Sounds of NBC Monitor – 1968 July-Dec.

Below, in chronological order, you’ll find about 100 hours of Monitor that aired from July through December 1968, hosted by, in alphabetical order, Brad Crandall, Joe Garagiola, Curt Gowdy, Jack Haskell, Frank Messer, Henry Morgan, Gene Rayburn and Ted Steele.

*****

You’ll see that these hours have a blue headline like this.  All of them were recorded by “super” Monitor fan Warren Gerbe off WNBC Radio in New York.  Warren’s recordings found their way to George Miller, and along with Louis Castaing, they have made them available.  We cannot thank them enough.

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Brad presides over this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8:30 to 9 pm. ET on July 7, 1968, featuring his interview with American astronaut John Glenn; and Chris Economaki’s “Sport of Speed” feature.

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Brad’s here with a half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on July 7, 1968, featuring his interview with an expert on presidential ghostwriters and Mel Allen’s live Sunday night sports update.

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Time: one hour

Gene’s here with this hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 11 a.m. to noon ET on July 13, 1968.  You’ll hear Chris Economaki’s “Sport of Speed,” a Monitor tip, “American Political Scene ’68” with Al Capp, and a Joe Garagiola sports report.

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Time: a half-hour

Brad presides over this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 7 to 7:30 p.m. ET on July 21, 1968, featuring an interview with bandleader Skitch Henderson;  a Monitor tip; and a commentary by Dr. Joyce Brothers.

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Time: one hour

Gene hosts this fine hour from 10 to 11 a.m. ET on Saturday morning, July 27, 1968.  It features political analysis by Edwin Newman, a Monitor tip, a Joe Garagiola sports report, another Monitor tip, an “On the Line with Bob Considine” piece, and a sports report about an upcoming football game between college all-stars and the Green Bay Packers.  Note the opening jingle — which plays off the runaway success of Rowan and Martin’s “Laugh-In” on NBC-TV.

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Time: one hour

Here’s Gene, back with the final hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 11 a.m. to noon ET on July 27, 1968.  It begins with  NBC Monitor News on the Hour.  Then you’ll hear Chris Economaki with his “Sport of Speed” report, a Monitor tip, a Henry Morgan political commentary, a “Ring Around the World” report, and a Joe Garagiola sports report.  You might also hear a dog barking.  It belongs to Warren Gerbe, the man who recorded this Monitor hour and so many others.

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Time:  a half-hour

Here’s Ted, hosting the final half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on July 27, 1968.  Featured is an interview with entertainer Jerry Lester and a “World of Space” report by Peter Hackes.

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Time: one hour

Here’s Mr. Morgan, presiding over the first hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 2 to 3 p.m. ET on July 28, 1968.  This one features a report on a jumping frog contest in Wisconsin, pollster Dr. George Gallup, an “On the Line with Bob Considine” report, and an interview with U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield of Oregon.

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Time: one hour

Brad presides over this hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on July 28, 1968, featuring an interview with presidential speechwriter Richard Goodwin, an Al Capp commentary, Brad’s interview with NBC’s Ben Grauer, and Chris Economaki’s “Sport of Speed.”

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Time: a half-hour

Brad hosts this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on July 28, 1968, which features an interview with a newspaper editor about a new poll of American attitudes; and a live Sunday night sports update by Pat Hernon.

**

Time: a half-hour

Ted hosts this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 9:30 to 10 p.m. ET on Aug. 10, 1968, featuring interviews with actor Godfrey Cambridge and Eleanor McGovern, the wife of recently announced Democratic presidential hopeful George McGovern.

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Time: a half-hour

Here’s Brad, hosting this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 7:30 to 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 11, 1968, featuring an “On the Line” with Bob Considine report that has trouble airing at first; then Keith Jackson’s live “World of Wheels” report from Los Angeles.

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Time: one hour

Ted hosts this hour of Saturday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on Aug. 17, 1968, featuring a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Flip Wilson; Pat Hernon’s live Saturday night sports update; an interview with presidential candidate Hubert Humphrey; recently discovered audio from a wax cylinder with writer Edgar Rice Burroughs’ voice; an interview with Burroughs’ daughter; and an interview with Edward Swartz of the American Trial Lawyers Association.  An intriguing hour.

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Time: one hour

Ted returns with this hour of Saturday night Monitor from 9 to 10 p.m. ET on Aug. 17, 1968.  This one features Linda Sutter’s “Younger Generation” report; a Joe Garagiola sports piece; and an extended interview with author Larry Collins, who wrote a book on Spanish bullfighter El Cordobes.

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Time: one hour

We have much but not all of this hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Aug. 18, 1968, hosted by Henry Morgan.  You’ll hear Al Capp with an “American Political Scene ’68” piece, an interview with a tennis player who owns a soccer team, and an interview with a U.S. Olympics team coach.

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Time: one hour

Mr. Morgan hosts this hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 18, 1968.  You’ll hear an interview with Sen. Eugene McCarthy, who was running for the Democratic presidential nomination; a feature from Dr. Joyce Brothers; an Edwin Newman report previewing the upcoming Democratic National Convention; a live Sunday afternoon sports update by Pat Hernon; and several Monitor tips.

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Time: a half-hour

Brad presides over this first half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 7 to 7:30 p.m. ET on August 18, 1968.  The recording joins the half-hour “in progress,” and features a report on the National Association of Women Lawyers convention and Mel Allen’s live Sunday night sports report — one of the last reports Mel did for Monitor before he left, for some reason.

