Back to full details for Superspecials

The following is a partial list of Superspecial episodes.

Sep 26, 1976 - Debut.

Dec 19, 1976 - Royal Command Performance - 1976 Royal Variety.

Jan 9, 1977 - The Goodtime Revue — Pops, ballads, country and soul — they're all here in an hour, excerpts
from last summer's popular Sunshine Hour series with singers Gloria Kay, Jason King, Neanette, Jim Bennet and Mary Ann McDonald.

Jan 16, 1977 - Folk singer Valdy and the Hometown Band perform with members of Homemade Theatre in this lighthearted documentary-style look at life on the road. Songs include "Peter and Lou," "Landscapes," "Flying," "Sometimes I Can't Believe," "Yes I Can," "Everyone of Them Has Known the Sea" and "Rock 'n' Roll Song." Also: cameo appearances by singer Juliette and Peter Gzowski. (60 min.)

Jan 23, 1977 - The Maple and the Thistle - A colourful musical tribute to Robbie Burns on the anniversary of his birth nearly 220 years ago. Singer Catherine McKinnon, Bill Hosie, Scottish entertainer Andy Stewart and Burns himself (played by Jock White) star in this production. The show celebrates the ties between Scotland and the New World in music, poetry and dance. Produced in Vancouver by Ken Gibson.

Feb 20, 1977 - "Roger Whittaker - Balladeer." Roger Whittaker is the host of a one-hour easy listening program with guests Catherine McKinnon and the lead singer of "Bread" David Gates.

Apr 3, 1977 - David Clayton-Thomas and Blood, Sweat & Tears in concert. With powerful vocals and high energy musicianship, David and the band offer some of their past and present hits. Guests are soul singer Chaka Khan; Flo and Eddie, who do a duet spoofing rock-music cliches; and in a segment honoring early rock-and-roll performers, cameo appearances by Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Carl Perkins and Chubby Checker. There is also a tuba solo by band-member Dave Bargeron. (60 min.) Highlights: "Spinning Wheel," "Hollywood," "Lucretia MacEvil," "Applause," "When I Die," "You're the One" (David, BS&T); Rock-and-Roll hits medley (Chuck, Bo, Carl, Chubby); "Dreaming as One" (David, Chaka).

Sep 26, 1977 - Quebec chansonnier Claude Leveillee sings "Mon pays" and a collection of his own compositions, including "Ce soir si on s'aimait," "On remonte en amour," "Ce matin un homme" and "Les Filles d'Acadie." Taped at Montreal's Place des Arts. (60 min.)
Jan 23, 1978 - The Maple and the Thistle - (Repeat)

Oct 3, 1977 - Burton Cummings in concert with guests Randy Bachman and the Manhattan Transfer. (60 min.) Songs: "Never Had a Lady Before," "Your Back Yard," "My Own Way to Rock," "Undun," "I'm Scared," "Stand Tall" (Burton); "My Wheels Won't Turn," "Takin' Care of Business" (Randy); "Come On By" (Burton, Randy); "Chanson d'Amour," "Gloria," "Operator" (Manhattan Transfer); "Goin' to Chicago," "Four Brothers" (Burton, Manhattan Transfer); "Johnny B.Goode" (All).

Oct 17, 1977 - The Irish Rovers, with guests Dennis Day, John Gary, Shay Duffin and the Chieftains, trace the origins and influence of "auld sod" music. (60 min.) Highlights: "Roddy McCorley," "Home Boys Home," "Wild Rover" (Rovers); "Danny Boy" (John); "MacNamara's Band," (Dennis); "O'Neill's March" (Chieftains); "My Wild Irish Rose" (Shay); "Galway Bay" (Jimmy Ferguson).

