Friday, December 12, 2008
The Most Wonderful Guy of the Year
Pop singer Andy Williams is known as "Mr. Christmas," due to unmistakably smooth renditions of on many much-loved holiday standards, specifically The Most Wonderful Time of The Year. But in my opinion, it was his holiday TV shows and specials that solidified this title.
After hosting a short-lived half-hour ABC show in 1958 featuring Dick Van Dyke, this undeniably handsome crooner became the star of his own hour-long weekly CBS show during the summer of 1959. In 1962 NBC awarded him an ongoing series, which ran, more or less until 1971.
The show took two seasons off and returned on Saturdays at 7:30PM for a final two years. In total, the show went on to win three Emmy Awards for outstanding variety program (1963, 1966 and 1967). While each week was jam-packed with great songs and fabulous production numbers featuring top knotch guest stars, the absolute highlight of each season, of course, was the annual Christmas show. Even after the series ended, through the early 70s, Andy's Christmas specials were among the most popular of the season, setting the tone and format which many others have copied and parodied ever since.
The Osmond Brothers, who Williams "discovered" performing in Disneyland made their TV debut on the 1962 Christmas show, and stayed with Andy for the rest of his run. Andy's wife, the lovely French chanteuse Claudine Longet and their three children, Noelle, Christian, and Robert all appeared on the Christmas shows. For more about Claudine go here. I guess part of what made his holiday shows so special was the appearances by Andy's family, notably his very talented brothers.
The visual of these guys singing in harmony wearing matching sweaters has had a profound effect on me over the years. Here's a photo from my annual Christmas shindig:
So, when you get the Christmas blues or are sad because you can't afford to buy any gifts for your friends or family this year, just think of Andy's warm, comforting voice and it will bring you back to a time when the TV landscape was littered with so many magical hours of song, dance and cornball comedy. Luckily some of that magic has be captured and is now available on dvd (or on your local PBS station).
In addition, Williams has recorded eight Christmas albums over the years and has performed in his own theater in Branson, Missouri since 1992. Here a great little (and totally unauthorized) compilation that I came across on YouTube.
After hosting a short-lived half-hour ABC show in 1958 featuring Dick Van Dyke, this undeniably handsome crooner became the star of his own hour-long weekly CBS show during the summer of 1959. In 1962 NBC awarded him an ongoing series, which ran, more or less until 1971.While never a Top 20 hit, the show proved very popular no matter what competition it faced. In it's debut season, NBC aired it Thursdays at 10PM, opposite CBS's ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRSENTS. For seasons 2 and 3, the show was moved to Tuesdays at 10PM, alternating with the BELL TELEPHONE HOUR. THE ANDY WILLIAMS SHOW returned to a weekly schedule in 1965, when it was moved to Monday at 9PM-opposite THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, creating the infamous "Battle of the Andys". The show then became part of NBC's Disney-led Sunday night line-up in 1966.
The show took two seasons off and returned on Saturdays at 7:30PM for a final two years. In total, the show went on to win three Emmy Awards for outstanding variety program (1963, 1966 and 1967). While each week was jam-packed with great songs and fabulous production numbers featuring top knotch guest stars, the absolute highlight of each season, of course, was the annual Christmas show. Even after the series ended, through the early 70s, Andy's Christmas specials were among the most popular of the season, setting the tone and format which many others have copied and parodied ever since.
