ABC Afterschool Specials - "Run, Don't Walk" - WLS Channel 7 (Complete Broadcast, 3/5/1981) 📺

Here's the complete broadcast of a first-run installment of the ABC Afterschool Specials, "Run, Don't Walk," as aired over WLS Channel 7.
This story is about a teenaged girl (Toni Kalem) who, after a horse-riding accident that leaves her paralyzed in a wheelchair, is in denial about the situation - until she meets a boy (Scott Baio) in the same type of predicament. Also features Dee Wallace (before "E.T." came knocking), former Celebrity Sweepstakes host Jim MacKrell, Rosemary Prinz, Sheila Frazier, Bruno Kirby, and Hal Williams. Executive producer is Henry Winkler (Aaaayyyyy!).
(It should be noted that this aired in Chicago on a day's delay, owing to ABC's scheduled air date of March 4th for this special falling on the same day The 3:00 Movie was airing the eighth and final part of the 1976 miniseries "Rich Man, Poor Man.")
Includes:
Station ID / Friday Night promo with Jay Levine
Preemption notice (voiceover by Bill Owen, who also supplies voiceover for all break and return bumpers)
Preview of coming film, followed by Afterschool Specials open and Act I (with opening titles) of our story
Sponsor billboard for Kellogg's (voiceover by Bill Owen)
Commercials for:
Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats (with two-headed giant)
Cinnamon Listermint mouthwash
Act II of story
Commercials for:
McDonald's (activities in winter)
Sunkist oranges, lemons and grapefruit - "Sunkist Sweet" (sung to tune of "Ain't She Sweet")
Johnson's Baby Powder
Act III of story
Commercials for:
Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies
Kellogg's Sugar Smacks (Dig 'Em the frog in a circus with a clown - not Bozo, alas)
Aim toothpaste
ABC animated ID with lower-third station ID
Commercial: Johnson's Baby Oil
Act IV of story
Commercials for:
Freshen-Up spearmint gum (action at amusement park) - "With Flavor Waves" - and in other flavors
Hostess cup cakes
Kellogg's Froot Loops (Toucan Sam with pony on stick with mock horse head)
Crayola Markers
Act V of story
Commercial: McDonald's - "Best Friends"
Promo for next Afterschool Special, "My Mother Was Never a Kid," for March 18th (voiceover by Ernie Anderson)
Commercials for:
Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies (repeat)
Kellogg's Cocoa Krispies (with Richard B. Shull [of Holmes and Yoyo fame] as the mailman and Paul Winchell as the voice of the elephant)
Final scene, with ending credits (and voiceover promo for Eight Is Enough, Benson, and I'm a Big Girl Now by Fred Foy? - in any case, especially viz the first show, inaccurate, given what was described above)
Sponsor billboard for McDonald's (voiceover by Bill Owen)
Ending Afterschool Specials titles
Incomplete promo for premiere of The Greatest American Hero for March 18th (voiceover by Ernie Anderson) (recording ends before promo does)
This aired on local Chicago TV on Thursday, March 5th 1981 during the 3:00pm to 3:58pm timeframe. (this episode would be repeated on Wednesday, April 14th 1982 at 3:30pm.)
About The Museum of Classic Chicago Television:
The MCCTv (FuzzyMemoriesTV) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose primary mission is the preservation and display of off-air, early home videotape recordings (70s to early 80s, mostly) recorded off of TV (in Chicago or other cities now too); things which would likely be lost if not sought out and preserved digitally. If you have any old 1970s videotapes recorded off of TV please email: [e-mail] Even though (mostly) short clips are displayed here, we preserve the entire broadcasts in our archives - the complete programs with breaks (or however much is present on the tape), for historical preservation. For information on how to help in our mission, to donate or lend tapes to be converted to digital, please e-mail [e-mail] Thank you for your help!

[@spacewurm]

I love this. The commercials are the real treat. Both nostalgic and depressing at the same time. I wish I could relive the 80s again.

[@robrubio7583]

I do too. Very much, 80s were awesome. Bettering in every way. Like ABC. Being young. Just watching 80s helps a bit , but it don't , like you I'd rather be back as a kid in the 80s stay there time looped.

[@frankrizzo4460]

Yes I totally agree with you, I really believe that we were blessed to have experienced those days. What a fun time to grow up back then, I miss those days now more than ever before 🤔

[@Thor13332]

Me too.

