Edgar Bergen with Charlie McCarthy

Overview

In his first appearance on network television, Edgar Bergen hosts a Thanksgiving Day special featuring three of his partners in ventriloquism - Charlie McCarthy, Mortimer Snerd and the lesser known Podine Puffington (a life-size doll that Bergen would use as a comedy dancing partner). Orchestra leader Ray Noble becomes upset when Charlie tells him that Edgar has hired someone else as a pianist (who turns out to be the beautiful Diana Lynn) to perform a solo. In the last scene, Edgar and Charlie are the put on trial for witchcraft in Colonial Salem, Massachusetts and sentenced to be burned at the stake before escaping with the help of a fetching Indian maid.

Directed by Alan Dinehart

Top cast

Edgar Bergen

Self

Diana Lynn

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Ray Noble

Self (as Ray Noble and Orchestra)

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Pat Patrick

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Jim Backus

Magistrate Backus

Bill Baldwin

Town Crier

Thurl Ravenscroft

Tall Bass Singer (uncredited)

Details