Andrew Solt

Andrew Solt (born 13 December 1947) is an English producer, director, writer and documentary filmmaker. He has done numerous television specials and series for both broadcast and cable television and also films. Solt owns the rights to the The Ed Sullivan Show library and has produced over 100 hours of new programming from the archive. A frequent focus of his documentaries is rock and roll music, its history and star performers. Included are features about icons Elvis Presley (This Is Elvis, 1981) and John Lennon (Imagine: John Lennon, 1988). Description above from the Wikipedia article Andrew Solt, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia .

Works

The Wonderful World of Disney

Walt Disney Productions has produced an anthology television series under several different titles since 1954. The original version of the series premiered on ABC, Wednesday night, October 27, 1954. The show, which was hosted by Walt Disney until his death and then from 1996 to 2002 by then-CEO Michael Eisner (with one-off hosts or no hosts during other periods) has since aired continually as either a weekly program or an irregular series of specials on several networks and streaming services, most recently on ABC and Disney+. The show is the second longest showing prime-time program on American television, behind its rival, Hallmark Hall of Fame. However, Hallmark Hall of Fame was a weekly program only during its first five seasons, while Disney remained a weekly program for more than forty years.

Release Date1954-10-27

DepartmentProduction

JobExecutive Producer

Episode Count773

Vote Count34

Elvis on Tour

This documentary captures Elvis Presley on his 1972 American tour and includes rehearsals, interviews, archival television appearances and backstage moments. With Elvis at his most flamboyant, the film features well-known hits and cover songs showcasing his country, gospel and rhythm-and-blues influences.

Release Date1972-11-01

DepartmentProduction

JobResearcher

Vote Count41

The History of Rock 'n' Roll

Chronicles the history of rock 'n' roll music from its origins.

Release Date1995-03-08

DepartmentProduction

JobExecutive Producer

Episode Count11

Vote Count6

Sesame Street | All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever!

Sesame Street All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever! was a 1994 TV special that aired on ABC to celebrate Sesame Street's 25th anniversary. It was originally broadcast on May 18, 1994. The show featured Joe Pesci (as Ronald Grump), Corbin Bernsen (as real estate attorney, Arnie), Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman (as a Worm TV hosts), John Goodman (as Tough Guy Helpline operator), Charles Grodin (as Chaz), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (as reporter Kathie Lee Kathie), Rosie O'Donnell (as the Good Hope Fairy), Susan Sarandon (as Bitsy), Barbara Walters (reporting for 25/25), and Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford (as themselves).

Release Date1994-05-18

DepartmentProduction

JobExecutive Producer

Vote Count3

Rogues Gallery

Fascinating biographies featuring the lives and personalities of some of the most notorious mobsters: Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, John Dillinger, Sam Giancana, Bonnie and Clyde, Dutch Schultz, Meyer Lansky, 'Lucky' Luciano, and Mickey Cohen.

Release Date1997-04-14

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Episode Count10

NBC 75th Anniversary Special

A celebration of NBC's 75 year history, featuring clips of special moments.

Release Date2002-05-05

DepartmentProduction

JobCo-Executive Producer

Vote Count1

The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years

For the first time in their careers, all the Muppets (except the ones that couldn't make it, like the Doozers, Gorgs and most of the Fraggles) have gathered together in one place to celebrate their thirtieth anniversary and honor the one who brought them together: Kermit the Frog (and by doing so, Jim Henson).

Release Date1986-01-21

DepartmentProduction

JobProducer

Vote Count6

Imagine: John Lennon

The biography of former Beatle, John Lennon—narrated by Lennon himself—with extensive material from Yoko Ono's personal collection, previously unseen footage from Lennon's private archives, and interviews with David Bowie, his first wife Cynthia, second wife Yoko Ono and sons Julian and Sean.

Release Date1988-09-30

DepartmentWriting

JobWriter

Vote Count88

This Is Elvis

Though several actors portray Elvis Presley at different stages of his life, this documentary is comprised mostly of actual performance footage and interviews with Elvis, his fans and those close to him. This biographical docu-drama features rare footage of Elvis and dramatically recreated scenes from Elvis' life.

