The New Dick Van Dyke Show - Page 2 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

APPLEI · 04-10-2003, 09:56 PM

i think that "the new dick van dyke show" is the best show that most people have never seen.
i think if the show had run one more year it would 've been more popular in syndicated reruns because
it would have more episodes to syndicate.

these episodes are among the best half hours in the history of television.
MID-TERM DATE(aka guess whos coming to dinner)
QUEASY RIDER
POTLUCK(the grandma smoking the joint!)
CHEF MIKE
MR.DAZZLE
LT. PRESTON OF THE CALVARY
DICK IN DEUTSCH

LATTML · 04-13-2003, 02:25 PM

Great comments everyone. I figured I'd just throw it up for the heck of it. Hope Lange was indeed quite unhappy with her role, for as an earlier post mentioned, she was under the impression her role as Jenny would be equal to Mary's as Laura, and of course that didn't happen. One big reason for that was that while TNDVDS did fairly well in the ratings, it wasn't as big of a hit as CBS expected. So, they started focusing more on Dick's unequaled ability at physical comedy, so he had far more solo scenes in the "New" rather than the original. What's also interesting to note is that while TNDVDS was on CBS, the orginal one was in re-run syndication and was among the hottest properties in the business. I remeber seeing Rose Marie on some TV talk show -- I foget which -- and she said that if you tallied up the Neilsen ratings for the original DVDS in syndiciation at that time, more people were watching it then than during its orginial network run. That obviously hurt TNDVDS. I also agree with a few of the earlier posts that the first two seasons in Phoenix were better than the last one in LA. And yes, the show did push the sexual envelope, but it did so with taste and class, unlike most sitcoms on TV today. But, when you think about it, the original DVDS did the same thing for its time.

mstewart · 04-13-2003, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LATTML
Great comments everyone. I figured I'd just throw it up for the heck of it. Hope Lange was indeed quite unhappy with her role, for as an earlier post mentioned, she was under the impression her role as Jenny would be equal to Mary's as Laura, and of course that didn't happen. One big reason for that was that while TNDVDS did fairly well in the ratings, it wasn't as big of a hit as CBS expected. So, they started focusing more on Dick's unequaled ability at physical comedy, so he had far more solo scenes in the "New" rather than the original. What's also interesting to note is that while TNDVDS was on CBS, the orginal one was in re-run syndication and was among the hottest properties in the business. I remeber seeing Rose Marie on some TV talk show -- I foget which -- and she said that if you tallied up the Neilsen ratings for the original DVDS in syndiciation at that time, more people were watching it then than during its orginial network run. That obviously hurt TNDVDS. I also agree with a few of the earlier posts that the first two seasons in Phoenix were better than the last one in LA. And yes, the show did push the sexual envelope, but it did so with taste and class, unlike most sitcoms on TV today. But, when you think about it, the original DVDS did the same thing for its time.

For starters how did the original DVDS pushed the sexual envelope given that Rob and Laura were in twin beds. I'll tell you one thing I sure loved Phoenix house that Dick and Jenny lived in. I sure loved the episode when their oldest son came home with a black female friend. Interracial dating/friendships was definitely dealt with tastefully without making cruel racial remarks i.e. Archie Bunker. Jenny Preston, at age 40 plus, expecting another child was definitely ahead of its time. Now having children past 40 is a way of life.

SawgrassSteve · 04-14-2003, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mstewart
For starters, how did the original DVDS push the sexual envelope given that Rob and Laura were in twin beds?

Oh, yes, mstewart. They pushed that envelope more times than I can count! But you're right, they didn't take it to their bedroom.
Want a fraction? I won't give episode detail unless you require it, since it'll take up too much space and time, and remember, these examples occured in the early to mid sixties. Here we go:

Rob and Laura gave long, lingering, full-on-the-mouth kisses often, sometimes requesting another.

Besides each other, Rob kissed neighbor Millie on the mouth.

Laura kissed Bob Craine's character on the mouth.

Rob kissed a female friend who came to town for help getting into show business.

Laura once wore an outfit instantly recognizable as one worn by Playboy Bunnies.