The Osmond Brothers, who Williams "discovered" performing in Disneyland made their TV debut on the 1962 Christmas show, and stayed with Andy for the rest of his run. Andy's wife, the lovely French chanteuse Claudine Longet and their three children, Noelle, Christian, and Robert all appeared on the Christmas shows. For more about Claudine go here. I guess part of what made his holiday shows so special was the appearances by Andy's family, notably his very talented brothers.The visual of these guys singing in harmony wearing matching sweaters has had a profound effect on me over the years. Here's a photo from my annual Christmas shindig:
So, when you get the Christmas blues or are sad because you can't afford to buy any gifts for your friends or family this year, just think of Andy's warm, comforting voice and it will bring you back to a time when the TV landscape was littered with so many magical hours of song, dance and cornball comedy. Luckily some of that magic has be captured and is now available on dvd (or on your local PBS station).In addition, Williams has recorded eight Christmas albums over the years and has performed in his own theater in Branson, Missouri since 1992. Here a great little (and totally unauthorized) compilation that I came across on YouTube.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
ALICE in TV LAND
No, not the Linda Lavin comedy series (based on one of my favorite movies ever-that's another blog entry altogether), but Alice in Wonderland on TV. There have been dozens of odd adaptations of the Lewis Carroll classic - from Meryl Streep's ALICE AT THE PALACE to the star-studded CBS miniseries to the X-rated musical. Each of these attempts deserve their own articles - so I will address them in the future (maybe during a week-long Alice-fest?). This time out, I want to concentrate on a lost classic - and one which I have yet to see. 
Yes, Hanna-Barbera's hour-long 1966 animated musical comedy special entitled ALICE IN WONDERLAND or "What's a Nice Kid Like You Doing In a Place Like This" featuring the voices of Sammy Davis Jr. (The Cheshire Cat), Zsa Zsa Gabor (The Queen of Hearts), Harvey Korman (The Mad Hatter), and voiceover superstars Janet Waldo, Alan Reed, Mel Blanc, Daws Butler, Don Messick plus a guest appearance by Hedda Hopper!
Here's some great TV Guide images from the show. I think it looks pretty darn cute. Especially since The March Hare looks just like Ricochet Rabbit (sans Droopalong) and the Doormouse is a dead ringer for Pixie (or is it Dixie?)
My Christmas wish (besides world peace & financial security) is that somebody at Warner Bros. will discover this wonderfully odd program exists and put it out on dvd-maybe perhaps part of a Hanna-Barbara Lost Classics box set??? Now that would be cool.
Yes, Hanna-Barbera's hour-long 1966 animated musical comedy special entitled ALICE IN WONDERLAND or "What's a Nice Kid Like You Doing In a Place Like This" featuring the voices of Sammy Davis Jr. (The Cheshire Cat), Zsa Zsa Gabor (The Queen of Hearts), Harvey Korman (The Mad Hatter), and voiceover superstars Janet Waldo, Alan Reed, Mel Blanc, Daws Butler, Don Messick plus a guest appearance by Hedda Hopper!With original music by Charles Strouse (ANNIE, IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE, IT'S SUPERMAN, and BYE, BYE, BIRDIE) and guest appearances by Fred Flintsone and Barney Rubble - how bad can this be???
Here's some great TV Guide images from the show. I think it looks pretty darn cute. Especially since The March Hare looks just like Ricochet Rabbit (sans Droopalong) and the Doormouse is a dead ringer for Pixie (or is it Dixie?)The White Rabbit, on the other hand looks like he was drawn in a totally different style. Neither are faithful to the original Alice illustrations by John Tenniel, but most
adaptations usually avoid this high-detailed drawing approach anyhow–and I'd never expect H-B to stray that far from their recognizable brand style.
My Christmas wish (besides world peace & financial security) is that somebody at Warner Bros. will discover this wonderfully odd program exists and put it out on dvd-maybe perhaps part of a Hanna-Barbara Lost Classics box set??? Now that would be cool.Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Who the "F" is Mitch Miller???
For Danny...
Mitch Miller (born July 4, 1911) is an musician, singer, conductor, record producer and frormer executive at Columbia Records. He was one of the most influential figures in American popular music during the 1950s and 60s as a best-selling recording artist. His popular TV series Sing Along with Mitch ran on NBC for four years (1961–1964). Miller, now 97, currently resides in NYC and continues to conduct orchestras as a guest.
Mitch Miller (born July 4, 1911) is an musician, singer, conductor, record producer and frormer executive at Columbia Records. He was one of the most influential figures in American popular music during the 1950s and 60s as a best-selling recording artist. His popular TV series Sing Along with Mitch ran on NBC for four years (1961–1964). Miller, now 97, currently resides in NYC and continues to conduct orchestras as a guest.Santas Revealed -We Have a Winner!
