Blame Game, The: Are We a Country of Victims? (1994) (TV)

Excellent production. Investigative reporting in the most transparent, confrontational manner. John Stossel asks insightful, direct questions of people involved in all forms of daily activity. Questions relevant to the economy, politics, and society in general and to these questions he gets nothing in return. Blank stares, indecipherable babble and apparent anger is his reward. Victims will be victims, as unrepentant as sex offenders. Consider this is from 1994, 17 years ago as of this writing. As when I watch Bill Cosby's show, "Kids Say the Darndest Things" and wonder about the current whereabouts of the youngsters involved; when I watch this show I wonder about the same thing regarding the losers involved. This should be mandatory viewing in high schools.

The Blame Game: Are We a Country of Victims? (1994) (TV)

Host: John Stossel

Carol Burnett Show, The: Let's Bump Up The Lights! (2004) (TV)

Carol and crew bring what appears to be a regular taping of her classic show to an unexpected halt and "bump up the lights" for an impromptu Q&A panel. Great fun for fans of the great lady.

The Carol Burnett Show: Let's Bump Up The Lights! (2004) (TV)

Cast: Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner

Don't Try This at Home! (1990) (TV)

A variety special hosted by the comedy-magic team of Penn & Teller. The duo reveal some of the secrets behind their illusions.

Don't Try This at Home! (1990) (TV)

Cast: Penn Jillette, Teller, Victoria Jackson, Jane Curtin, Carol Perkins

83rd Annual Academy Awards, The (2011) (TV)

Best Picture: The King's Speech

Actor in a Leading Role: Colin Firth

 
Actress in a Leading Role: Natalie Portman

Directing: Tom Hooper

The 83rd Annual Academy Awards (2011) (TV)

Hosts: James Franco, Anne Hathaway

Deep in My Heart (1999) TV Movie

A white woman who was raped by a black man gives the baby up for adoption. We follow the life of the child as she grows and has children of her own.

Deep in My Heart (1999) TV Movie

Cast: Anne Bancroft, Lynn Whitfield, Alice Krige, Cara Buono, Gloria Reuben, Jesse L. Martin, Kevin O'Rourke, Peter MacNeill

Timeless: Barbra Streisand Live in Concert (2001) (TV)

Barbra Streisand's Timeless: Live from the MGM Grand is not merely a career retrospective - it's a life retrospective, and a show rather than a concert. The opening scene is 1955, with a young singer (ably played by Lauren Frost) finding her voice. As she wistfully begins "Something's Coming," the grown-up Streisand joins in to an electrifying ovation and proceeds to take us on a journey through her life: the torchy period ("A Sleepin' Bee"), the Broadway period ("Don't Rain on My Parade"), the movie period ("Evergreen"), the Sondheim period ("Putting It Together"), and the James Brolin period ("I've Dreamed of You"). She also recalls through video clips several duets before she sings "I've Got a Crush on You" with a clip of Frank Sinatra, and debuts a new song by Marvin Hamlisch and Alan and Marilyn Bergman, "Simple Pleasures," then counts us down to the new year (or new millennium, depending on your math).

Timeless: Barbra Streisand Live in Concert (2001) (TV)

Cast: Barbra Streisand, Lauren Frost, Savion Glover

Road to Fame (1999) (TV)

If you never wanted to see or hear Jerry Springer sing, then DON'T watch this. His singing voice is terrible but this show was actually not too bad, if that's any recommendation. Loaded with clips, bloopers, outtakes and audition tapes it's possible you'll be surprised more than a few times. A notch up from mediocre, worth the watch if you're a fan of all things Hollywood.

Road to Fame (1999) (TV)

Host: Rick Sanchez

Doo Dah Parade, The (1990) (TV)

Conceived in 1978 by several friends, including Peter Apanel, Ted Wright, Charles "Skip" Finnell, among others, sitting in a bar called "Chromo's" (which no longer exists) in Pasadena, as an irreverent alternative to the traditional formality of the Rose Parade, which is also held in Pasadena. In 1978, January 1st fell on a Sunday, and the Rose Parade, which typically takes place on January 1, will not march on a Sunday. So they decided it would be fun to have an alternate parade on January 1 that year. Some of the early participants were Wright as first Grand Marshall, Snotty Scotty and the Hankies, The Lawn Mower Drill Team, The Briefcase Drill Team and General Hershey Bar, among many others. It was the first Pasadena Doo Dah Parade.