Oct 31, 1977 - TV commercials and spaghetti Westerns come under the gun in Johnny and Frank's second "Superspecial" of the season. Striking back at advertisers, the pair do what damage they can to such familiar irritants as Rockwell House coffee, cars (especially the one with the Italian theme song), cleaners that put your head in the oven and margarine. Another sketch casts Johnny as the gun-slinging, milk-chugging Quiet Stranger, a sullen type with a tight-lipped resemblance to Clint Eastwood. Stranger rides into the tough little town of Bullshot, Nev., to collect an old debt despite interference from local meanies like Slade McKeester (Frank), El Weirdo, Kid Kong and the X-Rated Madam X. Supporting Cast ... El Weirdo: John Davies. Kid Kong: Lord Athol Layton. Madam X: Carol Robinson. Girl in Oven: Renee Cherrier. Boy in Oven: Roy Wordsworth. Doc: Tom Harvey. (60 min.)

Dec 12, 1977 - A TOAST TO 50 NEW YEAR'S EVES. An hour of music for auld lang syne. This program was almost ready for telecast when Guy Lombardo died suddenly. It had been reedited not as a dirge but as a tribute to a gentleman who believed "every night is New Year's Eve." Lombardo's style never changed, as vintage film shows. He and his Royal Canadians played old favorites like "Ain't She Sweet," "Tangerine," "Always," "Boo-Hoo" and "Red Roses for a Blue Lady" in the same style, key and rhythm from the Roaring '20s to President Jimmy Carter's Inaugural Ball last January. Host: Elwood Glover. (60 min.)

Jan 9, 1978 - Jan 9, 1978 - Wayne and Shuster. One of the sketches in tonight's special is entitled the Wonderful World of the World, when Wayne and Shuster take a look at heroes and perform as "The Mothers of Confederation."

Mar 27, 1978 - Jean-Pierre Ferland: Between Chopin and William Tell.

Apr 10, 1978 - Anne Murray's Ladies Night. Produced by Alan Thicke. Also with Salome Bey, Carol Britto, Charity Brown, Lisa Dal Bello, Shirley Eikhard, Marilyn McCoo, Mary Ann McDonald, Colleen Peterson, Phoebe Snow, Gloria Kaye, Lisa Hartt, Carroll Baker.

Apr 24, 1978 - Natalie Cole with Johnny Mathis, Stephen Bishop, Earth Wind and Fire and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra.

May 1, 1978 - Mister Candyman is a very special Superspecial - It tells the musical story of the blues, old and new, some borrowed, all blue, featuring actor/singer -Leon Bibb, singers Rosalind Kean and Cal Dodd with pianist Stan Keen. Musical director is Tommy Banks.

May 8, 1978 - Wayne and Shuster satirize the news, television commercials and a literary classic. Frank and Johnny take James Fenimore Cooper to task with "The Least of the Mohicans," and lampoon advertising that promotes facial creams, nasal sprays, yogurt, margarine and laundry aids. (60 min.)

Oct 23, 1978 - "Liona." Classical guitarist Liona Boyd plays host to Chet Atkins, David Clayton-Thomas, Hagood Hardy, The Canadian Brass Quartet, and National Ballet dancers Veronica Tennant and Frank Augustyn.

Dec 18, 1978 - Sweet Magic, banjoist Scotty Plummer and magician Ian Carpenter join Shari Lewis (and her puppets Lamb Chop, Charlie Horse, Hush Puppy, Honey Chile and Mr. Bearly) for an hour of music and storytelling. Stories include "The Shoemaker and the Elves," "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Songs: "Saturday Night," "It's a Small World," "Dueling Banjos" and "Jingle Bells." (Repeat; 60 min.)

Dec 25, 1978 - "Circus International: Clowns." Al Waxman takes his hat off to the greats of the Circus World, in CBC-TV's Christmas Day Superspecial. With his group of kids in Toronto, Al doffs his Ringmaster's Red Coat, and introduces some of the top Clowns of the Circus, taped in Stockholm. Features are the Rastellis, a group of clowns who do slapstick routines; 80-year-old clown Charlie Rivel; Mr. Braun, who appears with his Wonder Dog; the Pompof Thedy Family, a trio presenting offbeat selections on violin, piano and clarinet; and Joe Jackson Jr., who entertains with his trick bicycle. (60 min.)

Jan 7, 1979 - "From Russia With Bruno Gerussi." Canadian radio and television star Gerussi takes a look at the Russian Winter Arts Festival.