[@cindypruitt9534]

I agree old commercials and specials make me both nostalgic happy and sad. Bittersweet I guess. I know things weren't perfect but damn at least the people I loved were mostly all alive and my body worked still. 🥲

[@jsngallery]

you and me both ( and a lot more apparently)

[@calchick82]

This was filmed at my old high school, Whittier High in Whittier, CA...I was a junior when this was filmed and I remember all the ruckus over Scott Baio being on campus, lol... Henry Winkler was an executive producer of this Afterschool Special and to thank the school for allowing them to film there, he appeared after the show aired at a special assembly for us, which was pretty cool...about three years later, Whittier High School was used again as the school in Back To The Future...

[@chazarcola7639]

Henry Winkler directed Scott Baio in the TV movie ALL THE KIDS DO IT.

[@Albert-777]

Yeah I remember it also, I went to Whittier high also.1980-84👍🏼

[@danielmorse4213]

Wow. We got old.

[@macwyll]

Lol! Sure did! I miss all of these specials and commercials

[@mysteriomarvel933]

Me too...a magical time to grow up in. Scott Baio did a fine job in these after school specials. Thanks to him my childhood tv viewing was better.

[@joycebrackbill-henderly8311]

Far too quickly.

[@doctorseuss5349]

Wasn't this the era of 'coca-cola' import agency?

[@jaimerene0101]

We did... but grew up in such an awesome era.

[@mixon270]

What happen to good times like this? we need it for this generation

[@kellykerr5225]

Oh come on now, we know it’s propaganda. They could do something similar. But they have the Disney channels and several other channels for kids. When we were kids, it was exciting if one was going to be on, you would rush home. And there was on Disney on tv on some Sunday Nights. But the specials were like just for us. Our parents didn’t even know what we were watching. We could do a reboot where the doctor gets him addicted to pain meds from a sports injury. Then he can use medical marijuana legally for the pain instead.

[@alfonsogreen2722]

I loved the ABC after school specials as a kid. They don't make TV like this no more

[@coreysothwell3269]

Yourontapevhs

[@GulfCoastSportsLLC]

Isn’t that the truth Alfonso! I’m moved to tears because what I’d give to relive the best years of my life. It went by in the blink of an eye. 😮‍💨

[@celestialstarseed111]

I know. Had I known the world would be like it is today I would have savored those days.

[@LisaV751]

@@celestialstarseed111I’ve been thinking the same thing. I used to think the world was an unsafe and crazy place. I can’t imagine what the new generation of kids are going to feel 50 years from now! Will they feel sentimental like we do? I can’t even imagine.

[@user-to1vj7ju9b]

are you my grandpa?

[@TheLightFish]

That station wagon looks like the Griswold family truckster lol

[@jaminova_1969]

Every family had one!

[@MMAfighter38113]

I believe these specials were released on dvd years back. They were a boxset that came in the form of a school bus or a Trapper Keeper folder

[@pragmaticcat7619]

My childhood is back! Thanks for posting!

[@RusstheTroubadour]

Scott Baio also starred in the fourth episode of the season ( "Stoned") which aired in November of 1980.

[@area.man.]

The hairdresser Leonard in this episode was also the teacher in that episode.

[@jasonreese4573]

In the last week, I've watched STONED 4 times.

[@jenniferlampley8397]

Thank you for finding this, lm 50, so many good memories.

[@Supremmo]

I remember these! This use to come on 4pm on ABC.

[@alfonsogreen2722]

Yep. Right after General Hospital

[@mikeyseviersspookshow5183]

I really appreciate all the effort put into providing so much information about the airing and commercials! It's almost as if you guys are a museum... oh wait! Cheers!!

[@FuzzyMemoriesTV]

Our pleasure!

[@privateprivate1865]

Me too. Ty

[@byronbenguche]

Unlocking Gen-X memories Thanks for the post ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

[@deputay]

Kalem and Baio were also in The Boy Who Drank Too Much as well

[@ieattofu68]

I used to hate missing these specials! Thanks for sharing this!

[@janinecox256]

I remember these on Wednesday afternoon after school!

[@jasong428]

Have you ever noticed that on comment lists for videos like this one and similar broadcasts, no one EVER says "gosh I sure am glad I lived through that and it's in the past" - virtually everyone I see misses these times, the commercials are the best part and it's a universal pining for a TV Guide magazine and a channel-selection knob. What's different now? Modernity is terrible.

[@nancynancydrew8503]

YES! Please upload more SPECIALS. Thanks

[@jaminova_1969]

Oh, you are the best! I had a hard day at work and now I get to be a teenager again!

[@holsen2]

OMG, I miss freshen Up gum!!

[@TheLoveInYourEar]

When life was easy ☺️

[@frankrizzo4460]

Yes I agree with you, I'm so glad I didn't grow up in this generation. Even though we didn't have the technology back then it was a fun time to be a kid 🤔

[@privateprivate1865]

@@Oshiiiiiiiiiiii true .. I hope the future is better 😥

[@ken_danerdiest1]

The 3 O'Clock Movie would be back March 6th.

