The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
The Porter Wagoner Show #102 with special guest Ernie Ashworth.
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
Promo for Porter Wagoner Show #102 with special guest Ernie Ashworth. Spot opens with Newman singing a few seconds of "Talk Back Trembling Lips." The camera pulls out to reveal Porter, who says "That's Ernie Ashworth, he's our special guest this week on the Porter Wagoner Show. Norma Jean, Speck, and the whole gang will be here-- join us, won't you?"
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
Introduction to Porter Wagoner show #102. Program opens with Wagoner and Wagonmasters Speck Rhodes, Don Warden, and George McCormick as well as Norma Jean onscreen singing "Howdy Neighbor Howdy." Over title card decorated with drawing of Wagoner, announcer Hairl Hensley introduces Wagoner and The Wagonmasters, show regulars Speck Rhodes and Norma Jean, and "your favorite songs and stars of the Grand Ole Opry!" Wearing garish rhinestone-studded, western-themed Nudie suit, Wagoner welcomes audience, then accompanied by The Wagonmasters, plays guitar and sings "Uncle Pen" from his 1962 album "A Slice Of Life." CU Mack's fiddle solo.
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
Porter introduces Ernie Ashworth, who enters wearing a rhinestone-studded suit of his own, complete with the name of his biggest hit, "Talk Back Trembling Lips," set in rhinestones on the left sleeve. Backed by The Wagonmasters, Ashworth plays guitar and sings "Heartbreak Avenue." MS Don on steel guitar.
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
Stalwart Wagonmaster George McCormick leads the boys in singing a quick rendition of "Camptown Races," featuring Buck Trent's blustery banjo.
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
"Now we are pursuing Miss Norma Jean," Porter says by way of introduction. Norma introduces her new single "Pursuing Happiness," and Porter asks her: "What does 'pursuing' mean?" Norma: "It means 'looking for it'," and with an arch grin, Porter replies: "Oh, does it?" Probably the less editorial comment made about this exchange, the better. Norma Jean plays guitar and sings the song, which would later appear on her 1967 LP "Jackson Ain't A Very Big Town," backed by The Wagonmasters.
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
Wagoner returns and introduces an old song that he says is one of his favorites. Backed by The Wagonmasters, Wagoner plays guitar and sings "An Old Log Cabin For Sale."
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
Porter introduces gap-toothed comedian Speck Rhodes, who enters wearing his trademark checkered suit with bow tie and bowler hat. Rhodes tells a little joke about why George won't golf with him anymore, then sings the corny old-fashioned novelty number "I'm Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes, Wherever She Is," backed by The Wagonmasters.
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
Don Warden strolls in and plugs the show's souvenir booklet #4, "The Porter Wagoner Show Hits The Road!", containing songs and stories and pictures. It can be yours for only fifty cents by mail.
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
In front of a backdrop onto which are projected a panorama of clouds at sunset, Porter recites his oft-requested rendition of Hank Williams' "Luke The Drifter" number "Men With Broken Hearts," backed by The Wagonmasters. Nice shot wherein two different angles of Porter are superimposed one upon another.
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
Porter reintroduces Ernest Ashworth, who plays guitar and sings "The DJ Cried" backed by The Wagonmasters. CU Don's steel guitar.
The Porter Wagoner Show No. 102
Porter wraps up the show. As the Wagonmasters play instrumental show outro and announcer signs off, Wagoner shakes hands with Norma Jean and Ernie, then waves goodbye as Magaha dances and fiddles us off the air. End title super reads: "A Show Biz Production," and for an instant we catch a glimpse of Porter putting Speck's hat on Mack while he fiddles, making him look like the leprechaun from the Lucky Charms commercials.