Brian Damage
04-03-2010, 08:46 PM
Optioned for TV by Norman Lear in 1975, the show ran just 13 episodes.
"I have the notable distinction of being Norman Lear's only failure," Wilson said.
Still, it launched the career of Conchata Ferrell and reordered TV comedy, opening the way for seedier characters and the ensemble casts.
"The sitcom was ahead of its time," Rogers said. "It presented prostitutes and a gay couple on TV for the first time. All of the situation comedies that followed in the '70s get their roots from Norman Lear's 'Hot L Baltimore.' It had a tremendous impact on television and the way we see situation comedy today."
So, without "Hot L..." there might not have been a "Taxi" or "Cheers."
If you want to see this slice of America's entertainment history featuring our local talent, you need to be quick about it.
The R-rated production runs just seven performances and includes simulated smoking, language, sexual situations and brief nudity. Even after 38 years, it challenges boundaries.
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20100402/LIFE/4020315/+Hot+L++came+at+a+turning+point+in+playwright+s+life
"I have the notable distinction of being Norman Lear's only failure," Wilson said.
Still, it launched the career of Conchata Ferrell and reordered TV comedy, opening the way for seedier characters and the ensemble casts.
"The sitcom was ahead of its time," Rogers said. "It presented prostitutes and a gay couple on TV for the first time. All of the situation comedies that followed in the '70s get their roots from Norman Lear's 'Hot L Baltimore.' It had a tremendous impact on television and the way we see situation comedy today."
So, without "Hot L..." there might not have been a "Taxi" or "Cheers."
If you want to see this slice of America's entertainment history featuring our local talent, you need to be quick about it.
The R-rated production runs just seven performances and includes simulated smoking, language, sexual situations and brief nudity. Even after 38 years, it challenges boundaries.
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20100402/LIFE/4020315/+Hot+L++came+at+a+turning+point+in+playwright+s+life