The word "sexy" was used a few times in the script to describe Laura and other women.

Laura's Capri pant's were so hot people still refer to them!

Once while bored, Rob unkowingly called a divorced neighbor's phone number, and his ex-wife asked Rob to come over and visit with her.

Rob's art teacher tried to have an affair with him.

Laura's Creative Writing teacher tried to have an affair with her.

One episode featured a character clearly based on Hugh Heffner, complete with girls.

Now, mstewart, consider the other popular shows of that era; Andy, Beaver, Donna, Lucy, etc. Do you see any difference, sexually speaking?

Steve

treky · 04-15-2003, 12:41 AM

and, there was also the very last scene of the first episode, when Rob & Laura are in the kitchen, and Rob asked Laura something like "Honey, how'd you know that was gonna happen?" and Laura says, in a soft "femine" voice "Darling, I told you. I'm a woman." Then she turned and walked out of the room, in a sexy way, and Rob turns to the camera, gives a big smile, says "YEAH!" and follows her out.

mstewart · 04-16-2003, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SawgrassSteve

Oh, yes, mstewart. They pushed that envelope more times than I can count! But you're right, they didn't take it to their bedroom.
Want a fraction? I won't give episode detail unless you require it, since it'll take up too much space and time, and remember, these examples occured in the early to mid sixties. Here we go:

Rob and Laura gave long, lingering, full-on-the-mouth kisses often, sometimes requesting another.

Besides each other, Rob kissed neighbor Millie on the mouth.

Laura kissed Bob Craine's character on the mouth.

Rob kissed a female friend who came to town for help getting into show business.

Laura once wore an outfit instantly recognizable as one worn by Playboy Bunnies.

The word "sexy" was used a few times in the script to describe Laura and other women.

Laura's Capri pant's were so hot people still refer to them!

Once while bored, Rob unkowingly called a divorced neighbor's phone number, and his ex-wife asked Rob to come over and visit with her.

Rob's art teacher tried to have an affair with him.

Laura's Creative Writing teacher tried to have an affair with her.

One episode featured a character clearly based on Hugh Heffner, complete with girls.

Now, mstewart, consider the other popular shows of that era; Andy, Beaver, Donna, Lucy, etc. Do you see any difference, sexually speaking?

Steve

One thing I think we all need to look at was a married couple who was attractive to each other sexually and madly in love with each other. Their marriage was done in a realistic manner and you saw their character flaws. Rob and Laura Petrie are one of my favorite TV married couples. I rank them up there with Steven and Elyse Keaton of Family Ties.

treky · 04-16-2003, 03:30 PM

I rank them with Paul & Jamie Buchmann of "Mad About You".

Lolac · 04-17-2003, 04:41 PM

Quote:

They pushed that envelope more times than I can count! But you're right, they didn't take it to their bedroom.

How about the time Richie asks "Where did I come from?" in the episode about the day he was born? Rob refers to Dr. Spock to try and find out how to explain it to his son. And later in the episode where Richie says the laundry truck brought him, Laura asks, "Is that how modern daddys explain the facts of life?"

Or how about the time Richie goes around the school explaining where babies come from and Rob has to sit him down and tell him the truth. He say, "I told him nearly everything there is to tell!"

This subject was not previoulsy broached on TV.

And then there are the references to gays.

In the episode where Rob buys Laura a fur coat, Rob thinks a janitor may be about Laura's size. When they ask the janitor to try on the coat, the janitor replies, "I don't go for that." A few minutes later when the janitor sees Rob trying on the coat to gauge Laura's size, he says to Rob, "Does your mother know you're doing this?"

In the episode where Richie gets beat up by Priscilla Darwell, Laura wonders why Richie would say he was getting beat up by a girl if it wasn't true. "That would make him a sissy. Why would a boy want people to think he's a sissy on purpose?" she asks. Rob's reply? " A lot of guys in the army tried it."