From November of 1990 this is the first televised broadcast of the notable parade. The historic, now defunct KCOP-13 displayed extraordinary balls and showed this live without any fancy delays or anything. Suffice it to say, no network big or small would ever do this in the present. This is expressionism and free-flowing creativity at it's American best. Everyone's favorite Richard Simmons and everyone's favorite for real Vicki Lawrence are the hosts, very obviously working sans script but bringing plenty of off the cuff funny. This is SO much fun and still holds up nicely after 20 years.

The Doo Dah Parade (1990) (TV)

Hosts: Richard Simmons, Vicki Lawrence Schultz

Comedy Store's 20th Birthday, The (1992) (TV)

As of this writing The Comedy Store is still alive and kickin'. Should we anticipate a 40th birthday celebration next year? We can hope because this was a fantastic, now legendary gathering of some of the greatest. It's all good, front to back, but seeing Sam K. in his glory certainly brings the memories. And if you've ever wanted to see Jim Carrey naked stay tuned. Seriously.

The Comedy Store's 20th Birthday (1992) (TV)

Cast: Jim Carrey, David Letterman, Louie Anderson, Jeff Altman, Richard Pryor, Sam Kinison, Bob Saget, Sandra Bernhard, Pauly Shore, Garry Shandling, Arsenio Hall, Damon Wayans, Whoopi Goldberg

Burt Bacharach: One Amazing Night (1998) (TV)

Songwriter Burt Bacharach has been writing tunes that blend pop hooks with intelligence and sophistication since the 1950s, and this special concert, staged at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom, features a variety of major stars from pop, rock, country, and R&B paying tribute to his genius, with Bacharach on hand and leading the orchestra. Burt Bacharach: One Amazing Night features guest performances from Sheryl Crow, Wynonna Judd, Chrissie Hynde, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Elvis Costello, Mike Myers, Barenaked Ladies, and many more. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Burt Bacharach: One Amazing Night (1998) (TV)

Cast: Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, George Duke, Ben Folds, Chrissie Hynde, Wynonna Judd

Born in My Heart - A Love Story (2002) (TV)

A look at members of the ABC Network family who desperately wanted children and whose lives have been transformed by adoption. The special marks the first time Walters' daughter Jackie speaks publicly about being adopted and what it is like being the daughter of Barbara Walters. Connie and Maury, Rosie O, disgraced former ABC newsanchor Carol Simpson and others are here to share their stories. My favorite segment is a great story about a rogue Romanian orphanage and an inadvertent adoption. Just amazing.

Born in My Heart - A Love Story (2002) (TV)

Hosts: Barbara Walters, Cynthia McFadden

Conspiracy Theory: Did We Land on the Moon? (2001) (TV)

On Thursday, February 15th 2001 (and replayed on March 19), the Fox TV network aired a program called "Conspiracy Theory: Did We Land on the Moon?", hosted by X-Files actor Mitch Pileggi. An hour long program, it featured interviews with a series of people who believe that NASA faked the Apollo moon landings in the 1960s and 1970s. The biggest voice in this is Bill Kaysing, who claims to have all sorts of hoax evidence, including pictures taken by the astronauts, engineering details, discussions of physics and even some testimony by astronauts themselves. One of the program's conclusion was that the whole thing was faked in the Nevada desert (Area 51). According to them, NASA did not have the technical capability of going to the Moon, but pressure due to the Cold War with the Soviet Union forced the deception.

Some of the main questions and topics:
- The likelihood of success was calculated to be so small that it is inconceivable the moon landings could have actually taken place.
- Every Apollo mission before number 11 was plagued by about 20,000 defects apiece. Yet, with the exception of Apollo 13, NASA claims there wasn't one major technical problem on any of their Moon missions.
- The poor video quality of the first moon landings was a deliberate ploy so nobody could properly examine it.
- There can't be any pictures taken on the Moon because the film would melt in the 250° temperatures.
- Every Apollo photograph appears to be perfectly composed, focused and exposed, despite the fact the astronauts used cameras without viewfinders and light meters.
- The black sky should be full of stars, yet none are visible in any of the Apollo photographs.
- The astronauts should have seen a beautiful star-filled sky above them, yet they never mention it.
- There are several photographs of objects that are in shadows, yet they appear lighted and with surprising detail. Objects located in shadows should appear totally black.
- In many photographs the shadow side of the astronauts appear illuminated, while the shadow side of rocks appear totally black.
- Shadows cast on the lunar surface should be parallel. Some shadows in the Apollo photos are not parallel indicating more than one light source, thus the photos are fakes.
- Many Apollo photographs show lighting "hot spots", as well as a darkening of the surface toward the horizon. Sunlight should not produce hot spots, nor should the surface fade in an airless environment.
- Only two men walked on the Moon during each Apollo mission, yet there are photos in which the astronaut reflected in the visor has no camera. Who took the shot?
- Not one still photograph matches the video footage, yet NASA claims both were shot at the same time.
- Some of the Apollo video shows the American flag fluttering. How can the flag flutter when there is no wind on the airless Moon?

