May We Make Them Proud---Again

[Madame X]

Guess what was on today: "May We Make Them Proud," the single most talked-about and controversial episode.

There are so many things that bother us, that is why it we keep discussing it.

Two other issues for me:

When Jonathan and Andy didn't want to leave Alice and the site of the fire, Reverend Alden said "She'll be fine." How can a dead person be "fine?" He should have said "We'll be with her," or "We'll take care of her," or something like that.

Also, at the little house when Charles and Laura were talking about what happened and Albert overheard, where was Caroline? (maybe I missed something).

When Albert brought the music box and Mary finally snapped out of her denial, she kept screaming "My baby, my baby." I was touched by the fact that when Laura ran upstairs to help, Nellie went too. It showed she had some compassion.

[catlover79]

Yes, and Nellie was also the one who called on Doc Baker. I think it was a huge mistake to have Albert be the one responsible. It should have just been that one kid that we never saw before (and would never see again) who left that pipe. I think the whole fire thing was unneccessary. Did they really need to kill off a baby - in that violent a fashion?? If they absolutely needed to get rid of Alice Garvey, they should've given her the fever, diptheria, pneumonia, something like that. She could've passed away with her beloved husband and son at her side. But I digress.

[wiseguy182]

Originally Posted by Madame X

Also, at the little house when Charles and Laura were talking about what happened and Albert overheard, where was Caroline? (maybe I missed something).

she was sleeping. At one point, Charles tells Albert to be careful not to make noise and wake her.

[wiseguy182]

Originally Posted by catlover79

Yes, and Nellie was also the one who called on Doc Baker. I think it was a huge mistake to have Albert be the one responsible. It should have just been that one kid that we never saw before (and would never see again) who left that pipe. I think the whole fire thing was unneccessary. Did they really need to kill off a baby - in that violent a fashion?? If they absolutely needed to get rid of Alice Garvey, they should've given her the fever, diptheria, pneumonia, something like that. She could've passed away with her beloved husband and son at her side. But I digress.

Yes I agree, catlover, Albert was guilty of negligent homicide in that one, but gets off scot free. I never cared for Albert at all. It's not that the adoption storyline was bad, it wasn't, but I didn't think Albert was likeable at all.

And as if Mary hadn't gone through enough in the few years preceding this (loss of sight, baby through miscarriage), now she loses her baby, her house and her job in one night thanks to a stupid act by her brother. Poor Mary, stupid Albert.

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by catlover79

Yes, and Nellie was also the one who called on Doc Baker. I think it was a huge mistake to have Albert be the one responsible. It should have just been that one kid that we never saw before (and would never see again) who left that pipe. I think the whole fire thing was unneccessary. Did they really need to kill off a baby - in that violent a fashion?? If they absolutely needed to get rid of Alice Garvey, they should've given her the fever, diptheria, pneumonia, something like that. She could've passed away with her beloved husband and son at her side. But I digress.

Oh my salt sister, I so agree with you abt that fact. Yes, they should have had that kid be responsible. It felt terrible knowing that Albert caused such a disaster and pain. I never could understand why the writers came up with that scenario.

I don't get why another Ingalls male member had to die. It seems if you were born an Ingalls and were male, you were DOOMED TO DIE YOUNG. Even Albert wasn't born an Ingalls, but he was adopted an Ingalls and as we later saw, Albert was dying of a blood disorder.

Seeing Nellie run upstairs seemed to be out of compassion, indeed. I hope that is what it was, I would hate to think that the "old Nellie" was simply running upstairs to be "nosey".

I too found it disturbing for Rev. Alden to say that abt Alice. That is just too weird to say. SHE IS NOT FINE, SHE IS DEAD FOR GOD'S SAKE.

[Kenzac]

Which season is this episode featured in? I am just now getting to the end of Season 3 on DVD. Speaking of Alice Garvey, is she in Seasons 1, 2, or 3??

[Madame X]

Originally Posted by Kenzac

Which season is this episode featured in? I am just now getting to the end of Season 3 on DVD. Speaking of Alice Garvey, is she in Seasons 1, 2, or 3??

Alice Garvey appears in the beginning of season 4 then they kill her off near the end of season 6, episode 134.

[Edster2973]

Does anyone know if the actress, Hersha Parady, was fired from the show or did she willingly quit? I read somewhere on www.imdb.com in the forum that stated she asked to leave since she had given birth in real life and wanted to be a stay-at-home mom.

I sincerely hope this is the case. When the Garveys came on in Season 4, I knew who they were meant to replace, the Edwards family, but still, they grew into their own and one cared about them as any other character on the show.

