AS WE RECALL, this series came to ABC TV Network's Saturday evening lineup as a "temporary replacement" for THE JERRY LEWIS; which was halted abruptly following poor ratings.* In spite of one misgivings from "the Suits" in ABC's boardroom, this Variety anthology was put on the airwaves. "Who wants a variety comedy-musical show on Saturdays?"; seemed to be the prevailing attitude.
PERFORMING OUTSTANDINGLY WELL, the show stayed for seven whole seasons; controlling the ratings and presenting just about everyone who was anyone in mid 60s showbiz.
IN MUCH THE same vein as ED SULLIVAN'S TOAST OF THE TOWN, the Palace became the gathering place of musical groups, singers, acrobats, jugglers, dancers, animal acts and whatever have you. We can't recall any celebs being seated in the audience and being "surprised" to be shown or interviewed, as was Ed Sullivan's modus operandi; but they probably did anyway.
THOSE WHO CAN recall those halcyon days of bygone network presentation fondly speak of THE Hollywood PALACE and how each and every week brought us a different treat, hosted by special guest stars. This included everyone; everyone, that is, except Jerry Lewis.