Conspiracy Theory: Did We Land on the Moon? (2001) (TV)

Host: Mitch Pileggi

AFI's 100 Years... 100 Laughs: America's Funniest Movies (2000) (TV)

Cary Grant is the most represented actor with eight films on the list. The Marx Brothers and Woody Allen star in five films. Spencer Tracy, Buster Keaton, Charles Chaplin and Bill Murray each star in four films.

AFI's 100 Years... 100 Laughs: America's Funniest Movies (2000) (TV)

Host: Drew Barrymore

We Were There: CBS News at 50 (1998) (TV)

With the easy delivery of Charles Osgood we are lead through the high points of the last half of the last century through the eyes of the CBS news machine. Particularly good Cold War document.

We Were There: CBS News at 50 (1998) (TV)

Host: Charles Osgood

Motown 30: What's Goin' On! (1990) (TV)

A music special commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Motown recording label. The program features recording artists, as well as comedians and actors who have been influenced by the Motown sound. Taped before an audience at the world famous Pantages Theatre, this is a live musical tribute celebrating the achievements of entertainers from the late 1950s to 1990.

Personally, this is one of my favorites. A fantastic line-up with everyone's favorite, Whoopi as our host. From the first seconds the excitement builds as a full-blown college marching band comes down Vine and takes a raucous and rowdy left on Hollywood Boulevard aiming for their eventual target, the Pantages Theatre. And no side door cast and crew entrance here, this marching band goes through the front doors, into the lobby and down the main aisle blasting and blairin'. One of the all-time classic entries, from the opening shot it runs over 3 minutes! And this is before any musical acts, before the first words are spoken. Which, by the way, are hilarious. You'll understand, it's classic Whoopi. Anything, and I mean ANYTHING with both Gladys and Patti is okay in this household.

Motown 30: What's Goin' On! (1990) (TV)

Cast: Brandon Quintin Adams, Debbie Allen, Michael Bolton, Tracy Chapman, Natalie Cole, Kim Coles, Terence Trent D'Arby, Wilhelmenia Fernandez, The Four Tops, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Guillaume, Heavy D, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Sinbad, Meshach Taylor, The Temptations, Lily Tomlin, Robert Townsend, Denzel Washington, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Stevie Wonder

Motown 45 (2004) (TV)

By Gail Mitchell
Billboard
updated 4/6/2004 5:19:02 PM ET

LOS ANGELES  — Gladys Knight’s searing version of “Neither One of Us” and Smokey Robinson and newcomer Joss Stone’s cover of the Miracles R&B/pop classic “I Second That Emotion” are among the highlights of the upcoming ABC television special “Motown 45.”

Taped Sunday night at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium, the special celebrates Motown Records’ hit-filled legacy, pairing the label’s original artists and contemporary singers with timeless Motown songs.

Co-hosted by Lionel Richie and Cedric the Entertainer, the event sported such notables as Dick Clark, the Backstreet Boys, comedian George Lopez and ’N Sync’s Joey Fatone introducing the various segments.

Though such key Motown players as Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and Rick James were missing, the taping still managed to serve as a mini-family reunion. Acts such as Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and Thelma Houston were able to catch up with former labelmates the Four Tops, Commodores and original Supremes Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong, as well as formidable backing band the Funk Brothers.

Performances taped on Sunday included Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland teaming with Wilson and Birdsong on a Supremes medley and with Richie on “Endless Love,” and Michael McDonald covering Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” Nick Lachey and Jermaine Jackson dueted on “I’ll Be There” and the Funk Brothers supported “American Idol” finalist Kimberley Locke on “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” and Gerald Levert on “Do You Love Me.”

Brian McKnight and Macy Gray were on hand to celebrate Marvin Gaye, with the former performing “What’s Going On” and the latter interpreting “Let’s Get It On.” Ashford & Simpson took part in the grand finale, joining McDonald, Knight, Robinson and Stone to perform “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

“I was there from day one,” Robinson said backstage. “To be here celebrating the 45th anniversary of Motown goes beyond all our wildest dreams.” ABC plans to air “Motown 45” in May.

Motown 45 (2004) (TV)

Cast: Nick Ashford, Cindy Birdsong, Wayne Brady, Cedric the Entertainer, Dick Clark, Macy Gray, Thelma Houston, Gladys Knight, Gerald Levert, Brian McKnight, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Valerie Simpson, Mary Wilson, Joey Fatone, Joss Stone, Nick Lachey

In the Line of Duty: Siege at Marion (1992) TV Movie

Bob Bryant is the F.B.I. agent in charge of an operation to arrest Adam Swapp and his brother Jonathan, both suspects in the bombing of a Utah Mormon Center.