Jan 21, 1979 - "Paul Williams And His Ladies." The talented composer sings many of his hits, joined by Salome Bey, Julie Amato, Melissa Manchester and Diahann Carroll.

Mar 11, 1979 - Ballerina Karen Kain and her guests Frank Augustyn, contralto Maureen Forrester, dancer Jeff Hyslop and actor Douglas Campbell in an hour of dance, songs and sketches. Karen dances a solo from Stravinsky's "Firebird" and, with Frank, a pas de deux from "Don Quixote." (60 min.) Additional Highlights: "Singin' in the Rain" (Karen, Maureen); "The Pleasure of Your Company" (Frank, Jeff); "Loving Someone" (Maureen); "Camaraderie" (All).

Mar 18, 1979 - "Toller Cranston: Dream Weaver." Canada's ice-skating superstar Toller Cranston hosts this special fantasy, with guest stars Dan Hill, composer/conductor Andre Gagnon, gospel/blues singer Salome Bey and Stars On Ice skaters Jo Jo Starbuck and Ken Shelley. A balletic artist on skates. Toller Cranston creates his own dream work, acquiring magical powers when his skates touch the ice. Exploring his fantasy, he conjures up his guest stars' talents, and ends up by dabbling in magic himself, with a surprise ending to all the wizardy. Produced by Jim Shaw. Artistic skating adviser, Ellen Burka.

Oct 7, 1979 - Candyman's Gospel Show Leon Bibb as the Candyman hosts a sequel to the original Candyman show, exploring the roots and influence of gospel music with a cast of Vancouver singers and dancers

Oct 14, 1979 - Carroll Baker in Nashville: Carroll Baker sings from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville with guest performers The Oak Ridge Boys and Larry Gatlin. She visits and performs with Hank Snow and encounters Minnie Pearl and Conway Twitty in cameo performances.

Dec 2, 1979 - The Irish Rovers in concert, taped at Toronto's Ontario Place. Songs include "Whiskey in the Jar," "Black Velvet Band," "Peggy-O," "Old Rocking Chair." (60 min.)

Dec 9, 1979 - Johnny Wayne and Frank Shuster star in this special that includes an irreverent Salute to the Seventies, and a feature sketch "Johnny Chan and the Treasures of Tutankhamen."

Dec 16, 1979 - Gino Vannelli in concert, filmed over the past two years. Songs include "Powerful People," "Brother to Brother," "People Gotta Move," "I Just Wanna Stop," "One Night with You" and "Evil Eye." Narrated by Gino's brother Joe. (60 min.)

Dec 23, 1979 - "Rich Little's Christmas Carol." (Repeat)

Dec 30, 1979 - "Disco Showtime." An assemblage of internationally-famed disco and pop artists including Boney M, Leo Sayer, Eruption, Bonnie Tyler, and featuring Canada's Rozalind Keene and The Raes.

Jan 6, 1980 - "Toller Cranston: Dream Weaver." (Repeat)

Jan 20, 1980 - "Paul Williams And His Ladies." (Repeat)

Feb 3, 1980 - Wayne and Shuster Comedy Special - Johnny Wayne and Frank Shuster, together again for another uproarious hour of comedy, poke fun at the foibles and follies of society, taking aim at movies and television. Among the barbs dished out on the show is their response to the current trend of movie sequels — Rocky IX features Frank as Mickey the trainer and Johnny as Rocky Bolognese the 80-year-old 'Comeback Kid'.

Feb 10, 1980 - Kaye and Guest - Popular Canadian singer Gloria Kaye and New Zealand's Entertainer of the Year, Rob Guest, star in a musical love story. Set in New Zealand, the story revolves around two young singers - one female, one male. Rob shows Gloria the vacation pleasure of resort area Coromandel. Their friendship' grows and slowly blossoms into love. Back from holiday, these new feelings are reflected in their partnership. Together they create a television show that is a profusion of musical riches ranging from pop to rock to the classics.

