MTM on Live with Regis and Kelly - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

jillm816 · 01-17-2006, 06:05 PM

I saw this morning that Mary Tyler Moore is going to be on Live with Regis and Kelly on Thursday.

That is, if you can watch daytime TV....and if you can stand Kelly Ripa....

just kidding.

SawgrassSteve · 01-17-2006, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillm816

I saw this morning that Mary Tyler Moore is going to be on Live with Regis and Kelly on Thursday.

That is, if you can watch daytime TV....and if you can stand Kelly Ripa....

just kidding.

Thanks!
LOL. I have to admit, when I first heard she was cohosting with Regis, I thought they'd made a mistake. But now she's grown on me. I like her. Plus I admire her success. Juggling two hit tv shows, a marriage, three kids, and still looking like this isn't easy

!

Steve

ClassicTVGal · 01-17-2006, 10:57 PM

Darn! I missed it!

jillm816 · 01-19-2006, 12:03 PM

I just watched it. Mary was radiant and beautiful and gracious as always. Kelly Ripa (who, judging from her own sitcom wouldn't know a good one if it hit her in the face) asked her if she preferred one of her classic characters over the other Laura Petrie (she mispronounced Petrie - 'pee-tree' -

) or Mary Richards. Mary replied that Laura was just a product of the time, saying "yes dear, no dear" but that Mary Richards was independent and had her feet on the ground. It was pretty clear who she preferred playing!
I disagree with her own analysis of Laura, but I believe we've discussed that in another thread. Laura had more depth than just a 'yes dear' wife, like June Cleaver or Donna Reed. but i guess in retrospect Laura is far more submissive that wives today, so it all depends on your perspective. She wasn't as "independent" as Mary Richards, so she seems like she has no mind of her own.

SawgrassSteve · 01-19-2006, 06:13 PM

I agree, jillm816. Laura Petrie was far more than a "Yes, dear," wife.
While I may be a little biased in favor of one of MTM's classic characters over the other (I'll never tell which

), I do wonder about this "independance" and "role model" I hear Mary Richards being given credit for.
I mean, she was single, uncommited, and childless, but that's about the extent of it, as I see it. Was she especially assertive, ambitious, or accomplished in either her professional or personal life? I don't think so. She worked an interesting job, rented an efficiency apartment, had funny coworkers, friends, and neighbors, and was a genuinely good person. It was a good character and a great show, but I wouldn't take it further than that.
Am I missing something?

Steve

Lolac · 01-19-2006, 07:31 PM

I agree with you, Steve.

Lolac

Samme · 01-20-2006, 12:26 AM

Laurie Petrie always seemed like an adult to me.
She was a young woman but she was always an adult.
Mary Richards always came across as more of an overgrown girl. I don't really get it either. And,
as was said in another thread, probably the main
difference was that TMTMS was her show. And that's
why she can't even say the shows were pretty much
equal to her. Mary comes across as an extremely nice person but I think she really enjoys that whole "who can turn the world on with her smile"
idea and those type of intros. Plus that is the
show that really made her rich. Hope that doesn't sound too harsh.

Samme · 01-20-2006, 12:30 AM

"Laurie?" I must have been channeling the early shows.

hume · 01-20-2006, 12:43 AM

Frankly, I think the spin that Mary Richards was an 'independent' role model has more to do with what journalists and publicists have said about the character (and with the lyrics of the MTM theme song), than what you can plainly see on the television screen. Mary Richards had the title of associate producer, but she was not a manager with anyone reporting to her. When you look at the DVDs for The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show and compare, Mary has scenes as Laura Petrie where she stands up to Rob more times than Mary Richards ever did to Lou Grant. My favorite scenes in The Dick Van Dyke Show are when Laura and Rob are going toe to toe with each other! Laura Petrie had insecurities, but so did Mary Richards, and that's where the humor came in ("Oh Rob!") ("Mister Gra-a-ant!"). And talk about a character being from a certain era: doesn't it seem antiquainted that Mary Richards would call her manager not by his first name?

I like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but I also think Mary Tyler Moore was funnier, had wider range, and did better work overall on The Dick Van Dyke Show.

mstewart · 01-20-2006, 01:00 AM

My Blonde Haired Brunette in the first season of the show blew Carl Reiner and the rest of the cast out of the water because Mary showed that she can do comedy. That episode was my favorite all time Mary Tyler Moore acting in comedy. Originally Laura Petrie was more of a sounding board for Rob after coming home from the office. After that episode Carl Reiner saw the comedy in Mary. What made the situation so bad was that Rose Marie was originally the lead actress in TDVDS and because Mary's role in show became more prominent led to jealousy and rivalry between Mary and Rose. As much as I loved the Mary Tyler Moore Show but my preference will always be Laura Petrie. Also, Laura was the first TV housewife who wore pants around the house and not these fancy poodle skirts and pearls as her predecessors did.

hume · 01-20-2006, 01:01 AM

Samme, by the time I formulated my thoughts and hit the reply button, I noticed you already put your comments in ahead of me. I agree with you completely.

