Arthur Freed's Hollywood Melody

The NBC color television music variety special - "Arthur Freed's Hollywood Melody" - was a rare salute to Arthur Freed and for all of his MGM film musicals he had produced during the decades he had been associated with the "Golden Age" of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's studio feature film musicals. Producer and director Alan Handley developed the concept salute for the NBC Color Network's one hour in length Television Special. The television tribute program, featured as host - the extremely talented MGM actor-dancer-comedian Donald O'Connor. Guest cast performers supporting and appearing with host Donald O'Connor were Richard Chamberlain, Nanette Fabray, Shirley Jones, Howard Keel, Yvette Mimieux, and dancer Juliet Prowse, who had been Fred Astaire's last dance partner. Additional credits included the following: writing dialogue for the special: Sheldon Keller and Stanley Roberts; the special's Executive Producer was Arthur Freed; Associate Producer was Lillie Messenger.