Mary Hartline Show, The – Nostalgia Central

1 9 5 1 (USA)
78 x 15 minute episodes

Mary Hartline, the baton twirler from Super Circus, had starred in her own local children’s show since 1950 on WENR in Chicago.

The show went national in 1951, originally airing on ABC five days a week between 12 February and 2 March 1951.

Children in the studio sang and played contests with Mary and her pianist Chet Roble to win dolls, toys and items of clothing, and home viewers might get a “surprise” call from Hardine, who asked them a song question, with a correct answer winning a small prize.

Between 13 April and 3 May, the show aired on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with another children’s series, Ozmoe, broadcast on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mary’s show returned to five days a week on 16 April and ran until 15 June.

With her long blonde hair, shapely legs, and daring (for the era) sequinned drum majorette outfits, Mary Hartline was the main reason why many young boys – and their fathers – tuned in.

Mary died on 12 August 2020 at her home in Hillsboro, Illinois. She was 92.

Mary Hartline
Chet Roble