This is one of the most anticipated DVD releases in a long time for fans of 1970's variety shows (of which I'm one) and fans of early KISS (count me in once again).
The master quipper from Hollywood Squares was one of America's favorite comedians 30 years ago, this 1977 holiday themed hour was a star-studded affair with Paul Lynde and some of the greatest stars of that era.
The immortal Margaret Hamilton reprises her role as the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz and things really get rolling when they're joined by Witchiepoo from H.R. Pufnstuf (Billie Hayes) and the diminutive Billy Barty. Nothing matches the joy of seeing Margaret Hamilton and Billie Hayes with a large role to play in a musical comedy setting; when they are on the screen it's magnetic, two artists at the peak of their craft.
Also on hand are Betty White, Florence Henderson, Tim Conway and Pinky Tuscadero (Roz Kelly) who was enjoying a fleeting fame as Fonzie's short term girlfriend.
Most of the jokes are standard 1970's variety show which means occasionally they're actually funny. At the time Paul was appearing on the Donny & Marie program (they make a cameo here) so naturally there are the silly, arbitrary comedy sketches (like Paul picking up truckers with his CB Radio) and requisite disco-ed up dance numbers to contend with but that's part of the charm of shows like this.
All else aside, this special is the Holy Grail for KISS fans.
The Paul Lynde Halloween Special was the first prime time appearance of KISS and it's an auspicious debut, they rock out on three explosive numbers - 'Detroit Rock City, 'King of the Night Time World,' and 'Beth' which was climbing the charts at the time. Great stuff, especially 'Beth' (all numbers were lip-synced) which gets the full-on variety show musical number treatment, it could easily have been Cher or Dinah Shore in the same setting.
This was the first exposure of this seminal band to most teens; they had only been on national TV twice, once in the afternoon and once late at night. This was a revelation for fans of the band, by the next year KISS was the hottest group in the nation and I was bored to death with them.
The source tape for this special wasn't in the best of condition (it's a miracle it survived at all) but the DVD looks pretty much like the program did when it was first broadcast, so I'm not complaining.
Another great feature is the bonus audio interview with Peter Marshall, in it he reminisces about Paul in a very frank and revealing chat. He has some delightful stories to tell.
Quite frankly, I can't think of anything better to pop into the DVD player this Halloween, it's kitschy, campy fun that will undoubtedly rocket you back 3 decades in time.
From the press release: Wherever Paul Lynde appeared, the audience knew they would witness comedic brilliance and rapid-fire wit. The actor/comedian, perhaps best known for his classic residency as the center square of the famous game show, 'Hollywood Squares,” was an accomplished Broadway actor, as well as a regular on some of the most revered television programs of the late ‘60s.
But it is 'THE PAUL LYNDE HALLOWEEN SPECIAL' that best captures the brilliant comedian in a holiday special that featured a literal 'who’s who' of the entertainment business including the first prime time television appearances of rock icon KISS and film star Margaret Hamilton, the original wicked witch from The Wizard Of Oz, appearing in full witch regalia. This unique special aired only once, on October 29, 1976.
'THE PAUL LYNDE HALLOWEEN SPECIAL' is a television 'classic' in the truest sense of the word, making this single disc DVD uniquely collectible. The priceless humor is supplied by such talented guests as Tim Conway, Billy Barty, Margaret Hamilton (The Wicked Witch of the West), Billy Hayes (Witchie Poo from 'H.R. Pufnstuf') and Florence Henderson with cameo appearances by Betty White, Donnie & Maria Osmond and Roz Kelly (Pinky Tuscadero from 'Happy Days'). The show has always been the ‘holy grail for KISS fans as the super group performs 3 songs: 'Beth', 'King of the Nighttime World' and 'Detroit Rock City'
THE PAUL LYNDE HALLOWEEN SPECIAL will be available in a single disc DVD on October 2.SRP: $14.99 RUNNING TIME: 50 minutes, plus special featuresSPECIAL DVD FEATURES:Extensive photo scrapbook containing images from Hollywood Squares, at home, family shots, young Paul with his beloved dogs. This includes large quantities of photos provided by his family.A 30 question interactive trivia game based on questions asked of Paul on 'Hollywood Squares'Extensive quotes from Paul Lynde about family, entertainment, food and mental healthExtensive audio interview with Peter Marshall, host of 'Hollywood Squares', laid over back stage photos taken at the show.Liner notes to be written by producer and writer, Bob Booker
Product Description:The Paul Lynde Halloween Special aired only once (on October 29, 1976) and featured a "Who's Who" of mid-'70s TV and film stars; Paul held everything together as the ringmaster of a circus that featured Margaret Hamilton (her only prime time TV appearance wearing the full outfit from The Wizard of Oz), Witchie Poo from H.R. Pufnstuf, Donnie and Marie (who had Paul as a regular on their series), Tim Conway, Billy Barty and in their first prime time TV appearance, KISS. They perform three songs but the on-stage conversation with KISS, Paul and Margaret Hamilton is priceless.
Special Features:Extensive photo scrapbook containing images from The Hollywood Squares, at home, family shots, young Paul. This includes large quantities of photos provided by his family and heirs
Three stage interactive trivia game based on questions asked on The Hollywood Squares with a bonus feature when consumer answers all 30- 60 questions correctly
Extensive quotes from Paul Lynde about family, entertainment, food and mental health Liner notes by producer and writer, Bob Booker
**Reviews by Billy Ingram,
as seen on VH1, Trio and Bravo.
Paul Lynde Halloween Special** 
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