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Time: one hour

Here’s Gene, in fine form on this Saturday morning hour that aired from 9 to 10 a.m. ET on Aug. 24, 1968, on the NBC Radio Network (and which was tape-delayed for airing on WNBC in NYC from noon-1 p.m. that day).  After NBC Monitor News on the Hour, there’s a feature report on the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago; a Monitor tip; a report on the President’s Cup Hydroplane Regatta; a “Ring Around the World” report; another Monitor tip; and an interview with pollster Dr. George Gallup.

**

Time: one hour

Gene returns with this second hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 10-11 a.m. ET on Aug. 24, 1968, presiding over a report by Dr. Joyce Brothers, a Monitor tip, a report on a surfing championship event in Virginia, an “On the Line with Bob Considine” report on the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, another Monitor tip, and a Joe Garagiola interview with Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain, who was on his way to winning 31 games in 1968.

**

Time: a half-hour

Here’s Mr. Rayburn once again, hosting  a half-hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 11:30 a.m.-noon ET on Saturday, Aug. 24, 1968.  This one features a report on a man with an interesting idea on how to change vehicle tail-lights for safety purposes, and part 2 of Joe Garagiola’s interview with Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain.  In this  one, McLain demonstrates his musical skills.

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Time:  one hour

Joe — who only recently had replaced Ed McMahon as host of Saturday afternoon Monitor — presides over this hour from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on Aug. 24, 1968.  It features an interview with Democratic presidential hopeful George McGovern (yes, he ran this year, as well as in ’72),  an interview with Major League Baseball’s Monte Irvin, an Al Capp commentary,  an interview with comedian Jerry Lewis, and several Monitor tips.

**

Time: one hour

Mr. G. hosts this second hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Aug. 24, 1968.  It begins with NBC Monitor News on the Hour — in which you’ll hear the sound of a barking dog — the dog belonging to the man who kindly recorded this so many years ago off WNBC Radio in NYC.  After that, you’ll hear an “On the Line with Bob Considine” report, a report from Leonard Probst about the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago, a “Ring Around the World” report on the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia, Chet Huntley previewing the upcoming Demo convention, and some Monitor tips.  A loaded hour, indeed!

**

Time: one hour

Joe presides over this very fine hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 24, 1968.  After NBC Monitor News on the Hour, you’ll hear an interview with composer Sy Coleman; a prescient preview of the upcoming Democratic National Convention by Edwin Newman; a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Pete Barbutti; and Mr. Garagiola, himself — a former “Voice of the Yankees” — reading the day’s sports highlights.

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Time: a half-hour

Ted hosts this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 24, 1968.  It features a live update on the day’s sports highlights by Pat Hernon, and an interview with Democratic presidential hopeful George McGovern.

**

Time: a half-hour

Here’s Henry, presiding over the half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 2:30 to 3 p.m. ET on August 25, 1968.  This one features Edwin Newman interviewing the author of a new book on China, a report by Dr. Joyce Brothers, a couple of Monitor tips, and, of course, Mr. Morgan, himself.

**

Time: a half-hour

In this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 3:30 to 4 p.m. ET on August 25, 1968, Mr. Morgan presides over a “Ring Around the World” report, a brief William Safire essay on politics, and an interview with a man who was not — repeat, not — running for president.

**

Time: about 20 minutes

In this “partial” half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor — airing from about 5 to 5:25 p.m. ET on Aug. 25, 1968 — you’ll hear a Bob and Ray comedic skit about the upcoming Democratic National Convention, a William Safire essay on politics, and a Monitor tip.  The recording ends after that, but what’s here is very good.

**

Time: one hour

We are pleased to have all three of Mr. Garagiola’s hours on Saturday afternoon Monitor on Sept. 7, 1968, starting with this one from 3 to 4 p.m. ET.  It’s loaded, featuring an “American Political Scene ’68” piece by NBC’s Edwin Newman; a new Rowan & Martin “Laugh-In” comedy track; Bill McCord, interviewing a doctor who works to rehabilitate injured football players; a live report from the World Series of Golf in Akron, Ohio, featuring Jim Simpson, Gary Player and Monitor sports editor Len Dillon; another “American Political Scene ’68” piece, this one by Sunday afternoon Monitor host Henry Morgan; and a long ad by the Nixon presidential campaign.

**

Time: one hour

Joe’s back with this second hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Sept. 7, 1968.  It begins with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, and moves on to an “American Political Scene ’68” piece by Bob Considine (talking about the Vietnam plank in the Demo and GOP platforms); a live report from the World Series of Golf in Akron, Ohio, featuring Jim Simpson, Arnold Palmer and Pat Hernon; a “Ring Around the World” report on the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia; a Monitor tip; and another “American Political Scene ’68” piece, this one by Chet Huntley (yes, the co-anchor of the “Huntley-Brinkley Report” on NBC TV) discussing the future of political nominating conventions.   Is this a great hour?  Yep.

**

Time: one hour

Joe returns with this excellent third and final hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Sept. 7, 1968.  It opens with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, and goes on to feature Joe previewing the upcoming Eastern Division race in the American Football League; an “American Political Scene ’68” piece by Dr. Joyce Brothers; a live report from the World Series of Golf in Akron, Ohio, with Monitor sports editor Len Dillon; a “Ring Around the World” piece on the GOP reaction to the riots at the recent Democratic National Convention in Chicago; and Mr. Garagiola himself, doing the live Saturday afternoon sports update.