Apr 6, 1980 - A Gospel Hallelujah, a happy and glorious musical experience featuring modern and traditional gospel sounds, hot soulful jazz and grass roots blues, telecasts Easter Sunday. Hostess and featured performer is Jeannette Brantley who performs Happy Days and two of her original compositions, One Of These Days, and You, Me and Time. The opening number, Search Yourself, was also, written by Jeannette. Providing a dynamic background is a totally turned-on chorus under the direction of Ron Small who does In The Beginning, Open Your Eyes, and Have A Talk With God Charlotte Martin electrifies the capacity audience with New World, and the mystically beautiful Everything Must Change is the showpiece of Jackie Richardson. Wayne St. John is irrepressible in the super high-energy piece he wrote — Treasure of Freedom. Many Rivers To Cross is sung by Carlene and Glen McDonald's rendition of Lover Man is unequalled. Performing their own compositions are John T. Davis with Chain Links Of Love, and Jim Heineman with Fly. A twenty-six piece studio orchestra was specially created for the production under the direction of trumpeter/arranger Mike Malone. Producer/director is John Johnson.

Apr 13, 1980 - Wayne and Shuster Comedy Hour

Sep 14, 1980 - Season Debut. "ABBA in Concert." The series' fifth season begins with ABBA on tour in North America and in concert at Wembley Arena in London, England Among the songs are "Gimme Gimme Gimme." "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "Take a Chance on Me " (60 min.)

Oct 5, 1980 - "The Irish Rovers." The first of two comedy specials featuring The Rovers.

Oct 12, 1980 - Jazz flutist Moe Koffman performs in and around Adelaide, Australia, with guests classical flutist James Galway and singer Joani Taylor. Backing up Moe are Ed Bickert (guitar), Neil Swainson (bass). Bernie Senensky (keyboards) and Claude Ranger (drums). (60 min.) Highlights: "Swingin' Shepherd Blues," "Jitterbug Waltz," "Museum Piece," "Sweet Georgia Brite" (Koffman Quintet); "Annie's Song" (Galway); "Grass Is Greener" (Taylor); "Greensleeves" (Koffman, Galway).

Oct 26, 1980 - "Boo!" Direct from television centre in Transylvannia, just in time for Hallowe'en.

Nov 2, 1980 - "Peter, Paul and Mary in Concert." Popular folk-sing trio of the 1960s, Peter, Paul and Mary are together again for a rare television appearance, taped at Hamilton Place. Songs include "Times They Are A-Changin'," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," "There but for Fortune," "Puff," "Don't Think Twice," "If I Had a Hammer."

Nov 10, 1980 - Red Skelton pays tribute to the art of pantomime, along with guest mimes Yacov Noy, Keith Berger, Mummenschanz. and Shields and Yarnell. He also recalls such Skelton creations as Clem Kaddidlehopper. (60 min.)

Dec 7, 1980 - Johnny Wayne and Frank Shuster spoof the exercising fad in "Guide to Fitness"; and the Family Theatre features Scotland Yard's master of disguise Inspector Wayne in "The Mystery of the Wax Museum." Also: making a perfect politician. (60 min.)

Dec 14, 1980 - Al Waxman and Abrevo the Clown are the ringmasters of "Circus International" featuring the Tuganovi Cossack riders. Edwina Podschernikowa's acrobatics bears; Volshankis' highwire act. (60 min.)

Dec 21, 1980 - "Christmas At King's Landing" — Eastern Canada's famed singing group, Ryan's Fancy, star in this hour-long Christmas special that recreates a typical Christmas celebration of the mid
1850s.

Dec 28, 1980 - "Come By The Hills." Filmed in Scotland, Charlottetown and Toronto, Actra-award singer Brian McKay stars in this television adaption of the one-man play (written by McKay) about the reminiscences, on New Year's Eve 1867, of a Scottish man who emigrated to Canada twenty years before. Spiced with family anecdotes, intrigue and traditional songs (Will Ye No Come Back Again, Nancy Whisky, The Mingualay Boat Song). The story follows the path of a young man who, on his way to a job in Aberdeen, Scotland, has a few adventures and finds himself on a boat to Canada, bound for love and trouble.