[@troykirchhoefel9134]

Wow! Scott Baio ended up in a wheelchair after getting "Stoned" on all that *Dynamite weed*...

[@chipdrusano]

Is it possible that this KZbin channel can upload an original first run broadcast of the Fall 1977 series premiere of abc weekend special The Winged Colt?

[@Tony-bm6cl]

Awesome keep these videos comeing so many memories 💪👍

[@joycebrackbill-henderly8311]

Can someone also please upload the 70's After school special's?

[@NEPatriot]

Yes, that is Fred Foy (announcer for The Lone Ranger on radio including ABC Radio) giving the promos during the closing credits.

[@mcgannahanskyjellyfetti6854]

They REALLY should have used this footage ➡️22:02 just before the commercial breaks...

[@HerAeolianHarp]

looks earlier than '81

[@macwyll]

I thought so too

[@christopherseat9871]

The wheel chair actress is a very intelligent woman.......Scott Baio......just pippin

[@chazarcola7639]

But you don't remember the name or face of the wheelchair actress.

[@christopherseat9871]

@@chazarcola7639 I'm afraid to say her name ♥️

[@kennethhuang371]

TO HENRY WINKLER, WHO EXECUTIVE PRODUCED THIS SPECIAL… AAAAAY! You’ve just made a classic one, Henry! I’ve also learned that: NEVER GIVE UP… THERE’S ALWAYS A WAY. Kenneth Huang 7/9/23. PS: I WONDER HOW SHE DID IN THAT RACE?

[@christopherseat9871]

Toni Kalem is a hell a actress!!! From The Wanderers to The Sopranos.........very underrated.

[@ken5042]

This brings back the good old days!

[@unchainedwiththecapt]

Chachi's in a wheelchair because the Fonz dropped a car on his legs....Ayyyyy!

[@ericviccaro9386]

Toni Kalem was actually 30 years old when this was filmed.

[@kellykerr5225]

These shows are so silly and has way too much Scott . But I loved them when the first aired. Come home from school and these were like special treats to look forward to watching.

[@kellykerr5225]

@@kobrakitsch877 I’m sorry I wasn’t more clear, I meant that several of the After School Specials had him as the star. I think I just watched three in a row when I wrote that. I’ve certainly never seen anyone act like he does in this movie after smoking weed. I remember I used to smoke weed at lunch before chemistry class. The teacher told me I was the best at chemistry in the whole school. The girl who sat next to me cheated off of me. Then she became the attorney general of Florida spewing hate towards gay people. I think Scott was okay. As a teen idol I didn’t have his pics up but I never disliked him. Until now because he’s become a crazed trump supporter. So that was in the back of my mind too.

[@chazarcola7639]

​​​​​​​​​​​​​@@kellykerr5225crazed biden supporter. 1. Scott reunited with John Herzfeld the Emmy awarded director of STONED for this next After School TV drama chronicling the struggles of handicapped young people. 2. Scott earned an Emmy nomination and won a Young Artists Award during the 3rd Annual Youth In Film Awards as Best Young Actor In A TV Movie for STONED. They would have more credibity than a drug addicted Trump hater who slanders the attorney general of Florida. 3. Don't be politically INTOLERANT if you want others to be tolerant of you.

[@MrDarthryan]

@@kellykerr5225 lmao-crazed trump supporters? you're reaching and projecting a lot.. the only crazy ones are the dims; I work on a college campus, only mentally crazy democrats

[@kellykerr5225]

@@chazarcola7639 Insults and name calling do not equal arguments. If you look where I stated I said I loved the shows. But you insulted me about Scott. Are you the president of his fan club? In this country I can have any political viewpoint I want. For now. But if Scott had his way no one would visit here. I’m talking about Rick Scott the senator. All you had to do was leave me alone. But if you are right wing, it’s impossible for you not to insult anyone who doesn’t agree with you. Look at the trail, you insulted me right away because you misunderstood me. But my goal has never been to care if you like me or not. You’re a total stranger

[@kellykerr5225]

@@chazarcola7639 Also there is no such thing a crazed Biden supporter. We aren’t in love with like you are with trump. I’m not a Biden Supporter. But make no mistake, I campaigned against trump every weekend without fail. Since you obviously love trump you must have spent hours volunteering for his campaign. Except we both know you didn’t. Know this as a fact, half the people that voted for Biden were really voting against trump. I know this because they told me when I was campaigning. I always said he wasn’t my first choice either. He’s actually done a little better that I hoped, I guess experience does help. But I’m not in love with him. I like some things he does and dislike other things he does. I don’t know anyone who calls themselves a Biden supporter. We support our country and what it stands for. I wish we had a progressive lime Bernie Sanders. I definitely support him. I’m having health issues so I have more time to answer. But what’s your excuse for not having a life?