Reader Andrew Kane correctly identified all 8 celebrity Santas.
Andrew-to claim your prize (a Dougsploitation Christmas music cd) email me at douglasprinz@gmail.com with your contact info. Thanks for playing!
Andrew-to claim your prize (a Dougsploitation Christmas music cd) email me at douglasprinz@gmail.com with your contact info. Thanks for playing!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Network That Slept Through Christmas...
When I think of the classic Christmas TV specials of my youth, I usually associate most of the classics with CBS. RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964), FROSTY THE SNOWMAN (1969), HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (1966) and A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (1965) all aired on CBS for most of the 1970s and 80s, even though ABC now airs THE GRINCH and CHARLIE BROWN. (How could the suits at CBS let those go???). ABC had it's own stable of regulars back then including the RUDOLPH'S SHINY NEW YEAR and FROSTY'S WINTER WONDERLAND (both 1976) sequels, the SANTA CLAUS double-header (1970's ...IS COMING TO TOWN and 1974's THE YEAR WITHOUT A...) and other cool stuff like Chuck Jones' A VERY MERRY CRICKET (1973).
NBC, on the other hand had THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY (Books 1 and 2-1968 and 1976, respectively) and, um...
THE BEAR WHO SLEPT THROUGH CHRISTMAS (1973)! I remember watching this - and loving it, after all I was 9 years old. But why did it fade away like so many other NBC holiday specials? I know that RUDOLPH actually premiered on NBC, but found a home on CBS. My all-time favorite MISTER MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL (1962) also first aired on NBC, but it found a lasting legacy as a syndicated special. 
This is one of my favorite scenes:Some of the other NBC "lost classics" include THE TINY TREE (premiered on NBC in 1975 - then rerun on ABC and CBS!), B.C.: A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS (1971), THE FAMILY CIRCUS CHRISTMAS (1979) and THE LITTLE RASCALS CHRISTMAS (1979). Most of these aired once or twice and then disappeared forever.
Some others like JACK FROST (1979), THE STINGIEST MAN IN TOWN (1978), A FLINTSTONES CHRISTMAS (1977) eventually made it to cable and home video. 
So where is the vault that holds all these great animated shows - and how do we get it to open??? Yes - aside from the few that are now avialable on dvd (Notably the Rankin-Bass productions) - where have all the others gone? If I was Ben Silverman (and I'm not) - I would put down the crack pipe and see what old Christmas specials I could buy back and build a block of NBC Christmas Classics instead of putting money into new crap like LITTLE SPIRIT. And so, now you know the sad tale of The Network That Slept Through Christmas.
NBC, on the other hand had THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY (Books 1 and 2-1968 and 1976, respectively) and, um...
THE BEAR WHO SLEPT THROUGH CHRISTMAS (1973)! I remember watching this - and loving it, after all I was 9 years old. But why did it fade away like so many other NBC holiday specials? I know that RUDOLPH actually premiered on NBC, but found a home on CBS. My all-time favorite MISTER MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL (1962) also first aired on NBC, but it found a lasting legacy as a syndicated special. 
This is one of my favorite scenes:Some of the other NBC "lost classics" include THE TINY TREE (premiered on NBC in 1975 - then rerun on ABC and CBS!), B.C.: A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS (1971), THE FAMILY CIRCUS CHRISTMAS (1979) and THE LITTLE RASCALS CHRISTMAS (1979). Most of these aired once or twice and then disappeared forever.
Some others like JACK FROST (1979), THE STINGIEST MAN IN TOWN (1978), A FLINTSTONES CHRISTMAS (1977) eventually made it to cable and home video. 
So where is the vault that holds all these great animated shows - and how do we get it to open??? Yes - aside from the few that are now avialable on dvd (Notably the Rankin-Bass productions) - where have all the others gone? If I was Ben Silverman (and I'm not) - I would put down the crack pipe and see what old Christmas specials I could buy back and build a block of NBC Christmas Classics instead of putting money into new crap like LITTLE SPIRIT. And so, now you know the sad tale of The Network That Slept Through Christmas.
