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The Woody Allen Special

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Wikipedia article




'The Woody Allen Special' is a television special that premiered on CBS on September 21, 1969, starring stand-up comedian Woody Allen. Allen hosted and wrote the television special show in which he opens with a standup monologue and acts in a series of comedy skits alongside actress Candice Bergen. He also has a conversation with guest and southern Baptist preacher The Reverend Billy Graham as they talk about religion, faith, and each other. The musical group The 5th Dimension serves as the musical guest.

Cast



* Woody Allen as host

* Candice Bergen as various roles

* The 5th Dimension as musical guest

* Billy Graham as special guest

* Barney Martin

* Tony Randall

Summary



The special opens with a standup monologue routine given by Allen where he talks about growing up in brooklyn, his relatives, sex, death, and his recent Broadway work with 'Play It Again, Sam'.

Following features three sketchs starring Allen and Bergen:

* Play rehearsal sketch

* "Cupid's Shaft"

* "An Original Folk Tale"

Allen shows a short film he directed in form of a silent movie, similar to that of Charlie Chaplin or Harold Lloyd.

The 5th Dimension plays a medley of their hits "Workin' On A Groovy Thing" and "Wedding Bell Blues.

Following that Allen has a respectful yet comedic conversation with guest Billy Graham.

Production



In 1969, Allen was fresh off his Broadway play 'Play it Again, Sam' and his directorial debut film 'Take the Money and Run' and was able to write and star in this special for CBS.

Reception



In NPR critic David Bianculli's review of 'Woody Allen: A Documentary', he wrote that he wished it had covered Allen's TV work including "the brilliant 1969 special".

Ramsey Ess wrote a piece on the special in 'Vulture' describing it as "A very strange combination of elements" and that "The Woody Allen Special was a variety show in every sense of the word.". Ess criticized some of the sketches writing that they "overstay their welcome, and the nude actor sketch doesnt really have an ending, but when Woody lands a solid joke, theres no stopping him. Luckily there are enough of those to make it worth your while." He did however praise the standup material and the conversation with Billy Graham writing, "Its one of the strangest pairings in all of television and it makes for some really compelling watching."

References



Category:1969 American television series debuts

Category:1960s American sketch comedy television series

Category:1970s American sketch comedy television series

Category:1960s American variety television series

Category:1970s American variety television series

Category:CBS original programming

Category:English-language television shows

Category:Variety shows

Category:Woody Allen

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