CARPENTERS, THE: A CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT (TV)
Summary
In this Christmas special, the Carpenters interact with various guests at their annual holiday party, each of whom brings a special “gift.” The program opens with Richard and Karen performing “The Christmas Waltz” as guests get invites to the duo’s party, courtesy of “Christmas magic.” First to arrive at the soiree are Kristy and Jimmy McNichol, followed Georgia Engel, Gene Kelly, and the Carpenters’ touring band: Cubby O’Brien, Bob Messenger, Doug Strawn, and Dan Woodhams. Next, Karen ties to be a good party host by presenting “the gift of food” as she prepares dinner in the kitchen, singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Jingle Bells.” Next, Richard discusses with Kristy and Jimmy how he and his sister select pictures for album covers. Then, Kristy and Jimmy present the “gift of family” before joining the Carpenters for “Christmas Portrait.” Next, Karen sings “Merry Christmas Darling.” Afterward, Gene discusses the Christmas season and what he brought to the party -- “the gift of hospitality and warmth” -- adapting a humorous Irish accent before singing “Christmas in Killarney.” All join in by dancing an Irish jig. Next, Richard discusses what he brought to the party, “the gift of music.” Richard plays selections from “The Nutcracker Suite” on the piano backed by a symphony orchestra. Next, the doorbell chimes and the Carpenters open their door to find their parents, Agnes and Harold Carpenter. Agnes is thrilled to meet Gene and get a kiss from him. Next, Richard performs “Toyland” while examining old family photos. Then, Georgia reveals to Karen and Kristy what she brought to the party, some scale-model angels. Then, costumed as angels themselves, the three women perform “The Angel in the Christmas Play.” Then, Gene, Karen, and Richard discuss ”the gift of carols” from around the world before they sing “Adeste Fideles,” seguing into the English version, “O Come Let Us Adore Him.” Next, Georgia discusses the writing of “Silent Night” before Karen joins her to sing the original German version. Then, the McNichols sing the Spanish carol “On December Five and Twenty, Fum! Fum! Fum!” The Carpenters discuss the origins of “Ave Maria” before performing it. Finally, the Carpenters offer some final words and thank their guests. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: December 19, 1978 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:49:14
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:85690
- GENRE: Music/Variety
- SUBJECT HEADING: Music/Variety;
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV, 1978
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Jerry Weintraub … Executive Producer
- Bob Henry … Producer, Director
- Gerald M. Jaskulski … Associate Producer
- Rod Warren … Writer
- Ray Charles … Music (Misc. Credits), Special Musical Material by
- Carl Jablonski … Choreographer
- Adele Yoshioka … Choreographer
- Karen Carpenter … Host, Performer
- Richard Carpenter … Host , Performer
- Kristy McNichol … Performer, Guest
- Jimmy McNichol … Guest, Performer
- Georgia Engel … Guest, Performer
- Gene Kelly … Performer, Guest
- Peter Pit … Performer, Guest
- Cubby O'Brien … Performer, Guest
- Bob Messenger … Performer, Guest
- Doug Strawn … Performer, Guest
- Don Woodhams … Performer, Guest
- Agnes Carpenter … Guest
- Harold Carpenter … Guest