This Carpenters TV special was influenced by the popular era of Star Wars and their own song "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft". The thin plot line involves 2 space alien people crashing the Carpenters in their studio in order to learn about singing and music! Suzanne Somers plays one of the "aliens". Watching this, at first I was shocked at the bad polyester jumpsuits and dated appearances of both fashion, hairstyles and technology, but then after the first viewing was over, I could re-watch in a different mindset.
Karen Carpenter definitely seems at ease in front of the camera, taking center stage in many musical scenes, singing AND dancing, even joking, while Richard prefers to remain seated behind his piano. If Karen had lived, I have no doubt she would have begun to expand into acting in film or TV. There are good musical numbers, a high school dance party with 1960's songs, the Carpenters' "Goofus" and the above "Occupants", Karen singing "Little Girl Blue" which was amazing, and Sweet Sweet Smile. Karen and Suzanne even share a song and dance, "The Woman is Smarter" - a partnership I would have never predicted. This is cheesy fun from 1978. Keep in mind, Karen was too thin here, suffering from her illness.
Just beware those scary space robots. I have to fast forward every time they make an appearance. They are the stuff nightmares are made of!
Karen Carpenter definitely seems at ease in front of the camera, taking center stage in many musical scenes, singing AND dancing, even joking, while Richard prefers to remain seated behind his piano. If Karen had lived, I have no doubt she would have begun to expand into acting in film or TV. There are good musical numbers, a high school dance party with 1960's songs, the Carpenters' "Goofus" and the above "Occupants", Karen singing "Little Girl Blue" which was amazing, and Sweet Sweet Smile. Karen and Suzanne even share a song and dance, "The Woman is Smarter" - a partnership I would have never predicted. This is cheesy fun from 1978. Keep in mind, Karen was too thin here, suffering from her illness.
Just beware those scary space robots. I have to fast forward every time they make an appearance. They are the stuff nightmares are made of!