Release Date1981-04-03

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count35

Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan

Ed Sullivan broke barriers by booking Black artists on his Sunday night variety show. This documentary spotlights the TV pioneer's legacy of equality.

Release Date2023-06-11

DepartmentProduction

JobExecutive Producer

Vote Count7

Donald Duck's 50th Birthday

Donald is shown in both animated and costumed form, interacting with emcee Dick Van Dyke and other cast members. The film not only shows Donald's life, but also depicts an extensive international tour that Donald went on in 1984 as well as showing various celebrities of the day wishing Donald happy birthday. The tour culminates in a parade in Donald's honor at Disneyland.

Release Date1984-11-13

DepartmentProduction

JobProducer

Vote Count3

E.T. and Friends: Magical Movie Visitors

Documentary hosted by Robin Williams about the history of aliens in the movies, made to coincide with the cinema release of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

Release Date1982-12-24

DepartmentWriting

JobWriter

Vote Count5

Gimme Some Truth: The Making of John Lennon's Imagine Album

An instant classic when released in September 1971, John Lennon's Imagine was the ex-Beatle's solo masterpiece, and its musical legacy is matched here by priceless footage of Lennon's creative process, independently edited from original 16-millimeter footage by producer-director Andrew Solt with the hands-off approval of Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono. Incorporating footage from John and Yoko's original film Imagine (clips of which were previously included in the 1988 documentary Imagine: John Lennon), Gimme Some Truth presents Lennon, Ono, coproducer Phil Spector, and a host of gifted musicians in a fluid context of conflict, community, and craftsmanship. Bearing witness to every stage of the recording process, this 63-minute documentary succeeds as a visual diary, a study of familiar music in its infancy, and a revealing portrait of the then-30-year-old Lennon--from witty clown to confrontational perfectionist--at the peak of his post-Fab Four inspiration.

Release Date2000-04-11

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count18

Ed Sullivan Presents: Rock 'N' Roll Revolution: The British Invade America, America Fights Back

In the 60's, the British Invasion sparked a cultural change in rock 'n' roll and America fights back. Hosts Michelle Phillips and Graham Nash chronicle cutting edge performances on The Ed Sullivan Show and interviews from the musicians themselves.

Release Date2003-09-02

DepartmentWriting

JobWriter

DTV: Monster Hits

A Halloween special featuring appropriately-themed rock and roll songs set to scenes from the Disney library of classic animation.

Release Date1987-10-30

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count11

The Golden Girls: Their Greatest Moments

A 90-minute special reuniting the main cast of the American sitcom, "The Golden Girls", where they share their favorite moments from the show, behind-the-scenes footage, and plenty of laughs

Release Date2003-06-02

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count5

It Came from Hollywood

Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Gilda Radner and Cheech and Chong present this compilation of classic bad films from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Special features on gorilla pictures, anti-marijuana films and a special tribute to the worst film maker of all-time, Ed Wood.

Release Date1982-10-29

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count27

Disney's DTV Valentine

A Valentine's Day special featuring rock and roll music set to scenes from Disney animation.

Release Date1986-02-14

DepartmentProduction

JobProducer

Vote Count2

Remembering Marilyn

A documentary about the life of actress Marilyn Monroe, commemorating the 25th anniversary of her death. Lee Remick is the host and narrator.

Release Date1988-08-20

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count1

Muppets Magic from 'The Ed Sullivan Show!'

Long before America came to appreciate the talents of Jim Henson and his brilliant creations, The Muppets, Ed Sullivan had the foresight to identify with Henson's enormous creativity and provide him an opportunity to introduce his unique characters to the American public. With Henson's first appearance on September 18, 1966, The Muppets began to capture America's imagination, breaking down our old conceptions of what could be done with puppetry, challenging us to embrace these creatures as living and thinking beings. Not only does this program introduce us to Kermit, we can also see the beginnings of other Henson characters we've come to know and love, including reindeer discussing Christmas deliveries, singing cows, a monster engulfing a computer, and Kermit swallowing a worm. The charm and warmth that captured children and adults when these inventive segments first aired are just as powerful and compelling today. As you will see... The Muppets' charm and lore are timeless!