In any case, if she indeed did ask to leave the show, perhaps she suggested that her exit be as dramatic as possible. As for Mary, I think the writers simply were running out of ideas for her. They knew they had gold in the actress Melissa Sue Anderson but what more could you do with her as a blind person other than having her teach? Yes, a lot of *bad* things happened to Mary, and it makes me cringe, but I think it was either give the actress something dramatic to work with, or she'd leave the show. Actors like to be worked and not merely used as props. As it was, Melissa Sue Anderson did end up leaving the show eventually anyway, probably because there wasn't more to do.

Just speculation on my part. If anyone knows more and can prove otherwise, I'm all ears...


Ed

[Edster2973]

Also, for those interested, here's a youtube clip of Alice dying in the fire with the baby:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP211Lf_hvw


It's extremely uncomfortable to watch for sure...



Ed

[catlover79]

I went to the Little House reunion in Tombstone, AZ in 2005, and Hersha was part of the panel. She said the reason she'd left the show was because Merlin Olsen, who played her husband, was about to leave to do Father Murphy. Supposedly, the big cheeses wanted audiences to get used to him playing a single man, so Hersha was let go. She said it wasn't her choice to leave.

Here are a couple of interviews with Hersha Parady from a couple of Little House sites:

From Prairiefans.com (1/30/2006):

Hersha Parady (Alice Garvey) Exclusive Interview!
Interview by Lennon Parker

Hi Hersha! Thanks for taking the time to be interviewed about your role as Alice Garvey on Little House On The Prairie.

1. Wow, It's been over 30 years now since Little House first aired on TV. What do you think of it's success after so many years? Would you have thought it would still be as popular today as it was many years ago?

The gifts Michael Landon had, and the friends and colleagues he brought with him from previous works made for a beautifully produced show - the best cast and guest artists, writers, all the crew.... Michael knew the buttons to push in his writing to move us without being maudlin or overly sentimental. Between all of that and David Rose's musical score,
how could he miss?!

2. What was it like to be on Little House? Had you ever read the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder before getting the part of Alice Garvey?

No, never read the books. The only things I read as a young person were plays. Being on Little House, as I've said often, put my expectations a little high, when I later worked on other projects - I'd often find myself very unimpressed in comparison to Little House's high quality production values! I had good friends on Little House, some I had known before coming on the show, and being able to work with so many talented (and very, very GOOD people) was quite a ride for 3 years.

3. How did you get the role of Alice Garvey? Was it competitive?

I had worked as a guest artist in one episode, playing Michael's sister-in-law. They liked me and when they wanted to find a wife for Merlin Olsen, I got lucky! Merlin and I meshed together very naturally. Competition for the role? Oh, I'm sure there was plenty!.

4. Any found memories you wouldn't mind sharing about your experience?

No secret about Michael's legendary practical joking - so that definitely provided many memories! He'd kid me often about my being rather STRONG! And LOUD! Not your "Miss Beadle type"! I'd bust a few of the props I'd use and eat like I was HUNGRY - not like a lady of that period at a tea party! And of course, there was the "using Blind Mary Ingalls' baby as a battering ram" in my final episode, which has always provided a good laugh!

5. Who would you say on the set made the biggest impression on you personally?

On the set? Oh dear, that's a tuffy! I'd have to think on that one... there were guest actors that I loved to watch... working with Katherine MacGregor and Richard Bull was always a real treat, especially because they were good friends of mine. Also, Larry Germain, Whitey and Dabbs Greer were all very special to me.

6. What was it like to work with Merlin Olsen? Were you a fan or ever seen him play football before working with him on Little House?

Nope! Had no idea who he was before my reading with him for Alice. He's a lovely, good man - a real sweetheart.

7. Do you have a favorite episode?

I like bits and pieces from a couple of episodes, as far as my "work" goes. I think I enjoyed doing the last episode with the fire more than any of them, ironically - it was great fun playing with fire and getting to "act up a storm"!

8. What, if any, affect did your role as Alice Garvey have on your career over the years? Are you still associated with or recognized from being on the show?

I don't believe my role as Alice had any "good" effect on my future career - I think if I had had a small part on "Charlie's Angels" it would have meant more to the networks (even NBC) than my Little House gig. And YES - after all these years, I'm still recognized!

9. In the episode "May We Make Them Proud" the character of Alice Garvey is killed off. A lot of fans didn't like the way it was written and some call it one of Mike's dark episodes of the series. What are your feelings about it?

I've heard from many that the episode was not what they expected from Michael, but there were reasons why he had to kill me off. From my point of view, as I earlier mentioned, WHAT a way to go! To be honest, not sure I ever watched the episode, so I can't remember all that happened, but I'm sure Michael did it for a reason and did it beautifully.

10. Finally, How are things going for you these days? Any projects in the works?

"Things" are just great! I continue my work in the theatre, and plan a return to Hollywood ASAP!