In the Line of Duty: Siege at Marion (1992) TV Movie

Cast:  Ed Begley Jr., Dennis Franz, Tess Harper, Paul Le Mat, Kyle Secor, William H. Macy, Rex Linn

Cab to Canada (1998) TV Movie

Based on a true story, the made-for-TV "Cab to Canada" stars the indomitable Maureen O'Hara as Katherine Eure, a wealthy and very proper "little old lady from Pasadena." En route to a funeral, Katherine summons the cab driven by one Mike Donahue (Jason Beghe). In answer to the traditional "Where to, lady?," Kathryn knocks Mike for a loop when she imperiously insists upon being driven to Vancouver, British Columbia...some 3,100 miles away. During the motor odyssey that follows, Kathryn proves that she's something substantially more than just another arrogant old dowager, just as the down-to-earth Mike loses his natural-born animosity toward those better off than himself. Meanwhile, the authorities are at their wit's end, convinced that Kathryn has been kidnapped, and are prepared to mete out harsh punishment for her captor. A pre-Sixth Sense Haley Joel Osment appears as Bobby. "Cab to Canada" made its CBS network bow on November 29, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Cab to Canada (1998) TV Movie

Cast: Maureen O'Hara, Jason Beghe, Catherine Bell, Haley Joel Osment, Brigitta Dau, Azura Skye, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Saturday Night Live Goes Commercial - Volume II (1998) (TV)

Mostly excellent, personally would like to see more of the contemporary stuff and less of the too familiar 1st gen gang, especially since this is Volume II. Should have got that stuff out of the way with the first volume. Otherwise, fun to see some of these truly forgotten classics. If they were classics in '98, they've only become more so with time. Ably hosted by the great Will Ferrell via a fake behind the scenes look at the making of a SNL commercial. Forced but funny, like much of his work. This is Volume II, no notes available anywhere. Weird.

Saturday Night Live Goes Commercial - Volume II (1998) (TV)

Host: Will Ferrell

Counterfeit Contessa, The (1994) TV Movie

A case of mistaken identity goes too far in this made-for-television romantic comedy. Tea Leoni  stars as Gina Nardino, a young store clerk who pretends to be an Italian countess in order to impress a rich man of society. Her charade starts to fall apart though when his brother gets wise to her schemes. ~ Bernadette McCallion, Rovi

The Counterfeit Contessa (1994) TV Movie

Cast: Téa Leoni, D.W. Moffett, David Beecroft, Karla Tamburrelli, Susan Walters, Molly Price, Nicole de Boer, Holland Taylor

Return of TV Censored Bloopers, The (1993) TV Series

More of the same with a slightly blue hue. Very slight. Actually quite corny. The usual array of celebrities, Tom Arnold is along for some special bloopers from his then-current sitcom, "Tom". Fun for the record.

The Return of TV Censored Bloopers (1993) TV Series

Host: Dick Clark

Tales from the Far Side (1994) (TV)

A series of "Far Side" short animated gags, such as a Frankenstein cow; an insect airline's in-flight movie; deers, hunters, and UFOs; wolf home-movies; egg horror flicks; and cowboys & aliens.

Tales from the Far Side (1994) (TV)

Cast: Kathleen Barr, Doug Parker, Lee Tockar, Dale Wilson

Funny Flubs & Screw-Ups (2000) TV Series

Any way you want to say it, these are bloopers. New packaging, same stuff. Short-lived series that had nothing to offer. Cheech does an OK job and each hour long episode would have a couple guest hosts. Fun watch, just don't expect any revelations.

AVAILABLE EPISODES
Leah Remini, Charlie Schlatter 

5 May 2000

Funny Flubs & Screw-Ups (2000) TV Series

Host: Cheech Marin

27th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, The (2000) (TV)

This was the year of "Timmy", you either know what that means or you're not a soap fan. Josh Ryan Evans was a special soul whose talents will now elude us forever.

The 27th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (2000) (TV)

Host: Nancy O'Dell

TV's All-Time Funniest Holidays (1996) (TV)

An assortment of funny holiday clips from different shows of the recent past. Some familiar faces but a fairly lukewarm production. As much as I love "The Simpsons", seeing them used in a Fox anthology is just lazy producing. Holiday auto-pilot viewing.

TV's All-Time Funniest Holidays (1996) (TV)

Host: Ted McGinley

Mrs. Santa Claus (1996) TV Movie

Neglected by her husband during the pre-Christmas rush, Mrs. Santa Claus takes the reindeer and sleigh out for a drive.

