Television throughout the 1960s and 1970s was known for its specials, a star-studded affair that all the family would crowd around the TV to watch. But nothing quite held up to the high standard of Mitzi Gaynor and her annual TV specials.
It all started with Mitzi (1968), Mitzi’s 2nd Special (1969), Mitzi… The First Time (1973), Mitzi… A Tribute to the American Housewife (1974), Mitzi & 100 Guys (1975), Mitzi… Roarin’ in the 20s (1976), Mitzi… Zing Into Spring (1977) and Mitzi… What’s Hot, What’s Not (1978).
Gowns by Bob Mackie, directed and choreography by Tony Charmoli and skits written by Jerry Mayer, how could you not love this annual special that ran for 10 years!
Amazon Prime has released all the specials on their streaming platform for the first time and it is a fantastic way to watch a piece of television history.
The charm and look of these TV specials hark back to when variety shows were an important part of network programming. They featured intricate musical numbers and skits, it was a nostalgic nod and a way to embrace old Hollywood musical numbers for modern day. Over the top sets and glittering gowns, while the host sang a number of two and danced around the screen with a favorite star of the day.
In Mitzi & 100 Guys, there are appearances by Jack Albertson, Michael Landon, Steve Allen, Leonard Nimoy, Ed Asner, Tom Bosley, Bob Hope, William Shatner and Allen Ludden, just to name a few. All these men do a large musical number with Mitzi taking center stage singing and dancing in what can only be described as something that is reminiscent of the Ziegfeld Follies, but with roles reversed with men dancing around and Mitzi Gaynor the star.
For Mitzi… Roarin’ in the 20s, this special is absolutely spectacular. Tony Charmoli has created something that for any fan of the Charleston will love the 12-minute non-stop dance routine that features Mitzi and a number of her dancers performing a stylized show that showcases everything glittering about the 1920s, including a remarkable song between Mitzi and Linda Hopkins.
Mitzi… A Tribute to the American Housewife is a unique take on everything that should be celebrated about stay-at-home mothers, featuring heavily some spectacular gowns by Bob Mackie and some really remarkable dance routines choreographed by Tony Charmoli. Look out for appearances by Ted Knight, Jerry Orbach, Jane Withers and Suzanne Pleshette.
“I loved it. I just loved it,” recalls Gaynor, now 89. “I loved being with the people. I’m so excited that people can see the shows again.”
These shows are just so much fun, the amount of work and talent that went into producing these 90-minute specials are really astounding.
Variety TV might not be your thing, but it is worth taking the time out to appreciate the effort and creativity that has helped shape TV history and develop some really stellar entertainment that you very rarely get to see anymore.
Mitzi Gaynor and her TV specials are currently available on Amazon Prime.