**

Time: one hour

Mr. Morgan begins his hosting duties on Sunday afternoon Monitor on Sept. 8, 1968, with this hour from 2 to 3 p.m. ET.  You’ll hear an interview with University of Missouri football coach Dan Devine; an “American Political Scene ’68” piece with pollster Dr. George Gallup; Bob Considine’s “On the Line” piece about the possible political future for astronaut John Glenn; and a live report from the World Series of Golf in Akron, Ohio, featuring Monitor sports editor Len Dillon, Jim Simpson and Arnold Palmer.

**

Time: one hour

Here’s Henry, back with the second hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on Sept. 8, 1968.  You’ll hear an “American Political Scene ’68” piece by legendary comedians Bob and Ray (and it’s hilarious); an interview with Los Angeles Lakers basketball superstar Jerry West; Joe Garagiola, with the first part of his interview with legendary baseball pitcher Satchel Paige; and a live report from the World Series of Golf in Akron, Ohio, featuring Len Dillon, Pat Hernon and golfer Bob Goalby.

**

Time: a half-hour

Henry hosts this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, 1968, featuring part 2 of Joe Garagiola’s interview with legendary baseball pitcher Satchel Paige;  a new comedy routine by the Rowan and Martin “Laugh-In” crew; a Monitor tip; and a live report from the World Series of Golf in Akron, Ohio, with Monitor sports editor Len Dillon.

**

Time:  a half-hour

Here’s Ted with a fine half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 9:30 to 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 28, 1968, featuring Linda Sutter’s “Younger Generation” report and an interview with Carol Heisse, the 1960 Olympic figure skating champion from the U.S.

**

Time: a half-hour

Ted returns for this final half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 28, 1968.  You’ll hear an interview with comedian Rip Taylor and an interview about the upcoming Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

**

Time: one hour

Henry hosts this hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor on Sept. 29, 1968, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET, featuring his interview with actress Laine Kazan; Monitor sports editor Len Dillon’s interview with comedian Buddy Hackett about golf — yes, golf; an interview with an author about how the 1968 presidential race might come down to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives (it didn’t); and more of Len Dillon’s interview with Buddy Hackett.

**

Time: one hour

Brad hosts this excellent hour of Sunday night Monitor from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on Sept. 29, 1968, featuring an interview with opera star Maria Callas; Mel Allen’s live Sunday night sports update; Bob Considine’s “On the Line,” with Bob’s look at the upcoming World Series; and Keith Jackson, reporting live from Los Angeles about the day’s auto racing results.    

**

Time: a half-hour

Brad’s back with this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 29, 1968.  You’ll hear an interview with John Godwin, the author of “This Baffling World; and Dr. Joyce Brothers, reporting on sex in marriage.

**

Time: a half-hour

This half hour of Saturday night Monitor hosted by Ted Steele from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 5, 1968, features an interview with a doctor who examined the remains of Christopher Columbus and an interview with a pharmacist who was trying to curb smoking inside his store.

**

Time: one hour

Brad hosts this energetic first hour of Sunday night Monitor from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on October 6, 1968.  You’ll hear Joe Garagiola’s interviews with both sports columnist Jimmy Cannon and Sen. Eugene McCarthy, both of whom were at the World Series; a “Ring Around the World” report on Vietnam; an extended Nixon presidential campaign commercial; “On the Line” with Bob Considine; and Keith Jackson’s live “World of Wheels” report from Los Angeles.

**

Time: one hour

Brad returns with this second hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on Oct. 6, 1968, featuring an interview with pollster George Gallup on the impact female voters have on elections; an extended Nixon presidential campaign ad; Frank Blair’s interview with the mayor Jacksonville, Florida, about big changes in the city; and Mel Allen’s live Sunday night sports update — perhaps his final appearance on Monitor. He was a mainstay on the program for years.

**

Time: a half-hour

In this final half-hour of  Sunday night Monitor from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 6, 1968, Brad presides over an interview with an expert on fall foliage; and Wilma Soss presents her “Pocketbook Edition of the News.”

**

Time: one hour

We are pleased to have all three hours of singer-actor Jack Haskell hosting Saturday afternoon Monitor on Oct. 12, 1968.  In this first hour — from 3 to 4 p.m. ET — Jack interviews singer-actress Abbe Lane, and presides over a Joe Garagiola sports report, an interview conducted by former Miss America Marilyn Van Derber with the author of a book on troubled marriages, a live update on the flight of Apollo 7, and a long presidential campaign ad by the Nixon campaign.

**

Time: one hour

Jack returns with this powerhouse second hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 12, 1968. It opens with NBC Monitor News on the Hour — then moves on to an “On the Line” report from Bob Considine; a report on basketball player Wes Unseld — who would go on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history — a “Ring Around the World” report; a live report on the Apollo 7 space flight; Monitor’s “Man on the Aisle,” Leonard Probst, interviewing Angela Lansbury, who was about to star in a new Broadway musical, “Dear World,” which would garner her another Tony Award; and the national weather outlook.

**

Time: one hour

Jack’s back with this third and final hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 12, 1968.  It starts with NBC Monitor News on the Hour and then features an interview by former Miss America Marilyn Van Derber with Ann Gold, the author of “Diet Watchers’ Guide”; Joe Garagiola’s sports report; Chet Huntley’s news analysis; and an Apollo 7 live space flight update.

