Beach Boys, The: An American Family (2000) TV Movie

Dramatization of the early years, from their formation in the early 1960s to their peak of popularity as musical innovators, through their late-60s decline (and Brian Wilson's beginning battle with mental illness), to their re-emergence in 1974 as a nostalgia and "goodtime" act.

The movie was shown in two parts on ABC Television, and featured a good deal of original studio and session material by the band, which forms the backdrop to the story. Music that couldn't be licensed for the production, but was important to the story (such as the Smile album sessions, and music by criminal Charles Manson, who had collaborated with Dennis Wilson), was filled in with sound-alikes, reminiscent of the original recordings.

The Beach Boys: An American Family (2000) TV Movie
Cast: Kevin Dunn, Frederick Weller, Alley Mills, Nick Stabile, Matt Letscher, Ned Vaughn

Beach Boys, The (1976) (TV)

The first live television appearance of the immortal band.

So much fun, fun, fun.

The Beach Boys (1976) (TV)

Cast: Mike Love, Al Jardine, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, Brian Wilson

50th American Presidential Inaugural, The (1985)

This is the celebration of the second term of Ronald W. Reagan. One of my favorite selections from the entire archive. How many productions have Frank Sinatra as the Producer & Director of Entertainment? The expressions of love and appreciation are sincere and heartfelt, this is a joy to watch. More than a party, there are wonderful performances by Pearl Bailey, Mikhail Baryshnikov, The Beach Boys, Ray Charles, Mac Davis, Michael Davis, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Rich Little, Dean Martin, Lou Rawls, Don Rickles, and Donna Summer. All exceptional, Rickles does eight minutes and kills.

The 50th American Presidential Inaugural (1985)

Cast: Charlton Heston, Elizabeth Taylor, James Stewart, Jill St. John, Patricia Neal, Tony Randall, Don Rickles, Frank Sinatra