Monday, December 8, 2008
R.I.P. Beverly Garland (1926-2008) & Nina Foch (1924-2008)
Two talented dames who appeared on TV together twice. First on Feb. 13, 1962 on THE DICK POWELL SHOW in a story entitled Seeds of April and then again on Feb 25, 1963 on PANTOMIME QUIZ. They will both be missed.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Guess Who's Playing Santa! (a little contest)
From the December 1963 Issue of Good Housekeeping, the tantalizing Miss Tammy Grimes and her eight St. Nicks.
I'm particularly fond of Santa #7. Any guesses to whom these famous fellas might be?
I'm particularly fond of Santa #7. Any guesses to whom these famous fellas might be?The first reader to correctly identify all 8 guys gets an extra special prize.
Here's some clues:
Here's some clues: Number 1 is a Broadway Legend.
Number 2 is very popular this time of the year.
Number 3 is famous for playing a character that is mentioned throughout my blog.
Number 4 was a comic genius.
Numbers 5 & 6 are a couple of rats.
Number 7 is still alive.
Number 8 is probably best known by today's audiences in animated form.
I'll publish the answers in a few days, or after I get a correct submission. The prize? Perhaps a home-made Dougsploitation Christmas cd featuring my top rare & unusual Christmas favorites! Happy guessing, kids!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Christmas in Disneyland
Yesterday I was privileged to attend a special holiday screening at the Disney Studios. No, it wasn't BOLT or perhaps a preview of some new, upcoming Pixar treat -It was a rare old chestnut that we like to call CHRISTMAS AT DISNEYLAND.
Yes, from Marty Pasetta & company, the fine folks that brought us the weirdly magical all-star extravaganza SANDY IN DISNEYLAND in 1974 came this 1976 variety special in which Sandy returns to Walt's first magic kingdom - but this time she took the second-banana role to Ed Norton himself, Mr. Art Carney.
Originally airing 32 years ago today Dec. 6) this odd gem tells the story of a grumpy grandpa (Carney) whose cute grandkids (Brad Savage, Terri Lynn Wood) drag hi, against his will, to Disneyland for Christmas. Which sounds like fun - only Gramps has his knickers in a knot about doing anything that might make the kids happy - turns out he was an abused child (he relates the story of how he was rejected and neglected at Christmastime as a wee lad) who NEVER was given a Christmas present EVER. This depressing and highly unlikely backstory sets up the story of the kids (with the help of tour guide Duncan and special guest star Glen Campbell) trying to prove that everything he thinks is annoying or fake (Christmas, music, Santa, Disneyland, etc.) is enchanting and real. How Grandpa has made it this far in life without having any fun or receiving any gifts is beyond me - but no one seems to question it, so I won't either.
Along the way, there's plenty of peppy musical numbers throughout the theme park. We visit Sleeping Beauty's Castle, Critter Country, Fantasyland (the Alice in Wonderland ride is featured, but not identified) and the now-extinct attraction called America Sings. Sandy does a big production number inside of It's A Small World (she sings something about seeing the world through her EYES-should it's be her EYE? Just asking.) and John Davidson, er I mean Glen Campbell dons a Santa suit and jams with The Country Bears. Mr. Carney also plays the dual role of Dr. Wunderbar, a "glad scientist" (my term) who places some sort of magical/technical spell on Grandpa that promises him a big prize for being a non-believer. Or something to that effect. It's a very Sid & Marty Krofft moment. There's a sweet little song that the kids sing with Carney that would be wonderful if young Terri Lynn wasn't so off-key. While she is adorable, one wonders why they didn't cast a cute kid who actually had some vocal chops.