**

Time: one hour

Here’s a rarity — Gene Rayburn, Monitor’s Saturday morning host, filling in for Henry Morgan as host of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 2 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 13, 1968.  You’ll hear pollster George Gallup, talking about the upcoming presidential election; Bob Considine’s “On the Line” report; a live update on the flight of Apollo 7; and an interview with a man who just spent time in Biafra.

**

Time: one hour

Mr. Rayburn hosts this second hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on Oct. 13, 1968 (filling in for Henry Morgan).  It features former Miss America Marilyn Van Derbur’s interview with singer-actor Tommy Steele; Joe Garagiola reporting on what had happened in Game 4 of the World Series the previous Sunday, when rain had caused all kinds of problems; Chet Huntley’s news analysis; Jay Barbree’s live update on the Apollo 7 space mission; a brief “Laugh In” comedy skit; and an extended Nixon presidential campaign commercial.

**

Time: one hour

So you want a powerhouse hour of Monitor?  Here you go — the one hosted by Gene Rayburn (in for regular host Henry Morgan) on Sunday afternoon, Oct. `13, 1968, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET.  This one features Marilyn Van Derbur’s interview with Letitia Baldridge, who had been Jackie Kennedy’s social secretary during the White House years; an interview with two of the Harlem Globetrotters; a report on the mess Congress was in; Jay Barbree’s live update on the Apollo 7 space mission; and an interview with Jose Feliciano, whose National Anthem rendition before Game 5 of the World Series had caused controversy. Yes, you’ll hear Jose sing it.

**

Time: one hour

Genial Gene hosts this final hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Oct. 13, 1968.  You’ll hear Chet Huntley’s news analysis about Vietnam; Henry Morgan’s amusing commentary on the “American Political Scene ’68” (recorded, of course, because Henry’s on vacation and Gene’s filling in for him); a Nixon presidential campaign commercial; Marilyn Van Derbur’s interview with Letitia Baldridge, a former White House social secretary; a live report on the Apollo 7 flight; and Frank Messer’s live Sunday afternoon sports update.

**

Time: one hour

Here’s Brad, hosting this first hour of Sunday night Monitor from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on Oct. 13, 1968.  You’ll hear Frank Messer’s live Sunday night sports update; a “Ring Around the World” report from Vietnam; an “On the Line” report from Bob Considine; a live update on the Apollo 7 space flight; and Brad’s failed effort to switch to Los Angeles for Keith Jackson’s live “World of Wheels” report.  Well, things happen in live radio — even on Monitor.

**

Time: one hour

Brad returns with the second hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on Oct. 12, 1968, and this one has some broadcast “hiccups.”  You’ll hear Brad interviewing an expert on children’s sleeping problems, a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Woody Allen, a live update on the flight of Apollo 7, and Wilma Soss with her “Pocketbook Edition of the News.” And along the way, you’ll hear Brad apologize for a few technical snafus.

**

Time: one hour

Here’s Gene — Monitor’s Saturday morning host — once again filling in for Henry Morgan on Sunday afternoon Monitor (as he did the week before, above). In this hour from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Oct. 20, 1968, you’ll hear an interview with comedian Bill Cosby, followed by a “Monitor on Stage” performance by Mr. Cosby; an extended presidential political ad by the Nixon campaign; former Miss America Marilyn Van Derber, interviewing Ninki Hart, the author of “The Executive’s Wife”; a live report on the flight of Apollo 7; and Frank Messer’s live Sunday afternoon sports update. Yep. This one’s loaded.

**

Time: a half-hour

Brad hosts this first half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 7 to 7:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 20, 1968, featuring a Joe Garagiola sports report; A “Ring Around the World” report on Vietnam; and an extended Nixon presidential campaign ad.

**

Time: one hour

Get set for a really good hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 20, 1968. You’ll hear host Brad Crandall interviewing Jack Valenti, the president of the Motion Picture Association of America, about the new movie “rating system”; an interview with the captain of the Queen Elizabeth luxury liner (that liner would go on to make headlines years later); two live Sunday night sports updates from Frank Messer (the “Voice of the Yankees”); a live NBC News update on the flight of Apollo 7; an interview with one of Vice President Hubert Humphrey’s sons; and a report from Athens on Jackie Kennedy’s marriage to Aristotle Onassis that day. Yes, all in one hour.  Yes, Monitor could “bring it.”

**

Time: a half-hour

Brad’s back with this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 20, 1968, featuring an interview with a foreign affairs expert on the status of Czechoslovakia, which had been invaded by the Soviet Union; and Wilma Soss with her “Pocketbook Edition of the News.”

**

Time: a half-hour

Ted’s here with this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 7:30 to 8 p.m. ET on Oct. 26, 1968, featuring Bill Messer (then, the Voice of the New York Yankees) with a live Saturday night sports update, and an interview with an expert on author William Faulkner.

**

Time: one hour

Ted hosts this hour of Saturday night Monitor from 9 to 10 p.m. ET on Oct. 26, 1968, and it’s an entertaining one, indeed.   It features on interview with a woman who has a “spooky rocking chair” (this was, after all, a few days before Halloween); a Henry Morgan commentary on loudmouths and the First Amendment; Linda Sutter’s “Younger Generation” report, and Ted, interviewing longtime network radio “voice” Johnny Coons.

