Mary Richards: "Rhoda, chocolate doesn't solve anything."
Rhoda Morgenstern: "No Mare, cottage cheese solves nothing, chocolate solves it all."
It is by no means a stretch to say that September 19, 1970 (I actually didn't see the premiere episode on this date, but this is the date the show premiered on CBS) may be the date that altered, encouraged and supported me more than any other day in my professional life (which would come many years later). Even though I was still in elementary school I refer to it as the first date of my professional life. Obviously, I am not comparing this date to deeply personal moments, but from a look-back at why you ended up doing what you did this show was highly consequential in my life.
I remember the first time I saw the pilot of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." It was at the conclusion of the premiere episode, "Love Is All Around" that I literally knew what I wanted to do with my future career life. I would one day work in the media. She was the associate producer at WJM News; and she was the TV voice who defined life for those girls, like me, who had a career dream. I knew from that night in the early 1970's that I would one day want to work in television.
Mary drove a Mustang. I've owned two, including a fabulous 1988 Regatta Blue version and a stunning Cranberry Red 1999 version. The Mustang is one of the great cars of all time. It is certainly one of the most defining sports cars in American history and Mary Richards made the decision to drive a Mustang. Cool. I will get one (two) too.
She loved hats! I own 20 hats, although I know I've never thrown one in the air. When Mary lifts her beret into the air somehow that seemingly innocuous moment endeared you to Mary and gave the onlooker a hopeful spirit filled with a life well lived.
Mary was a strong, smart and independent woman. She ended up at WJM after a broken engagement, but she picked herself up and made a full life for herself. Even by the end of the seven year run Mary didn't get the guy. She didn't end up with anyone for that matter. The second from last episode features a potential Lou/Mary relationship and I've always pretended that episode didn't exist. I definitely didn't want Mary with Lou Grant. Mary needed to make it on her own and quite honestly Mary was too good for Lou Grant. Having said that, Mary was too good for pretty much all of the men she encountered in her seven year life on CBS, although I loved Ted Bessell as Joe. The best guy she ever dated and the one she had the most chemistry with during the long run of the series.
From the first note of the opening theme song of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" you knew this show was going to make you feel good. Television has produced a slew of great TV theme songs, but the MTM song was a perfect fit for the character and the show. The title song had lyrical content and a melody that could have landed it on a top 40 billboard list. When I wrote the piece for the 40 best TV themes I put this in first place. Of course, I did.
Mary had it all, including a best friend (Rhoda Morgenstern) and together they formed a tightly bonded relationship that wouldn't sink under the weight of any trial or tribulation.
The cast was perfect. Ted, Lou, Murray, Sue Ann, Rhoda, Phyllis, Georgette. Wonderful actors portrayed all of these memorable characters. Even some of the recurring characters are some of the great joys in classic TV. Ida Morgenstern (Rhoda's mother) was brilliantly played by Nancy Walker. What a great mom! Who could forget Jack Cassidy's outstanding turn as Ted's obnoxious brother. Cassidy should have been brought back repeatedly. Perfection!
The Mary Tyler Moore Show not only still works it's still funny and it still inspires. Whenever I see an episode I remember why I chose my profession. MTM wasn't a show that adopted a style and then discarded it for a cheap laugh. It was a show that was simple, yet elegant and eloquent. The series remained true to itself and amazingly consistent throughout its superbly crafted seven year run. It was a show of personal intimacy with deeply rooted relationships and a knack for developing character arcs that were consistent with the overall tone of the series.
Who can turn the world on with her smile? Who can take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile. Only one woman. Mary Richards. God Bless you Mare! Your "M" is sill hanging somewhere and my "J" will never leave my wall.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
LOVE IS ALL AROUND THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW
Mary Richards: "Rhoda, chocolate doesn't solve anything."
Rhoda Morgenstern: "No Mare, cottage cheese solves nothing, chocolate solves it all."
It is by no means a stretch to say that September 19, 1970 (I actually didn't see the premiere episode on this date, but this is the date the show premiered on CBS) may be the date that altered, encouraged and supported me more than any other day in my professional life (which would come many years later). Even though I was still in elementary school I refer to it as the first date of my professional life. Obviously, I am not comparing this date to deeply personal moments, but from a look-back at why you ended up doing what you did this show was highly consequential in my life.
