The 80s special where wooden co-stars finally got their close-up.
Acting
Jay Johnson's dual performance still unsettles in the best way.
Production
That aggressively 1982 set design is accidentally gorgeous.
Director
Henry Polonsky
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This aired during ventriloquism's last mainstream gasp before becoming pure kitsch; Jay Johnson had already won a Tony for 'The Two and Only' that same year.
Mariette Hartley famously did Polaroid commercials with James Garner—her ventriloquist special hosting gig remains one of television's most charmingly random pivots.
US