**

Time: one hour

Henry hosts this first hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 2 to 3 p.m. ET on Oct. 27, 1968, which features an interview with actress Shani Wallis, one of the stars of the movie “Oliver!”; an extended campaign commercial from presidential candidate Richard Nixon; an “On the Line” commentary from Bob Considine; and an “American Political Scene ’68” piece with pollster George Gallup.

**

Time: one hour

Henry’s here with this second hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on Oct. 27, 1968, featuring his interview with comedian Stanley Myron Handelman; an interview with a bowling champ; an interview with San Francisco hostess/socialite Pat Montandon; and a “Ring Around the World” report.

**

Time: one hour

Henry hosts this third hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 27, 1968, featuring an interview with actor Raymond Massey’s son Daniel (who was on his way to becoming a star himself), a Joe Garagiola sports report, and  Peter Hackes’ “World of Space” report. Two more things to note here:  This Monitor hour ends early because of a long ad by the Nixon presidential campaign, and legendary singer Della Reese sings a Cold Power detergent commercial.

**

Time: one hour

We have most, but not all, of this fourth and final hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor hosted by Henry Morgan from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Oct. 27, 1968.  You’ll hear a commentary from Dr. Joyce Brothers, a long commercial for the Nixon presidential campaign, an interview with San Francisco socialite Pat Montandon, and a commercial for the Humphrey presidential campaign.

**

Time: a half-hour

Ted handles this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 2, 1968, featuring an interview with actor Alan Alda and Jim Simpson’s preview of NBC-TV’s upcoming live, color coverage of a golf tournament from Hawaii.

**

Time: one hour

Henry hosts this hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m.  ET on Nov. 3, 1968, featuring Marilyn Van Derbur’s interview with Judge Sherman Finesilver, the author of “Protect Your Life”; a Joe Garagiola sports report; presidential campaign commercials from both the Nixon and Humphrey campaigns; a “Ring Around the World” report; and an interview with pollster Dr. George Gallup.

**

Time: one hour

We wish we had more of this Sunday afternoon Monitor hour from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 3, 1968.  But host Henry Morgan’s comments were so good — we had to put this up.  You’ll hear a presidential campaign commercial by the Nixon campaign, Bob Considine’s “On the Line” report, and Monitor’s “Man on the Aisle,” Leonard Probst, interviewing actor Tony Curtis.

**

Time: a half-hour

Frank Messer — the radio “Voice of the Yankees” — filled in for regular Sunday night Monitor host Brad Crandall on Nov. 3, 1968.  In this half-hour from 7 to 7:30 p.m. ET, Frank presides over a Joe Garagiola report on baseball legend Bob Feller’s 50th birthday (Joe, of course, had also been a radio “Voice of the Yankees”); a report from South Vietnam on American troops’ thoughts on the upcoming presidential election; and a Nixon campaign commercial.

**

Time: one hour

Frank hosts this second hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on Nov. 3, 1968.  You’ll hear an interview with Peg Savage Grey, the author of “Sex and the Senior Citizen”; a Humphrey presidential campaign commercial; Frank’s Sunday night sports update; and a Monitor poll on students’ choice for president in the upcoming (Tuesday’s) election.

**

Time: a half-hour

Frank’s back with this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 3, 1968, featuring an interview with Bud Lewis, NBC’s election news manager, about whether projecting winners before polls close on election night influence elections (a debate we’re still having today); political ads for Nixon and Humphrey; and Wilma Soss with her Pocketbook Edition of the News.

**

Time: one hour

Yes, here’s Henry — Monitor’s Sunday afternoon host — hosting Saturday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 9, 1968.  You’ll hear an interview with legendary performer Jimmy Durante; a Monitor college poll; Joe Garagiola’s sports report; a “Sport of Speed” report by Chris Economaki; and a live report on the earthquake that had just shaken up the Midwest and was felt in 23 states.

**

Time: one hour

Henry’s back with this hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 9, 1968.  It starts with NBC Monitor News on the Hour — then moves on to an “On the Line” report by Bob Considine; an interview with former NBA and current ABA star Rick Barry; a “Ring Around the World” report on the problems president-elect Nixon will face; Henry’s national weather report; and in interview with explorer Sir Francis Chichester.

**

Time: one hour

Ted presides over this hour of Saturday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on Nov. 9, 1968, featuring an interview with the mother of famed singer Mario Lanza; Frank Messer with a couple of segments of live Saturday night sports scores; and an interview with actor Peter O’Toole.

**

Time: one hour

We have most, but not all, of this Saturday night hour of Monitor hosted by Ted Steele from 9 to 10 p.m. ET on Nov. 9, 1968. It features an interview with movie, stage and broadcasting star Don Ameche, followed by a clip of one of his famous radio roles, that of Frances Langford’s husband in “The Bickersons”; Linda Sutter’s “Younger Generation” report; and an interview with a Bermuda hotel host.

Time: one hour

Mr. Morgan hosts this hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 2 to 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 10, 1968, featuring an interview with editorial cartoonist Herbert Block, widely known as “Herblock”; a feature by Dr. Joyce Brothers; Bob Considine’s “On the Line” report; an interview with Roy Geiger, the editor of the “Farmers’ Almanac” (not to be confused with the Old Farmers’ Almanac”).

**

Time: one hour

Henry presides over this hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 10, 1968, featuring an interview with legendary actress Helen Hayes; a sports story from KNBR (NBC’s O-and-O in San Francisco) reporter Gene D’Accardo; Marilyn Van Derbur’s interview with Harry Lorayne, the author of a memory book; and a “Ring Around the World” report.

