Yes, believe it or not, shows like American Idol and Star Search were not the first to showcase amateur talent from across the country. Premiering in 1948, a show titled The Original Amateur Hour launched the careers of people such as Pat Boone, Robert Klein, Connie Francis and Ann-Margret (even a young Frank Sinatra sang on the radio version of the show!). The New York Times reviews the new DVD set and declares it hit and miss.

The thing I hate about the review is the assertion by the writer that the only people who will enjoy this are people in their 90s. Um...huh? I think it can enjoyed by people who like this time of music/comedy, whether you're 30 or 90. She says the show is "TV for the very old." What a lame thing to say.