[@mk202]

Angie Bonpensiero!!

[@jacktorrance2633]

That was driving me nuts!! I couldn't figure out why she was so familiar.

[@kennethhuang371]

MICKEY D’S, KELLOGG’S AND CRAYOLA CRAYONS REALLY BENEFITED FROM THIS ABC AFTERSCHOOL SPECIAL. I WISH THAT IT COULD BE RETURNING TO TV IN THIS NEW CENTURY. KENNETH HUANG 7/13/23.

[@deliciaford4343]

Where can we buy this complete series? Thanks

[@jaimerene0101]

Memories!

[@Matt-lp8de]

Man bruno kirby didnt age between this and City Slickers. Still looks the same.

[@jaybirdmansmith]

At 52:59 in this McDonald commercial, is that girl on the left Shawnee Smith from the TV show Becker with Ted Danson and from the SAW horror franchise? I' m curious!

[@user-en4mz1gj1e]

It's disgusting that he has to protest to try to get the toilet's wheelchair accessable , at least today many more public places have disabled bathrooms ,

[@djsi38t]

Great episode....and...Isnt it amazing how a simple smile can really make someone look pretty/handsome?...I hadn't noticed until she first cracked a smile...she is a very pretty girl!I always liked the black hair brown eyes as much as blonde and blue.Please,young ladies if you are reading this....dont ever think you are not pretty...a little care and a smile is all it really takes..

[@gabrielaparedes3845]

Jay Levine Would Have A Baby Girl 6 Months Later After This Video.

[@kennethhuang371]

OH, THERE’S SOMETHING I FORGOT TO TELL YOU, HENRY. THE ONLY TWO KINDS OF STRIKES THAT I KNOW SO WELL: A STRIKE IN BOWLING: 3 STRIKES IN A ROW WOULD GIVE PLAYERS MONEY. PLUS THREE STRIKES YOU’RE OUT IN BASEBALL. CALLED BY UMPIRES. THE STRIKES THAT ARE AFFECTING WRITERS AND ACTORS ARE A DEFINITE NO-NO FOR TV AND MOVIE FANS. ( TROMBONES SOUNDS ). BETTER PUT A NEW DEAL ON THE TABLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, HENRY. Kenneth Huang 7/15/23.

[@thierrylangford5199]

The Johnson & Johnson baby powder ad didn’t age well 😬

[@LEredridinghood]

Wheels Ontario, 1981

[@KijanaBoyd]

ABC Disney studios achieved

[@justinconroy5621]

i cant see the cpoyright

[@tynaguay5452]

🧡

[@wendyhermes]

"Bobby" should be in equine prison. Such menacing flashbacks!

[@freesoul3371]

They should have found an actual person or persons that actually uses a wheelchair to play the roles of the two kids in wheelchairs.

[@moretoknowshow1887]

I'm convinced Scott Baio did these to avoid some sort of legal trouble. Also, the ABC Affiliate in Dallas had a similar issue w/ delaying these on day of broadcast because they had a 3p film slot they ran daily. They usually ended up showing some of them on Saturday Mornings.

[@user-cg9tx4sr7e]

wheelchair karen took over Johnys cause

[@dannydougin3925]

Ugh .... Scott Baio! That's ruined it for me!

[@MrDarthryan]

then don't watch it🤡(No one cares)

[@GeraldLewis-gy5vk]

Don't like the movie AMEN

[@ADAMSIXTIES]

Scott Baio who is now an Ultramaga slimeball, was 20 here; a bit old for a high schooler. But Toni Kalem aka Samantha was 30

[@xman777b]

and why is he a "slimeball"? Let me guess, because he's a conservative whom voted for Trump?

[@chazarcola7639]

Don't be politically INTOLERANT if you want others to be tolerant of you.

[@jarrodbarker5050]

It's called growing up lol.

[@ilovemickyandhelove1]

@@xman777bif he wants to vote for a twice impeached, four time indicted, found liable for sexual assault and found guilty of fraud person that’s his business. Anyway he is a jerk for saying Erin Moran died of a drug overdose when she didn’t.

[@CowardsAbuse]

If only that nimrod Chachi wasn't in this video I would have loved it so much more

[@chazarcola7639]

Chachi will always be remembered as a pop culture icon. You will be forgotten.

[@David-vt3hn]

Is this the girl that was Sal Bompensaro's wife in The Sopranos?

[@bryggreen77]

Lawyer up!

[@dafullclip]

"You Can Do It, Duffy Moon" 🍻