Yes, from Marty Pasetta & company, the fine folks that brought us the weirdly magical all-star extravaganza SANDY IN DISNEYLAND in 1974 came this 1976 variety special in which Sandy returns to Walt's first magic kingdom - but this time she took the second-banana role to Ed Norton himself, Mr. Art Carney.Originally airing 32 years ago today Dec. 6) this odd gem tells the story of a grumpy grandpa (Carney) whose cute grandkids (Brad Savage, Terri Lynn Wood) drag hi, against his will, to Disneyland for Christmas. Which sounds like fun - only Gramps has his knickers in a knot about doing anything that might make the kids happy - turns out he was an abused child (he relates the story of how he was rejected and neglected at Christmastime as a wee lad) who NEVER was given a Christmas present EVER. This depressing and highly unlikely backstory sets up the story of the kids (with the help of tour guide Duncan and special guest star Glen Campbell) trying to prove that everything he thinks is annoying or fake (Christmas, music, Santa, Disneyland, etc.) is enchanting and real. How Grandpa has made it this far in life without having any fun or receiving any gifts is beyond me - but no one seems to question it, so I won't either.
Along the way, there's plenty of peppy musical numbers throughout the theme park. We visit Sleeping Beauty's Castle, Critter Country, Fantasyland (the Alice in Wonderland ride is featured, but not identified) and the now-extinct attraction called America Sings. Sandy does a big production number inside of It's A Small World (she sings something about seeing the world through her EYES-should it's be her EYE? Just asking.) and John Davidson, er I mean Glen Campbell dons a Santa suit and jams with The Country Bears. Mr. Carney also plays the dual role of Dr. Wunderbar, a "glad scientist" (my term) who places some sort of magical/technical spell on Grandpa that promises him a big prize for being a non-believer. Or something to that effect. It's a very Sid & Marty Krofft moment. There's a sweet little song that the kids sing with Carney that would be wonderful if young Terri Lynn wasn't so off-key. While she is adorable, one wonders why they didn't cast a cute kid who actually had some vocal chops.There's also a gaggle of costumed characters cavorting around (though Goofy seems oddly missing) as well as dancing Christmas trees, Reindeer and a big finale that includes a big ice-skating number right down Main Street. The hour is full of that wonderful requisite 1970s corniness, right down to the polyester-clad dancers, the choir with Farah Fawcett inspired hairstyles and Jell-O ads.
Overall I enjoyed the show - but it made me sad that shows like this aren't available on dvd for all to see. I'm guessing there's either legal or clearance issues that Disney would rather not deal with, or just plain embarrassment over some of the dated cheese factor that these shows reek of. While not as "magical" as I expected, the show totally put me in the mood for my annual Christmas visit to the happiest place on Earth next week.
Overall I enjoyed the show - but it made me sad that shows like this aren't available on dvd for all to see. I'm guessing there's either legal or clearance issues that Disney would rather not deal with, or just plain embarrassment over some of the dated cheese factor that these shows reek of. While not as "magical" as I expected, the show totally put me in the mood for my annual Christmas visit to the happiest place on Earth next week.Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A Dougsploitation News Special Report: Whatever Happened to THE CHRISTMAS KIDS???
Back in the 70s, TV talk show host (and future mega-producer and casino mogul) Merv Griffin hosted a few holiday-themed syndicated variety specials. One particular show that I remember fondly was 1973's MERV GRIFFIN & THE CHRISTMAS KIDS. This hour-long treat featured a bunch of popular child stars of the day like Rodney Allen Rippy, Ricky Segall and Kim Richards performing songs and hanging out with Uncle Merv and Santa.
This special aired just a few times over the years, but now is one of those lost TV treasures that will probably never resurface. But maybe there's a chance of a Reunion Special featuring those tykes as adults? Now that would be an unusual and possibly unsettling social experiment. I wonder if they are all still around...
So, whatever happened to THE CHRISTMAS KIDS? Well, Jack in the Box pitchman Rodney Allen Rippy has his own website and long-distance phone service. He's available for speaking engagements and is working on a reality show pilot - so he might be interested in a reunion...
Ricky Segall, of THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY fame, grew up to become Reverend Richard Segall, a minister at several churches in Texas. He also had a career in gospel music, but has recently returned to LA and showbiz! Hmm...he might be game.
Kim Richards was a child mega-star, appearing in everything from NANNY & THE PROFESSOR to HELLO, LARRY. In between, she made a string of ABC Afterschool Specials, TV-movies and Disney films-including the awesome WITCH MOUNTAIN films. She returned to the big screen recently in BLACK SNAKE MOAN and will have a role is Disney's new RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN. Oh, and she's the aunt of somebody named Paris Hilton. So, it sounds like she's gettable. Photo by Kirstin Alm.
