The Great American Dream Machine was a weekly satirical variety television series, produced in New York City by WNET and broadcast on PBS from 1971 to 1973. The program was hosted by humorist and commentator Marshall Efron. Other notable cast members included Chevy Chase and contributors included Albert Brooks and Andy Rooney. The show centered on skits and satirical political commentary. The hour and a half long show usually contained at least seven different current event topics.
B**R
Oh for the full series ... WNET reused the tapes
OK Politically Aware in the 1970s folks, ORDER THIS! The Great American Dream Machine was, short of MacNeil/Lerher one of the greatest PBS products. According to the production staff (at the Museum of Broadcasting, now Museum of Radio and Television) Dream Machine Day, a few decades ago (Marshall Efron showed, Andy Rooney stayed home) The 8 shows of, what was it, a total of 24, 36, over two seasons, are the best shows that were saved, possibly the only tapes that still exist. WNET reportedly used several of them over. This is the show that (according to Newsday's late TV reviewer Marvin Kitman, maddened Richard Nixon to the point where he threatened the PBS budget if it were continued. The official reason for its brief lifespan was "it was too damned expensive". Includes the beast, the Death show. Missing are both renditions of The Great American Dream Machine anthem, the cast sing-along and the BS&T version. If you remember the Dream Machine, you'll want this desperately, especially if you were so into the era that too much smoke obscures your memory<g>.
T**P
Good Nostalgia
This is a fascinating time machine to the days of the hippies, but I don't think it's the whole series - at least that's how memory serves.Still good for those who miss the hippy era.
D**G
A nostalgic reminder of a very special time in America
It's the same program you may remember from the early 70's (if you're old enough). Back when public televisionwas NET, and on the cutting edge of satire and commentary.I had been looking for this series for years, but no one remembered it. So happy to have found the complete series in this DVD format. Kay Oslin's rendition of "Molly" is worth the price of the whole collection.
S**E
A throw back to a more rawer less controlled Public ...
A throw back to a more rawer less controlled Public Television world. You will spot lots of unknowns who later in their careers became celebrities. I watched this show as a kid and had fond memories of it. It is what I remembered it to be, silly, irreverent, and spontaneous. It is worth the price of the purchase for the animation sequences alone. Be aware it is not remastered and has a grainy 1970's video tape quality.
J**E
Love(d) the show when it was on PBS like the show on DVD
Love(d) the show when it was on PBS like the show on DVD.I know Technology has changed unbelievably since this show aired but I was so very disappointed with the picture quality of this set. If this is heavily restored it is really sad. If not shame on someone for not showcasing it with better viewability
A**S
Wonderful treasure from the PBS past!
Oh boy oh ob boy, what a treat to review this wonderful PBS series from a time gone by! Efron was so quirky and SO brilliant, it's really fascinating as well as funny, and a real look into a mindset I remember well but which is now fading into the past. A real treat!
D**G
A blast from the past
Lots of fun to reminisce about the early days of Public Television. Very similar in format to Monty Python.
G**P
Five Stars
Great.....just as I remember it from the 70s.
C**R
Five Stars
just as my husband remembered it. 45 years ago. A true american classic.
Trustpilot
4 days ago
2 weeks ago