The Paul Lynde Halloween Special (1976 TV Special) User Reviews

They enjoy being a ghoul.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 2 April 2016]

Witchi-poo and the wicked witch of the west soon to be known as Elphaba take on the queen known as Paul Lynde, camping it up in this over the top special from a long gone age of T.V. Lynde's housekeeper (Margaret Hamilton) has a secret, and when you've got a sister whom you've seen ride a vacuum cleaner, I bet you can guess what it is. These two cackling harpies, who read "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Exorcist" (and employ Billy Barty as a butler) grant Lynde three wishes to improve their image, and this means cameos by such mid '70s icons as Tim Conway, Betty White, Donny and Marie, and Florence Henderson. I could have done without the appearance by Kiss.

Some dated comedy is mixed with witty one-liners, so it ends up being a mixed bag of Halloween candy. Lynde gets to change the lyrics to "Kids" from "Bye Bye Birdie", and references to other musicals gives this a very gay sensibility, although a rather stereotypical one. Yet, there is a very camp aspect to it, and it is surprising not to see Lynde in drag. Hamilton gets some really good material, actually one of her largest roles. I think that minus some of the dated references that are pure '70s, this could be classic rather than the silly reminder of why variety shows went by the way of the rotary phone.

How To Prevent Disco Coming Back

[DKosty123 · 7/10 · 29 September 2020]

Amazon Prime has posted a pretty clean version of this special. I was too busy to watch tv much when this aired in 1976. Even though it features the premiere of Kiss on tv the special is a quirky dedication to some of the 1976 era decline in variety shows. It might even have been the kiss of death.

Paul Lynde starts off with "What is the Scariest Day of the Year coming up? Election Day, and this was when Gerald Ford, an Un-Elected President was running.

Paul Lynde is one of those guys who was so unique that he never fit into anything. In the case of this special, they actually wrote it so he does fit. In fact, he throws a fit. The surprise is with the big name cast, ABC didn't find a way to get Samantha (Liz Montgomery) into it. There are some great moments besides the fans of Kiss songs one of which is spun on iit's head.

Betty White does a great cameo as "Miss Halloween". Tim Conway is okay in this though not on a par with his work on Carol Burnett. I think he had to stick with script here and has almost no improv which is his strength. Donnie and Marie put Paul "in the can" at the start, and that is a hint where this is going.

Getting Margaret Hamilton to reprise her movie roles is a real blast from the past. I warn the kids who might happen upon this after seeing the Wizard of Oz, no she didn't really melt in 1939. Hamilton never really got her due in films even though she was a really good actress. She does really well here.

Witchy Poo from Sid and Marty Krofts Saturday morning shows with her is actually an inspiring pair of witches. Now days, folks of lower stature might take offense to some of the humor with the butler but hey, this is October,1976 and since Carter was being elected President next month, things were not as scary as normal.

Lynde does sneak in one good Halloween Election joke, but it's harmless. After watching this, it's a good thing it might not have gotten high ratings. It might have killed Disco and Travolta's career before it could ever get started.

Worth seeing for Margaret Hamilton's brilliant Wicked Witch of the West reprise

[SgtSchultz00 · 7/10 · 6 February 2021]

Margaret Hamilton is absolutely spot-on in her reprise of the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz. That alone is worth enduring this hour -- she's amazing when almost 40 years had passed since that original role.

Otherwise it's campy and sometimes borders on creepy (singing about "Kids"?). And who the heck ever thought putting Kiss on a Paul Lynde show was a good idea?

But if you're a Wizard of Oz fan, then watch it for Margaret Hamilton.

Must be seen, cannot be believed

[WarpedRecord · 18 October 2007]

The planets align, the time capsule opens, and out pops Paul Lynde's 1976 Halloween special for ABC, finally released on DVD. Lay off the mind-altering substances if you watch this. This relic is enough of a mind-blower.

Avant-garde in its stupidity, the special features Paul in a variety of skits with a Halloween theme. See Paul trapped in a castle run by witches, played by Margaret Hamilton and Billie Hayes. See Paul as the Rhinestone Trucker, competing with Tim Conway for the affections of Roz Kelly (Pinkie Tuscadero from "Happy Days.") See Paul as the Chic Sheikh, wooing Florence Henderson. See Florence lip-sync her way through "That Old Black Magic," and see Paul bump and grind with Roz Kelly as she warbles "Disco Lady." Also lending a hand — as if that weren't enough — are Donny and Marie, Betty White and Billy Barty.

Of course, this special is best known as KISS' network debut, and they do "Detroit, Rock City," "Beth" and "King of the Nighttime World" on a bizarre stage with orange neon bats and dancers with fluorescent wigs. It would only be a matter of time before the band made "KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park," another surrealistically stupid masterpiece.

