Tonight Starring Steve Allen is a talk show hosted by Steve Allen. It was the first version of what eventually became known as The Tonight Show. Tonight was the first late-night talk show, as well as the first late night television series of any time to achieve long-term success. Allen's run as host of the show lasted for two and a half seasons, beginning in fall 1954 and ending with Allen's dismissal in January 1957. During its run it originated from the Hudson Theatre in New York City.
Impressionist Jimmy Caesar; magician Kudabux.
Guest host Tony Randall; comic Louis Nye; jazz trumpeter Red Allen & band perform.
Musician Joe Venuti; Jacques Cousteau.
Jazz saxophonist Bobby Dukoff; actor Chester Morris.
Jazz pianist Barbara Carroll; a Mexican boys' choir.
Jack Lescoulie introduces the new version of the Tonight Show, a magazine style format similar to the Today Show. Earl Wilson interviews George Gobel & Joan Crawford. Hy Gardner interviews Edward G. Robinson and Dean Martin; Paul Coates visits an illegal poker house in L.A.; Vernon Scott interviews Jayne Mansfield; Irv Kupcinet visits an atomic lab in Illinois; Bob Considine interviews Dr. William Memminger in Topeka, Kansas.
Jazz group Billy Taylor Trio.
Guest host Ernie Kovacs; calypso musician Lord Burgess; comedic actor Joe E. Brown.
The 4 Voices; college beauty queens.
A salute to Japan.