The RCA Victor Show

Network: NBC
Episodes: Unknown (half-hour)
Seasons: Three

TV show dates: November 23, 1951 — August 2, 1954
Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Enzio Pinza, Dennis Day, Verna Felton, Kathy Phillips, Charley Weaver, Minerval Urecal, Lois Butler, Jeri Lou James, Carol Richards, and Barbara Ruick.

TV show description:      
The TV series starts out starring singer Enzio Pinza and is set in his penthouse apartment. He starts each show by chatting with the audience and singing a song. After that, he leaves his home and runs into the evening’s guest star. They chat, return to his penthouse, and then sing some songs, either together and separately. At the end of the program, Pinza sings one last tune.

In February 1952, this version of the show began alternating with another version that revolves around Dennis Day, playing essentially the same fictional version of himself from The Jack Benny Show. Dennis’ overbearing mother (Verna Felton) believes her son is being underpaid and wants him to find work on his own. Dennis’ girlfriend, Kathy (Kathy Phillips), truly believes in him and loves him.

In April 1952, the format of Pinza’s segments changed and became more dramatic. They were dropped altogether by the fall of 1953 and the program became known as The Dennis Day Show for the rest of the run.

The format of Day’s sitcom changed and he began living in a Hollywood penthouse that he really couldn’t afford. He’s surrounded by various characters like janitor Cliff Arquette (Charley Weaver), landlady Mrs. Pratt (Minerval Urecal), a girl-crazy neighbor (Hal March), a new girlfriend named Lois Sterling (Lois Butler), and Lois’ little sister, Susan (Jeri Lou James). Over time, Dennis moves on to two other girlfriends — Marian (Carol Richards) and Peggy (Barbara Ruick) — but Susan remains as Dennis’ youngest fan.