John Conte

John Conte (1915-2006) was interviewed for four-and-a-half hours in Malibu, CA.  Conte talked about his early professional career as an announcer for network radio on such programs as “The Screen Guild Theater” and “Burns and Allen.”  As the “Singing M. C.” on radio’s “Maxwell House Coffee Time,” Conte described his role as a straight man for the comedy of Frank Morgan.  He talked about his brief appearance in movies as an actor, notably in the Abbott and Costello film Lost in a Harem, before his entrance into the service in World War II.  Conte detailed his work after the war as an actor and singer on Broadway and in “live” television.  Among the series in which he appeared were Studio One, The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre, and Musical Comedy Time.  Conte described his work as a regular on Van Camp’s Little Show, which through his association became known as John Conte’s Little Show.  This music show featured Conte and various musical guests and regulars.  Conte also discussed in detail the Matinee Theatre anthology series, an ambitious undertaking that offered a different “live” production every afternoon for three straight years (1955-58); Conte appeared as the host on every show (and occasionally appeared as an actor on the series).  Conte described his appearances on four productions of Max Liebman Presents, elaborate musical specials on NBC.  He talked about his numerous other appearances in television series as a regular and as a guest actor, including numerous appearances on Perry Mason.  He described in detail the creation of the Palm Springs television station KMIR-TV, an NBC affiliate, and his 30-year service as its president, general manager, and owner.  The interview was conducted by Morrie Gelman on July 27, 1999.