Mrs. Santa Claus (1996) TV Movie

Cast: Angela Lansbury, Michael Jeter, Terrence Mann, Lynsey Bartilson, Bryan Murray, Debra Wiseman, Charles Durning

High Incident (1996–1997) TV Series

A fast paced look at life for the officers of the El Camino Police Department, "High Incident" takes the viewers into the trenches with the street police officers.

AVAILABLE EPISODES
Season 1, Episode 1
Pilot 
4 March 1996

Season 1, Episode 2
Till Death Do Us Part
11 March 1996

Season 1, Episode 5
Sometimes A Vague Notion
8 April 1996

Season 1, Episode 6
Father Knows Best
15 April 1996

Season 2, Episode 4
Who'll Stop the Bombs?
3 October 1996

Season 2, Episode 9
Bullet the Blue Sky
21 November 1996

Season 2, Episode 11
Christmas Blues
12 December 1996

Season 2, Episode 15
Black & Blue
6 February 1997

High Incident (1996–1997) TV Series

Cast: Matt Beck, Matt Craven, Cole Hauser, Louis Mustillo, David Keith, Aunjanue Ellis, Wendy Davis, Lindsay Frost, Blair Underwood, Lisa Vidal

Funniest Joke I Ever Heard, The (1984) (TV)

Great old school fun, bad jokes told poorly but with lots of heart. Some websites have Priscilla Barnes incorrectly listed as a co-host but it's a very beautiful Heather Thomas. Other than a terrible, long story by a friend of Burt Reynold's it's all easy viewing. On board with their "funniest" joke; Dom Deluise, Jack Lemmon, Rich Little, Cyndi Lauper, Barbara Mandrell, and Tony Geary among many others.

The Funniest Joke I Ever Heard (1984) (TV)

Hosts: Robert Urich, Heather Thomas

Death in Canaan, A (1978) TV Movie

Paul Clemens plays the real-life Peter Reilly, who in September of 1973 was charged with the mutilation and murder of his mother. The confused 18-year-old signs a confession after being told that he's flunked a lie detector test. Later renouncing the confession, Reilly demands a reopening of his case. The citizens of Peter's home town of Canaan, CT, who'd been willing to see the boy thrown in jail for life when the case first hit the papers, now rally around the youth, insisting that his constitutional rights have been violated. New evidence uncovered by a sympathetic detective enables Peter to press his case. Stefanie Powers plays Joan Barthel, the Canaan resident and free-lance journalist who chronicled Peter's bid for freedom. The made-for-TV "A Death in Canaan" was first telecast March 1, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A Death in Canaan (1978) TV Movie

Cast: Stefanie Powers, Paul Clemens, Tom Atkins, Jacqueline Brookes, Brian Dennehy, Conchata Ferrell, Charles Haid, Floyd Levine, Kenneth McMillan, Gavan O'Herlihy, Yuki Shimoda, James Sutorius, Bonnie Bartlett

Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World (1973)

Digby consumes a bowl of Project X, a liquid growth formula. Soon, he becomes a sheepdog of gigantic size!

Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World (1973)

Cast: Jim Dale, Spike Milligan, Angela Douglas, John Bluthal, Norman Rossington, Milo O'Shea

Visions... (1972) TV Movie

A professor who has visions of the future informs the police that someone is about to plant a bomb.

Visions... (1972) TV Movie

Cast: Barbara Anderson, Jim Antonio, Joseph Sirola, Lonny Chapman, Monte Markham, Robert DoQui, Telly Savalas, Tim O'Connor

Grammy's Greatest Performances (1999) (TV)

Opening Narration: For 29 years it's been music's biggest night. Careers have been made, achievements celebrated and through it all there have been the greatest performances. Tonight at the end of the century, Grammy looks back on it's highest and most memorable moments. From number 10 to number 1, we'll track the all time highlights of Grammy's past and look at it's future. Tonight, the recording academy proudly presents; Grammy's Greatest Performances, hosted by Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston. 

This is excellent front to back and another great example of a buried treasure. No listings or information anywhere short of the Library of Congress and it's an incredible record. The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin has 2 entries on the final list, including the top spot. She's #8 for 'Nessum Dorma' in 1998 and #1 for a stellar 1990 performance of her signature hit, "Respect", and it is THE definitive live version. Long live the Queen!

Grammy's Greatest Performances (1999) (TV)

Hosts: Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston

Bobby Darin: Beyond the Song (1998) (TV)

Documentary on the life and career of 1950s/'60s pop singer Bobby Darin, including photos from his childhood, clips from his concerts and TV appearances, and interviews with friends, family and colleagues.

