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Jerry Lester, Dagmar, Milton deLugg.

All stars or near stars of the first late night television show Broadway Open House.

I was there.

I was allowed unlimited television time. School was a walk through for me (college not so much), so I had plenty of time and freedom.

I loved this free wheeling show. It had no format. It was talk but it was also play and just plain fooling around.

Jerry Lester was an unreconstructed burlesque comedian and he was more or less uncensored. Dagmar was a statuesque blond with no discernible talent but her big juggs. In fact she was a great personality and played the dumb blond role to perfection with just a hint of a wink that let us in on her joke and that made it just fine. Wonderful.

Milton De Lugg was the bandleader and the first band leader in late night who spoke. He became part of the action. Always funny. Later, many band leaders would become minor luminaries of the late night shows but De Lugg was the first.

He was blessed with a great wit, a funny scratchy voice, a huge nose and a blatant smart ass jew-boy persona that became indelible in my memory.

De Lugg went on to other shows.

And now he is gone.

He sure lasted a long time.

Watch this. It is a fuck lot better than a lot of late teevee. DeLugg is part of the fun.

And, a good look at Dagmar! I couldn't resist.

Labels: nostalgia, obituary, television