Perhaps the least Dickensian person ever to have lived, Cher nonetheless gives the look (courtesy, of course, of Mr. Mackie) a whirl in this prime example of high-seventies medleymania, holiday division. She's joined by TV staple William Conrad, who waxes unexpectedly RobertGouletische in his solo bit,* and ever so briefly by the soon-to-be ex-Mr. Cher, as well as, in passing during the grand finale, by the ever-pleasing Miss Teri Garr (the spotting of whom seems to be turning into a minor Café hobby).
The highlight, I think you'll agree, is the star's do-or-die assault on "O Holy Night." Hers may not be the most orthodox rendition ever, but she certainly gives it her all, reminding us that in her heyday she had a helluva set of pipes and wasn't afraid to use it.
* And he's if nothing else undeniably a cheerier party guest than Peg. You'll note that this very special moment on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour was taped in the same year as the special that produced Miss Lee's lugubrious turn. There must have been something in the water.
I kept waiting for the tempo to suddenly change, for that cloak to be thrown off, and for Cher to sashay down stage wearing not much more than a few cleverly placed sequins. Yet, I was not disappointed. This was tasteful, and lovely.
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