Perry Como hosts this Special broadcast preceding the 49th annual Academy Awards broadcast on ABC television.
A salute to nominated and Oscar-winning songs of the past. Beginning with the music that accompanied silent films and continuing with the spectacular scores of today's films, the music that has become such an important part of the motion picture industry is highlighted in this exciting and imaginative tribute.
Sandy Duncan opens the show.
Henri Mancini discusses how his music made Peter Sellers look funny in The Pink Panther. He uses a film clip ("Inspector Clouseau") to demonstrate. Mancini plays "Days of Wine and Roses" with Perry Como singing the lyrics.
And in addition Como sings "They Can't Take that Away from Me," and "Temptation."
We hear a recording of Bing Crosby singing "Temptation."
There is a song and dance number by Hal Linden set to "Lullaby of Broadway" and staged in the style of Busby Berkeley.
The one feature Perry Como made, "Doll Face," is remembered with a clip of Como singing and dancing to "Hubba-Hubba-Hubba."
Shirley Jones sings "Watch What Happens," and "I Feel a Song Comin' On."
Additional Highlights:
Medley of Oscar winners----------------------------Entire Cast takes turns singing the Oscars great songs of the past.
"Hooray for Hollywood," Theme from "Love Story," "Smile,"
"They Can't Take That Away from Me," "Temptation," "The Way We Were,"The Shadow of your Smile," "Gigi." :Buttons and Bows," "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head," "White Christmas," "The Way you Look Tonight," "Que Sera, Sera," "Moonriver,"
"The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe."
Contains a half dozen original commercials done by Perry Como, and promoting the many television, phone, lighting and electronic products available through GE. Pete Maravich does a spot describing how GE Sylvania light bulbs (12,000) are use to light up a basketball stadium.