Cyril Ritchard - "Mutual Admiration Society" - Nov 17, 1957

Cyril Richard is one of my favorite performers, ever since his unforgettable portrayal of Captain Hook in the live 1955 TV broadcast of PETER PAN. Two years later I had the privilege of meeting him when he performed this number on THE GENERAL MOTORS 50th ANNIVERSARY SHOW, a two-hour musical extravaganza which my dad produced. This is a rarely seen kinescope of the live NBC-TV broadcast, November 17, 1957. The little girl is Claudia Crawford ("The Edge of Night"). The song, "Mutual Appreciation Society," was written by Matt Dubey and Harold Karr for the 1956 musical "Happy Hunting," starring Ethel Merman.

[@r.j.b.4089]

This is BRILLIANT!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.

[@rebeccasrambles]

Thank you! So unusual for these times, and it wasn't that long ago. Wonderful really.

[@judyharris6516]

Loved Cyril

[@escape7557]

Omg
You are so awesome for posting this!! Thank thank u thank u thank u thank u. I’m a millennial but love Cyril ritchard. I was introduced to him as Captain Hook. It’s nice to find him in tv spots and I had heard of his appearance on this General Motors anniversary special and had been searching for it. It was a beautiful clip. Thanks again

[@charlenekravec1461]

Loved this. Had to watch it twice. Now I can't get the song out of my head.

[@randyrogers8568]

And now he is dead and she is in her late 70's. Time marches on!

[@devonrains6580]

What happened to Claudia Crawford? Her IMDB ends in 1961 (this is 1957) and no other information. She is adorable and talented.

[@ellenlinn7]

Wow, this is wonderful, I love Cyril Ritchard he was wonderful- I remember him as Captain Hook!!!! Here is a crazy question, did you ever live in the Sammy House on the Fenway?

[@greggoppenheimer]

Hi Ellen, Yes, I did. And did you live in the Boston Conservatory dorm next door?

[@bostonviewer5430]

Hi Gregg
Another crazy question:
If you did live at the Sammy House I remember you too!
I lived at 54 The Fenway my freshman year at Boston Conservatory.
We were friends and you told hilarious stories about Lucille Ball and the making of I Love Lucy. I'm enjoying the clips on your channel
I hope you're well and having fun. Andy