Bobby Darin: Beyond the Song (1998) (TV)

Host: Keith Olberman

Woodstock: Return to the Planet of the 60's (1989) (TV)

This is absolutely great and completely forgotten. From the original hour-long CBS primetime broadcast, this selection has no listing info anywhere, it's not even in Mr. Hesseman's bio. Weird, man. Hosted by Howard Hesseman and featuring lost performances by; Joan Baez, The Band, Country Joe McDonald, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Arlo Guthrie, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, John Sebastian, Sly & The Family Stone, and Johnny Winter and special Woodstock-times remembrances from Penn Jilette, Robert Klein, Martin Mull, Susan St. James, Judy Tenuta, Steven Wright and the legendary Henny Youngman. There's also a funny segment with Mr. Vassmer of Vassmer's market, he was still there as of '89. Personal favorite is Johnny Winter strangulizing a bitchin' electric 12-string guitar. Awesome!

Woodstock: Return to the Planet of the 60's (1989) (TV) 
Host: Howard Hesseman

Women of Country, The (1993) (TV)

Special on the history of women in country music, featuring music performances, interviews, and vintage footage.

This is fantastic and apparently pretty rare since I couldn't find but scant info. Lots of history, lots of classic old faces, nameless to me but I'm sure emotional to others. Great music, great archival footage and best of all the words from the women themselves, many of whom have left us by now. If they were alive, female and singing country, they're here. Absolute must-see for country music fans.

The Women of Country (1993) (TV)

Cast: Emmylou Harris, The Judds, Patsy Montana, Linda Ronstadt, Kathy Mattea, Jeannie C. Reilly

Flesh 'n' Blood (1991) TV Series

When the matriarch of a family passes away her surviving adult daughter has a chance to meet a half-brother. She's Baltimore and he's from the swamps of Florida. Of course he wants to live with the her for the sake of reunification, she has other plans.  We love Lisa Darr, worked with her on "Popular" and Peri Gilpin is here too. Mr. Nielsen died just days ago, a Hollywood giant and personal favorite.

The weekly opening title scene is classically great; Leon Russell sings and it's the dashboard from the driver's POV with the garbage accumulating over the long road trip from the boonies to the destination city. There's even a LIVE mouse rambling freely, just hilarious.

AVAILABLE EPISODES

Season 1, Episode 4

King's Strings

04 October 1991

Season 1, Episode 6

Arlo and Starr

01 November 1991

Season 1, Episode 8

The Wrath of Con

15 November 1991

Flesh 'n' Blood (1991) TV Series

Cast: David Keith, Lisa Darr, Peri Gilpin, Leon Russell

Barbara Walters - The 12 Most Fascinating People of 1993 (1993) (TV)

In reverse order; K D Lang, Rush Limbaugh, Stan Winston, Connie Chung, Clint Eastwood, Jack Kevorkian, Shaq, Barry Diller, James Freed, David Letterman, Maya Angelou, and the most fascinating of all..., Hillary Rodham Clinton. Believe it or don't.

Barbara Walters - The 12 Most Fascinating People of 1993 (1993) (TV)
Host: Barbara Walters

Margaret: The Last Real Princess (1999) (TV)

Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon (Margaret Rose; 21 August 1930 – 9 February 2002) was the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II and the younger daughter of King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth.

Margaret spent much of her childhood years in the company of her older sister and parents. Her life changed dramatically in 1936, when her paternal uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated to marry the divorced American Wallis Simpson. Margaret's father became King in Edward's place, and her older sister became heir presumptive with Margaret second in line to the throne. During World War II, the two sisters stayed at Windsor Castle, despite government pressure to evacuate to Canada. During the war years, Margaret was not expected to perform any public or official duties, and instead continued her education. After the war, she fell in love with a divorced older man, Group Captain Peter Townsend, her father's equerry. Her father died at around the same time, and her sister became Queen. Many in the government felt that Townsend was an unsuitable husband for the Queen's sister, and the Church of England refused to countenance the marriage. Under pressure, Margaret chose to abandon her plans, and instead accepted the proposal of the photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones, who was created Earl of Snowdon by Elizabeth II. The marriage, despite an auspicious start, soon became unhappy; the couple divorced in 1978.

Margaret was often viewed as a controversial member of the royal family. Her divorce earned her negative publicity, and she was romantically linked with several men. Her health gradually deteriorated for the final two decades of her life; a heavy smoker all her adult life, she had a lung operation in 1985, a bout of pneumonia in 1993, and at least three strokes between 1998 and 2001. Margaret died at King Edward VII Hospital, London, on 9 February 2002. After a private funeral, her body was cremated. Two months later, after the death of her mother, Margaret's ashes were interred beside the bodies of her parents in the George VI Memorial Chapel at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Margaret: The Last Real Princess (1999) (TV)

Narrator: Philip Madoc

Second Annual Comedy Hall of Fame, The (1994) (TV)

Two hours of goodness from the same folks that brought us the First Annual Comedy Hall of Fame.