**

Time: one hour

This is a fine hour hosted by Mr. Morgan from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 10, 1968.  You’ll hear an interview with comedian George Carlin; Henry’s live interview with president-elect Richard Nixon’s personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, who would become famous during the Watergate scandal in a few years (remember the tapes?); Peter Hackes’ “World of Space” report; and Marilyn Van Derber’s interview with memory expert Harry Lorayne.

**

Time: one hour

This is a splendid hour, indeed, from 7 to 8 p.m.  ET on Sunday night, November 10, 1968.  Host Brad Crandall does his usual fine job, segueing between a Joe Garagiola sports report; a Monitor “College Poll”; a “Ring Around the World” report; Bob Considine’s “On the Line” report; and a live “World of Wheels” report from Los Angeles, anchored by Keith Jackson — yes, the same Keith who was on the verge of becoming a legendary college football announcer.

**

Time: one hour

Here’s Brad, back with the second hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on November 10, 1968.  You’ll hear an interview with actor Alec Guinness; Frank Messer (the Voice of the Yankees) with his live Sunday night sports update; an absolutely compelling interview with criminal expert James Brussel, about how he helped catch the Mad Bomber of New York City; and Wilma Soss with her “Pocketbook Edition of the News.”

**

Time: one hour

Brad presides over this hour of Sunday night Monitor from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 17, 1968.  It features an interview with Annette Penny, author of a book at GOP Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen; a Joe Garagiola sports report; an “On the Line” piece by Bob Considine; a report from Hollywood on hippies; and Keith Jackson’s live “World of Wheels” report from Los Angeles.

**

Time: one hour

We are pleased to have all three hours of Gene Rayburn hosting Saturday morning Monitor on Nov. 23, 1968, and they are all excellent, starting with this one from 9 to 10 a.m. ET.  It begins with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, and moves into Gene’s interview with actor George Plimpton; a new Gallup poll; a report from Los Angeles on how the public there looks at Thanksgiving (which was coming up in the following week);  a commentary by Henry Morgan; Ray Scherer, reporting on how President Johnson would spend his last Thanksgiving as president; Gene’s excellent interview with the editor of Field and Stream magazine about turkey calling; and a Monitor tip.  Also note — that really is legendary NBC announcer Don Pardo, doing the live WNBC Radio “cutaways” from Monitor during the hour.  And what an hour!

**

Time: one hour

Here’s Gene with the second hour of Saturday morning Monitor on Nov. 23, 1968, from 10 to 11 a.m. ET.  It features Linda Sutter, interviewing Sen. Edmund Muskie; a Monitor tip; an interview with the embattled coach of the Philadelphia Eagles NFL team; Bob Considine’s “On the Line” report; Gene’s interview with Bob Hope; and a piece by Dr. Joyce Brothers. Yes, another good one.

**

Time: one hour

Gene wraps up his Saturday morning Monitor hosting duties on Nov. 23, 1968, by presiding over this excellent hour from 11 a.m. to noon ET.  It opens with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, followed by a “Monitor on Stage” performandce by comedian Shelley Berman; a Joe Garagiola sports report; a “Ring Around the World” report; a Monitor tip; and an interview with New York Yankee great Mickey Mantle about whether he would retire in 1969.  (He did.)  Note Gene’s highly energetic and enthusiastic delivery during this hour.  He was perfect for Saturday mornings.

**

Time: one hour

Henry — the regular Sunday afternoon Monitor host — fills in on this Saturday, Nov. 23.  We have most of this hour from 3 to 4 p.m. ET, which features Peter Hackes reporting on the upcoming Apollo 8 space mission; an interview with singer Sergio Mendes; an interview with actor Gordon MacRae, who talks about his most memorable Thanksgiving; and “Sport of Speed” with Chris Economaki.

**

Time: one hour

Here’s Henry, back with the second hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Nov 23, 1968.  It starts with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, and segues into Bob Considine’s “On the Line” report, a sports report on American Basketball Association coach Alex Hannum, an interview with actor Henry Gibson of “Laugh-In,” Mr. Morgan’s national weather report, a “Monitor on Stage” performance by Henry (just interviewed) Gibson, and a report on how some Native Americans would celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving Day.

**

Time: one hour

Henry returns with this third and final hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Nov 23, 1968.  It opens with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, and moves into an interview with Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes; a Monitor “College Poll” interview with students; a Joe Garagiola sports report; Monitor’s “Man on the Aisle,” Leonard Probst, reviewing a new play in which actors are naked on the stage; and Frank Messer, the “Voice of the Yankees,” giving the live Saturday afternoon sports update.

**

Time: a half-hour

Ted presides over this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 pm. ET on Nov. 23, 1968, featuring an interview with actor Bill Travers and a Jim Simpson sports report.

**

Time: one hour

Yes, after guest-hosting Saturday afternoon Monitor the day before (above), Henry returns to his regular hosting stint on Sunday afternoon Monitor on Nov. 24, 1968.  In this first hour from 2 to 3 p.m. ET,  you’ll hear a partial interview with an expert on turkeys (since Thanksgiving was just a few days away); a piece by Dr. Joyce Brothers; Bob Considine’s “On the Line” report; an interview with singer Tony Bennett; and a special report on planes hijacked to Cuba (which is what Henry is referring to, near the top of this hour).

