Dean Martin had as much fun as the audience during his show. That's because most of what happened was new to him!
Running 9 seasons, The Dean Martin Show's success was due to the genius execution by Producer/Director Greg Garrison, who promised Martin he would only have to work on Sundays. Martin would get some show notes prior to tape day and approve the guests and songs for that week. Pre-records were rare with most of the musical numbers performed live. Deano would appear Sunday morning in the makeup chair at NBC, Burbank, and watch a monitor as his stand-in rehearsed with that week's guests. Garrison's 'live to tape' method meant almost no flubs were corrected, and that gave the show a spontaneous feel with the light-footed and witty Martin contributing a ton of charm and some pretty wonderful singing. The show was popular and even hit #1.
By the early 70's the format changed into celebrity roasts and for many that's how the show is remembered. I prefer the laughs courtesy Mr. Martin and guests like Bob Newhart or Dom DeLuise. I'm sure he made the most of this blue-screen magic carpet setup.
The show started off with TK-41s and in 1969 switched to TK-44s. Karl Messerschmidt was the T.D. and the deep talent on the stage and camera crew made it all look like a fun romp.
Addendum: Martin's former partner Jerry Lewis recorded his show at NBC from 67-68. No doubt Dean and Jerry were on different tape schedules and they never bumped into one another in the hall
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