HELLZAPOPPIN' {ABC COMEDY HOUR} (TV)
Summary
Hosts Jack Cassidy and Ronnie Schell lead this updated version of the famous Olsen & Johnson Broadway show, which provides a continuous, and constantly interrupted, stream of gags, comedy bits, acts, and musical numbers. Featured appearances include Lynn Redgrave, Richard M. Dixon, Bob Williams & Louie, the Volantes, and The Jackson 5. Cassidy and Schell open the show by singing, with the aid of some showgirls, "Why Must the Show Go On?" A series of frenetic comedy bits are performed on such topics as Richard M. Nixon (spoofed appropriately by Richard M. Dixon), the Lone Ranger, Tarzan and Jane, and black safari hunters. The whole time, Rex Reed offers, from his critic's seat in the audience, his trademark barbs and sui generis raspberries toward the performances on stage. Next, the Volantes perform their unique unicycle- and accordian-aided comedy stylings. Then, The Jackson 5 performs "Sugardaddy." Bob Williams and his dog Louie follow with their canine (non)tricks. Afterward, Redgrave comes onstage to discuss her famous acting family. Then, Cassidy and Schell perform a comedy bit on the ineptitude of city halls. Next, The Jackson 5 performs "Got To Be There." Cassidy and Schell, joined by the rest of the cast, finish the program with a musical number spoofing the United Nations. Commercials deleted.
The acquisition and cataloging of The Theater Collection was made possible by The Park Foundation, Inc., and the Verizon Foundation.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: March 1, 1972 8:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:51:37
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:71887
- GENRE: Comedy/Variety
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy/Variety; Political satire; Theater Collection, The
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV, 1972
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Alexander H. Cohen … Executive Producer
- Carolyn Raskin … Producer
- Rita Scott … Associate Producer
- Clark Jones … Director
- Sheldon Keller … Writer
- Howard Albrecht … Writer
- Sol Weinstein … Writer
- Gene Perret … Writer
- John Rappaport … Writer
- Dan Shapiro … Writer
- Marc Richard … Writer
- Kenny Solms … Writer
- Gail Parent … Writer
- Ole Olsen … Based on a format by
- Chick Johnson … Based on a format by
- Nick Perito … Music (Misc. Credits), Musical director
- Dee Dee Wood … Choreographer
- Jack Cassidy … Host
- Ronnie Schell … Host
- Bob Williams & Louie … Performer
- Richard M. Dixon … Performer
- Jackson 5, The … Music Group
- Rex Reed … Performer
- Lynn Redgrave … Performer
- The Volantes … Performer
- Jack Eagle … Cast
- Lou Wills … Cast
- Will B. Able … Cast
- June Wilkinson … Cast
- Lyle Wagoner … Cast
- Richard M. Nixon