WSNS Channel 44 - TV44 Sports Spotlight with Jim Durham - "The San Diego Chicken, Pre-Demolition" (Part 4, 1979)

Here's a special and rare treat for the 35th Anniversary of the infamous "Disco Demolition" event! (please excuse the ghosty picture quality and buzzy audio)

Includes:

Part 4 (the final part) of the TV44 Sports Spotlight with Jim Durham, with the San Diego Chicken (a.k.a. Ted Giannoulas) as guest, as aired on WSNS Channel 44 just before the first game of a proposed doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers that was followed by the infamous "Disco Demolition Night." Includes:

The Chicken starts this part off by displaying some of his impressions, including third base coach Bobby Winkles giving signs to the Road Runner; Groucho Marx; and Chuck Berry's "duck walk." Jim then asks Ted whether he's studied chickens - he has, and incorporates his observations into his acts; yet has had no athletic or acrobatic training, only going by his mind's subconscious. Though children are among his fans, Ted sees his act as more for people of all ages. Jim then recalls one of the Chicken's appearances at a basketball game, and he explains his technique on how he avoids serious injuries (a lot of slapstick). About his favorite schtick, he considers it his act of arguing with umpires, plus warming up with Don Sutton and Steve Yeager of the Los Angeles Dodgers; as well as the satisfaction of bringing a laugh to those attending games. After a brief Steve Martin impersonation from the Chicken, the interview ends.

Closing credits:

TV44 Sports Spotlight with Jim Durham
Producer - Mark Manning
Director - Peter Kimball
Assistant Director - Marc Claussen
Audio - Wendy Straw
Camera - John Shimashita
Camera - Bob Seiff
Video - Richard Martin
Video Tape - Carl Roszczybiuk
Highlights Courtesy of WGN-TV

This aired on local Chicago TV on Thursday, July 12th 1979 from about 4:59pm to 5:15pm.

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