A bizarre 1952 TV pilot for "The Spike Jones Show", a comedy/variety show. The pilot was not picked up, but Spike Jones did eventually host a series on TV: In 1954 he hosted a mid-season replacement, in 1957 he hosted a summer replacement, and in 1961 he hosted yet another series. (if there's anything wrong with this upload, please let me know).

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Reviewer: RoboReview - favorite favorite - November 12, 2015

Subject: Just not funny Sorry, Spikeheads. I know how important Spike was to pop culture but even by 1952 standards, his magic just didn't come across in this pilot. Warmed-over vaudeville and minstrelsy. His records and yes, his later tv efforts were much better. I never saw is stage shows because I wasn't around then, alas. - November 12, 2015Just not funny

Reviewer: CoreyRuehling - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 13, 2015

Subject: Don't forget to write. This show totally would have become a cult classic if it had been picked up. - February 13, 2015Don't forget to write.

Reviewer: Karltonthedoorman - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 4, 2013

Subject: Spike Jones Show I don't believe Spike Jones can be held to today's standards,... fairly. During the time this show was on the air, there was a TV version of Amos and Andy. And, if this were being done today, Spike would do different jokes, and be just as offensive (effectively). Spike specialized in crude and lowbrow humor, and he was a pioneer in his craft. Without him we would not have had Dr.Demento, Wierd Al, all of the Police Academy and Naked Gun movies, etc.. (or the Scary Movie series) I say many cudos to him and his band. - May 4, 2013Spike Jones Show

Reviewer: Futuristfood - favorite - May 2, 2013

Subject: Racist Ignorance.. no surprise,. we all heard "wanna buy a bunny?" etc as kids,. even if the message was harmless,. it is still harmful,. the portrayals are just too insulting.. hey, i'm all for freedom of speech though,. but this is just ignorant,. not even that funny,. I admit,. watching him inch along on that horse was quite fun,. - May 2, 2013Racist Ignorance.. no surprise,.

Reviewer: MTSRadio - favorite favorite favorite - April 30, 2013

Subject: Spike: Fathering the Mothers Spike's inspiration was the hit live stage show called Hellzapoppin, unrelated absurd characters parading across stage doing anything for laughs. His admirers included Ernie Kovacs, Spike used gag writers Tex Avery, cartoon director; Jay Sommars (Green Acres); several bandsmen worked for animators of UPA, Jay Ward, Disney, Beany & Cecil. Zappa & UK's Bonzo Dog Band similar irreverent musical theatrics for rock audiences. Spike helped inspire Fluxus art movement; Dr. Demento; PDQ Bach; Willem Brueker; Rudy Schwartz Project; Weird Al. Note comic with real Eraserhead hair. Spike's touring stage show was a colorful, two hour sensory assault, limits of early black & white TV provide some glimpses of the choreographed chaos Jones best wrought on live stage theaters & his twisted sound effects laden audio recordings making fun of well known songs of the day. - April 30, 2013Spike: Fathering the Mothers

Reviewer: edwardky2 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 13, 2013

Subject: spike jones the bad boy of 1952, would have been big if released, but spike to hip for the day - April 13, 2013spike jones

Reviewer: wisdomnow2000 - favorite - April 6, 2013

Subject: Great singing by Grayco This was very very bizarre and bad. Hardly a breath of fresh air. Helen Grayco was a wonderful singer and very attractive. I can see why this particular pilot was not sold though. Just awful. Great stereotyping, (not)! This trash should be flushed! - April 6, 2013Great singing by Grayco