Eric Scott of THE WALTONS became a courier after the series ended, eventually worked his way up to become VP of the company. Eric still acts and makes occasional appearances at fan events. He's so in.
Kejo Thomas was a child actor who appeared on one episode of POLICE WOMAN in 1976 and then resurfaced 30 years later as part of SWEATING IN THE SPIRIT - American's #1 Christian Aerobics Video! I swear I'm not making this up! I wonder which dancer is Kejo? Sounds like he's probably available.
Piano prodigy Leland Greenwald is now apparently known as Dr. Leland Greenwald, MD - who still enjoys playing the piano. So he might be interested, if he's not busy performing surgery or golfing.
Guitarist Randy Gray - if this is him - still rocks out in Texas. His last TV credit was a 1981 episode of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE. Sounds like he may want to take the gig.
And finally, The Robert Mitchell Boys Choir (also known as the St. Brendan's Church Choir or Bob Mitchell's Singing Boys) was founded in 1934, they were cast in over 100 films from the 1930s through the 1980s (the last being in 1981). Bob Mitchell, began his career as a moviehouse organist in 1924 at the age of 12, returned to work in the 1990s as part-time organist at The Silent Movie Theater in Los Angeles. For a 2004 interview with 92-year old Bob Mitchell go here. Not sure if the choir boys are still around, though.
Well, there you have it - an update on all THE CHRISTMAS KIDS - all grown up to be executives, preachers, aerobics dancers, doctors and rock stars! So there's a ray of hope that they can reunite for the reunion special that exists only in my head. As for Merv, he's no longer with us.Oh - and as a EXTRA special treat here's my friend Jerry Sharell performing "New York, New York" on THE MERV GRIFFIN show in 1982.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
A Lost Cartoon Classic (a parody)
The recent ROSIE LIVE! TV special was a horribly conceived and executed ego trip for hostess Rosie O'Donnell. Our friend Marc over at Deep Dish has already dissected it admirably. And frankly, I'm tired of complaining about it. Rosie's first guest of the evening Liza Minnelli was one of the few bright spots of the hour. Seeing Liza and Rosie together brought back memories of a little-known project these two odd gay icons did a few years back.
The premise of the show is this: Liza gets out of rehab and all her gay ex-husbands and boyfriends have gone on tour with JOSIE & THE PUSSYCATS, so she turns up on the steps of her good friend Rosie, the "queen of nice" - who gladly takes in the dynamic diva. Hilarity ensues as the two learn to get along despite Liza's zany antics and Rosie's "niceness".
Episode # 1 "The Puss-Hide-Ing Adventure" - Liza has a gig performing on a cruise ship, and Rosie wants to join her - only she can't afford a ticket cause she was fired from from her latest TV show. Rosie and her conservative kitty Hasselbeck become stowaways, but things get turned upside down when Rosie trips over her pussy and causes the ship to flip over. Liza saves the day by singing "There's Got to Be a Morning After".
Episode #2 "The Flowering Inferno" - Liza plants a poppy garden, but loudmouth Rosie accidentally lights it on fire while practicing fire-eating for her gender-bending stage role as Gene Simmons in a production of "KISS Me Kate".
Episode # 3 "I Dream of Sweeney" - After a freak accident Rosie acquires the powers of a genie, BUT she can only turn things into meat pies. Luckily Liza is having a soiree to honor Stephen Sondheim-only he's allergic to meat! Rosie has a hair-brain scheme to save the day! Will she succeed?
Episode #4 "Rosie's Panic Room" - When Jodie Foster stops by on her way to the Dinah Shore golf tournament, Rosie accidently locks her in a panic room. Who's gonna host the pool party now???
Episode #5 "Liza Gets Her Mountie" - On a visit Canada to purchase over-the-counter drugs, Rosie backs out of her commitment to "mule" and, as a cover-up, Liza has to recruit the locals to perform a rousing number from "The Rink."
