Shari Lewis "Adventuring in the Hand Arts" Dolls, Puppets and Diversion

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In all societies, children have a need to play. The doll, made in the human image is a universal toy. The puppet, made in the human or animal form, is another means of diversion for children, as well as adults. In some non-technological societies, puppetry has been developed into a high art. Shari Lewis examines the variety of ways in which man, using materials at hand, has created replicas of himself for fun and amusement. Ascanio Spolidoro, a puppeteer is the special guest.

This series deals with the creativity of man through the medium of his hands. The vivacious Shari Lewis guides viewers through a ten-week exploration of the uses which man has found for his hands down through the ages. Each week Miss Lewis is joined by a different guest expert and film visits to primitive cultures are a highlight of this series.

Extra Notes: In 1952, Lewis and her puppetry won first prize on the CBS television series Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. She hosted several New York children's series through the decade.

On July 5, 1953, Lewis made her television hosting debut on Facts N'Fun on NBC-owned WRCA-TV. The program was a variety show in which she engaged her viewers and studio audience members in games, hobbies, craft making, songs, stories, informational segments, interviews with guest performers and personalities.

She also performed witty comedy skits with two ventriloquist's dummies, Samson and Taffy Twinkle. The one hour show remained on the air until September 26, 1953.

She moved to WPIX in 1953 to replace Ted Steele as host of Kartoon Klub, which featured a variety format with a live studio audience. Lewis performed with Randy Rocket and Taffy Twinkle, and the program also featured reruns of Crusader Rabbit cartoons. Kartoon Klub later changed its title to Shari & Her Friends on September 23, 1956, and then to Shariland a month later.

Lewis won New York-area Emmy Awards for her work on Shariland and a succeeding series on WRCA-TV, Hi Mom (1957–1959), which introduced Charlie Horse, Hush Puppy, and Wing Ding. Lamb Chop, also appearing, had previously been introduced during Lewis's guest appearance on Captain Kangaroo in March 1956.

NBC gave Lewis her first network program, The Shari Lewis Show, which debuted on October 1, 1960, replacing The Howdy Doody Show. The show ran until September 28, 1963, and featured such characters as Hush Puppy, Charlie Horse, Lamb Chop, and Wing Ding, a black crow.

Lamb Chop, which was little more than a sock with eyes, served as a sassy alter-ego for Lewis. Hush Puppy had a Southern accent with a reserved, shy personality, while Charlie Horse was a slow-witted, goofy character.