The Darin Invasion: Bobby Darin

It's always a little sad to see a performer from one generation trying to ape the mannerisms of a different generation, and the late Bobby Darin, who flourished during the late 50s and early 60s looks like a fish out of water in this television special featuring mostly flower children. Darin sings "You're Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher," "Hi Dee Ho," "If I Were a Carpenter," and "Simple Song of Freedom," along with a couple of other tunes (but not "Mack the Knife" which is from a different era), and is assisted by guest stars The Poppy Family ("Billy"), Linda Ronstadt ("For a Long, Long Time"), and the timeless George Burns. It's basically a variety show, neither particularly good, nor particularly bad. Diehard Darin aficionados would probably enjoy this, but most people would probably pass. Not a necessary purchase. (See EXERCISE CAN BEAT ARTHRITIS for availability.)