16mm TV Network Lab Kinescope Live Television Network Print

LAWRENCE WELK'S

THE PLYMOUTH SHOW

BROADCAST LIVE ON NOVEMBER 26, 1958

THANKSGIVING SPECIAL

PRODUCED BY ABC-TV

Up for auction is a magnificent, museum-grade piece of golden-age television history: a complete, 53-minute 16mm black-and-white kinescope sound network print of The Plymouth Show Starring Lawrence Welk, documenting their legendary Thanksgiving Special broadcast from November 26, 1958. During this peak era of mid-century variety television, the iconic bandleader and maestro of "Champagne Music" left his usual ballroom setting to helm this special prime-time ABC network presentation. Sponsored fully by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation, this rare kinescope preserves an incredibly heartwarming, high-production slice of vintage American entertainment at its absolute zenith.

What elevates this specific broadcast print into a premier acquisition for television archivists and physical media preservationists is that it represents a complete, uninterrupted network broadcast record. Rather than a chopped-down syndication reel or a bare clip collection, this film features the full holiday presentation exactly as it went out over the airwaves to millions of American households the night before Thanksgiving in 1958. The film retains its original network sequencing, including Welk’s signature maestro introductions directly in front of his beautifully decorated orchestra stands, full production numbers, holiday themes, next-week show announcements, and the original rolling end credits from the ABC-TV Hollywood production crew.

The musical and performance lineage preserved on this reel features a spectacular lineup of the ultimate stars from the Lawrence Welk family performing in their absolute prime. The festive holiday program includes a beautifully staged Pilgrim vignette set against a "Plymouth Rock" backdrop, show-stopping instrumental numbers highlighting legendary woodwind masters Pete Fountain on clarinet and Orie Amodeo on saxophone, and a roaring pep-rally tap routine featuring world-renowned dancer Jack Imel. The broadcast is rounded out by unforgettable vocal performances, including a glorious segment featuring the famous Lennon Sisters, a beautiful duet by Maurice Pearson and Alice Lon (the original "Champagne Lady"), and the grand chords of Larry Hooper at the keyboard, all backed by the immaculate arrangements of the full Lawrence Welk Orchestra.

Adding an extraordinary layer of vintage corporate Americana, pop-culture charm, and historical value, this network print features its original 1958 sponsor integration seamlessly intact throughout the program. Rather than utilizing standard commercial breaks, the production weaves its seasonal themes, beautifully choreographed cheerleading routines, and major musical numbers directly into the massive set pieces displaying Plymouth's iconic late-50s automotive branding. For serious collectors of 16mm kinescopes, vintage television variety shows, or elite mid-century broadcasting artifacts, this complete holiday time capsule is a crown jewel opportunity for your private archive or collection... Feel free to ask questions. 

Remember... these kinescope shows are some the rarest episodes that exist today because often times it is the ONLY version that survives of the ad itself... so don't let it slip by... for they do not turn up for bid very often...

Not many of these turn up so happy bidding...  

About the print:

16mm b/w kinescope sound print...  at about 53 minutes long...  

ready to show... mounted on a 2000' reel...

NO vinegar smell and is NOT nitrate...

Condition: ok here's the deal... LOWER opening bid... the print really runs beautifully... BUT...  the first 25 minutes has moisture damage flashes present in the picture and audio track that occurs every 3 seconds that gradually clears up more and more until... and then it basically clear and smooth to the end...  only one ad in the print... the image is super crisp and clear for a kinescope...  BOOMING sound... this is KINESCOPE... sold AS-IS!!!!