I Love Liberty

From The Right Wiki
Revision as of 22:58, 20 October 2024 by imported>Citation bot (Added title. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Jay8g | #UCB_toolbar)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to navigationJump to search

I Love Liberty was an American television special broadcast on ABC on March 21, 1982, as a patriotic variety show. The event was filmed in the Los Angeles Sports Arena on February 22, 1982, and was promoted as being a part of the commemoration of first U.S. President George Washington's 250th birthday.[1] Created by Norman Lear and his organization People for the American Way,[2][3][4] it was billed as a "salute to freedom". Former U.S. Lady Lady Bird Johnson and former U.S. President Gerald Ford served as the event's co-chairs.[5] Celebrity guests included Dionne Warwick, Helen Reddy, Desi Arnaz Jr., Kristy McNichol, Patty Duke, Jane Fonda, Burt Lancaster, Walter Matthau, Mary Tyler Moore,[6] and Christopher Reeve.[7] Segments included The Muppets offering a comic reenactment of the Second Continental Congress[8] and Barbra Streisand performing "America the Beautiful" with the U.S. Air Force Band;[9][4] however, this was taped separately in England.[4] Another notable moment from the special was a monologue Robin Williams delivered where he impersonated the U.S. flag.[4][10] Washington Post television critic Tom Shales described I Love Liberty as "America's first left-wing patriotic rally".[4] However, influential conservative Republican Barry Goldwater was also among the guests at event, having the role of introducing a production number which was performed by 1,600 people, including baton twirlers, unicyclists and five marching bands.[4]

References

  1. Winship, Frederick M. (January 31, 1982). "Nation remembers Washington's 250th birthday;NEWLN:Stamp, coin, exhibits". UPI. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  2. "Norman Lear's 'I Love Liberty': patriotism and family fun; Also, British invade US sitcoms with the sometimes-witty, early 1900s adventure series 'Q.E.D.'". Christian Science Monitor. March 19, 1982.
  3. "TV Weekend: Lear's 'I Love Liberty' Leads Specials". New York Times. March 19, 1982.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Shales, Tom (March 20, 1982). "Miss Liberty's Left Hand". Washington Post. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  5. Norman Lear — Part II In the Moment Ability Magazine, February 2016 issue
  6. "I Love Liberty (1982)". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  7. "I Love Liberty". TCM. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  8. The Muppets Reenact the Continental Congress on YouTube
  9. Barbra Streisand "America the Beautiful" on YouTube
  10. Robin Williams as the American Flag on YouTube

External links