Samme · 01-20-2006, 03:00 AM

Hume, you wrote some of the same exact thoughts I
was thinking but didn't write down. Laura would stand up to Rob more than Mary would to Lou Grant.
Laura was an equal but Mary was basically always
scared of Mr. Grant--although she sometimes stood
up to him. Mary Richards somehow evolved into some
type of a symbol of independence than a real person. (And the press really latched onto her as a symbol.) Laura just seemed more flesh and blood.
And I think it's hurt Mary's acting that she's
latched onto that type of superficial image and
acting rather than being more real. It seems like
she's always playing for effects rather than playing a real person. That's why I like Laura
better.

TV DVD Fan · 01-28-2006, 02:04 PM

I love DICK VAN DYKE, but TMTMS is still my favorite show of all time. I think she was funnier and more of the one who got the punchlines in MTM. I mean who could beat her performance in "Chuckles Bites The Dust"?

A pure comical character on both shows, though.

I really enjoyed the way Dick and Mary's chemistry flowed on TDVDS, especially when they sang and dance.

I think Mary was better on TDVDS in certain areas than MTM, and also some things were better on MTM than on DVD. Her performance was the same star-caliber on both shows, and if you're true Mary fans, you'll agree.

Pat

mstewart · 01-28-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TV DVD Fan

I love DICK VAN DYKE, but TMTMS is still my favorite show of all time. I think she was funnier and more of the one who got the punchlines in MTM. I mean who could beat her performance in "Chuckles Bites The Dust"?

A pure comical character on both shows, though.

I really enjoyed the way Dick and Mary's chemistry flowed on TDVDS, especially when they sang and dance.

I think Mary was better on TDVDS in certain areas than MTM, and also some things were better on MTM than on DVD. Her performance was the same star-caliber on both shows, and if you're true Mary fans, you'll agree.

Pat

Mary was more hilarious on TDVDS than she was on MTM. On TMTMS she was the straight man and reacted on the zaniness of the characters around her. Her scenes with Valerie Harper and Cloris Leachman were priceless and I am glad there were many scenes with them together.

Mary's scenes on TDVDS with Ann Morgan Gilbert, who played next door neighbor Millie, was funny. They were great together and too bad there were not many episodes with those two together.

01-17-2006, 06:05 PM	#1
jillm816 Let's dance! Occasional Poster Join Date: Sep 29, 2004 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 82	MTM on Live with Regis and Kelly I saw this morning that Mary Tyler Moore is going to be on Live with Regis and Kelly on Thursday. That is, if you can watch daytime TV....and if you can stand Kelly Ripa.... just kidding.

01-19-2006, 06:13 PM	#5
SawgrassSteve Loyal Worshipper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 04, 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,423	I agree, jillm816. Laura Petrie was far more than a "Yes, dear," wife. While I may be a little biased in favor of one of MTM's classic characters over the other (I'll never tell which ), I do wonder about this "independance" and "role model" I hear Mary Richards being given credit for. I mean, she was single, uncommited, and childless, but that's about the extent of it, as I see it. Was she especially assertive, ambitious, or accomplished in either her professional or personal life? I don't think so. She worked an interesting job, rented an efficiency apartment, had funny coworkers, friends, and neighbors, and was a genuinely good person. It was a good character and a great show, but I wouldn't take it further than that. Am I missing something? Steve
	Last edited by SawgrassSteve; 01-19-2006 at 09:13 PM.

01-28-2006, 02:04 PM	#13
TV DVD Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 07, 2005 Posts: 2,602	I love DICK VAN DYKE, but TMTMS is still my favorite show of all time. I think she was funnier and more of the one who got the punchlines in MTM. I mean who could beat her performance in "Chuckles Bites The Dust"? A pure comical character on both shows, though. I really enjoyed the way Dick and Mary's chemistry flowed on TDVDS, especially when they sang and dance. I think Mary was better on TDVDS in certain areas than MTM, and also some things were better on MTM than on DVD. Her performance was the same star-caliber on both shows, and if you're true Mary fans, you'll agree. Pat
	__________________ Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Sarah Connor: Maybe if you spend your life hiding who you are, you might finally end up fooling yourself. - From the episode "Gnothi Seauton."

01-17-2006, 10:57 PM	#3
ClassicTVGal Traveler Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 26, 2004 Posts: 3,457	Darn! I missed it!