The bonus features on the S'More DVD are disappointing, with some unremarkable quotes from Paul's interviews, a collection of archive photos (with barely readable captions), and a "Name that Quip" trivia challenge. An audio interview with "Hollywood Squares" host Peter Marshall, however, is remarkably candid.

I can't guarantee you'll laugh – I did, though not always for the right reasons – but you're certain to be astonished. For better or worse, they don't make 'em like this anymore!

The best and most bizarre TV special ever made

[penelopedanger · 10/10 · 5 January 2005]

Paul Lynde was a one-of-a-kind character whose flaws have been amply documented by tell-alls like the "E! True Hollywood Story". What shows like that neglect to mention is that besides being a troubled man, Lynde was also an outrageously funny and willfully campy entertainer who never had a dull TV moment. A milestone in TV history, Lynde's Halloween special is one of the best things ever committed to videotape.

The basic outline is that Lynde is magically conjured up by two of the most famous witches in TV and film history, "The Wizard Of Oz"'s great Margaret Hamilton--reprising her role nearly 40 years later--and "H.R. Pufinstuf"'s Witchiepoo, Billie Hayes. He's paid for his services in wishes, which leads to bizarre fantasy transformation sequences that involve everyone from an extremely accommodating Tim Conway to "Happy Days" supertramp Pinky Tuscadero (in character!) Florence Henderson appears in various kinky outfits, Billy Barty makes dinner and the triumphant pièce de résistance is an appearance by a band naturally associated with arch-camp homosexual comedy--KISS. No, seriously, this special was KISS's network television debut! You have not lived until you've seen Peter Criss sing "Beth" to a middle-aged gay man. KISS also plays "Detroit Rock City"and "King of The Night Time World" while an appreciative Lynde flirts shamelessly. It's a beautiful thing. Hollywood legend Hamilton's bizarre interaction with KISS will also add breathtaking new dimension to any "six degrees" game you care to play. And did I fail to mention the other musical guests--Donny and Marie?

This special aired only once, in 1976. I was fortunate enough to see it then, although extremely poor quality bootlegs exist. Should the masters survive, this special should be released on DVD at once. Perhaps Gene Simmons has buried this the way George Lucas deep-sixed "The Star Wars Holiday Special"--but Lynde's Halloween special deserves a wide audience, both for its inimitable 1970s camp value and to introduce Lynde's riotously funny, uniquely gay sense of humor to a new generation. "Will and Grace" is "The Waltons" by comparison. No assessment of the strides made by gays in the media can be complete without giving this special--and Lynde--significant attention. But you definitely don't have to be gay to laugh yourself silly here.

Anarchic, unhinged, showered in sequins and hypnotically immediate, "The Paul Lynde Halloween Special" will grab you from the first frame, beat you senseless and leave you begging for more. See this special at any cost.

A gloriously ghasty mess

[Woodyanders · 10/10 · 4 February 2019]

You have to wonder who thought this seemingly doomed from the start oh-so-70's kitschy Halloween special was going to work. For starters, while Paul Lynde was funny in a very arch and sarcastic sort of way, his snide'n'snarky persona doesn't lend itself well to carrying an entire TV program on its own. Worse yet, poor Paul has to do this painfully unfunny stand-up comedy routine at the start and his singing range is extremely limited, so he falls flat with belting out a few tunes, too. Plus Lynde does one terrible sketch as a flamboyant trucker named Big Ruby Red and another equally awful skit as a dashing sheik (!).

The line-up of guest stars couldn't be more of an odd mixed bag. Margaret Hamilton and Billie Hayes as a pair of cackling witches really go to town with their broadly drawn characters. Florence Henderson sings a funky rendition of "That Old Black Magic" with more enthusiasm than ability, but at least looks good in a black sequin dress. Donny and Marie Osmond dump Paul into a garbage can before vanishing altogether until the end of the show (maybe they read the script in advance?). Betty White likewise smartly pops up in a fleeting appearance as Miss Halloween. Billy Barty finds himself on the receiving end of some pretty demeaning jokes including one about him as a short order cook (groan!). Tim Conway looks pained while Roz Kelly makes a favorable impression as sassy truck stop waitress Hinky Pinky. Best of all, KISS make their major network television debut and bring the house down with rousing performances of "Detroit Rock City" and "King of the Nighttime World." This debacle ends with a hopelessly dated disco number that's positively mind-numbing in its jaw-dropping dreadfulness. A total train wreck that's enjoyable for all the wrong reasons.

Dire 1976 'TV special' returns to haunt the living...