**

Time: one hour

Mr. Morgan’s back with this second hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 24, 1968.  It features a “Monitor on Stage” performance by singers Sandler and Young; a report on boat-racing competition at Lake Havasu City, Arizona; an interview with comedian Ron Carey; a Joe Garagiola sports report; and a report on the French monetary crisis unfolding that day.

**

Time: one hour

Henry hosts this third hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 24, 1968.  This one has an interview with just-defeated Democratic vice-presidential candidate Edmund Muskie; an interview with pollster George Gallup, Jr.; a report on the rhubarb involving our Olympic ski team; a “Ring Around the World” report on French President de Gaulle’s refusal to devalue his country’s currency, creating a crisis; and an interview with Olympic figure-skating champ Peggy Fleming by “Jeopardy” host Art Fleming (no, they were not related).

**

Time: one hour

Yes, we have all four Sunday afternoon Monitor hours for Nov. 24, 1968.  Here’s Henry, back with the fourth and final hour, from 5 to 6 p.m. ET.  It has a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Shelley Berman; a Joe Garagiola sports report; a report on Thanksgiving dinner that our troops in Vietnam would get the following Thursday; a report from London on the economic crisis triggered that day by French President de Gaulle; and Pat Hernon, with a live Sunday afternoon sports update.

**

Time: one hour

Brad hosts this hour of Sunday night Monitor from 7 to 8 p.m.  ET on Nov. 24, 1968.  This one features an interview with actor Herschel Bernardi; a Monitor College Poll narrated by Bill Ryan; a Joe Garagiola sports report; an “On the Line” report by Bob Considine; and Keith Jackson’s “World of Wheels,” live from Los Angeles. This is a fine hour, indeed.

**

Time: a half-hour

Brad’s back with this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 24, 1968, featuring an interview with a former hobo who became a millionaire; New York City Mayor John Lindsay, with a Thanksgiving message (the holiday was the following Thursday); and Wilma Soss’ “Pocketbook edition of the news.”

**

Time: one hour

Gene hosts this first of three hours of Saturday morning Monitor from 9 to 10 a.m. ET on Nov. 30, 1968, and it’s a fine one, indeed.   It begins with NBC Monitor News on the Hour. Then there’s an interview with comedian Buddy Hackett, a report by Dr. Joyce Brothers, a Gallup Poll report on Americans’ travel preferences, an interview with Baltimore Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas, a report on department store Santas in New Orleans, and two Monitor tips.  Yes, this hour is loaded.

**

Time: one hour

Here’s Gene, back with the second hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 10 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 30, 1968.  It’s outstanding, featuring Dave Niles from KNBR (NBC’s O-and-O in San Francisco) interviewing singer Jimmie Rodgers; Gene’s national weather outlook; an interview with the coaches of the Army and Navy football teams, whose teams were about to play that day; Bob Considine’s “On the Line” report; a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Woody Allen; and a news update on the mining tragedy that claimed dozens of lives in Farmington, West Virginia.

**

Time: one hour

Gene returns with the third and final hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Nov. 30, 1968. This one features a report from Cleveland on a new city-to-airport rapid transit system; Gene’s live phoner with Francine Gottfried, the young lady who made quite a splash on Wall Street because of what she wore (you can Google her); a Joe Garagiola sports report and a report from Vietnam about a hero dog who was partially blinded.

**

Time: one hour

Yes, the great NBC-TV sportscaster Curt Gowdy hosted Saturday afternoon Monitor on Nov. 30, 1968.  This one — from 4 to 5 p.m. ET — features Bob Considine’s “On the Line” report: an interview with Ohio State University football coach Woody Hayes: Curt’s national weather outlook: Leonard Probst, reporting on a new Broadway play; and a report on plans to help families affected by the mine explosion that killed so many in Farmington, West Virginia.

**

Time: a half-hour

Here’s Ted, hosting Saturday night Monitor from 9:30 to 10 p.m. ET on Nov. 30, 1968.  This one features Linda Sutter’s “Younger Generation” report; an interview with Jack Valente, the president of the Motion Picture Association of America; a “Monitor on Stage” performance by Elvis Presley; and a report on Santa Clauses in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

**

Time: a half-hour

Ted hosts this final half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 30, 1968.  This one features Edwin Newman, interviewing an expert on handicapped-education programs, and an interview with New York Jets coach Weeb Eubank.

**

Time: one hour

Here’s Henry, hosting this hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on Dec. 1, 1968.  It features Dr. Joyce Brothers, a Monitor sports report, a “Ring Around the World” report on Vietnam, a live Monitor update on Vietnam peace talks taking place that afternoon, and an interview with actor Stephen Birmingham.  And enjoy the way Henry reads the commercial for an upcoming Elvis Presley TV special.  It’s pure Henry.

**

Time: one hour

Mr. Morgan is back for this hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 1, 1968.  The audio quality here is not the best, and some pieces of the hour are missing.  What we have is an interview with actor/writer James Lipton, Monitor sports with Jim Simpson,  and “Monitor on Stage” featuring comedian Bill Cosby.

**

Time: one hour

Here’s Gene, with an excellent Saturday morning Monitor hour from 10 to 10:30 a.m. ET on Dec. 7, 1968.  It features NBC Monitor News on the Hour, followed by a Monitor college poll with Bill Ryan; the national weather outlook; an interview with Heisman Trophy winner O.J. Simpson, a moving “On the Line” piece by Bob Considine, commemorating Pearl Harbor Day, and a “Ring Around the World” report.

