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
edit- ^ Winship, Frederick M. (January 31, 1982). "Nation remembers Washington's 250th birthday;NEWLN:Stamp, coin, exhibits". UPI. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "TV Weekend: Lear's 'I Love Liberty' Leads Specials". New York Times. March 19, 1982.
- ^ a b c d e f Shales, Tom (March 20, 1982). "Miss Liberty's Left Hand". Washington Post. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ Norman Lear — Part II In the Moment Ability Magazine, February 2016 issue
- ^ "I Love Liberty (1982)". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
- ^ "I Love Liberty". TCM. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ The Muppets Reenact the Continental Congress on YouTube
- ^ Barbra Streisand "America the Beautiful" on YouTube
- ^ Robin Williams as the American Flag on YouTube
External links
edit- I Love Liberty poster by Roy Lichtenstein promoting the February 22, 1982 recording
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