Episode # 6 "The Old Soft Shell" - When Liza's tap dance instructor gives her a wicked case of crabs, so she must fumigate the house. Only Rosie's Tom Cruise & Koosh Ball Enthusiasts Society meeting is scheduled for the same afternoon! Could this be the last straw for these mismatched roommates??? I certainly hope not!!!
Yes-THE LIZA AND ROSIE CARTOON SHOW, a hidden gem from the Hanna-Barbera vault. The show only lasted six episodes, so it's not as well-loved as classics like CLUE CLUB or FRED & BARNEY MEET THE SCHMOO, but the show has it's small, loyal cult of fans, like Jim at Tulgey Wood and Laura at A Touch of Tuesday Weld.
The premise of the show is this: Liza gets out of rehab and all her gay ex-husbands and boyfriends have gone on tour with JOSIE & THE PUSSYCATS, so she turns up on the steps of her good friend Rosie, the "queen of nice" - who gladly takes in the dynamic diva. Hilarity ensues as the two learn to get along despite Liza's zany antics and Rosie's "niceness".Episode # 1 "The Puss-Hide-Ing Adventure" - Liza has a gig performing on a cruise ship, and Rosie wants to join her - only she can't afford a ticket cause she was fired from from her latest TV show. Rosie and her conservative kitty Hasselbeck become stowaways, but things get turned upside down when Rosie trips over her pussy and causes the ship to flip over. Liza saves the day by singing "There's Got to Be a Morning After".
Episode #2 "The Flowering Inferno" - Liza plants a poppy garden, but loudmouth Rosie accidentally lights it on fire while practicing fire-eating for her gender-bending stage role as Gene Simmons in a production of "KISS Me Kate".
Episode # 3 "I Dream of Sweeney" - After a freak accident Rosie acquires the powers of a genie, BUT she can only turn things into meat pies. Luckily Liza is having a soiree to honor Stephen Sondheim-only he's allergic to meat! Rosie has a hair-brain scheme to save the day! Will she succeed?
Episode #4 "Rosie's Panic Room" - When Jodie Foster stops by on her way to the Dinah Shore golf tournament, Rosie accidently locks her in a panic room. Who's gonna host the pool party now???
Episode #5 "Liza Gets Her Mountie" - On a visit Canada to purchase over-the-counter drugs, Rosie backs out of her commitment to "mule" and, as a cover-up, Liza has to recruit the locals to perform a rousing number from "The Rink."
Episode # 6 "The Old Soft Shell" - When Liza's tap dance instructor gives her a wicked case of crabs, so she must fumigate the house. Only Rosie's Tom Cruise & Koosh Ball Enthusiasts Society meeting is scheduled for the same afternoon! Could this be the last straw for these mismatched roommates??? I certainly hope not!!!Monday, December 1, 2008
World AIDS Day
While I hate to be a downer, World AIDS Day is a time for us to reflect on how far we've come in the battle against HIV/AIDS, but yet a reminder how far we have to go. Also, it is a time to remember those individuals who we have lost. Friends, family, neighbors and the hundreds of entertainers who have touched our lives through their art, whether it be performances, music, films, design, writing or television appearances. These are some of the many who helped shape the way I see things today. Some amazing folks whose contribution to pop culture will never be forgotten.