[wadechurton · 2/10 · 20 July 2012]

They just didn't know what to do with Paul Lynde, did they? Hence he and his 'snarky queen' persona were consistently shoehorned into ill-conceived projects; a lame sitcom, one-off 'guest star' roles, and this now-notorious TV special. Once languishing in peaceful obscurity, it is doubtful whether most of us would have heard of the 'PLHS' if it weren't for the well-known writeup on the Jabootu site (which is a lot funnier than the actual show). The 'PLHS' is more a comedy of errors than a comedy special. For one thing the writing is atrociously unfunny. That is not a good look for a TV comedy special, and neither are the flat, unimaginative direction and bizarre guests (Roz 'Pinky Tuscadero' Kelly is a talent-free zone and in Kiss' 'comic banter' segment with Lynde they all look slightly annoyed and very bored, especially Ace Frehley). Given the general hastily-written and slapped-together feel, no-one behind the scenes was trying very hard here. Whilst the result is a time capsule of the truly ghastly depths of 1970s TV for modern audiences to ridicule, both Lynde and the viewing public deserved better than this.

In a way this IS a classic

[preppy-3 · 10/10 · 15 November 2007]

I caught this "special" on TV back in 1976. I had VERY vague memories of it--I only remembered Kiss and the title. Now that it's out on DVD I can see why I forgot it! It opens with Lynde dressing as Santa, then the Easter Bunny THEN in a red outfit for Valentine's Day. It seems he's forgotten what holiday it is! Brace yourself--that's as funny as it gets. Margaret Hamiltion pops up as his housekeeper. He then does an unfunny monologue which leads to a truly dreadful song and dance number with him "singing" "Kids"--but changing the lyrics to fit Halloween. Also Donny and Marie do a quick cameo at the end. Next Hamilton has Lynde drive her to her sisters house--Gloomsbury Manor (ho ho). Her sister is none other than Wichiepoo (Billie Hayes) from the H.R. Pufanstuf TV series. Billy Barty also pops up for tons of unfunny midget jokes. Hamilton then changes into her wicked witch getup from "The Wizard of Oz"--and remains in it for the remainder of the show. Betty White pops up as Miss Halloween of 1976 for another unfunny sketch. Then the show hits his nadir (and that's saying a lot) when Lynde plays the Rhinestone Trucker (sigh) competing with Tim Conway (!!!) for Roz Kelly (anybody remember her?). This leads to another bad song/dance sequence. The (blessedly) Kiss comes out and performs "Detroit Rock City".

It's not over. There's another lame comedy sketch with Lynde playing a sheik (!!!) romancing Florence Henderson (!!!!!!). This leads to a disco number, more unfunny comedy and then Henderson comes out signing a discofied version of "That Old Black Magic". This sequence isn't half bad because Henderson can sing. Kiss then performs "Beth" and have a bit with Lynde--he cracks jokes and they stand there in total silence. Considering the material you can easily agree with them. Then Kiss really rocks out with "King of the Nighttime World". Then it mercifully ends with everyone doing "Disco Baby". Hearing Roz Kelly sing is truly---interesting.

OK this is bottom of the barrel. The material is horrendous and it reminds me WHY disco died--but this is a one of a kind. It's a perfect example of the variety show--a type of TV program that we'll never see again. They were expensive (too expensive for today) and full of bad jokes and unbelievable (in a bad way) signing and dancing. Still these shows were popular. Also this is one of the few chances to see Lynde at work. Yes, the jokes are groaners (I literally rolled my eyes a few times) but Lynde gives this his all and actually manages to make some of the jokes amusing. Not funny mind you--but amusing. Also Hamilton and Hayes are enjoying themselves and this is the first prime time appearance of Kiss. Yes--it's horrible but also fascinating in a "so bad it's good" sort of way. A must see (in a way).

One of the weirdest things ever on TV!!!

[bobbo999 · 10/10 · 28 October 2021]

I've seen this several times and every time it's an absolute treat!! Paul Lynde was pretty amazing in his own right but only he could assemble this collection of high weirdness for a 70's Halloween special...topped off by KISS!! Goofy and just plain bizarre...this needs to be seen to believed!! Try watching with a bunch of friends & turn it into a drinking game...or watch it stoned!! You won't be sorry you did!!!

Fun funny classic vintage TV special!

