The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour

Whoever thought that an Italian that worked for a radio station would fall in love with a young girl that had the talent, but not the nerve?

Sonny and Cher met as teenagers, and Sonny saw immense singing talent from Cher, but there was a problem. Cher was terrified of performing in public. However, she had no problem singing infront of Sonny. So, the logical solution was that Sonny unwittingly became her duet partner.

Sonny had written several songs just for Cher to sing, but being a straight music act didn't work. No one paid any attention until they were trading one liners with each other between numbers... and they knew they were on to something. Sonny and Cher combined written material with on the fly ad-libs, and no one knew which was which.

They grew tired of traveling and doing Vegas gigs, and they got the offer to do a variety show. Everyone knew Sonny couldn't sing, and as it turns out, he's not the best actor in the world either... but no matter, Sonny and Cher were still hilarious. The flubs and ad-libs in the skits were often much funnier than the written material, and other greats like Carol Burnett were doing pretty much the same thing.

Sonny's lack of talent, and Cher's "smart mouth" (as Cher said Sonny would often quip she has) just worked very well. Sonny would often try to have an intelligent conversation with Cher, but leave it to Cher to find a hole in his logic and bring him back down again.

Chastity was a very little girl, but was surprisingly intelligent. At the end of some shows, Sonny and Cher would bring out Chastity and they'd do an impromptu bit. One of the most memorable was when Sonny was standing on a trap door, and at the top of the show, Cher pulled a rope that sent Sonny through the trap door. Chastity wanted to try it, as long as "daddy didn't get hurt". Sonny teases her daughter saying she's a "bad girl" if she pulls the rope, and of course, she pulls on it.

As much fun as they had together in their professional career, Sonny and Cher's personal life suffered. Cher wanted more freedom to do her own thing, and after announcing they were separating, the show was cancelled.

Sonny and Cher were already well known for their music and comedy from Ed Sullivan and other appearances.

Originally, Sonny intended to act as Cher's manager as she pursued a solo singing career. Unfortunately, Cher was terrified of singing in public, and not comfy in a recording studio. So, Sonny decided to join in the act, despite his lack of singing talent.

Sonny and Cher toured small clubs (under the names "Ceasar and Cleo") as a straight singing act. However, no one was interested in their music at the time. In an effort to save their act, Sonny and Cher made a couple of impromptu exchanges, and suddenly the audience loved them.

"Sonny and Cher" now knew what direction to go.

The dialog in the beginning Sonny and Cher show was a combination of scripted jokes and spontaneous banter between the couple, and singing their own hits.

Chastity was sometimes brought on at the end of the show as the couple sang their signature song "I've Got You Babe". The moments with Chastity were also spontaneous. One funny moment was when a trap door was on the stage, and Chastity wanted to pull the cord to make her Daddy fall through (As Cher did at the top of the show). Sonny egged Chastity on, teasing that she was a "bad girl" if she pulled the cord, and of course she pulled it.

Despite the fun Sonny and Cher had on the show, their personal lives suffered, and in '74, Sonny and Cher called it quits. They would return on TV 2 years later.

........to early 1970's Wednesday nites, when 8-9 pm was reserved for Sonny and Cher. The audiocassette recorder (then, the only means of preserving the show for personal use) at the ready. Looking at this collection, all the memories came back. Typical '70's CBS variety format: it didn't always hit the heights of the Carol Burnett show, but it wasn't far off; most of their opening monologues and skits are cute, the musical numbers splashy and fun.

And it had personality: the chemistry of the stars, Cher's good-natured put-downs, Sonny's tone-deaf enthusiasm, guest stars who sometimes surprised you with the shtick they were willing to do, and occasional appearances by adorable and then-tiny Chastity.

The best were the original "Sonny & Cher Comedy Hours", pre-divorce; afterward, in spite of the show's good writing and supporting cast, the stars' affectionate insults didn't seem as playful. The post-breakup "Sonny & Cher Show" left a bit of a weird feeling--especially for their hardcore fans 👋--but it went on for a while, and later they branched out into their own individual series. By then magic had dimmed.

Fans, you should check this out if you haven't seen the original show in a while. Once you adjust your eyes to the megawatt, splashy colors (so Seventies) it brings back very fond memories.

Yes, this is the height of Sonny & Cher's careers. Actually, when it ran, it was easy to get caught up in the beat going on & there were times it was cute. Cher always had an outrageous outfit showing more skin. She'd always have a put down for Sonny & he would always make jokes about her nose. A lot of Sonny & Chers repartee is owed directly to The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour as it is obvious that is the model used to create it.

There were always a famous guest or two around,usually a skit, then a song. Then there would always be a V A M P -VAMP! There was always a lot of political humor & a little give & take by the stars. Sonny was the one who made the production of the show glow. Cher was music & skin. That pretty much says it all. While it was on, some folks found it to be a pleasant diversion in the days when you'd come home & put your brain away,

Prestige wise, these shows are just barely OK, not a classic. Frankly, re-runs of this show now make you realize why it didn't last long when it ran- it wears out it's welcome about the second show. Yet it keeps going on & on & on regardless. With Sonny gone the show seems to be over. Am not sure if it is age or vanity but Cher's talent seems to be limited to concerts only now. Without Sonny to counter balance her television is gone for Cher now.

Sonny set a world's record for Cher nose jokes during this shows run. As it was a CBS hit, a lot of very good guest stars show up too.