Jan 11, 1981 - Shadows and Light - Joni Mitchell

Jan 18, 1981 - The Pleasure of Your Company - In this successful blend of classical and popular entertainment, Karen and her four guests - Douglas Campbell, Maureen Forrester, Jeff Hyslop and Frank Augustyn - play a variety of roles they are not normally accustomed to. Produced and directed by Norman Campbell, written by Elaine and Norman Campbell.

Jan 25, 1981 - Wayne and Shuster.

Feb 1, 1981 - Circus International with Al Waxman -The second new Circus International special of this season, featuring Al Waxman, Abrevo the Clown, and top international circus stars from Canada, Russia and China.

Feb 8, 1981 - Burton Cummings: Portage and Main. Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman and Gary Peterson, three of the original members of The Guess Who, are reunited for the first time in nine years when Burton returns to his hometown Winnipeg for a benefit concert. Also appearing are Maclean and Maclean and Cummings' high school band, The Deverons. Hockey greats Bobby Hull and John Ferguson make cameo appearances.

Feb 15, 1981 - Doug Henning Magic Show

Mar 8, 1981 - Circus International with Al Waxman.

Mar 15, 1981 - Home Boys Home - starring Ryan's Fancy.

Apr 5, 1981 - Wayne and Shuster Comedy Special #3.

Apr 27, 1981 - Super Concert - April Wine. A concert by the five-member, high-wattage rock and roll band, recorded during a London, England concert.

Sep 27, 1981 - Super Show - Season Debut. In the opener of this series of entertainment specials, April Wine, a Montreal-based rock quintet, is seen in a concert taped- with special photographic effects- at the Hammersmith-Odeon (Jan. 27, 1981) in London, England. Songs include "Big City Girls," "Crash and Burn," "Tellin' Me Lies."

Oct 4, 1981 - Super Variety - "Spectacular Evening in Canada" is a variety special of music, comedy and dance with Dave Broadfoot (as the Honorable Member from Kicking Horse Pass): female impersonator Craig Russell (as Peggy Lee, Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland); the Famous People Players (mime and puppetry); Canadian Brass (with their own version o1 "Flight of the Bumble Bee"); singer Rudy Webb ("Your Feet's Too Big").

Nov 1, 1981 - Super Special. Canada's multiculturalism is celebrated in "All For One!" a song-and-dance extravaganza taped at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Among the performers are Jeff Hyslop. Arlene Duncan, Brian McKay, Liliane Stilwell, Brent Carver, Edda Gaborek, Denis Simpson, Elinor Calbes, Terry Hartford, Mag Ruffman, Paul Ritchie, Suzanne Parayre. Original songs: Chuck Weir, Mark Shekter.

Nov 15, 1981 - Super Music. The Rovers - Wasn't That A Party! From the stage of the Cave Theatre Restaurant in Vancouver, The Rovers are joined for a musical evening filled with reminiscences by English singing star Lonnie Donegan, popular singer Trini Lopez and country favorite Carl Perkins. Making cameo appearances will be Anne Murray, John Davidson, Johnny Cash and June Carter.

Nov 29, 1981 - Super Special. James Cagney - That Yankee Doodle Dandy. James Cagney is as old as this century and his acting career encompasses the entire history of American sound films. This special offers a rare closeup of the man behind so many memorable roles, richly illustrated with clips from the long Cagney era in movie history. Written, directed and produced by Time Magazine film critic Richard Schickel.

Dec 6, 1981 - Super Variety. "Wonderful Evening in Scandinavia" is a sampling of nightclub acts with Victor Borge playing piano and joining Anton Kontra in a duet, ABBA singing "Thank You for the Music" and Dan Maloney singing "Minute by Minute." Female impersonators After Dark do "Sweet Georgia Brown," the Northern Lights Revue dance and Kris Kremo juggles. Also: a musical tribute to Hans Christian Andersen by hosts Edward Paul Allen, Paddy Campanaro, Libby Levine and John Tripp.

