Monday, July 8, 2013

Metropolitan Room Celebrates Broadcast Legend Joe Franklin in an Irreverent Evening of Reverence


Joe Franklin, who invented the television talk show format in 1950, relives some of the magic of the Golden Age of Television in a unique stage show at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street.  For one night only, on Saturday, July 20 at 7pm, this special live edition of “The Joe Franklin Show” features Vince Giordano, Peter Mintun, Christine Pedi, and Bronwyn Rucker, with appearances by several surprise celebrity guests.

With the help of his friends, including Giordano leading a trio, and Mintun on piano, Franklin will recreate some of the classic moments in his seven-decade career. He interviewed the biggest to the most obscure -- everyone from Eddie Cantor, Al Jolson, Milton Berle, Charlie Chaplin, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, and he is credited with having given first exposure to countless future stars like Woody Allen, Barbra Streisand, John Travolta and Julia Roberts. 

Starting first on WJZ-TV (later WABC-TV) in 1950, and later on WOR-TV in an incredible, record-setting run from 1962 to 1993, Frankin holds the Guiness Book of World Records for Longest Continuous Talk Show Host. He is estimated to have conducted over 300,000 individual interviews.

For the past decade he has provided the Bloomberg Radio Network with a weekly supply of new celebrity interviews. Whereas many Americans have a hard time remembering five presidents, Franklin interviewed five real ones.

During the show, Franklin will also allow the tables to be turned as he is subjected to probing questioning by the Metropolitan Room’s own Bernie Furshpan, a noted comedy and music producer, chiropractor and the Met Room’s talent booker.

This unique celebration of the Golden Age of Television and Beyond is produced by Furshpan and Steve Garrin. All paid attendees receive a complimentary autographed copy of Joe Franklin’s latest showbiz trivia book.

There is a $25 cover charge and two-drink minimum for this special edition of “The Joe Franklin Show,” hosted by the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street.  The Metropolitan Room keeps kids off the streets and adults from spending too much time watching television.  For more information visit www.metropolitanroom.com or call 212-206-0440.


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