Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Perry Como's Christmas Show



Somebody got it right!
This is one of the most memorable Christmas television specials from the 1970's and I am thrilled that somebody saw fit to release this on DVD! Perry Como, himself a music icon, was fortunate enough to secure the hottest American music act of the 1970's -- The Carpenters. They were and still remain the most successful brother and sister act in music history! Karen Carpenter introduced more standards in American popular music than any other female vocalist of the decade, and in this classic TV Special, Como generously features the young superstar throughout.

Among the musical highlights: Karen, Perry and Richard perform a medley of their respective hits, including "Catch A Falling Star," "Yesterday Once More," "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes," "Close To You" and a stunning rendition of "It's Impossible" from Karen, who was twenty-four at the time. Christmas songs include "Sleep Well Little Children" from both Karen and Perry, the Carpenters' then new Christmas single...

A Joyous Christmas treat for your stocking
Perry Como's Christmas Show broadcast on December 17, 1974 is a real treat. Perry's guests are The Carpenters, Peggy Fleming and Rich Little. The musical numbers are excellent and much of the comedy comes from impressionist Rich Little who during the course of the show impersonates Raymond Burr, Jackie Gleason, Howard Cosell, Johnny Carson, John Wayne & Perry himself. But the funniest and cutest moment is when he impersonates Jack Benny playing Santa Claus and the surprised and totally ad-libbed reaction of a little girl to a joke. But as always the best moments are the musical numbers (as well as Peggy Fleming's wonderful skaing solos) and Perry's telling of the First Christmas.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...Perry
Toyland....Perry
Christmas Waltz...Peggy Fleming
It's Christmas Time/It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas...All
Carol of the Bells....Richard Carpenter
Sleep Well, Little Children....Perry, Karen Carpenter
Santa...

Long overdue release of a holiday treasure!
This 1974 special is one in a long series of Como's traditional holiday shows which he began presenting on TV in 1948. The annual tradition continued until the mid 1980s although he did a final show from Ireland in the 1990s.

The guest stars include Rich Little and Peggy Fleming but for me The Carpenters really stand out. Particularly memorable is a medley with Perry and Karen where they share singing some of their most popular favorites. The DVD runs a total of 80 min. and the extras include a present-day Richard Carpenter talking about Como's TV career and the admiration he and Karen had for him.

It should be noted that very few complete Como shows have been available on home video and I believe this to be the first to be given an official DVD release. With this greatly anticipated event, frustrated Como fans might finally have reason to hope that more may be coming before too long.

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