Emile Ardolino - filmmaker, DIRTY DANCING
Isaac Asimov - author, I, ROBOT
Alvin Ailey – dancer and choreographer
Peter Allen - singer, songwriter
Howard Ashman - lyricist, THE LITTLE MERMAID
Amanda Blake - actress, GUNSMOKE
Merritt Butrick - actor, SQUARE PEGS
Michael Callen - singer, songwriter
Brad Davis - actor, MIDNIGHT EXPRESS
Denholm Elliott - actor, ROOM WITH A VIEW
Wayland Flowers - puppeteer, HOLLYWOOD SQUARES
Leonard Frey - actor, THE BOYS IN THE BAND
Kevin Peter Hall - actor, HARRY & THE HENDERSONS
Halston - fashion designer
Keith Haring - visual artist
Dan Hartman - singer, songwriter
Ofra Haza - singer
Colin Higgins - filmmaker, NINE TO FIVE
Rock Hudson - actor, McMILLIAN & WIFE
Derek Jarman - filmmaker, SEBASTIANE
Michael Jeter - actor, EVENING SHADE
Jobriath - glam rock singer
Lance Loud - member of The Mumps
Charles Ludlam - actor, playwright, THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP
Liberace - Mr. Showmanship
Robert Mapplethorpe - photographer
Freddie Mercury - member of Queen
Andy Milligan - filmmaker, THE MAN WITH TWO HEADS
Paul Monette - author, BECOMING A MAN
Cookie Mueller - actress, PINK FLAMINGOS
Klaus Nomi - avant garde singer
David Oliver - actor, ANOTHER WORLD
Anthony Perkins - actor, PSYCHO
Dack Rambo - actor, ANOTHER WORLD
Gene Anthony Ray - dancer, actor, FAME
Robert Reed - actor, THE BRADY BUNCH
Herb Ritts - photographer
Max Robinson – ABC News Anchor
Howard Rollins Jr - actor, ANOTHER WORLD
Vito Russo - film historian, THE CELLULOID CLOSET
Ray Sharkey - actor, WISEGUY
Stephen Stucker - actor, AIRPLANE!
Sylvester - singer
Tom Villard - actor, WE'VE GOT IT MADE
Ricky Wilson - member of the B-52s
David Wojnarowicz - visual artist
Pedro Zamora - REAL WORLD participant
This is for Freddie and everyone else...
Emile Ardolino - filmmaker, DIRTY DANCING
Isaac Asimov - author, I, ROBOT
Alvin Ailey – dancer and choreographer
Peter Allen - singer, songwriter
Howard Ashman - lyricist, THE LITTLE MERMAID
Amanda Blake - actress, GUNSMOKE
Merritt Butrick - actor, SQUARE PEGS
Michael Callen - singer, songwriter
Brad Davis - actor, MIDNIGHT EXPRESS
Denholm Elliott - actor, ROOM WITH A VIEW
Wayland Flowers - puppeteer, HOLLYWOOD SQUARES
Leonard Frey - actor, THE BOYS IN THE BAND
Kevin Peter Hall - actor, HARRY & THE HENDERSONS
Halston - fashion designer
Keith Haring - visual artist
Dan Hartman - singer, songwriter
Ofra Haza - singer
Colin Higgins - filmmaker, NINE TO FIVE
Rock Hudson - actor, McMILLIAN & WIFE
Derek Jarman - filmmaker, SEBASTIANE
Michael Jeter - actor, EVENING SHADE
Jobriath - glam rock singer
Lance Loud - member of The Mumps
Charles Ludlam - actor, playwright, THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP
Liberace - Mr. Showmanship
Robert Mapplethorpe - photographer
Freddie Mercury - member of Queen
Andy Milligan - filmmaker, THE MAN WITH TWO HEADS
Paul Monette - author, BECOMING A MAN
Cookie Mueller - actress, PINK FLAMINGOS
Klaus Nomi - avant garde singer
David Oliver - actor, ANOTHER WORLD
Anthony Perkins - actor, PSYCHO
Dack Rambo - actor, ANOTHER WORLD
Gene Anthony Ray - dancer, actor, FAME
Robert Reed - actor, THE BRADY BUNCH
Herb Ritts - photographer
Max Robinson – ABC News Anchor
Howard Rollins Jr - actor, ANOTHER WORLD
Vito Russo - film historian, THE CELLULOID CLOSET
Ray Sharkey - actor, WISEGUY
Stephen Stucker - actor, AIRPLANE!
Sylvester - singer
Tom Villard - actor, WE'VE GOT IT MADE
Ricky Wilson - member of the B-52s
David Wojnarowicz - visual artist
Pedro Zamora - REAL WORLD participant
This is for Freddie and everyone else...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Funniest TV Show Ever
Just finished watching the 12-episode box set. Still as funny as when it first aired. Never have I laughed out loud as much as when revisiting Basil, Sybil, Polly and Manuel.A true classic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)