Dec 13, 1981 - Super Comedy With Wayne & Shuster. On their second show of the season, Johnny Wayne and Frank Shuster will examine an odd medical phenomenon related to comedians and, as a special holiday feature, give tips on buying unusual gifts for your friends.

Dec 20, 1981 - Super Music With Juliette and Friends. A memory-filled evening with "Our Pet" Juliette, Broadway star, Robert Goulet and Canadian singer, Peter Pringle. Goulet, whose career started in Canada, reminisces with Juliette about "those days" and all three are caught up in the musings and transported back in time.

Dec 27, 1981 - Super Special: H.M.S. Pinafore. The smash hit of the 1981 Stanford Festival season. Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore, the nautical operetta that spoofs British officialdom and tradition. The cast of H.M.S. Pinafore, or "The Lass That Loved a Sailor", includes menacing Dick Deadeye (Avo Kittask) the villain who spoils the elopement plans of sailor Ralph Rackstraw (James McLean) and Josephine (Katherine Terrell) the captain's daughter; internationally know singer Patricia Kern is Little Buttercup; Eric Donkin is pompous, egocentric Sir Joseph Porter, KCB and Michael Burgess is Captain Corcoran, commander of the Pinafore and Josephine's father, Leon Major, who directed H.M.S. Pinafore for Stratford, will produce this production for television.

Jan 3, 1982 - Super Special: Live From Toronto. The first of a new and exciting series of live-to-air specials with a program of performers and acts reminiscent of the days of vaudeville.

Feb 28, 1982 - Super Music: Anne Murray's Greatest Hits. This show traces the musical career of international singing star Anne Murray, from her early beginnings as a singer in church and school choirs, to her first audition for CBC's Singalong Jubilee through her rise to Super Stardom.

Mar 7, 1982 - Super Music: Burton Cummings - Going For Gold. Superstar Burton Cummings is joined in an "all-gold" record celebration by 1950s and 1960s rock legends Carl Perkins, Bobby Vee, Lesley Gore and Del Shannon.

Mar 14, 1982 - Super Music: Strawberry Ice - Starring three-time World Figure Skating Champion and Olympic medallist Toller Cranston and Peggy Fleming, also a three-time winner of the World Figure Skating Championship and an Olympic medallist. Cranston and Fleming are joined in this lush fantasy by Broadway star Chita Rivera, whose electrifying performance in such musicals as "West Side Story", "Chicago" and "Guys and Dolls" have won her two Tony nominations. Sara Kawahara, star of the "Ice Capades", Allan Schramm of the "Ice Follies", World Professional Pair Champions, Val and Sandra Bezic and a supporting cast of Canada's top skaters join Toller in this most fantastic dream fantasy.

Dec 5, 1982 - David Clayton-Thomas is the host of a variety show taped at Winnipeg Centennial Concert Hall. Guests include France Joli, Graham Shaw, Chilliwack, Diane Stapley, Frank Mills, Fred Penner and Derek McGrath. (60 min.) Musical Highlights: "Stubborn Kind of Fella," Medley of Hits (David); "Looking for Love" (Graham); "The Cat Came Back" (Fred); "My Love" (France).

Dec 19, 1982 - Repeat of Nov 2, 1980 program.

Jan 30, 1983 - Super Show: Variety Tonight - In Calgary, Ian Tyson plays host to Kate and Anna McGarrigle Peter Pringle, Thea McNeil, Robbie Rae and Band, Kelita Haverland, Doug and the Slugs, Little Ladies, Lydemelia Pildysh, Jim Carrey and Liona Boyd.

Mar 6, 1983 - SUPER COMEDY: THE AIR FARCE AMAZING VIDEO ENQUIRER. The Air Farce is an eclectic collection of comedians. The troupe is now celebrating their 10th anniversary together — Luba Goy, Roger Abbott, Dave Broadfoot, John Morgan and Don Ferguson — slinging jokes at everything and everyone, ranging from royalty to government bureaucrats, dumb hockey players, civil servants and everything in between.

Mar 20, 1983 - SUPER SPECIAL - PEKING CIRCUS