01-19-2006, 12:03 PM	#4
jillm816 Let's dance! Occasional Poster Join Date: Sep 29, 2004 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 82	I just watched it. Mary was radiant and beautiful and gracious as always. Kelly Ripa (who, judging from her own sitcom wouldn't know a good one if it hit her in the face) asked her if she preferred one of her classic characters over the other Laura Petrie (she mispronounced Petrie - 'pee-tree' - ) or Mary Richards. Mary replied that Laura was just a product of the time, saying "yes dear, no dear" but that Mary Richards was independent and had her feet on the ground. It was pretty clear who she preferred playing! I disagree with her own analysis of Laura, but I believe we've discussed that in another thread. Laura had more depth than just a 'yes dear' wife, like June Cleaver or Donna Reed. but i guess in retrospect Laura is far more submissive that wives today, so it all depends on your perspective. She wasn't as "independent" as Mary Richards, so she seems like she has no mind of her own.

01-19-2006, 07:31 PM	#6
Lolac Dolce far niente, Carissima! Senior Member Join Date: Jan 02, 2003 Location: Fairfax Station, VA Posts: 1,487	I agree with you, Steve. Lolac

01-20-2006, 12:26 AM	#7
Samme Member Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 01, 2001 Posts: 679	Laurie Petrie always seemed like an adult to me. She was a young woman but she was always an adult. Mary Richards always came across as more of an overgrown girl. I don't really get it either. And, as was said in another thread, probably the main difference was that TMTMS was her show. And that's why she can't even say the shows were pretty much equal to her. Mary comes across as an extremely nice person but I think she really enjoys that whole "who can turn the world on with her smile" idea and those type of intros. Plus that is the show that really made her rich. Hope that doesn't sound too harsh.

01-20-2006, 12:30 AM	#8
Samme Member Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 01, 2001 Posts: 679	"Laurie?" I must have been channeling the early shows.

01-20-2006, 12:43 AM	#9
hume Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Sep 24, 2002 Posts: 68	Frankly, I think the spin that Mary Richards was an 'independent' role model has more to do with what journalists and publicists have said about the character (and with the lyrics of the MTM theme song), than what you can plainly see on the television screen. Mary Richards had the title of associate producer, but she was not a manager with anyone reporting to her. When you look at the DVDs for The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show and compare, Mary has scenes as Laura Petrie where she stands up to Rob more times than Mary Richards ever did to Lou Grant. My favorite scenes in The Dick Van Dyke Show are when Laura and Rob are going toe to toe with each other! Laura Petrie had insecurities, but so did Mary Richards, and that's where the humor came in ("Oh Rob!") ("Mister Gra-a-ant!"). And talk about a character being from a certain era: doesn't it seem antiquainted that Mary Richards would call her manager not by his first name? I like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but I also think Mary Tyler Moore was funnier, had wider range, and did better work overall on The Dick Van Dyke Show.

01-20-2006, 01:00 AM	#10
mstewart mstewart Senior Member Join Date: Jan 25, 2002 Location: California Posts: 1,780	My Blonde Haired Brunette in the first season of the show blew Carl Reiner and the rest of the cast out of the water because Mary showed that she can do comedy. That episode was my favorite all time Mary Tyler Moore acting in comedy. Originally Laura Petrie was more of a sounding board for Rob after coming home from the office. After that episode Carl Reiner saw the comedy in Mary. What made the situation so bad was that Rose Marie was originally the lead actress in TDVDS and because Mary's role in show became more prominent led to jealousy and rivalry between Mary and Rose. As much as I loved the Mary Tyler Moore Show but my preference will always be Laura Petrie. Also, Laura was the first TV housewife who wore pants around the house and not these fancy poodle skirts and pearls as her predecessors did.

01-20-2006, 01:01 AM	#11
hume Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Sep 24, 2002 Posts: 68	Samme, by the time I formulated my thoughts and hit the reply button, I noticed you already put your comments in ahead of me. I agree with you completely.

01-20-2006, 03:00 AM	#12
Samme Member Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 01, 2001 Posts: 679	Hume, you wrote some of the same exact thoughts I was thinking but didn't write down. Laura would stand up to Rob more than Mary would to Lou Grant. Laura was an equal but Mary was basically always scared of Mr. Grant--although she sometimes stood up to him. Mary Richards somehow evolved into some type of a symbol of independence than a real person. (And the press really latched onto her as a symbol.) Laura just seemed more flesh and blood. And I think it's hurt Mary's acting that she's latched onto that type of superficial image and acting rather than being more real. It seems like she's always playing for effects rather than playing a real person. That's why I like Laura better.