Ruth Lyons: First Lady of Television

Even though her program was only seen in four Midwestern cities, Ruth Lyons presided over America's highest-rated daytime TV talk show for nearly two decades! This documentary draws upon rare and previously undiscovered footage, along with comments from associates and admirers to create a portrait of an outspoken, multi-talented woman who became one of the most beloved and influential figures in TV history. Featuring the Recollections Of: Carol Channing, John Davidson, Phyllis Diller, Phil Donahue, David Letterman, Johnny Mathis, Peter Nero, Bonnie Lou, Nick Clooney, Oscar Robertson and many others, along with archival audio and video of Ruth Lyons' 50-50 Club.

• Mark MagistrelliWriter
• David AshbrockDirector

• Ruth LyonsSelf (archive footage)
• David LettermanSelf
• Nick ClooneySelf
• Carol ChanningSelf
• John DavidsonSelf
• Phyllis DillerSelf
• Phil DonahueSelf
• Johnny MathisSelf
• Peter NeroSelf
• Bonnie LouSelf
• Oscar RobertsonSelf
• Nancy JamesNarrator