Chevy Chase doing soccer kicks while Don Rickles roasts entire nations? 1977 was unhinged.
This NBC Special from 1977 pitted celebrities from the worlds of film and TV in the United States against stars from the U.K. and the rest of the World. Three teams of five men and three women representing their native land, competed in a series of nine events during this fast paced and exciting 2 hour TV Special. Sporting events included bowling, darts, rowing, swimming and running relays and soccer goal kicking.
Acting
Don Rickles doing unscripted international diplomacy via insult comedy.
Practical Effects
Genuine 1977 celebrities actually attempting athletic feats, no doubles.
Production
NBC's absurdly ambitious live sports-variety hybrid spectacle.
Director
Don Ohlmeyer
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Don Ohlmeyer's directorial debut—he later became NBC Sports president and famously fired Norm Macdonald from SNL.
The 'World' team notably included South African athletes during apartheid, which went entirely unremarked upon in 1977 NBC coverage.
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