From Little House Memories (http://www.zunshine.com/littlehouse/):

Hersha Parady Interview
HERSHA PARADY
Alice Garvey (+Eliza Ingalls)

It was very difficult to get in touch with Hersha Parady, but when I managed to speak to her on the phone, I was delighted! I was amazed by her friendliness and wonderful sense of humour, and we chatted for nearly an hour on the phone. My British accent reminded her of someone too! I'd like to say a big thank you to Hersha, for being so generous and making your interview one of the most enjoyable and certainly one of the funniest on Little House Memories!
BARNABY MARRIOTT

BARNABY MARRIOTT: How did you come to play the roles of Eliza Ingalls and, more significantly, Alice Garvey in Little House on the Prairie?

HERSHA PARADY: I remember sitting in the MGM Comissary one afternoon, with Dick Bull and Scottie MacGregor, who played Nels and Harriet Oleson - someone brought up the same question, and I realized the answer depended on WHO you asked! My agent got me the job... the casting director got me the job... Dick and Scottie got me the job... and a dog named Lightening... oh, and ME! The dog story is a good one, but I won't go into it unless asked!

Dick and Scottie actually saw me in a play entitled The Cry of Players, in which I played Anne Hathaway. They mentioned to LHOTP casting director Sue Sukman that they had seen an actress they thought would be right for the show... they purposely did not let on that they KNEW me! Recommendations from fellow actors usually go nowhere if they think you're a friend or a lover!

I read for the part of Eliza Ingalls, got it and went up north to film... it was glorious! Although I did not get to work with Victor French, I spent time with him under the Northern California skies, and relish the memory of a fine actor and lovely man. The crew was warm and wonderful, and Michael Landon... an absolute joy! In particular, I remember Mary, the script supervisor... after work one day, she read my palm and all her predictions came true! I'm thankful for the holding of hands, as she sadly passed away before the next season began.

I had heard that there was talk of Karen Grassle leaving the show and there was talk of the possibility of my replacing her as Caroline. She decided to stay on and when Merlin Olsen was brought aboard to play Michael's sidekick, they decided to give him a wife! I remember my first meeting with Merlin and Michael about THAT job, and I remember it being very warm and comfortable... Merlin and I acted as if we had been together for years, so I got lucky and got a great job!


BM: Who were you particularly close to on the set?

HP: Dick Bull, Scottie MacGregor and the Labyorteaux brothers. I cherish the memories on and off screen with those wonderful people. There is also a very soft spot in my heart for Dabbs Greer, and our make-up artist "Whitey" and Larry Germain, our hair master. The stories THEY had to tell! They had been in the business for decades before I plopped down in the chair, and I felt so honoured to have them work on me. The crew were all "the best" - a family. Being with them spoiled me for any future projects I was to work on.


BM: What were the best and worst things about filming a show set in the 19th century?

HP: Worst - those awful clothes! Especially when one is NOT slight of bust and girth!

Best - working with the horses and their wranglers... and the great outdoors, love it! Simi Valley was always a treat, sometimes too warm with all the weight of the costume but I spent most of my time wandering the hills when I wasn't in front of the camera... fresh air and wild mustard!


BM: Do you recall the first time a fan of the show recognised you and are you still recognised today?

HP: Not really sure when the first time was, but I remember liking the feeling! I'm thinking it was probably in my home state of Ohio. Things like recognising "faces" and mentioning it are just not done in places like New York or Los Angeles! But yes, it's a kick when fans do recognise you, especially years down the road when someone says "You look so familiar..." - needless to say, it happens less and less!


BM: To Little House fans everywhere, you're most legendary episode has to be "May We Make Them Proud" in which Alice Garvey tragically burns to death in a fire, along with the baby son of Mary and Adam Kendall. What do you remember about this extraordinary episode and how did you feel about being killed off?

HP: As I mentioned to you on the phone, I loved making this episode! In spite of the impending doom it would bring - at least I went out with a roar and not a whimper! Working with the special effects guys and the LA fire department was a first for me, and to be surrounded by "controlled" fire and readied fire extinguishers, I was ready to act up a storm! I loved every minute of it!

One thing was that they did not rig the windows to break easily and I'm not, as Michael Landon pointed out a lot, a meek, delicate woman, so when I try to bust something, I usually succeed! It was Michael himself who first mentioned that it looked like I was trying to use Mary's baby as a battering ram to bust the window! So because they'd forgotten to "break away" the windows, I was determined to get out whatever the cost!

(Hersha also mentioned that some of the props were NOT secured by her strength, including the Garveys' water-pump, which came flying off at her first pump! Also, Michael Landon joked that her eating habits were not as "delicate" as he imagined a good woman of that time should possess!)


BM: Why do you think the show was and is so popular?

HP: Michael Landon had the gift, the knack, the force. He knew what buttons to push, and surrounded himself with the best production people in TV land. His scripts were spiritually meaningful, without being maudlin or "preachy"... and always that sense of humour and tease somewhere to be found. In my humble opinion, there is nothing even close to what LHOTP was on the air today... I won't go into a show that might profess to be - it may get such nice actors, and good production values, but GOOD LORD... spare me the dialogue! Forgive me, I had better stop there!


