Manhattan Spotlight
American TV talk show (1949–1951)
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Manhattan Spotlight is an American television interview program that was broadcast on the DuMont Television Network from January 17, 1949, to April 20, 1951.[1] Approximately 450 episodes were broadcast.[2]
Broadcast history
The series was an interview show hosted by Charles Tranum,[1] who was the chief announcer for DuMont. Subjects of his interviews included "ordinary citizens and smalltime entertainers with interesting hobbies and talents.[3] Topics of episodes included bop music, diamond cutting, jet propulsion, and seeing-eye dogs. A jet pilot appeared in his full flight equipment as an Air Force surgeon explained how the equipment kept the pilot conscious at high altitudes. A milliner presented a display of hats for men and women.[4]
Manhattan Spotlight began as a daytime program. As a nighttime broadcast, it was seen in various time slots including Wednesdays from 10 to 10:15 p.m. Eastern Time (April 1950 - May 1950) and Wednesdays from 10:15 to 10:30 p.m. E. T. (May 1950-June 1950). Additionally, it was broadcast in some late-night slots and at times was aired only locally in New York.[3] DuMont television sets[2] and Dictaphone Corporation were the sponsors.[5] The show originated from WABD-TV. Verne Tranum was the producer, and Pat Fay was the director.[6]
From December 1949 to June 1950, Easy Aces aired in the Wednesday 7:45pm slot. During the 1950-1951 season, the Hazel Scott, Joan Edwards, and Susan Raye shows all ran in the 7:45pm ET slot immediately after Manhattan Spotlight.
Tranum and the show's co-producers ended it[2] in 1951, and DuMont replaced the series with local (non-network) programming.