The shows on disc one were taped in front of a live studio audience in London, and aired in the United States on Tuesday nights in 1969.The Disc presents The Best of The Liberace Show, so what’s included here is presumably some of the best the series had to offer, and not complete episodes. Liberace starts things off by playing “Lover.” Directly thereafter, guest Phyllis Diller arrives with a massive wardrobe, and eventually does one of her patented routines involving her husband Fang. From there, Phyllis and Liberace kid around on the piano. This is followed up by a rather cheesy production number that was pretty standard for variety shows of the time. Liberace then returns to the piano, where he plays a spirited version of “Tea for Two” followed by a “Liszt Concerto in C Major,” “The Impossible Dream,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and The Last Time I Saw Paris.”
Country personality Minnie Pearl stops by with the price tag firmly attached to her hat. Frankly, I always found Ms. Pearl a tad annoying, but she was a huge personality when I was a child, I remember seeing her on Hee Haw regularly. Minnie joins Liberace for a duet, about themselves (you have to see it to understand it.
Actress Eve Arden comes calling, and offers Liberace some decorating advice. Man, I never realized how hokey some of these variety shows were! Ms. Arden says Lee’s Candelabra has got to go! After Eve leaves, Lee sits down at the piano and plays “Tchaikovsky Concerto in B-Flat Minor>” Watching Liberace play pieces like this really reminds viewers what a talented musician he was underneath all the stage antics.
Guest Eva Gabor (Green Acres) stops by and the two re-imagine Romeo & Juliet. The skit is actually slightly cute. The two also sing/talk a little diddy at the piano. Liberace returns to the stage for a rather lovely George Gerswhin medley. Entertainer Rolf Harris does his three legged man routine and Liberace closes the disc out by performing “The Blue Danube,” Theme from Exodus” and Chopsticks.”
Disc two begins with a visit from comedian George Gobel who was one of the funniest guys of the era. Let’s just say he had one heck of an adventure getting over to London to visit Lee! From there, the two of them sit down and discuss dentists. The two men them do a rather memorable “musical” number. We then get another one of the rather forgettable production numbers featuring Gobel and singer/actress Trisha Noble.
Liberace takes the stage to play some classical pieces, and then moves on to “The Look of Love,” and “The Tiger Rag.” With that, comedian Jack Benny arrives, violin in hand. Jack leaves, and lee plays a neat version of the popular tune “Mack the Knife.” Jack Benny returns in sequined jacket and he and Lee do the funny duet you would expect.
Liberace takes the stage to perform “Moonlight Sonata” & “How Insensitive.” He then performs “Boogie Woogie” and “People.” We then get a production number featuring Larry Storch, Cliff Richard, Tessie O’Shea, and Janie Marden. Liberace’s mom appears! And he wraps things up with a Spanish medley.
One of the reasons Liberace was so popular was because he had so much fun with what he was doing. He knew the candelabra and his outfits were over the top; he was in on the joke. Liberace never took himself too seriously, except when it came to maintaining a high level of piano playing skill.
A full screen presentation, there’s a message at the beginning stating that the video has been cleaned up as much as possible, but some age issues remain. That being said, the colors tend to look a bit faded at times, and the image a bit soft.
The Dolby Digital Soundtrack does an okay job with all the musical performances, just don’t expect the ‘full ‘ sound you’d get with newer titles, as things sound a bit tinny at times. Dialogue is clear throughout.
The following special features are available:
- Liberace’s Home Movies (15:38) Shot by Liberace’s brother George and others, these silent movies show the entertainer in Vegas and other locales, at work and play.
- Liberace’s Wild Wardrobe (5:34) A brief look at some of the extravagant outfits Liberace wore throughout his career.
- The History of the Piano (17:34) In this black and white piece, Liberace takes us through the history of the piano, from 1700 to the modern instrument. Along the way, he plays a little music from various periods.
