This two-hour program is a look back at the history of the United States and the world up to 1953. Presented by Ford Motor Company on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary. Hosted by Edward R. Murrow and Oscar Hammerstein who discuss historic events, trends, and personalities that have changed the world in the past 50 years. Musical numbers by Ethel Merman and Mary Martin, who together sing a great medley of tunes near the program's end. Marian Anderson also appears and sings. Several musical dance numbers. Mary Martin and Oscar Hammerstein appear in an excerpt from Thorton Wilder's play "Our Town". Lowell Thomas appears in a segment about old-time radio. Brief musical appearances by Rudy Vallee, Bing Crosby (on film), Frank Sinatra (on film) and Eddie Fisher. Wally Cox appears in several comedic skits. Kukla and Ollie, Burr Tilstrom's puppets, also appear and introduce segments. Produced by Leland Hayward who introduces the program and appears in the end to introduce Henry Ford II, who closes the program with a hope for peace and prosperity in the future. This live, two-hour program aired on both NBC and CBS at the same time, June 15, 1953, 9-11 PM EDT.
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