I remember the first time I saw the pilot of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." It was at the conclusion of the premiere episode, "Love Is All Around" that I literally knew what I wanted to do with my future career life. I would one day work in the media. She was the associate producer at WJM News; and she was the TV voice who defined life for those girls, like me, who had a career dream. I knew from that night in the early 1970's that I would one day want to work in television.
Mary drove a Mustang. I've owned two, including a fabulous 1988 Regatta Blue version and a stunning Cranberry Red 1999 version. The Mustang is one of the great cars of all time. It is certainly one of the most defining sports cars in American history and Mary Richards made the decision to drive a Mustang. Cool. I will get one (two) too.
She loved hats! I own 20 hats, although I know I've never thrown one in the air. When Mary lifts her beret into the air somehow that seemingly innocuous moment endeared you to Mary and gave the onlooker a hopeful spirit filled with a life well lived.
Mary was a strong, smart and independent woman. She ended up at WJM after a broken engagement, but she picked herself up and made a full life for herself. Even by the end of the seven year run Mary didn't get the guy. She didn't end up with anyone for that matter. The second from last episode features a potential Lou/Mary relationship and I've always pretended that episode didn't exist. I definitely didn't want Mary with Lou Grant. Mary needed to make it on her own and quite honestly Mary was too good for Lou Grant. Having said that, Mary was too good for pretty much all of the men she encountered in her seven year life on CBS, although I loved Ted Bessell as Joe. The best guy she ever dated and the one she had the most chemistry with during the long run of the series.
From the first note of the opening theme song of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" you knew this show was going to make you feel good. Television has produced a slew of great TV theme songs, but the MTM song was a perfect fit for the character and the show. The title song had lyrical content and a melody that could have landed it on a top 40 billboard list. When I wrote the piece for the 40 best TV themes I put this in first place. Of course, I did.
Mary had it all, including a best friend (Rhoda Morgenstern) and together they formed a tightly bonded relationship that wouldn't sink under the weight of any trial or tribulation.
The cast was perfect. Ted, Lou, Murray, Sue Ann, Rhoda, Phyllis, Georgette. Wonderful actors portrayed all of these memorable characters. Even some of the recurring characters are some of the great joys in classic TV. Ida Morgenstern (Rhoda's mother) was brilliantly played by Nancy Walker. What a great mom! Who could forget Jack Cassidy's outstanding turn as Ted's obnoxious brother. Cassidy should have been brought back repeatedly. Perfection!
The Mary Tyler Moore Show not only still works it's still funny and it still inspires. Whenever I see an episode I remember why I chose my profession. MTM wasn't a show that adopted a style and then discarded it for a cheap laugh. It was a show that was simple, yet elegant and eloquent. The series remained true to itself and amazingly consistent throughout its superbly crafted seven year run. It was a show of personal intimacy with deeply rooted relationships and a knack for developing character arcs that were consistent with the overall tone of the series.
Who can turn the world on with her smile? Who can take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile. Only one woman. Mary Richards. God Bless you Mare! Your "M" is sill hanging somewhere and my "J" will never leave my wall.
Every time I see the open for the MTM show and Mary throws her hat in the air I remember the way I used to feel when I first got started in the business. Especially when I had to work in NYC and walk through the city to my office, I always felt like MTM...on top of the world! She was an incredible role model for all the women who wanted to "Make it after all" in any of their chosen professions. She was not, however, the reason I got into Show Business. I still have to blame Steven Spielberg for that! Great post, Judit! I added some pix and the wonderful video of the theme song for you!
ReplyDeleteJudith, you always give us such wonderful personal memories and tributes; simply lovely. I guess I was watching too many monster movies as a kid to ever have a wholesome female role model, sad to say. :-) I'm a fair bit older than you but you were at a great age to have been exposed to this very positive and exciting character. "Star Trek" was what got me into the biz, but if MTM did it for you, it's quite a legacy! Again, just a totally beautiful post, Judith!
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