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PRESS RELEASE
"LAWRENCE WELK’S TV TREASURES"
LAWRENCE WELK’S TV TREASURES, is the first all-encompassing documentary about the legendary television series, “The Lawrence Welk Show.” It features entertaining, rarely seen footage from more than 50 years of the longest-running series on national television, as well as outstanding never-before-seen archival performances by members of the Welk Musical Family, starting with the earliest days of the show.
LAWRENCE WELK’S TV TREASURES is the 14th Lawrence Welk special produced for public television, and will air on PBS as part of the March 2007 pledge drive (check local listings).
Fourteen members of the Welk Musical Family are interviewed for this special, and include, AVA BARBER, BOBBY BURGESS, JO ANN CASTLE, DICK DALE, KEN DELO, ARTHUR DUNCAN, RALNA ENGLISH, GUY HOVIS, JACK IMEL, DEE DEE & JANET LENNON, MARY LOU METZGER, ROCKY ROCKWELL, and NORMA ZIMMER. They vividly describe how the weekly show was produced and tell many “behind the scenes” stories viewers will enjoy. In addition, Costume Designer ROSE WEISS and LARRY WELK, the son of Lawrence Welk, discuss the early days of the show and how it evolved from a “band” showcase into a full-fledged weekly series.
Part one of “Lawrence Welk’s TV Treasures” describes how the show's remarkable 27-year run on national commercial television began. It ends with a special tribute to the extraordinary band members, who perform a medley from “My Fair Lady."
Part two of the PBS special highlights the astonishing “overnight” popularity of “The Lawrence Welk Show” and the public's fascination with the Welk stars, which continues even today. The tabloid press doesn't write about the Welk Musical Family now, but at one time, the Welk Stars were the darlings of the fan magazine world, along with Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy and The Beatles. Love and marriage within the Musical Family is discussed and the ‘soap opera’ aspect of the show is laughed about by various performers.
Part three of “Lawrence Welk’s TV Treasures” explains how “The Lawrence Welk Show” was produced each week, from concept to broadcast, with producer/director, Jim Hobson, who worked on the show for 27 years on commercial television. Marimba-playing Jack Imel, a member of the Welk Musical Family, also served as associate producer of the series and discusses ABC’s decision to cancel the series, and Welk’s quick and ultimately successful move into national syndication.
Part four features a special segment on the humor and hi-jinks of “The Lawrence Welk Show.” It opens with a tongue-in-cheek “champagne music” version of the “Counter-Revolution Polka” and looks back at some of the funniest moments in the history of the series.
The special also includes segments from the first black and white show on July 2, 1955, to the last syndicated show on commercial television. Many of the clips will mark major milestones along the way, including Jo Ann Castle's "surprise" birthday cake presentation by Lawrence Welk, and the 500th show, taped in 1965, which featured a guest appearance by all four Lennon Sisters and their seven brothers and sisters.
One of the “priceless” moments featured in “Lawrence Welk’s TV Treasures” is from the pen of nationally-syndicated cartoonist, Joe Martin. In November, 2006, his character, “Mr. Boffo,” had something very funny to say about the Welk Show. Mr. Martin created a special animated version of the cartoon and it will be seen for the first time on the program. Also included are two hilarious “Off The Mark” cartoons by Mark Parisi and various other cartoonists over the years.
Excerpts from dozens of musical numbers will be seen on “Lawrence Welk’s TV Treasures,” including some of the few shows shot “on location” in places like Pacific Ocean Park, the Aragon Ballroom and Escondido, California. The Lennon Sisters are featured singing on a ferris wheel…Tom Netherton sings from the Goodyear Blimp…and the entire cast is seen around the pool of the Welk Resort in 1965, on the first color show.
Larry Welk, in a heartfelt interview, talks about his father’s life and career and expresses great admiration for his achievements. The Welk Stars also describe their feelings about “The Boss” and their candid comments reflect their affection for Lawrence Welk and for one another.
Underwriters: Public Television Viewers and PBS. Produced, written and directed by JoAnn Young; Edited by Laura Young. Consulting Producer: Larry Welk. Coordinating Producers: Margaret Heron and Mary Lou Metzger. National Publicist: Susie Dowdy. OETA-The Oklahoma Network is the presenting station.
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