Spike Jones (Spotlight Review) Francis Craig. ep23, 480305

The image shows an SI rendering of a black-and-white scene of a musical performance labeled "The Spotlight Revue" featuring Spike Jones, The City Slickers, Dorothy Shea, and guest Francis Craig. Musicians are playing various instruments including a piano, washboard, trumpet, trombone, and guitar. A man in a suit and hat sings or speaks into a vintage microphone. A woman stands near a window holding a sign reading "This is the CBS Network." A clock reads about 3:52. The setting seems to be a radio broadcast studio.

Get ready for a wild ride as The Spotlight Revue broadcasts from New York this week, starring the incomparable Spike Jones and His City Slickers alongside the charming songstress Dorothy Shea. Special guest songwriter Francis Craig joins the fun for an unforgettable evening of musical mayhem and comedy.

Things kick off with Spike Jones and the City Slickers launching straight into “Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone.” Soon, Georgie Rock checks in—claiming to be the president of the New York fan club named Harv—and treats Spike to a custom poem. Dorothy Shea then takes the stage to chat with Spike about the Big Apple before delivering a delightful rendition of “It’s the Little Things You Do That Count.”

The music keeps rolling as Spike and the City Slickers perform “My Old Flame.” Next, Dorothy introduces a conversation with Spike about the timeless songs written by guest Francis Craig, who stops by to discuss what inspires his craft. Francis then takes to the keyboard alongside Bob Landon to perform his hit, “Beg Your Pardon.”

Never a dull moment, Spike is hilariously interrupted by Frederick Gast, one of his City Slickers, with a quick joke. Dorothy returns to captivate the audience with “The Gentleman Is a Dope,” followed by Spike introducing the one and only Doodles Weaver as Professor Feetlebaum. In fine (if erratic) voice, the professor attempts the Rudy Vallee classic, “The Whiffenpoof Song”—provided he can stay focused long enough and avoid getting distracted by the Kentucky Derby!

The grand finale brings a stellar medley: Francis Craig plays his smash hit “Near You,” Dorothy returns with “Close to Me,” and Spike Jones gets the absolute last word with “Side by Side.” It’s a classic broadcast packed with laughs, novelty hits, and stellar performances!

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