Release Date2003-01-01

DepartmentProduction

JobExecutive Producer

Vote Count2

The Rolling Stones: 25x5 - The Continuing Adventures of The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones emerged in the summer of 1963 as the so-called "bad boys" antidote to the Beatles, a characterization that became one of the foundations of modern rock 'n' roll. In the 25 years that followed, the Stones have succeeded in outraging, mystifying, confusing yet always inspiring their fans. 25 X 5: The Continuing Adventures of The Rolling Stones is the first time that the Stones have gone on camera to tell their own story. Over two hours of devastatingly frank narratives by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Ron Wood are underscored by rare interview segments with Brian Jones and Mick Taylor, and rare and never-before-seen archival film, video, and newsreel footage.

Release Date1993-12-03

DepartmentProduction

JobProducer

Vote Count4

Great Broadway Musical Moments from the Ed Sullivan Show

Relive the dazzling show stopping songs, dances and production numbers from some of your favorite Broadway musicals. Great Broadway Musical Moments from The Ed Sullivan Show brings you legendary musical entertainment performed by a galaxy of great Broadway stars like Ethel Merman in "Annie Get Your Gun," John Raitt in "Oklahoma!," Julie Andrews in "Camelot," and more! This exciting event includes exclusive interviews with legends Shirley Jones, Joel Grey, and Rex Reed.

Release Date2003-07-22

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Heroes of Rock 'n' Roll

Special featuring performances by some of the great names of the last 25 years of rock music, using newsreel, cinema film and trailers, video tape, and rare film of concerts, rehearsals and interviews of eighty-two of rock's stars.

Release Date1979-02-09

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count1

The Road to Edinburgh

Feisty reporter Joan insists on driving to her next assignment in Edinburgh solo. Along the way she has a flat tire and a passerby lends a hand, she in kind offers him a lift. As she finds out more information about him she starts making assumptions and her fears rise.

Release Date1954-10-31

DepartmentWriting

JobWriter

Rock 'N' Roll Forever: Ed Sullivan's Greatest Hits

15 complete performances that were filmed when these bands played live on The Ed Sullivan Show. Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and Papas narrates between songs and shows still photographs or film clips of these band members as they are interviewed by Ed or others.

Release Date2005-02-05

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women

Based on Ricky Jay's book of the same title, this TV special was made up of a combination of magic, juggling, amazing feats, stunts and performances, including a musical performance on wine glasses, a human calculator who could determine cube-routes of numbers in her head and an antique acrobatic clockwork doll.

Release Date1990-04-19

DepartmentWriting

JobWriter

Vote Count2

Elvis The Great Performances Vol. 1 Center Stage

Priscilla Presley presents this tribute to her late former husband, combining live musical performances with rare footage of 'the King'. Included are Elvis' first screen test and audio recording.

Release Date2002-06-24

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count4

Elvis The Great Performances Vol. 3 From The Waist Up

Elvis Presley's first year (March '56 to January '57) on TV is spotlighted on "From the Waist Up," the third of three Elvis: The Great Performances DVDs. And what a time it was, as his appearances on the Dorsey Brothers, Milton Berle, Steve Allen, and especially Ed Sullivan shows electrified an ever-growing national audience with tunes ranging from the lascivious "Baby, Let's Play House" to the reverent "Peace in the Valley." Written by Presley biographer Peter Guralnick (Last Train to Memphis) and narrated by U2's Bono, volume 3 is the most documentary-like of the three discs; some basic history is provided (the Sun Records years, the arrival of Col. Tom Parker, etc.), most of which will be old hat to Presley aficionados. Unfortunately, it's also the only disc that truncates some of the King's performances, but the three straight complete songs from the '57 Sullivan show that end the program help make up for that. --Sam Graham

Release Date2002-08-12

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count4

America Censored

Documentary tracing the history of censorship in American comedy, movies, music and television from the early 20th century, showing how what society concerns taboo has changed during the last 100 years.

Release Date1985-05-28

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Elvis The Great Performances Vol. 2 The Man and the Music

Release Date2002-07-22

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count4

DTV 'Doggone' Valentine

A Valentine's Day special featuring rock and roll music set to scenes from Disney animation.

Release Date1987-02-13

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count1