And then there's the episode called "Baby Fat" where Alan Brady asks Rob to ghost write a script for a Broadway play. Alan introduces Rob to the producer of the play as his tailor, Vito Snyder. When the producer asks Rob's opinion about a costume with apricot bows, Rob says he doesn't like it. Well this offends the costume designer, Buck Brown, a very effeminate, obviously gay, stereotypical costome designer. When Rob goes home, he tells Laura about his encounter with Buck Brown. "The cowboy star?" she asks. "Hardly." is Rob's reply.

These were all topics never before approached on TV. They wouldn't be touched upon again until Norman Lear's "All in the Family."

The Dick Van Dyke Show was tastefully, years ahead of it's time. I believe it is one of the reasons that it continues to endure as one of America's all time favorite shows. Most of the episodes are still relevant today.

Lolac

LATTML · 04-21-2003, 02:38 AM

HERE! HERE! LOLAC!! Right on target with everything you said! Also, in an interview in the '80s, Carl Reiner said that it was obvious that Rob and Laura "used the bedroom for more than just sleeping," or words to that effect. And he added they were the first TV to show that aspect of marriage. And indeed they were. But it was all done with intelligence and taste. As far as the twin beds, that's all censors would allow in those days. Also, an earlier post mentioned "Mad About You." To me (for whatever that's worth), it is the only recent sitcom to be written on the same plane as TDVDS. It was well written, well acted and was a true ensemble sitcom, and used scripts based on their interaction -- rather than one that simply had regular characters who just insulted each other all the time, as, say "Please Shoot Me." "Cheers," at least in the Diane period, also fits this description, but, of course, it started its run well before "Mad.." By the way, I guess everyone remembers the "Mad About You" episode where Carl re-created Alan Brady. But, in my mind, TDVDS was not among the greatest sitcoms ever, it was the greatest sitcom, and I think by a rather wide margin.

SawgrassSteve · 04-22-2003, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LATTML
An earlier post mentioned "Mad About You." To me (for whatever that's worth), it is the only recent sitcom to be written on the same plane as TDVDS.

I believe that show was purposly based on TDVDS's theme, and the relationship between Rob and Laura. I must admit, I didnt watch much of it. Mostly because of the wife's character, Jamie, was it?
To me, she severely lacked the poise, charm, grace, and sweetness of Laura. She snapped at her husband as though he were her son sometimes. I guess they wanted to "bring it into the 90s," but I found that unappealing.
I can't dispute the show's popularity, though. It definitely found it's audience.

Steve

Nanny Fine · 05-18-2003, 05:34 PM

Someone from this thread (I think by the name of Christine) ordered a tape of this show from me. I have the tape completed, and have for some time, but I have been unable to find the mailing envelope with the return address on it.

Could you please email me with your mailing address so I can get your tape sent out to you?

Thanks.

Christina E · 05-18-2003, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Someone from this thread (I think by the name of Christine) ordered a tape of this show from me. I have the tape completed, and have for some time, but I have been unable to find the mailing envelope with the return address on it.

Could you please email me with your mailing address so I can get your tape sent out to you?

Well, it wasn't me. It must have been someone else around here...

Christina

Nanny Fine · 05-19-2003, 12:35 AM

Found her

Thanks!

04-15-2003, 12:41 AM	#20
treky star trek fan Eternal Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 25, 2002 Location: Conshohocken, pennsylvania Posts: 14,490	and, there was also the very last scene of the first episode, when Rob & Laura are in the kitchen, and Rob asked Laura something like "Honey, how'd you know that was gonna happen?" and Laura says, in a soft "femine" voice "Darling, I told you. I'm a woman." Then she turned and walked out of the room, in a sexy way, and Rob turns to the camera, gives a big smile, says "YEAH!" and follows her out.
	__________________ the Clampetts are in a fancy Beverly Hills jewelry store. Granny points to a tray of rubies. Granny: "How much fer one o' them red diamonds?" clerk: "Madam, those are rubies." Granny: "OK ask her kin we buy one offa her." clerk: " The ruby I am talking about is not a lady." Granny: "Lissen, how she got them diamonds is her business. I'm just sayin' ask her kin we buy one from her."

