Movielogr
The Paul Lynde Halloween Special (1976)
Directed by Sid Smith
Twitter Facebook Google+Overview
A Halloween-themed television special starring Paul Lynde which aired only once on October 29, 1976 on ABC. It features guest stars including Margaret Hamilton (who reprises her role as the Wicked Witch of the West), Billie Hayes (as Witchiepoo from H.R. Pufnstuf), Tim Conway, Roz Kelly, Florence Henderson, rock band KISS, Billy Barty, Betty White and, in an unbilled surprise appearance, Donny and Marie Osmond.
Rated PG | Length 50 minutes
Actors
Paul Lynde | Florence Henderson | Margaret Hamilton | Billie Hayes | Billy Barty | Tim Conway | Betty White | Paul Stanley | Ace Frehley | Peter Criss | Gene Simmons | Donny Osmond | Marie Osmond | Roz Kelly
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/31/2019 | TV | Streaming | Video on Demand | 6 stars |
| (Average) 6 stars |
Viewing Notes
So wild to watch this now. I’ve been wanting to catch up with for a long while but NightFlight tweeted about it being available on their platform but I was sure it was on YT b/c I’ve seen it there before (but didn’t actually view the entire special). Oddly, even tho I did watch this the night it aired in 1976 and recall it vividly b/c it seemed like such a cool tv special (it has KISS!! it has Witchiepoo!!) I’m not all that nostalgic for it. But I do like seeing Witchiepoo (Billy Hayes) as she was one of my favorite Sid & Marty Krofft characters. Didn’t remember that she was in this along w/the Wicked Witch from Wizard of Oz (Margaret Hamilton).
This was an ABC deal so they also enlisted Roz Kelly (Pinky Tuscadero from Happy Days) and there’s a brief cameo by Donnie and Marie. Of course the big deal for me at the time was KISS during the time when they really blew up (they were already big but their single “Beth” which was a b-side that took off).
What’s so strange about this tv special is that KISS is just lip-syncing their songs, which are also abbreviated versions. It’s painfully obvious they aren’t singing or playing their instruments. When Peter Criss performs “Beth” at the piano he’s not even mic’d. And it’s hilarious when they pull back and the rest of the band is standing around him. The interview that Paul Lynde does w/the band is super awkward. During the final music/dance routine they cut to KISS sitting in a balcony clearly bored. Curious how their appearance came to be for this variety special.
What’s also bizarre is that there doesn’t seem to be a live studio audience. Never one hint that they did this special in front of a crowd. Of course there is a canned laugh track throughout to make believe an audience is there yet no visible cues. Most of the humor isn’t funny but I love the attempt and effort esp. from the two witches. Even Billy Barty is in this!
Even if this isn’t so great it’s still a fun curiosity piece to view and a total time capsule when variety shows were a big deal.
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