TV WEEKEND; Self-Mockery, Sincere Kind Of Flattery
By JOHN J. O'CONNOR
Published: October 28, 1994

As award shows go, George Schlatter's "Comedy Hall of Fame" has the distinct advantage of not daring to take itself too seriously. Jonathan Winters, one of last year's inductees, insists the somewhat clunky-looking award makes a great doorstop. George Carlin, in this year's charmed circle, uneasily notes that the event is "the kind of thing comedians should make fun of." They do, albeit gently and sometimes sentimentally, on tomorrow's "Second Annual Comedy Hall of Fame" on NBC.

Joining Mr. Carlin on the list of inductees are Sid Caesar, Bob Hope, Shirley MacLaine, Mary Tyler Moore and Richard Pryor. The presenters include Brett Butler, Bob Newhart, the Smothers Brothers and Phil Hartman, formerly of "Saturday Night Live" but still doing his best-of-the-lot Clinton impersonation. Opening the show, Kelsey Grammer, who plays a psychiatrist on "Frasier," pointedly notes that "even a bad psychiatrist could make a fortune in this room."

There are odd couplings. Bob Newhart, for instance, gets to present Richard Pryor's award, as Robert Townsend wryly explains that "Bob and Richard grew up in the 'hood together." Mr. Newhart insists he was the obvious choice because he and Mr. Pryor "work so much alike." The show-stealing cup goes to wily Ms. MacLaine, who, to the tune of "If They Could See Me Now," sings a laugh-and-a-tear tribute to all the comics facing hecklers, getting old, watching young hotshots take over but, somehow, always managing to get the last laugh. That's the standing-ovation cue. The evening ends on a Catskills note with Milton Berle telling a Zsa Zsa joke. You were expecting Oscar Wilde? SECOND ANNUAL COMEDY HALL OF FAME NBC, tomorrow at 8 P.M. (Channel 4 in New York) Directed by Gary Halvorson. Written by Buz Kohan and George Schlatter. Christine Clark, associate director; Maria S. Schlatter, producer; Bob Keene, production designer. Produced by NBC Productions in association with Broadway Video. Gary Necessary, executive in charge of production; Mr. Schlatter, executive producer.

The Second Annual Comedy Hall of Fame (1994) (TV)

Cast: Brett Butler, Red Buttons, Sid Caesar, George Carlin, Kelsey Grammer, Phil Hartman, Bob Hope, Jon Lovitz, Shirley MacLaine, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, Paula Poundstone, Richard Pryor, Rob Reiner, Dick Smothers, Tom Smothers, Sharon Stone, Robert Townsend, Dick Van Dyke, Jonathan Winters

Peggy & Dorothy: A Dateline Olympics Special (2002) (TV)

Special event (via the NBC Dateline crew) broadcast just prior to the 2002 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremonies. Two of the greatest in a long list of American figure skaters. Well done.

Peggy & Dorothy: A Dateline Olympics Special (2002) (TV)

Host: Stone Phillips

The Tribute The Test and The Triumph (1988) (TV)

Follows the conclusion of the 1988 Summer Olympics from Seoul, S. Korea. This is a 3 hour showcase outlining the final medal counts with video of some greatest moments.

The 1988 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were an all international multi-sport events celebrated in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. They were the second summer Olympic Games to be held in Asia and the first since the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan. They were also the fourth Olympic Games to be held in Autumn.

In the Seoul Games, 160 nations were represented by a total of 8391 athletes: 6197 men and 2194 women. 237 events were held. 27221 volunteers helped to prepare the Olympics. 11331 media (4978 written press and 6353 broadcasters) showed the Games all over the world.

These were the last Olympic Games for two of the world's "dominating" sport powers, the Soviet Union and East Germany, as both ceased to exist before the next Olympic Games.

North Korea, still officially at war with South Korea, and its allies, Albania, Cuba, Madagascar and Seychelles boycotted the games. For differing reasons, Ethiopia and Nicaragua did not participate in the games. However, the much larger boycotts seen in the previous three Summer Olympics were avoided, resulting in the largest ever number of participating nations to that date.

The Tribute  The Test and The Triumph (1988) (TV)

Host: Bob Costas

Muhammad Ali 50th Birthday Celebration (1992) (TV)

This is the black-tie celebration of the great man on his 50th birthday. Two hours of heartfelt reminiscence featuring everyone from Whitney Houston to Al Pacino to... Almost everybody is here and very happily so; the sincerity is obvious.

