The program started on Melbourne's GTV-9 on 21 January 1957[1] (only two days after the official opening of GTV9), debuting from the Myer Emporium Lonsdale St store window, as the GTV9 studios in Bendigo Street, Richmond were still under construction.
Melbourne ventriloquist Ron Blaskett and his mischievous doll, Gerry Gee,[3] named for GTV-9, were featured for several years.
Over time, the show's cast included Susan-Gaye Anderson,[3] Bernard The Magician (Alf Gertler),[7] Joffa Boy (Joff Ellen[3]), Professor Nitwitty (Denzil Howson), Professor Ratbaggy (Ernie Carroll[3]), Gael Dixon, Prince Philip (Philip Brady), Daisy the Cow and Freddo Frog.
The TV Dentist (Renn Newberry) caused some consternation with management, by suggesting that it did not matter which brand of toothpaste was used, and saying soft drink will rot your teeth - the program was sponsored by a soft drink company, and included ads for toothpaste.
[8] Young performers who later went on to become stars include Denise Drysdale, Roma Egan, Wendy Stapleton and Marty Rhone.
Due to budget cuts, the show was replaced by Uncle Norman and Joffa Boy hosting cartoons with the occasional brief comedy sketch.