John Wayne's Tribute to America

While not nearly a complete debacle like The Star Wars Christmas Special, this hopelessly dated, cringe-inducing 1970 NBC special—broadcast as Swing Out, Sweet Land—cries out for the SCTV treatment. That said, if you are a nostalgia-prone fiftysomething, there is something of a guilty pleasure vibe in watching this all-star spangled extravaganza hosted by John Wayne and brought to you by Budweiser (the original commercials are included as a bonus feature). At a time when the Vietnam War was being broadcast on the six o'clock news, and theaters were showing M*A*S*H and Five Easy Pieces, this TV variety special presented an unabashed salute to America and patriotism. Glen Campbell kicks things off with a rendition of “This is a Great Country,” followed by comedy sketches, musical numbers, and dramatic vignettes charting America's tumultuous early history. Michael Landon, as Peter Minuit, purchases the island of Manhattan from a skeptical Native American portrayed by his Bonanza costar, Dan Blocker. Bob Hope and Ann-Margret entertain the troops at Valley Forge. Bing Crosby, as Mark Twain, converses with Roscoe Lee Browne's Frederick Douglass, and Lucille Ball, playing it straight, is the voice of “Lady Liberty.” The participation of other legendary entertainers and stars of the moment (among them Jack Benny, Lorne Greene, Laugh-In's Rowan and Martin, and William Shatner) also enhance the time-capsule value. And with another unpopular war raging today, there is perhaps some comfort to be taken in Wayne's reassurance (to those who think “the country is going to hell”) that patriotism will never go out of fashion. The DVD also includes a clip of Wayne from a 1960 appearance on What's My Line? Optional. (D. Liebenson)