Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis with Guest Marilyn Monroe—02/24/1953

Breaking Walls

By the summer of 1951, Martin and Lewis had become the biggest act in show business, with both blockbuster film roles and a touring act selling out venues everywhere. After previously failing, the duo were ready to jump back into radio. NBC hired Ed Simmons and Norman Lear—Martin & Lewis’ comedy writers—to write the new program. Dick Mack was the director. NBC offered it as part of their new multi-sponsor Tandem Plan. Chesterfield Cigarettes, Anacin Tablets, and the makers of Chiclets gum signed on.The new show premiered on October 5th, 1951 to great reviews. Readers of TV-Radio Life voted it their favorite comedy show of 1952. On February 24th, 1953, Marilyn Monroe was the guest for a skit about the story of a cold-blooded newspaper editor who has no friends, but who is also loved by Marilyn Monroe. The play was entitled, "So Who Needs Friends?"