**

Time: one hour

This is unusual, because Brad Crandall — the host for Sunday night Monitor — is hosting Saturday afternoon Monitor on Dec. 7, 1968.  This hour — 4 to 5 p.m. ET — features NBC Monitor News on the Hour, followed by an “On the Line with Bob Considine” piece; a report on the New York Giants; a report on student uprisings in Italy; “Monitor on Stage” with singers Sandler and Young; the national weather forecast; and a Henry Morgan commentary.  Yep, this hour is packed.

**

Time: one hour

Brad hosts this final hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Dec. 7, 1968.  You’ll hear an interview with New York sportswriter Dick Young, talking about the firing of Major League Baseball commissioner William Eckert; a partial interview with an American businessman trying to raise money to fight crime (the full interview aired on the broadcast, but was not recorded here); a Monitor college poll by Bill Ryan; a report on the Apollo 8 astronauts; a “Sport of Speed” report by Chris Economaki; and a Monitor tip.

**

Time: a half-hour

Here’s Mr. Morgan, hosting this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 4:30 to 5 p.m.  ET on Dec. 8, 1968.  It features a “Ring Around the World” report and a report on traveling as Christmastime approached.

**

Time: a half-hour

Henry presides over this half-hour from 5 to 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 8, 1968.  You’ll hear a “Monitor on Stage” performance by the Lettermen and Joe Garagiola, interviewing Heisman Trophy winner O.J. Simpson.

**

Time: a half-hour

The irrepressible Mr. Morgan is, indeed, irrepressible in this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 5:30 to 6 p.m. ET on Dec. 8, 1968.  It features a fine report by Gene D’Accardo from NBC’s San Francisco O-and-O, KNBR, about the week’s student rioting at San Francisco State University; a movie review by Monitor’s new film critic, Gene Shalit; and a sports report by Frank Messer, the then-Voice of the New York Yankees who would, one hour after this sports report, host Sunday night Monitor (below).

**

Time: one hour

This is an excellent hour of Sunday night Monitor from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 8, 1968.  The host is Frank Messer — who was then “the Voice” of the New York Yankees.  He presides — quite well — over a report on Congressional hearings about car-makers, then reads the evening’s late sports news, and then introduces a report on the health of Pope Paul VI, followed by an “On the Line with Bob Considine” report, followed by an interview with a man who survived a plane crash in the Florida Everglades, followed by a live “World of Wheels” report from Los Angeles by Keith Jackson.  Yes, we are impressed by this hour — and by Mr. Messer.

**

Time: a half-hour

Here’s “the Voice” of the Yankees, back again to host this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 8, 1968. You’ll hear a “Monitor on Stage” featuring comedian Bill Cosby, and a report on student unrest — or the lack of it — from Boston.

**

Time: one hour

Gene hosts this first hour of the final Saturday morning Monitor of 1968 — from 9 to 10 a.m. ET on Dec. 28.  It starts with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, followed by Gene Shalit’s holiday film recommendations;  a “Ring Around the World” report on President-elect Richard Nixon; a Monitor sports report that features predictions on the upcoming NFL championship game and the Rose Bowl (both predictions proved to be correct); and a report on how Sweden celebrates the holidays.  You also may hear a dog barking at times in the background. It belonged to Warren Gerbe, who recorded this and so many other hours of Monitor on WNBC Radio in NYC.  Also, you’ll hear the WNBC newsman give the time at the bottom of the hour as 12:30 p.m. WNBC aired the first live hour of Monitor — which aired from 9 to 10 on the NBC Radio Network — from noon to 1 p.m.

**

Time: one hour

Gene returns to host the second hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 10 to 11 a.m. ET on Dec. 28, 1968.  This exceedingly good hour features NBC Monitor News on the Hour, followed by a report on Apollo 8 and its astronauts, who had just returned from their trip that took them around the moon; the national weather outlook; a Joe Garagiola sports report; Bob Considine’s “On the Line” report, and the results of the Monitor College Poll.

**

Time: one hour

Gene hosts this final hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Dec. 28, 1968.  There’s NBC Monitor News on the Hour, followed by a report on how our GI’s in South Vietnam are spending the holiday season; a Monitor sports report with Joe Garagiola; and Gene conducting a fine interview with comedian Godfrey Cambridge.

**

Time: a half-hour

Here’s Joe, hosting this hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 4:30 to 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 28, 1968.  You’ll hear a “Ring Around the World” report, Joe’s national weather report, and an interview with a computer guru about the upcoming American Football League championship game.

**

Time: one hour

Joe hosts this final hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Dec. 28, 1968.  It begins with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, then moves on to Joe interviewing Vice President Hubert Humphrey; a report on how Moscow’s residents celebrate New Year’s Eve; Peter Hackes’ “World of Space” report; and Joe, appropriately, reading the live Saturday afternoon sports update.

**

Time: one hour

This is the final hour we have of Monitor in 1968, and it’s a powerhouse.  Host Ted Steele presided over it from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on Saturday night, Dec. 28, 1968.  It includes a live report from Jerusalem, on the Israeli attack that day on the Beirut airport; a fine Dr. Joyce Brothers piece on what “happiness” is; a WNBC local newscast at the bottom of the hour; and a wonderful extended report by Joe Garagiola on that year’s funny events in sports.