[blanbrn · 9/10 · 15 December 2020]

Finally after many years watched this special from 1976 and I must say "The Paul Lynde Halloween Special" was well written, funny, with wit and well acted as it celebrated the moment of Halloween all while not trying to take things to serious. The late Lynde funny as ever is helped along by his housekeeper(the wonderful and super great Margaret Hamilton) The Wicked Witch of the West who just flies along is a clever and fun spooky way maker for Paul's Halloween dreams to come true with magic. Plus good old country pal Tim Conway gives a fine performance as a country trucker. Also good appearances are given from legends Donny and Marie Osmond and Florence Henderson who lighten the mood with feel good voice sounds of music. To top it off at a party disco the wild guys of the night "Kiss" rock up the party making a hot flame like feeling fun party! Overall well done fun special that's a must see if you like old vintage and classic times of the throwback TV era.

This presentation could have brought back fond memories of the '70s

[Bernie4444 · 3/10 · 18 April 2024]

Unfortunately, it did not. This special showed that Paul Lynde was o.k. When taken in small doses; yet this film had too much Paul in one sitting. The show was stilted and contrived. You felt that you were caught up in a seventy's nightmare; perfect for Halloween. Donny and Marie Osmond did not make it into the introduction; they could have been much better presenters than "Kiss." Most of the skits were too contrived to be funny.

I waited through the complete presentation in the hope that the Osmonds would make more than a token appearance. They did not. And "the Kiss soundtrack was washed out or maybe they were washed out in reality. It was fun to see Tim Conway as Dynamite Dan/Long Haul Howard/Seymore as it made me think of "The Carol Burnett Show." The disco scene made me think of "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" or the disco scene in "Cactus Flower."

Florence Henderson sang "that old Black Magic" while displaying Dracula type fangs; you have to wonder if she grew those fangs for Halloween or if it was a fashion statement.

Anyway, enough reminiscing, the bottom line is I have no idea why other than as a historical documentary that anyone would want to reconstitute this particular Halloween special.

The casting alone make this one a guilty pleasure to watch!

[planktonrules · 29 May 2014]

If there was some sort of award for the weirdest casting ever for a TV special, surely "The Paul Lynde Halloween Special" would take it! Think about it….Lynde's guests were Margaret Hamilton (of The Wizard of Oz fame), Billie Hayes ('Witchiepoo' from "H.R. Pufnstuf"), Florence Henderson, Billy Barty, Betty White, Donny and Marie Osmond…and KISS!!! It seemed as if some producer simply closed their eyes and picked celebrities out of a hat!! So is this strange mélange any good? Nah… it's pure crap!

I have nothing against the host, Paul Lynde. In his own may, he had a niche—whether as the center square on the American TV show The Hollywood Squares, as the befuddled father in Bye, Bye Birdie or playing the deliberately annoying Uncle Arthur on Bewitched. However, no one would say that he was a man who could do it all. Yet, oddly, here in the special Lynde was given EVERYTHING to do—from comedy, singing, stand-up and playing the great, straight lover. None of them worked very well but the worst was definitely his attempt at stand-up at the beginning of the show. This routine wouldn't have worked even if Jerry Seinfeld or Henny Youngman had delivered it—and having a non-stand-up guy like Lynde deliver it was downright painful—especially since the laugh track was horrid. EVERYTHING he said was unfunny and every line he delivered resulted in loud guffaws from the laugh track! It was a combination of embarrassing and awful at the same time.

There were a few skits as well—all of which were painfully bad. The most difficult to watch had Lynde playing a rhinestone bedazzled trucker who inexplicably was stuck on a trashy waitress and had to battle against Tim Conway and Billy Barty for her love. Seeing him in this jumpsuit was simply amazing…and hard to describe in its awfulness. You just have to see it to believe it!

Did it get any better? Mostly, no, it didn't. There was a lot of singing and Lynde's singing range was very, very limited—and he's clearly out of his range with "Kids" and "Disco Baby"! Florence Henderson, who possessed a nice voice, wasn't much better with "That 'Ol Black Magic" because the song and style just weren't suited to her talents. As for Donnie and Marie, they inexplicably didn't sing(!) and only KISS came off well—and sang some of their best tunes ("Detroit Rock City", "Beth" and "King of the Nighttime World"). In fact, that is why I was generous enough to score this one an F+--their tunes, though inappropriate for this lame show, were definitely the highlights and hold up pretty well today. Even if you hate KISS, I can't see anyone disliking the song "Beth".

Overall, the humor and entertainment in this tacky confection were just dreadful—even by 1970s standards. I would place this in the same category as "The Brady Variety Hour" (once "The Brady Bunch" was canceled the network execs decided to give them a variety show) and "Pink Lady and Jeff" (Pink Lady was a musical duo who didn't speak English) as among the worst of the era. The only worse and more painful excuse of a show I can recall from that same time period was the god- awful "Star Wars Holiday Special". It's all just too weird, disjoint and awful to be believed—and that's why I'd love you to see it! And, if insist on treating yourself to this mess of a show, it is available from Amazon.com.