Reply
Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,196
Registered: ‎11-08-2014

Merv and his then-wife, adorable comedienne Julann Wright Griffin.  She was the genesis for the phenomenally popular quiz show,  "Jeopardy".

 

 

Screenshot 2024-10-01 at 11.38.11 AM.png

 

I love show biz publicity photos from the Sixties.  "Merv" and his acerbic British sidekick Arthur Treacher were a funny combo in their seemingly relaxed, silly, entertaining talk show.

 

Screenshot 2024-10-01 at 6.23.42 PM.png

 

Everyone, but EVERYONE, came through that show, and often they were less guarded than in other, more buttoned-up venues.  Apart from the frivolity, sometimes Merv had an almost mystical, mind-meld rapport with especially compelling guests.  He was at his most Irish, then.

 

When the talk show was in New York, Merv and family had a farm in rural Califon, New Jersey:

 

Julann and Merv with the son they doted on, Tony--

Screenshot 2024-10-01 at 11.35.53 AM.png

 

Screenshot 2024-10-01 at 11.35.22 AM.png

 

The seeming spontaneity ( it was all scrupulously planned and choreographed, of course) make it seem all fun and games.  That's what I prefer with occasional celeb sightings--- not interested in the "back story", the hidden stuff, the possibly shaded reality...

 

The sunlit farm in New Jersey, stilled in a forever moment-- that's the ticket! 

Valued Contributor
Posts: 582
Registered: ‎01-05-2020

Re: MERV GRIFFIN IN THE SIXTIES

Loved the MG Show!  Thank you for posting @Oznell!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,586
Registered: ‎10-14-2016

Re: MERV GRIFFIN IN THE SIXTIES

That was a great show. Used to watch it with my mom.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,955
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: MERV GRIFFIN IN THE SIXTIES

I so loved that show ,so many stars came on there,and merv was great,a since of humor ,still remember his laugh.

When you lose some one you L~O~V~E, that Memory of them, becomes a TREASURE.
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,062
Registered: ‎05-09-2010

Re: MERV GRIFFIN IN THE SIXTIES

Thank you for a trip down memory lane.  Was Merv Griffin ever a singer.  For some reason I remember him singing....I think.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,876
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: MERV GRIFFIN IN THE SIXTIES

@Oznell - this bring back memories.  My family loved MG and we watched his show every night.  Always had interesting guests and he and Arthur Treacher were a good match.

 

Does anyone remember Mrs. Miller?  She was an elderly woman who was in the audience very often.  Merv would call her out and speak to her for a few minutes.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,876
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: MERV GRIFFIN IN THE SIXTIES


@Terrywu wrote:

Thank you for a trip down memory lane.  Was Merv Griffin ever a singer.  For some reason I remember him singing....I think.


When he was a big band singer, he had a hit song with "Yes, we have no bananas". Before my time, but I remember reading about it.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,912
Registered: ‎01-02-2011

Re: MERV GRIFFIN IN THE SIXTIES

I'd forgotten about Arthur Treacher.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,438
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: MERV GRIFFIN IN THE SIXTIES

I loved Merv so much!  His show was just wonderful!  He was just the best!!!  

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,542
Registered: ‎06-29-2016

Re: MERV GRIFFIN IN THE SIXTIES

Merv's big hit as vocalist with The Freddy Martin Orchestra was "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts."

 

It reached Number 1 on the Hit Parade in 1950.