In 1950, the advent of television was not only causing concern in the film industry but radio was beginning to feel the effect as well. In short, audiences were dwindling. To combat the problem, NBC spent lots of money to produce The Big Show, a 90 minute radio program which would feature famous guests performing skits, songs and comedic routines.

 

Tallulah Bankhead in "The Big Show"

 

Tallulah was asked to host the show. She had guested in various radio programs in the past but had never done anything on an ongoing basis before. She was nervous and didn't really know what to expect or what her duty actually was so she approached the show with guarded anticipation.

The Big Show premiered on November 5, 1950 and played every Sunday night for the next three years. It was a rousing success and Tallulah was a great success. The guest list varied but included such names as Ethel Merman, Danny Thomas, Fanny Brice, Phil Silvers, Bob Hope, Clifton Webb, Gloria Swanson, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Holliday, Ethel Barrymore, Jimmy Durante, Milton Berle, Josephine Baker, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, George Sanders, Yul Brynner, Shirley Booth, Peggy Lee, Rosalind Russell and Merv Griffin.

Other notable radio appearances:

The Rudy Vallee Show (NBC, Feb. 15, 1934) - Tallulah's national radio debut featured her in a skit called The Affairs of Anatol.

Lux Radio Theatre (NBC, Dec. 2, 1934) - A dramatization of Let Us Be Gay.

Radio Playhouse (CBS, Aug. 30, 1937) - A dramatization of Twelfth Night (playing Viola). Also starred Orson Welles and Estelle Winwood.

New York Drama Critics Circle Award Program (NBC, April 23, 1939) - A dramatization of The Little Foxes.

Philip Morris Playhouse (CBS, Feb. 3, 1942) - A dramatization of The Little Foxes.

Radio Reader's Digest (CBS, May 2, 1943) - A dramatization of The Unsinkable Mrs. Brown.

Stage Door Canteen (CBS) - Tallulah appeared in several episodes throughout 1943 and 1944.

The Raleigh Room with Hildegarde (NBC, Jan. 16, 1945) - Tallulah and Clifton Webb sang I'll Be Seeing You.

Lux Radio Theatre (NBC, Dec. 2, 1934) - A dramatization of Let Us Be Gay.

The Edgar Bergen - Charlie McCarthy Show (NBC, Feb. 24, 1946) -

Radio Reader's Digest (CBS, May 26, 1946) - A dramatization of The Doctor, His Wife and the Clock.

Fred Allen Show (NBC, Oct. 27, 1946) - Tallulah and Fred performed in the skit The Mr. and Mrs. Breakfast Satire.

Screen Director's Playhouse (NBC, Nov. 16, 1950) - A dramatization of Lifeboat.

Screen Director's Playhouse (NBC, Feb. 15, 1951) - A dramatization of Dark Victory.

Screen Director's Playhouse (NBC, April 19, 1951) - A dramatization of Humoresque.

Theatre Guild of the Air (NBC, Nov. 16, 1952) - A dramatization of All About Eve.

A Tribute to Lionel Barrymore (NBC, Nov. 21, 1954) - Tallulah recited a poem.

A Call for Foster Parents (NBC, Nov. 28, 1950) - Tallulah discussed the importance of being one.

The Mitch Miller Show (NBC, Dec. 1, 1957) - A dramatization of The Little Church Around The Corner.

For a complete list of radio credits, see Tallulah Bankhead: A Bio-Bibliography by Jeffrey Carrier.