The Flip Wilson Show (1970)
The Flip Wilson Show is an hour long variety show that aired in the U.S. on NBC from September 17, 1970 to June 27, 1974. The show starred American comedian Flip Wilson; the program was one of the first American television programs starring a black person in the title role to become highly successful with a white audience. Specifically, it was the first successful network variety series starring an African American. During its first two seasons, its Nielsen ratings made it the nation's second most watched show. The show consisted of many skits over an hour. It also broke new ground in American television by using a 'Theatre-in-the-Round' stage format, with the audience seated on all sides of a circular performance area. Wilson was most famous for creating the role of Geraldine Jones, a sassy, modern woman who had a boyfriend named Killer. Flip also created the role of Reverend Leroy, who was the minister of the Church of What's Happening Now!. New parishioners were wary of coming to the church as it was hinted that Reverend Leroy was a con artist. Wilson popularized such catchphrases as "What you see is what you get", and "The devil made me do it!".
Seasons & Episode
Flip tells about Leroy the Terrible and gives his guests a long intro. Child musician William Attmore does several routines with Flip. Flip shares a hospital room with Buddy Hackett with Richard as an agent, Ruth the nurse.
Flip and the Pointer Sisters reminisce with the siblings singing about the good old days. Monty serves up Let's Make A Deal with Windom as announcer and Geraldine a contestant. The Pointers return for a rousing scat number.
Flip tries to impress a lady with outrageous tales but Pryor, as his friend Calvin, starts telling even more outlandish stories. Ralph Edwards hosts a This is Your Life with Flip as Geraldine being the show's focus.
Joan Rivers acts as a superstitious gambler who wants Flip's seat at the blackjack table which he's reluctant to give up. Then Flip becomes a street painter trying to make it big with Redd as his subject. Helen sings.
Flip is a street tie salesman and enlists Harry Belafonte to bring in customers. Harry then performs a soulful ballad. Flip becomes Geraldine, going on a Caribbean vacation where she engages with Burns and Schreiber.
Flip does corny vaudeville routines with guests Slappy and Robert then Carol Lawrence does an old time burlesque dance. Carol recreates with Flip, her husband Robert and audience members a Hollywood production number.
Flip explains baseball to Hank Aaron then he directs Lee Grant, a supposedly ordinary housewife, in a TV ad. Hank appears at a BBQ joint run by Flip and Gladys. Gladys and her Pips groove to "Midnight Train to Georgia."
Flip tells of a man trying to get his mother-in-law to leave. Mental illusionist Romark performs with audience participation. Flip, Tim Conway, and Richard Pryor do improve with one chair as a prop.
Flip opens with a Reverend Freddie story, then deals with Tim as a beserk fast food clown. Jerry Stiller is a dentist with Anne Meara his reluctant patient. Aretha Franklin soulfully croons "Mr. Pain."
Flip, in his Reverend Leroy persona, visits old friends Burns and Schreiber who are now monks. Flip tries to include himself in a Fifth Dimension number but they perform "Flashback " without him.
Flip, Anthony, and Roscoe Lee do a bit about mistaken identity at a restaurant. Later Flip is a horse trainer that needs to substitute one horse for another with Roscoe Lee's help.
Chuck Norris's appearance is solely as the karate instructor accompanying a 9 year old black belt who interacts with Flip. Chuck is introduced as his instructor and that is all. Look for quick shot of Michael Jackson (with afro) sitting in audience.
Roy is a customer at Flip's greasy spoon diner. Then Roy sings two songs including "Rolling in my Sweet Baby's Arms" with the Clark Family Band. Flip tries to romance Melba in a record store then she belts out "Don't Rain On My Parade."
Flip opens and closes with a heart felt speech. Flip appears Geraldine at a Las Vegas wedding chapel run by Dennis Weaver. OJ is TJ substituting for Killer as the groom.
Flip does a risque routine about ancient Rome and a special berry. Flip helps best friend Richard with relationship problems when he shows up at 3 in the morning. Steve Lawrence joins Flip's carpool because of the energy crisis.
Don Adams depicts a compulsive gambler who asks Flip to hold $2,000 for him and not return it no matter how much he begs. Redd does his stand up then Flip joins him for a Q&A with the audience.
Don Adams depicts a compulsive gambler who asks Flip to hold $2,000 for him and not return it no matter how much he begs. Redd does his stand up then Flip joins him for a Q&A with the audience.
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