05-18-2003, 05:34 PM	#26
Nanny Fine Justine and Holden.. Senior Member Join Date: Jan 01, 2003 Location: Watching The Ellen Degeneres Show and luvin' it Posts: 2,852	Someone from this thread (I think by the name of Christine) ordered a tape of this show from me. I have the tape completed, and have for some time, but I have been unable to find the mailing envelope with the return address on it. Could you please email me with your mailing address so I can get your tape sent out to you? Thanks.
	__________________ * How it all came down to this, only the Devil knows. Retail Rodeo is at the corner on my left. The motel is down the road to my right. I close my eyes and try to peer into the future. On my left, I saw days upon days of lipstick and ticking clocks, dirty looks and quiet whisperings. And burning secrets that just won't ever die away. And on my right, what could I picture? The blue sky, the desert earth, stretching out into the eerie infinity. A beautiful never-ending nothing. ~Justine, "The Good Girl" * Bush for President!

04-10-2003, 09:56 PM	#16
APPLEI Member Forum Regular Join Date: Aug 16, 2000 Location: JACKSON MI. 49203 Posts: 810	i think that "the new dick van dyke show" is the best show that most people have never seen. i think if the show had run one more year it would 've been more popular in syndicated reruns because it would have more episodes to syndicate. these episodes are among the best half hours in the history of television. MID-TERM DATE(aka guess whos coming to dinner) QUEASY RIDER POTLUCK(the grandma smoking the joint!) CHEF MIKE MR.DAZZLE LT. PRESTON OF THE CALVARY DICK IN DEUTSCH

04-13-2003, 02:25 PM	#17
LATTML Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 07, 2003 Posts: 19	Great comments everyone. I figured I'd just throw it up for the heck of it. Hope Lange was indeed quite unhappy with her role, for as an earlier post mentioned, she was under the impression her role as Jenny would be equal to Mary's as Laura, and of course that didn't happen. One big reason for that was that while TNDVDS did fairly well in the ratings, it wasn't as big of a hit as CBS expected. So, they started focusing more on Dick's unequaled ability at physical comedy, so he had far more solo scenes in the "New" rather than the original. What's also interesting to note is that while TNDVDS was on CBS, the orginal one was in re-run syndication and was among the hottest properties in the business. I remeber seeing Rose Marie on some TV talk show -- I foget which -- and she said that if you tallied up the Neilsen ratings for the original DVDS in syndiciation at that time, more people were watching it then than during its orginial network run. That obviously hurt TNDVDS. I also agree with a few of the earlier posts that the first two seasons in Phoenix were better than the last one in LA. And yes, the show did push the sexual envelope, but it did so with taste and class, unlike most sitcoms on TV today. But, when you think about it, the original DVDS did the same thing for its time.

04-16-2003, 03:30 PM	#22
treky star trek fan Eternal Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 25, 2002 Location: Conshohocken, pennsylvania Posts: 14,490	I rank them with Paul & Jamie Buchmann of "Mad About You".

04-21-2003, 02:38 AM	#24
LATTML Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 07, 2003 Posts: 19	HERE! HERE! LOLAC!! Right on target with everything you said! Also, in an interview in the '80s, Carl Reiner said that it was obvious that Rob and Laura "used the bedroom for more than just sleeping," or words to that effect. And he added they were the first TV to show that aspect of marriage. And indeed they were. But it was all done with intelligence and taste. As far as the twin beds, that's all censors would allow in those days. Also, an earlier post mentioned "Mad About You." To me (for whatever that's worth), it is the only recent sitcom to be written on the same plane as TDVDS. It was well written, well acted and was a true ensemble sitcom, and used scripts based on their interaction -- rather than one that simply had regular characters who just insulted each other all the time, as, say "Please Shoot Me." "Cheers," at least in the Diane period, also fits this description, but, of course, it started its run well before "Mad.." By the way, I guess everyone remembers the "Mad About You" episode where Carl re-created Alan Brady. But, in my mind, TDVDS was not among the greatest sitcoms ever, it was the greatest sitcom, and I think by a rather wide margin.

05-19-2003, 12:35 AM	#28
Nanny Fine Justine and Holden.. Senior Member Join Date: Jan 01, 2003 Location: Watching The Ellen Degeneres Show and luvin' it Posts: 2,852	Found her Thanks!