Produced for PBS in the early 1970s with an unconventional format that mixed comedy skits with documentary segments, animated interludes, and satirical shorts, The Great American Dream Machine was an early victim of political pressure on public television (it seems that Congress didn't like public funds spent on political or social satire). But for two years, this unusual and almost forgotten mix of variety show and offbeat TV newsmagazine presented clever comedy bits by Albert Brooks (his "Famous School for Comedians" anticipates the shorts he made for Saturday Night Live), Chevy Chase (one of the musical faces that opens the show), Charles Grodin, and Marshall Efron, sandwiched between profiles of fringe figures (from Evel Knievel to custom car innovator Big Daddy Roth), and visits to byways of American culture (including “Honeymoon Hotel" and "McDonalds University"). Dick Cavett recites Carl Sandburg and Mark Twain, Andy Rooney offers his kvetching opinions years before he became a staple on 60 Minutes, and Studs Turkel discusses the issues of the day with Chicago citizens. Compared to modern shows this one is leisurely—even the animated opening credits are unusually long—but it remains a TV landmark and a fascinating time capsule of American culture in the early ‘70s. Compiling 13 hours worth of material (unfortunately, no broadcast dates or episode numbers appear on the cases or in the booklet, and the DVD jacket has name misspellings), this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)
The Great American Dream Machine
S’More Entertainment, 4 discs, 777 min., not rated, DVD: $39.98 Volume 31, Issue 1
The Great American Dream Machine
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: