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Selects: Star Wars Holiday Spectacular | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

By iHeartPodcasts

Join Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant on "Stuff You Should Know" as they delve into the perplexing world of "The Star Wars Holiday Special," a production that has bewildered audiences and Star Wars fans since it first aired. This episode untangles the web of baffling segments and performances that mark this notorious TV event. From an extended scene in Wookiee language without subtitles to Harvey Korman's off-the-wall portrayals, they dissect the bizarre elements that led to the show’s infamy. The podcast also shines a light on the peculiar animated segment that introduced the character Boba Fett, unveiling a coherent narrative within the chaos of musical interludes and variety show shenanigans.

The special's legacy carries not just a polarized audience reaction but also some controversial moments, such as Carrie Fisher’s questionable singing performance, which Clark and Bryant speculate on, albeit with a touch of humor. They navigate the tumult of opinions, from those who ridicule it as a catastrophic misstep in television history to George Lucas's ambiguous disdain for the special. Referencing Lucas's reluctant consideration of re-releasing the special and Fisher's personal use of the tape to empty out parties, the podcast captures the surreal and polarizing place the Star Wars Holiday Special holds in the galaxy of pop culture.

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Selects: Star Wars Holiday Spectacular | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

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Selects: Star Wars Holiday Spectacular | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

1-Page Summary

The bizarre variety show format

The Star Wars Holiday Special stands out for its peculiar format that puzzled audiences, incorporating a range of unorthodox segments that deviate from standard narratives. On Chewbacca's home planet, viewers are subjected to an extended, uninterpretable Wookiee dialogue, leaving fans bewildered by the absence of subtitles or context. Korman's portrayal of a Julia Child-inspired chef in a cooking segment adds to the confusion, while also assuming the role of a bar patron with an unconventional drinking method. However, amidst the chaos, an animated segment introduces the fan-favorite Boba Fett in a coherent and noteworthy plot. Additional musical performances by Jefferson Starship, Bea Arthur, and Carrie Fisher attempt to meet variety show expectations but are interspersed with bizarre elements. Critiques like Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant label the special as a catastrophic television event—an undeniable "train wreck" that integrated the beloved Star Wars universe into a clunky variety format, resulting in a monumental on-screen disaster.

Carrie Fisher appearing to be on drugs

During the Star Wars Holiday Special, Carrie Fisher's performance has raised eyebrows for all the wrong reasons. Josh Clark points out that Fisher's demeanor, particularly while singing, suggests she may have been under the influence of drugs. This theory is not unique to Clark but is echoed by other observers who have commented on Fisher's unusual performance in the special's closing scene.

Polarizing response, especially from George Lucas

The response to The Star Wars Holiday Special has been deeply polarizing, eliciting reactions from deep-seated contempt to comedic ridicule, with George Lucas's reaction being particularly noteworthy. Despite misconstrued comments about Lucas wanting to destroy all copies of the special, the creator's actual response remains more nuanced. He has rarely spoken directly about it, but hints at disapproval, even admitting that it was a poor choice to let the television network use the Star Wars characters. Lucas's fleeting consideration of releasing the special on a video cassette in 1987 and potentially including it in a DVD set in 2007 indicate fluctuating stances over time. Meanwhile, Carrie Fisher, who requested a copy of the special, humorously planned to use it as an unconventional means to clear out party guests, symbolizing the special's infamy within the franchise's legacy.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Star Wars Holiday Special, aired in 1978, featured a unique format with unconventional segments that deviated from traditional storytelling methods. These segments included an extended Wookiee dialogue without subtitles, a cooking show parody, and musical performances by popular artists of the time. The special integrated these diverse elements into a variety show format, blending them with the Star Wars universe in a way that puzzled and divided audiences. The inclusion of these unorthodox segments contributed to the special's reputation as a bizarre and controversial television event.
  • In the Star Wars Holiday Special, there is an extended scene featuring Wookiees on Chewbacca's home planet speaking in their native language, which is not translated for the audience through subtitles. This lack of translation adds to the confusion for viewers who cannot understand the dialogue or the context of the conversation. The intention behind this decision was to immerse viewers in the Wookiee culture and environment, emphasizing the unique aspects of Chewbacca's species. The absence of subtitles or clear context in this scene contributes to the overall unconventional and perplexing nature of the special's format.
  • In the Star Wars Holiday Special, Harvey Korman portrayed a Julia Child-inspired chef named Gormaanda in a cooking segment, showcasing exaggerated and comedic culinary antics. Additionally, Korman played a bar patron named Krelman who had an unconventional drinking method involving multiple orifices on his head, adding to the bizarre and humorous tone of the show.
  • Carrie Fisher's performance in the Star Wars Holiday Special raised speculation about potential drug influence due to her behavior during the show, particularly while singing. Observers noted her unusual demeanor, leading to theories that she may have been under the influence of drugs during the filming of the special. This speculation has been discussed by various commentators, including Josh Clark, who pointed out Fisher's behavior as a point of interest in the special. Fisher's performance in the closing scene of the special has been a subject of curiosity and interpretation among viewers and critics.
  • George Lucas's reaction to The Star Wars Holiday Special has been nuanced and somewhat ambiguous. While there were misconceptions about him wanting to destroy all copies of the special, his actual response has been more subtle. Lucas has rarely spoken directly about the special but has hinted at disapproval, indicating that he may not have been pleased with how the Star Wars characters were portrayed in the variety show format. His consideration of releasing the special on video cassette in 1987 and potentially including it in a DVD set in 2007 suggests his stance on the special may have evolved over time.
  • Carrie Fisher humorously planned to use the Star Wars Holiday Special as a means to clear out party guests by jokingly threatening to play it. This indicates that she found the special to be so notoriously bad that it could serve as a comical way to end a gathering or get people to leave. Fisher's intention was to use the special's infamy within the Star Wars franchise as a humorous tool in social situations.

Counterarguments

  • The Star Wars Holiday Special's unique format can be seen as a bold attempt to experiment with the variety show genre, which could be appreciated for its creativity rather than its coherence.
  • The lack of subtitles for the Wookiee dialogue could be interpreted as an artistic choice, aiming to immerse the audience in the Wookiee culture and experience the story from their perspective.
  • Korman's multiple roles and the unconventional segments might be viewed as a form of absurdist humor that plays with the expectations of a Star Wars narrative.
  • The animated segment with Boba Fett, while coherent, could be criticized for not matching the tone of the rest of the franchise or for its animation style, which might not appeal to all fans.
  • The musical performances, though bizarre in the context of Star Wars, could be appreciated for their own merit and the talent of the performers involved.
  • The special's label as a "catastrophic television event" could be challenged by arguing that it has gained a cult following and is valued by some fans for its nostalgic and kitsch qualities.
  • Without concrete evidence, it is unfair to definitively state that Carrie Fisher was under the influence of drugs during her performance.
  • While George Lucas has expressed disapproval, some fans might argue that the special has historical value and is an important part of the Star Wars cultural phenomenon, regardless of its quality.
  • Lucas's fluctuating stance on releasing the special could be seen as a recognition of its complex legacy and the interest it generates among fans and collectors.
  • Carrie Fisher's humorous intention to use the special to clear out party guests could be seen as an affectionate, if cheeky, acknowledgment of its place in Star Wars history, rather than a purely negative commentary.

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Selects: Star Wars Holiday Spectacular | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

The bizarre variety show format

The Star Wars Holiday Special is considered a notorious piece of television history, marked by its surreal variety show format and a series of unorthodox segments that bewildered audiences and fans alike.

