Raquel! (TV program)

Winters setting up the Mayans

Raquel! was filmed in London, Paris, Acapulco, Mexico City, Yucatan, Big Sur, and Los Angeles and featured lavish production numbers. It marked Welch's debut special on television. Together Welch and Jones combined musical and comedic talents on classic rock 'n' roll standards of the era.[1]

Although Welch sings throughout the show, she briefly recites "The Lady of Shalott", a ballad by the Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson.[2]

The special, considered by some to be a classic '70s timepiece, unites pop-culture icons in their prime. The multimillion-dollar, TV song & dance extravaganza was filmed around the world - from Paris to Mexico. Lavish production numbers of classic songs from the era, extravagant Bob Mackie -designed costumes and guest performances. Guest stars John Wayne, Tom Jones, and Bob Hope added to the largeness of the production.[3]

On the day of the premiere, the show received a 51% share on the National ARB Ratings and an Overnight New York Nielsen Rating of 58% share.[3]

In Rick Du Brow's review, appearing in the The Bremerton Sun, he praises the settings, the photography, and Winters's directing. Du Brow thinks that Welch really shined because the talents behind the camera explaining that with David Winters's "imagination and Stephen Burum's photography Miss Welch has never looked better."[4]

In his review published in The Indianapolis News, Richard K. Shull praised the photography, the use of locations, and the directing. While Shull liked it, he didn't care for the segment with Bob Hope. Shull was particularly impressed with Winters managing to cover Welch lack of abilities.[5]

Jack Gould of The New York Times said that Raquel! has the potential to become the future of home video content. He called it a "visual fantasy", that would appeal to teenagers and those below the age of 25. He thinks that Welch weakest moment was her Mae West impression, while her strongest was her performance with Tom Jones.[6]

In the Daily News, reviewer Ben Gross said it was charming and that Welch presented a pleasant personality. He praised the scenery and added that the music created "visually poetic mood".[7]

Bryan Thomas in his 2015 retrospective review for Night Flight said it was a jaw dropping time capsule due to the costumes and elaborate set pieces. His overall consensus was that Welch really shined in an awesome special.[3]

Fourteen songs from the era are featured, although many are in the form of medley. Welch and friends sang songs by the Beatles, Little Richard, The Mamas & the Papas and many others. The oldest was not much older than five years from original release.

• Raquel! at IMDb
• Raquel! at AllMovie