…and they do.

March 24, 1983- Rosa Parks

In a very rare TV appearance, Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks recounts to Merv the famous story of her refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955 and her subsequent arrest— the event widely regarded as the spark which lit the flames of the Civil Rights Movement.

Back To Top
Merv_dingbat

DISC 12

Episode #1      October 14, 1985 – Orson Welles, Barbara Leaming

On this episode Merv welcomed his old friend and frequent guest Orson Welles. Over the dozens of appearances Welles made over the years, it was understood that Merv was never to ask direct questions about the past. Orson only talked about his films and his private life if it flowed out of a natural conversation. For whatever reason on this occasion, backstage before the show, Orson told Merv he could ask whatever he wanted and so on this unique episode he spoke of past loves and aspects of his career that he rarely ever spoke of. Sadly only hours after the taping on October 9, Orson died of a heart attack at his home. This episode aired a few days later on the 14th.

Episode #2      November 5, 1985 – Betty White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty

A few months after the NBC premier of Golden Girls Merv welcomed the entire cast of the show . Betty, Bea, Rue & Estelle talk about their careers, the show, their love lives and getting older.

Bonus Section

October 19, 1984 – Alec Baldwin

26 year old actor Alec Baldwin sits down to speak about his latest role on the nighttime soap opera Knotts Landing and how he got his first break in the industry.

November 2, 1984 – Bill Maher

Merv welcomes comedian Bill Maher who performs a stand-up routine about the upcoming presidential election between President Ronald Reagan and the democratic challenger Walter Mondale.

October 9, 1985 – George Clooney

Merv invited the 24 year old nephew of his dear friend, singer Rosemary Clooney to the show to promote his latest role on the TV show Facts Of Life. George talks about the show and getting discovered on a beach in Los Angeles.

February 6 & 11, 1986 – Merv Teaches Jay Leno How To Host A Talk-Show

Jay Leno (Guest Host), Jerry Seinfeld

Unlike Johnny Carson, Merv would rarely have a guest host but when he did he made sure it was interesting. In February he invited comic Jay Leno to take over hosting duties. This was the first time Jay had ever hosted a talk show and a few years before he would substitute for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. Before the show starts there’s a comedy bit where Merv is seen giving Jay “pointers” on how to host a talk-show. During the show Jay brings on friend and fellow comic Jerry Seinfeld to trade barbs back and forth.  

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN

Hilarious moments from the Westinghouse show 1965-1967

Some of the wackier moments from the 60s includes veteran actor David Burn throwing dead chickens into the audience and a surprise visit from Col. Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame.

MUSICAL MOMENTS

December 6, 1965 – Freddie & The Dreamers – “I’m Telling You Now”

June 6, 1966 – Mrs. Miller – “Downtown”

September 21, 1966 – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins –“ I Put A Spell On You”

October 11, 1966 – The Mitchell Trio (Featuring John Denver) – “Your Friendly, Liberal, Neighborhood KKK”

November 11, 1966 – Nina Simone – “Work Song”

September 17, 1967 – Stevie Wonder – “I Was Made To Love Her”

November 1, 1967 – Aretha Franklin – “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man”

February 20, 1971 – Merle Haggard – “Amazing Grace”

August 11, 1972 – Sammy Davis, Jr. – “The Candy Man”

August 5, 1976 – Liberace – “Chopsticks”

July 3, 1981 – Hank Williams, Jr. –“Family Tradition”

July 14, 1981 – Smokey Robinson – “The Tracks Of My Tears”

June 29, 1984 – Weird Al Yankovic – “I Lost On Jeopardy”

PROMO TRAILERS 1971 & 1972

I WILL NOT BE RIGHT BACK

Highlights From Merv’s Final Show – September 5, 1986

Merv and his crew show some highlights and say goodbye in this intimate show filmed in an empty TAV Celebrity Theater.

 JAY LENO REMEMBERS MERV – July 9, 2014

In this newly filmed interview for the box set producers David Peck & Tom Gulotta sat down with comic legend and former host of The Tonight Show, Jay Leno to get his impressions on The Merv Griffin Show and Merv’s legacy. Jay’s reflections on Merv and what he meant to him as a friend and mentor are very touching and funny.

Back To Top


Comments

Box Set Breakdown — 16 Comments

  1. Thank you so very much for putting this together. What a labor of love it must have been. Pre-ordered my collection and looking forward to spending many an evening reliving the iconic moments of our generation.

  2. If anyone has the clip of Rosemary Clooney singing “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life” please post it on YouTube or contact me through the comments section.

  3. I ONLY NOW STARTED WATCHING THE DVD BOX SET NOW (JANUARY 13, 2015), WHICH I BOUGHT DECEMBER 2, 2014. I WATCHED DISCS 3 AND 4. AMAZING! MY MOTHER AND I LOVE IT! WE BOTH WATCHED TOGETHER. I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THE WHOLE SET. WILL BE A LONG TIME TO VIEW THOUGH (44 HOURS OF SHOWS, WITH 7 HOURS OF EXTRAS, WILL TAKE A VERY LONG TIME)! I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR PUTTING TOGETHER AN EXCELLENT DVD SET WHICH EDUCATES AND ENTERTAINS, SHOWS THE PAST HISTORY, AND EVEN BRINGS BACK MEMORIES FOR MY MOTHER AND FOR MYSELF. I HAD ATTENDED ONE OF MERV’S SHOWS IN HOLLYWOOD IN 1979 WHEN VISITING CALIFORNIA AT THAT TIME (MOVING THERE LATER). WE ALWAYS WATCHED “MERV” ON CHANNEL 5 IN NEW YORK AT 8:30 PM WHEN SHOW WAS 90 MINUTES. PEOPLE SHOULD PURCHASE THIS! I’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

  4. Thanks you so much for this extraordinary Box Set, these were really the Golden Years of Talk Shows as far as I’m concerned. Griffin was so good, talented, allowed his guests to expand and deliver their personal stories in a very entertaining way. Are there any more plans to release more shows? I’m particularly interested in the show with World Chess Champion Bobby Fischer from either September, October, or November 1972? thanks again for putting together this wonderful informative and most entertaining Box Set!!!

  5. Does the September 14, 1967 episode still exist – with Helen Gurley Brown, comedienne Moms Mabley, comedian Marty Brill, actress Carolyn Groves and others?

  6. I had the honor of performing an original song on the Merv Griffin Show at the Hollywood Palace in 1972. The theme was “protégés and I was introduced by Hope Lange. Also on the show were Fernando Llamas, Hugh OBrian, Charles Nelson Riley and Fred Travalena. Is there a chance you have that show from August 1972 in your archives? I’d love to get it! James Chastek

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *