About Marcia Studley Expertise I`m a true member of the tv generation! I grew up doing my homework while watching the classics of the 60`s and 70`s and today, they are still my favorites. I have a big library of tv and film reference books at my disposal, as well as a large video library. My memory is pretty darn good too, and when that fails, I can hit the books and/or videos, not to mention a few friends who are as devout tv gen members as I am. Please note that my expertise is with American tv only.
Television Trivia - Seasonal TV Specials during 1970's(not cartoons)
Expert: Marcia Studley - 10/29/2008
Question QUESTION: Marcia,
Please help me!!! I have been trying to remember the name of these seasonal specials that would come on during Thanksgiving and Christmas in the 70's. The shows revolved around a family i believe to have been set in the 50's or 60's0not sure about this). I believe the grandmother was also involved. One thing I specifically remember was whenever the show would return from a commercial break the screen would show a drawing of the scene and then come to life kinda as the show returned from the break. I know this soundscrzy but I have been trying to remember the name of this special for years. Keep in mind it is not a cartoon, it was the type of special like Rudolph you knew every year it was coming and you looked forward to it every year. I hope you can help me. Thanks so much
ANSWER: HI Robin,
Was this a dramatic show, or a musical variety show? Performers like Bing Crosby and Andy Williams had seasonal shows that involved their families and were classics. I can't think of anything with a Grandmother in a major role. Can you think of any names or plots? Anything else at all?
Let me know.
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QUESTION: No, it was not a musical or cartoon. definately a drama. I think the granddaughter lived with the grandmother. it took place mostly in an old timey house possibly the 50's 60's era. It was in color though. I think there might've been 3 different shows that started in the fall season and ended up at christmas time i believe. they played every year and i remember looking forward to them every year. i wish i could remember more. Thanks for your help.
Answer Wow. I'm stumped, and I love to watch Christmas shows, and the 70's is definitely part of my era. I just can't recall any grandmother shows. My mind keeps going to Father Knows Best, which did a few movies, including a Christmas one, but that doesn't really match up. There was a set of two movies called The Gathering with Ed Asner, but that doesn't fit either. A lot of movies use that sketch fade-in thing. Loretta Young actually did a movie (her last) that was kind of like that, if I recall correctly.
A few questions to ponder -- When you say 3 different shows, do you mean two movies aired in the fall and a 3rd at Christmas? Is this a mini-series, or just three separate movies? Were the movies made the same year, or was one made one year, the other the next, etc?
I'll keep thinking, Robin. Maybe it'll jump out at me one of these days. If you think of anything else, no matter how small, let me know!
