GENRE:
Stand-up Comedy / Variety special
WRITTEN BY:
Woody Allen, Marshall Brickman, Mickey Rose
DIRECTED BY:
Dwight Hemion
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Gary Smith
PRODUCERS:
Dwight Hemion, Lee Miller
EDITOR:
Jack Shultis
RUNNING TIME:
52 minutes
ORIGINAL NETWORK:
NBC
ORIGINAL RELEASE:
December 27, 1967

PREMISE

The special starts with a monologue from Allen followed by a satirical skit featuring Allen and Minnelli as a husband and wife clashing over the latest fashion, mini skirts. This is followed by another comedy skit. Allen then interviews the special guest William F. Buckley, Jr and they discuss the current issues including the Middle East, Disco techs, fashion, politics, religion, and the possibility that Sen. Robert F. Kennedy might run for president. The audience does take part in a Q and A portion with Allen and Buckley.[2]

Musical highlights include Franklin singing “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” and “Chain of Fools” with Minnelli performing a special rendition of “Feelin’ Groovy” and “My Beautiful Balloon”. The program concludes with a spoof of what Allen stated was the best film of 1967 Bonnie and Clyde, entitled “Bonnie’s Clyde,“with Allen as Clyde and Minnelli as Bonnie.[3]

CAST & CREW

Woody Allen
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Host
Liza Minnelli
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Various Roles/Musical Guest
Aretha Franklin
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Musical Guest
William F. Buckley
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Guest
John Byner
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Various Roles