Incomprehensible 10 minutes of Wookiee dialogue

The producers, despite George Lucas's criticized idea, set the show on Chewbacca's home planet and included a segment featuring 10 solid minutes of Wookiee dialogue without subtitles, leaving the interaction largely incomprehensible. Even the writers, from Shields and Yarnell, familiar with performing without words, couldn't make the Wookiee concept work. For instance, a part where Lumpy the Wookiee seems to say "I love you" became a notable moment of barely comprehensible dialogue.

Cooking segment with Harvey Korman as a Julia Child-like chef

Harvey Korman was featured in multiple roles, one of which includes a Julia Child-like TV chef in a cooking segment where Chewbacca's wife attempts to make bantha stew. Besides the cheffing role, Korman also portrayed a bar patron who drinks through a hole in the top of his head.

Animated cartoon segment introducing Boba Fett

One segment that resonates well with viewers is the animated cartoon that features Lumpy watching a device that introduces the character Boba Fett to the Star Wars universe, marking his first appearance. The cartoon is noted for its quality and coherent plot, aligning with the Star Wars narrative and showcasing Boba Fett's opportunistic and traitorous nature. Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant acknowledge this part of the special as the high point.

Musical numbers like Jefferson Starship and Bea Arthur singing

The special featured Jefferson Starship performing "Light the Sky on Fire" as a hologram distraction during the Imperials' search of the Wookiee's home. Bea Arthur performed a song as well, playing the cantina owner signaling last call. Even Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia delivered a Life Day song to the tune of the Star Wars theme. These segments were sprinkle ...

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The bizarre variety show format

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Life Day is a holiday celebrated by the Wookiees in the Star Wars universe. It is a time for reflection, joy, and the gathering of family and friends. Life Day is depicted as a significant event that holds cultural and spiritual importance for the Wookiee community. The holiday was first introduced in the Star Wars Holiday Special, where it serves as a central theme.
  • The virtual reality segment featuring Grandpa Itchy in the Star Wars Holiday Special involved a scene where the character uses a virtual reality device to experience a fantasy involving a holographic performer. This segment was part of the unconventional and surreal elements of the show, adding to its overall bizarre nature. Grandpa Itchy's virtual reality experience was one of the many peculiar and memorable moments in the special.
  • Jefferson Starship was a popular rock band in the 1970s and 1980s. Their performance in The Star Wars Holiday Special was part of a hologram distraction during a search scene in the show. The inclusion of their musical performance was a nod to the variety show format of the special, which often featured musical acts. The band's appearance added a unique and unexpected ...

Counterarguments

  • The Star Wars Holiday Special, while widely panned, can be seen as a product of its time, reflecting the variety show trends of the late 1970s.
  • The 10 minutes of Wookiee dialogue without subtitles could be interpreted as an ambitious attempt to immerse viewers in the alien culture of Star Wars.
  • The incomprehensibility of the Wookiee segment might be appreciated by some fans for its authenticity and commitment to the idea that not all alien languages would be understood by the audience.
  • The cooking segment with Harvey Korman could be seen as a comedic highlight, showcasing Korman's versatility and the show's willingness to experiment with genre.
  • The animated cartoon segment introducing Boba Fett is often praised for its quality and has gained a cult following, suggesting that not all aspects of the special were poorly received.
  • The musical numbers, while unconventional for a Star Wars production, could be appreciated for their camp value and the effort to bring variety entertainment to a sci-fi franchise.
  • The special's "trainwreck" nature has given it a certain notoriety that has kept it in public discussion, arguably adding to the overall Star Wars lore in a unique way. ...

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Selects: Star Wars Holiday Spectacular | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

Carrie Fisher appearing to be on drugs

Josh Clark addresses a noticeable aspect of Carrie Fisher's performance in the ending scene of a special, discussing how Princess Leia, played by Fisher, appears to be under the influence of drugs. Clark specifically points to the moments where Fisher is singing as particularly indicative ...

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Carrie Fisher appearing to be on drugs

Additional Materials

Clarifications

...

