Raquel! (TV program)

Raquel!
Tonight, Raquel Welch entertains Bob Hope, John Wayne, Tom Jones (and vice versa) You're invited!
Created by	David Winters
Written by	Doug Tibbles. Larry Alexander, Jonathan Axelrod
Directed by	David Winters
Starring	Raquel Welch, Tom Jones, Bob Hope, John Wayne
Theme music composer	Don Randi
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
Production
Producer(s)	David Winters
Editor(s)	Erwin Dumbrille John A. Martinelli
Running time	48 min
Release
Original network	CBS
Original release	April 26, 1970

Raquel! was an April 26, 1970 CBS television special starring Raquel Welch, Tom Jones, Bob Hope and John Wayne executive produced, directed and choreographed by David Winters produced by Winters' company Winters-Rosen for CBS-TV, originally co-sponsored by Coca-Cola and Motorola. On the day of the premiere, the show received a 51% share on the National ARB Ratings and an impressive Overnight New York Nielsen Rating of 58% share.^[1][2][3][4]

The production

Raquel! was filmed in London, Paris, Acapulco, Mexico City, Yucatan, Big Sur, and Los Angeles and featured lavish production numbers. It marked Welch's debut special on television. Together Welch and Jones combined musical and comedic talents on classic rock 'n' roll standards of the era. During the opening montage there was a scene in which Raquel in her space bikini, appeared to be with space men.^[5]

Although Welch sings throughout the show, she briefly recites The Lady of Shallot, a Victorian poem or ballad by the English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–1892).^[6]

The special, considered by some to be a classic '70s timepiece, unites pop-culture icons in their prime. The multimillion-dollar, TV song & dance extravaganza was filmed around the world - from Paris to Mexico. Lavish production numbers of classic songs from the era, extravagant Bob Mackie -designed costumes and notable guest performances. Tom Jones was nearly a co-star, as he sang the long medley of Little Richard and Beatles songs with Raquel, but not before he opened the set with a solo. Even Bob Hope sang a duet, the Beatles' "Rocky Raccoon".

The DVD release

The home video of the special was released by V.I.E.W. in 1998.^[7] It is very light on special features. Included are a three-page biography of Welch, a single screen biography of Jones and a Welch photo gallery consisting of scenes from the special, and voiceover from the special. Unlike other vintage TV specials on DVD,^[8] no commentary track was present.

Guest stars

Guest stars John Wayne and Bob Hope in the Wild West only added to the largeness of the production..

Winters placing the Mayans for Aquarius

Welch and Jones, both, two of the 70s biggest stars, joined by such legendary greats made it an indispensable time capsule full of glamor, wit and talent.

Winters setting up the Mayans

Music listing

Fourteen songs from the era are featured, although many are in the form of medley. Welch and friends sang songs by the Beatles, Little Richard, The Mamas & the Papas and many others. The oldest was not much older than five years from original release.

References

External links

• Raquel! at the Internet Movie Database
• Raquel! at AllMovie