The show's set included a door in the background. During the show, Sales would answer a knock at the door and interact with an actor seen only as an arm. Occasionally, the guy at the door was a celebrity (Burt Lancaster, Fess Parker, Alice Cooper.)

One time during the Los Angeles years, as Sales was ending the show, he opened the door and saw a topless dancer gyrating with a balloon. Viewers saw only the balloon, although a second, nonbroadcasting camera captured the uncensored version, and Sales was forced to try to keep the show going without revealing the risque events backstage. This event, in censored and uncensored variations, has been featured on many blooper compilations.

Actually, this was the second time Sales' studio crew pulled this prank; the first time occurred while the show was being broadcast live from Detroit. Some reports say the gag was furthered by the crew switching the studio monitors so that Soupy would think the stripper image was going out over the air.

Ed's entry this morning had me looking at Soupy's old videos on YouTube.

This is a classic.

Soupy Sales Show ~ Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis Jr.

Question is, who's the third person at their table?

I know. Do you?

Soupy was born in North Carolina, but grew up here in the Tri-State area of  Ky, Oh, and WVa. He graduated from Huntington High School and attended Marshall University where he earned a Master's Degree in Journalism. While attending Marshall College, he performed in nightclubs as a comedian, singer, and dancer. After graduating, he began working as a scriptwriter and a dj at radio station WHTN in Huntington.

Sales was born Milton Supman and got his unusual nickname from his family. His older brothers had been nicknamed "Hambone" and "Chicken Bone"; Milton was dubbed "Soup Bone," which was later shortened to "Soupy." When he became a disc jockey, he began using the stage name "Soupy Hines." After he became established, it was decided that "Hines" was too close to the Heinz soup company, so Soupy chose the surname "Sales," after comedian Chic Sale.

Here's another.

Alice Cooper on The Soupy Sales Show 1979

Does anyone out there remember Pinky Lee?

Pinky Lee Show 1954

Smile Xangans, it's Saturday!