THIS IS TOM JONES {PETER SELLERS, RICHARD PRYOR, JOEY HEATHERTON, MARY HOPKIN, THE MOODY BLUES} {SERIES PREMIERE} (TV)
Summary
The premiere in this musical variety series hosted by singer Tom Jones.
Jones opens the program with his signature "It's Not Unusual," but his introductory remarks are interrupted by a delivery man bearing an oversized "good-luck gift" from the network. The crate turns out to contain four attractive young "birds," though Jones quickly resumes the show and performs "Help Yourself" and "Green, Green Grass of Home."
The Moody Blues performs "Ride My See-Saw," and comedian Richard Pryor performs a stand-up set in which he discusses his own birth, the popularity of oral birth control and the idiosyncratic mannerisms of evangelical preachers. Jones introduces Joey Heatherton, who performs "Satin Doll," and he gives her some tips about exploring the sites of London before they duet on "A Rockin' Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall in Love)". Jones switches to Welsh to introduce his countrywoman Mary Hopkin, who sings "Those Were the Days," after which Jones sits down with comedian Peter Sellers, who has also adopted a Welsh accent for the occasion.
Next, Sellers performs a sketch as a British car salesman trying to entice an American into purchasing a highly dangerous and poorly-made automobile that is, at least, red. Jones then retakes the stage and performs "Kansas City," "Danny Boy" and "Johnny B. Goode." He then previews the next episode's guests and bids the audience good night. Includes commercials.
Details
- NETWORK: ATV (United Kingdom)
- DATE: November 30, 1968
- RUNNING TIME: 0:57:31
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:86392
- GENRE: Music/Variety
- SUBJECT HEADING: International Collection - United Kingdom; African-American Collection - Comedy; Music/Variety
- SERIES RUN: ATV - TV series, 1969-1971
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Commercials - Bell System telephone services
- TV - Commercials - Pan-American World Airways
- TV - Commercials - Pedwin shoes
- TV - Commercials - Vanquish pain reliever
- TV - Commercials - Yardley of London cosmetics
CREDITS
- Jon Scoffield … Producer, Director
- Ronnie Cass … Writer
- Ed Simmons … Writer
- David Cumming … Writer
- John Cleese … Writer
- Graham Chapman … Writer
- Jack Parnell and his Orchestra … Music by
- The Mike Sammes Singers … Music by
- Norman Maen … Choreographer
- Tom Jones … Host, Performer
- Joey Heatherton … Guest, Performer
- Mary Hopkin … Guest, Performer
- The Moody Blues … Guest, Performer
- Richard Pryor … Guest, Performer
- Peter Sellers … Guest, Performer
- Barbie Ann … Cast
- Sue Gerrard … Cast
- Anouska Hempel … Cast
- Louisa Rabaiotti … Cast