TVXOHOF FOR JANUARY, 2016: DANNY THOMAS

I won't be posting as often in the blog for a while; I think my body can hopefully handle such a shock.  I really do need to get back to work on the Toobworld Chronicles.  Even if it does end up being a load of tripe, it will at least be my tripe.

In 2015 I did a theme for the year when posting about the Television Crossover Hall of Fame: "The British Invasion", in which almost all of the inductees (minus the special tributes) were of British origin.  I have a theme in mind for this year, one which I had used back in 2009 as part of a mega-celebration of the Toobworld Dynamic concept.  For 2016 we will be honoring members of the League of Themselves - those people whose fictional televersions (played by the real versions from the Trueniverse) interacted with characters from various TV shows.  (Their appearances on game shows, variety programs, talk shows, and in the news could be counted as part of their tally, but would not make them eligible for membership.)

More often than not, January has been the month in which a classic TV star was inducted.  And I think I have a great League of Themselves member for this singular "honor":

DANNY THOMAS

About two months ago, I joined a fun page on Facebook dedicated to Danny Thomas and 'Make Room For Daddy'.  I've always intended to induct the main character from that show, Thomas' alter-ego Danny Williams, a nightclub comic and family man.  And eventually I will.  But I hadn't given any consideration to Danny Thomas and his role in the fictional universe of Earth Prime-Time.

This will rectify that.....

'The Jack Benny Program'

- "Johnnie Ray Show" (1953)
Johnnie Ray's contract to appear on Benny's TV show arrives and Jack is horrified by his $10,000 fee. He storms over to Ray's home and offers him $250 instead. Johnny sings "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone," and "Cry" for Jack and the performance is so devastating, Jack is turned into a helpless bowl of jelly. Jack pays him $15,000. At the end of the show, Danny Thomas makes a guest appearance to plug his show 'Make Room for Daddy' (1953).

- "Jack Goes to Nightclub" (1959)
His sponsor walks out on Jack's show, when his sponsor's in town for contract renewal, so Jack's afraid to take him to a nightclub featuring a comic competitor. A puppet show seems a safe (and cheap) alternative, but filling in for the sore-throated puppeteer is golden throated Danny Thomas, whose charity and charm entrance the sponsor, but paralyze Jack.

'The Dick Van Dyke Show'
- "It May Look Like a Walnut" (1963) ... Kolak

Rob enjoys a scary televised sci-fi movie while Laura cowers in fear from it, but the next day details of that movie, where Earthlings are being taken over, appear to be coming true.

Kolac was merely a figment of Rob's nightmare, but it was acknowledged that he looked like Danny Thomas, which guaranteed his place in Earth Prime-Time even if he never did appear in any of these other shows.

"Danny Thomas?
What is a Danny Thomas?"
Kolac
'The Dick Van Dyke Show'
"It May Look Like A Walnut"

'The Joey Bishop Show' 

- "Danny Gives Joey Advice" (1963)
Joey discusses parenting challenges with Danny and they imagine themselves as rebellious younger versions of themselves.

- "My Buddy, My Buddy" (1963) 
The cameo appearance for Danny Thomas is listed in the end credits as follows: 

Thanks, Danny 

Joey

- "Andy Williams Visits Joey" (1964) 
Andy Williams guests on Joey's show, than he and wife Claudine visit Joey's home. Ellie and Claudine are members of the same woman's club and their benefit dinner is coming up. Andy and Joey have no doubt who they expect to entertain.

'The Bill Dana Show'
- "Danny Thomas, I Love You" (1964)

Danny Thomas checks into the Park Central but due to a mix-up, the penthouse is not available. Jose comes to the rescue and gives Danny his quarters.

'The Lucy Show'
- "Lucy Helps Danny Thomas" (1965) 

As Mr. Mooney's new secretary, Lucy is sent to a television station to deliver some papers. While waiting in the lobby, she's mistaken for one of the new dancers hired for a Danny Thomas TV special. Not about to pass up the opportunity, Lucy forges ahead despite knowing none of the choreography. The rehearsal is disastrous as she goes the wrong way, throws a shoe, and constantly wallops Danny with her prop umbrella.

'That Girl' 

- "Those Friars" (1971)

Ann inherits her Uncle Harry's old vaudeville trunk which stars Danny Thomas and Milton Berle insist on buying.

(All of the episode summaries are from the IMDb....)

As you can see, there were more than enough appearances as himself to qualify for entry into the Television Crossover Hall of Fame.  And as for those game shows and variety programs......

Welcome aboard, O Danny Boy!

January 6 marked the 104th birthday for Danny Thomas, so there's another good reason to induct him into the Hall for January!

BCnU!