The Paul Lynde Halloween Special: A Quirky Cult Classic with a Star-Studded Lineup
"The Paul Lynde Halloween Special" from 1976 is a well-known festive variety show hosted by Paul Lynde and featuring Margaret Hamilton reprising her iconic role as The Wicked Witch of the West. The special also includes other familiar faces from 1970s TV, such as Billy Barty, Billie Hayes, Florence Henderson, and Donnie and Marie Osmond. Surprisingly, the special also marks the network TV debut of glam rockers KISS, who perform their hit song "Detroit Rock City" in a memorable appearance.
The creation of "The Paul Lynde Halloween Special" was a result of Lynde's deal with ABC to star in his own TV shows. Despite his success as a supporting actor and game show personality, Lynde's lead roles in sitcoms like "The Paul Lynde Show" and "Temperatures Rising" were short-lived. To keep Lynde happy, ABC granted him the opportunity to star in the Halloween special, where he plays the brother of the Wicked Witch and Witchiepoo, welcoming guest stars to their house for Halloween.
While some may describe "The Paul Lynde Halloween Special" as "bad" due to its unconventional humor and odd premise, it remains entertaining and worth watching for the star-studded lineup of guest appearances. The special features a mix of comedy, music, and campy performances, with KISS stealing the show with their energetic rendition of "Detroit Rock City" and other hits. In a retrospective article, the special was humorously described as a "train wreck" that is so absurd and cringe-worthy that it becomes a must-watch for its sheer entertainment value.
In conclusion, "The Paul Lynde Halloween Special" may not be everyone's cup of tea, but its quirky charm, eclectic mix of guest stars, and unexpected moments make it a cult classic that continues to entertain audiences decades after its original airing.