The Flip Wilson Show (1970)

For four years in the early 1970s, comedian Flip Wilson presided over one of the most popular variety shows on television. The show featured weekly guest stars as well as Wilson's own characters, the most noteworthy of whom were "Reverend Leroy," the genially bombastic pastor of the "Church of What's Happening Now," and "Geraldine Jones," a thoroughly sassy and proud African American woman played by Wilson in a miniskirt. Featuring highlights from five episodes of the program, this collection includes the show's very first appearance on September 17, 1970. Wilson cavorts shamelessly and hysterically as Geraldine during an interview with David Frost and in a skit that features TV legend Ed Sullivan, acting (well, sort of) as a lounge lizard in garish '70s garb (including purple pants and a leather vest). Bill Cosby appears in several skits, and other guest stars include Lucille Ball, Don Rickles, Bobby Darin, Tim Conway, Red Foxx, Ray Charles, the Osmonds (singing and dancing in signature rhinestone jumpsuits), and Big Bird of Sesame Street. Wilson's career never again reached the peak he attained in the early 1970s, but these programs show how truly hilarious he was at the time his character Geraldine Jones had the whole country saying, "The devil made me do it!" --Robert J. McNamara Amazon.com

Not his best!

Boring, not his best! Maybe I just thought he was funnier cuz I was just a kid when we watched him on tv, anyhow very disappointed! September 30, 2008

Still funny after all these years

I don't think I ever missed the Flip Wilson show on TV back in the 1970s. And I had all his gentle comedy records--still do. His "Devil Made Me Buy This Dress" and "Go-Rilla" were classics.

It's wonderful that some of his TV shows are now available on DVDs. This is a good one for showcasing what he could do. Geraldine was a wonderful character. I was especially fond of Geraldine as a nurse for Bill Cosby, who is in the hospital for a rest. It still makes me laugh out loud. As does Brother Leroy in The Church of What's Happening Now.

And the bit with Ray Charles...but I could go on and on. This is a DVD definitely worth having. Get it while you can. March 10, 2008

A RIP OFF

I thought this DVD of The Flip Wilso show which RHINO was selling was going to be really funny . I played it and I nearly fell asleep all they did was sit at a table talk and play cards . And when they played a " funny skit " Laughable it wasn't ! This DVD would look better in the bottom of a waste basket . September 28, 2007

I miss Flip Wilson - and the comedy/variety show format (!)

I was (9) years old when 'The Flip Wilson Show' hit the airwaves. It was one of those shows that the whole family sat down and watched. While all of the bits are good - and while it was great to see Flip in his various characters cavorting with his guest stars - I purchased this DVD primarily for the appearance by the Osmond Brothers singing 'Yo-Yo.' They had only recently left 'The Andy Williams Show' and ventured out on their own. In tune with the times, they had grew their hair long and this performance is, I think, their most exciting televised ever. It's something I distinctly remembered way back when...! Overall, this was a classic show. Like other classic series, I hope entire shows become available on DVD! January 19, 2007

The flip wilson show

I remember the show when it was first broadcast and I was wondering if the humor had become dated but it works as good now as it did then. January 12, 2007

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