Counterarguments

  • It is possible that Carrie Fisher's performance style or the direction of the scene called for an unusual or exaggerated portrayal, which could be misinterpreted as being under the influence.
  • Without concrete evidence, such as a toxicology report, it is speculative to assert that Fisher was on drugs based on her performance alone.
  • Carrie Fisher's history of mental health issues and bipolar disorder could contribute to behavior that might be mistaken for drug use.
  • The context of the special and the era in which it was produced may have encouraged a more flamboyant or unconventional performance, which should not be directly equated with substance abuse.
  • The quality of a performance is subjective, and what mi ...

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Selects: Star Wars Holiday Spectacular | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

Polarizing response, especially from George Lucas

The Star Wars Holiday Special has garnered a polarizing response since its airing, with reactions ranging from disdain to outright derision, particularly from Star Wars creator George Lucas.

Josh Clark refers to the special as one of the worst things to happen within the Star Wars galaxy, highlighting the depth of its negative reception. Chuck Bryant suggests that this adverse reaction could be partly attributed to the special's connection to the Star Wars franchise and the lofty expectations that inherently come with it.

While looking into George Lucas's response to the special, it becomes clear that there is much hearsay but few on-the-record comments from Lucas. Chuck Bryant addresses a widespread but false quote attributed to Lucas expressing a desire to destroy every copy of the special with a sledgehammer. Josh Clark confirms Lucas never actually said this, though they speculate Lucas likely disliked the special. They note that Lucas expressed his disdain for the Holiday Special when he appeared on Robot Chicken.

Though no direct comments from Lucas are provided in the transcript chunk, it is well-known that critics and Star Wars fans at large have expressed their dislike for the special, and George Lucas does not seem to be an exception. Over the years, when asked, Lucas has tended to avoid the topic. However, in a 2005 remark, he admitted that the special "really didn't have much to do with us," though he conceded that it was not the smartest decision to let the TV network utilize the characters.

Interestingly, in a ...

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Polarizing response, especially from George Lucas

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark are hosts of the podcast "Stuff You Should Know." They are known for discussing a wide range of topics in an engaging and informative manner. In this context, they are referenced for their insights on the Star Wars Holiday Special and George Lucas's response to it.
  • George Lucas is the creator of the Star Wars franchise, known for his pivotal role in shaping the original trilogy. His vision and creative direction have been central to the success and evolution of the Star Wars universe. Lucas has been involved in various aspects of the franchise, including the development of characters, storylines, and the overall mythology of Star Wars. His influence extends beyond the movies to include spin-off projects, such as the Star Wars Holiday Special, which he has had varying degrees of involvement with over the years.
  • Robot Chicken is a stop-motion animated sketch comedy TV series that often parodies pop culture, including Star Wars. In one episode, George Lucas voiced himself and expressed his disdain for the Star Wars Holiday Special, indicating his negative feelings towards the production. This appearance on Robot Chicken is significant because it showcases George Lucas's humorous take on the Holiday Special and his acknowledgment of its controversial reputation within the Star Wars community.
  • Starlog magazine was a popular science fiction magazine that covered various aspects of the genre, including movies, TV shows, and behind-the-scenes content. It was known for featuring interviews with prominent figures in the scien ...

Counterarguments

  • The Star Wars Holiday Special may be appreciated for its camp value and as a nostalgic piece of Star Wars history, despite its flaws.
  • Some fans and critics might argue that the Holiday Special adds to the cultural tapestry of the Star Wars universe and should be celebrated for its uniqueness.
  • The adverse reaction to the special could be seen as an overreaction, considering it was a product of its time and not intended to be a cinematic masterpiece.
  • The expectations for the Holiday Special may have been unrealistically high, given that it was a television production with a different aim than the films.
  • George Lucas's disdain for the Holiday Special might be viewed as a creator's critical perspective on a work that did not meet his standards, rather than an objective assessment of its entertainment value.
  • The idea that Lucas wanted to destroy every copy of the special could be interpreted as a reflection of his passion for the ...

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