Muhammad Ali 50th Birthday Celebration (1992) (TV)

Cast: Laila Ali, May May Ali, Muhammad Ali, Dan Aykroyd, Renaldo Benson, Howard Cosell, Billy Crystal, Tony Danza, Charles S. Dutton, Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, Ella Fitzgerald, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, M.C. Hammer, Dustin Hoffman, Larry Holmes, Whitney Houston, Ingemar Johansson, Magic Johnson, James Earl Jones, Sugar Ray Leonard, Little Richard, Archie Moore, Ken Norton, Floyd Patterson, Lawrence Payton, Anita Pointer, June Pointer, Ruth Pointer, Raven-Symoné, Diana Ross, Wilma Rudolph, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Earnie Shavers, Sinbad, Michael Spinks, Sylvester Stallone, Levi Stubbs, Blair Underwood, Denzel Washington

Third Annual NBC All Star Hour, The (1985) (TV)

It's back for a third time with all the fanfare one expects from a faux awards show. Arm twisting self-pats all around. Ms. Carter opens the show with style and flair and from there it's all downhill.



 

The Third Annual NBC All Star Hour (1985) (TV) 
Cast: Nell Carter, Don Johnson

Big Four-Oh, The - Channel 2 Birthday Party (1988) (TV)

In May of 1988, KCBS-2 the CBS affiliate in Los Angeles celebrated their 40th birthday. This is a definitive walk through of television history led ably by the late local legend Ralph Story. A live, daytime formal black-tie television broadcast from the site of the first Academy Awards ceremony, the role call is numbing. Almost everyone is in attendance, Morey Amsterdam AND Rose Marie are here, for instance. It's two hours of that, one surprise after the other and with classic and unique video and still photo archival footage the whole thing is excellent. There is a short color POV video clip of a car traveling east on Hollywood Blvd., as it passes the Chinese Theatre you can see the signage for the then-current feature "Trader Horn" from 1931.

For those in the Los Angeles markets, you might notice Steve Edwards and Dorothy Lucey of the Fox 11 Morning News among the co-hosts.

The Big Four-Oh - Channel 2 Birthday Party (1988) (TV)

Hosts: Ralph Story, Steve Edwards, Dorothy Lucey

Love Boat Fall Preview Special (1983) (TV)

A luxury ocean liner is the setting for the ABC Fall preview of 1983. Hosted by the crew of the Love Boat.








Love Boat Fall Preview Special (1983) (TV)

Cast: Joan Collins, Henry Winkler, Gavin MacLeod, Bernie Koppel, John Forsythe, Scott Baio, Erin Moran, Daniel Hugh-Kelly, Brian Keith, Assorted

Police Story: Monster Manor (1988) TV Movie

A two-hour installment of the brief 1988 revival of the old "Police Story" anthology series. The titular manor is an allegedly haunted mansion in the center of a large city. It is inhabited by a group of police officers who use the mansion as a "rave" site, where they can drink, smoke and party in their off-hours.

Police Story: Monster Manor (1988) TV Movie

Cast: Brian McNamara, Clayton Rohner, Scott Burkholder, Claudia Christian, Mykelti Williamson, Billy Zane, Lori Petty

Prime Times (1983) (TV)

Billed as "A fun-filled look at television". This is a small piece of television history and it's very rare but it's dated. Basically it's old TV clips with contemporary (for 1983) comics making funny on top of them. Bad jokes, stale clips and terrible writing define this show at least it's hosted by the great Leslie Nielsen.

Prime Times (1983) (TV)

Host: Leslie Nielsen

Wild West, The (1993) TV mini-series

Accurate, realistic and believable. The great Jack Lemmon leads us through the wild west.

AVAILABLE EPISODES

Cowboys/Settlers

The Wild West (1993) TV mini-series

Host: Jack Lemmon

Kate Bliss and the Ticker Tape Kid (1978) TV Movie

Comedy-Western about a turn-of-the-century lady investigator named Kate Bliss who goes to the wide-open spaces of the wild west to capture a gang of outlaws led by a charming Robin Hood criminal of the plains. His mission is leading a band of dispossessed ranchers against a stuffy English land baron who has cheated them out of their property. Dandy Don passed away last week, his lights are out, his party is over, his good thing has come to end.

Kate Bliss and the Ticker Tape Kid (1978) TV Movie

Cast: Suzanne Pleshette, Don Meredith, Harry Morgan, Tony Randall, Burgess Meredith, Harry Carey Jr., Richard Herd