All About Ann

[Shindigger]

With the new DVD, I've really been happily rediscovering some great episodes of this show. Everything about this show is just top-rate. Great acting, writing and those exterior/outdoor shots- each episode is almost like a mini theatrical movie.

The episode All About Ann is a fantastic one that I had forgotten about. Judy sees Don with another girl, Judy tells Ann, Ann misunderstands and feels she has lost Don. A story told often on many shows, but handled very well here.

What got me here is that we don't see Ann dissolving into hysterics or tears. Yes, she's sad, even angry that Don could and would cheat on her, but you almost get the sense that Ann feels the loss is going to be be bigger for Donald than for her. I like the line she delivers to Judy at one point that she's never going to go crawling to any man.

There is one scene though that demonstrates Marlo's amazing acting abillities. It's the shot where she's in a park feeding pigeons. The shot of her in a largely empty park, sorting things out in her mind, while half-heartedly feeding the birds is one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever seen. She gives up on feeding the pigeons, and eating a handful of popcorn, she takes a seat on a bench. Notice her expression is one of acute dissapointment, sadness, melancholy and defeat.

Without saying a word, without doing any crying, Marlo gives one of the most moving performances I think I've ever seen. Maybe because that little scene seemed so true to life of something I think we've all felt at one time or another- but I can't watch it without having to wipe at least one tear out of my eye!

Happily, soon after that scene, everything is explained and straightened out and we see our Ann happy again. Now this is an example of how good writing and acting can elevate a routine plot line to something very moving and affecting.

[comedyfreak]

I agree 100%. There are none like her anymore.