BM: Would you share some biographical information please?

HP: Just a quickie! I was born in the '40s, raised in Ohio in the '50s, and I had three siblings. Ran off to theatre at 18 and didn't stop! Higher education... very little. A couple of years at University, taking classes I was interested in - Geology, Eastern Religion, modern dance... I spent most of my life out West, between Santa Fe, New Mexico; Aspen, Colorado; and Southern California... happiest surrounded by the good earth, unfamiliar lands and people i.e. India, where I spent a year, and the lights of the stage (sound stage OR theatrical)... I'm one of the fortunate whose life and work and been her "hobby and love".
I was also blessed with my son - he's 19 now, and a wonderful young man, serving in the US NAVY. He has a lovely sense of humour and is wise beyond his years. I think his father and I were so fortunate to have a child that has the love of life we've had, and we're very much aware of how lucky we've been.

[Ireneparalegal]

Best - working with the horses and their wranglers... and the great outdoors, love it! Simi Valley was always a treat, sometimes too warm with all the weight of the costume but I spent most of my time wandering the hills when I wasn't in front of the camera... fresh air and wild mustard!




I like how she mentioned working in SIMI VALLEY^^^^^, which is not far from where I live. Simi Valley is gorgeous, great weather and many hills. It has been used for many movies, tv shows, etc. as a backdrop.

[Ireneparalegal]

Ok, they showed the first part today on Hallmark. And a few things I seen that I want to discuss:

1. When Adam first notices the smell of smoke, Hester Sue comments she may have left the kettle on the stove. She gets up and walks supposedly to the kitchen, however, I happened to notice her walk to the stairs as if she was going to go up the stairs, BUT THE KITCHEN IS NOT UPSTAIRS! Why did she motion her body in that direction when all she had to do was walk straight ahead to where the kitchen would be located?


2. Dr. Baker is searching the burned out house...for what reason, I don't know. He is not an arson or fire expert. He is not a fire chief. He is a doctor. Anyhoo, he finds the pipe (the very thing WE KNOW caused the fire) and he makes the comment to Charles who happened upon the scene that "this is what caused the fire". HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT DOC? Anything could have started that fire. There are how many kerosene lamps? And especially in that huge house. Didn't Hester Sue mention she had made tea and had the stove on? How does he know that she never turned off the flame? It could be deduced that NO ONE in that house smoked a pipe, but no one was seen smoking it and how would he know it had been lit? There were plenty of blind kids in that house who could have accidently knocked over a kerosene lamp.

[Edster2973]

All good points. I must applaud your insight. What, are you a paralegal or something?

Ed

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Ok, they showed the first part today on Hallmark. And a few things I seen that I want to discuss:

1. When Adam first notices the smell of smoke, Hester Sue comments she may have left the kettle on the stove. She gets up and walks supposedly to the kitchen, however, I happened to notice her walk to the stairs as if she was going to go up the stairs, BUT THE KITCHEN IS NOT UPSTAIRS! Why did she motion her body in that direction when all she had to do was walk straight ahead to where the kitchen would be located?


2. Dr. Baker is searching the burned out house...for what reason, I don't know. He is not an arson or fire expert. He is not a fire chief. He is a doctor. Anyhoo, he finds the pipe (the very thing WE KNOW caused the fire) and he makes the comment to Charles who happened upon the scene that "this is what caused the fire". HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT DOC? Anything could have started that fire. There are how many kerosene lamps? And especially in that huge house. Didn't Hester Sue mention she had made tea and had the stove on? How does he know that she never turned off the flame? It could be deduced that NO ONE in that house smoked a pipe, but no one was seen smoking it and how would he know it had been lit? There were plenty of blind kids in that house who could have accidently knocked over a kerosene lamp.

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by Edster2973

All good points. I must applaud your insight. What, are you a paralegal or something?

Ed

Why, Yes. C'mon Edster, that is all you have to say. I expected at least two paragraphs in response to my post. Are you busy or something.

j/k

[Edster2973]

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Why, Yes. C'mon Edster, that is all you have to say. I expected at least two paragraphs in response to my post. Are you busy or something.

j/k

All I will say is that the thing that bothers me the most was that the grieving of both characters seemed to be resolved too quickly. I expected much more from the Ingalls family, especially Caroline in regards to losing her "best friend" Alice, but nary a word was mentioned. I also think Andy seemed more concerned about how his father was treating him than about his mother dying, and in a horrible way at that.

I understand that the baby dying was awful too, but other than in concept, the baby dying wasn't as painful as Alice's death, simply because we as viewers weren't attached to the baby as a character. It's the thought of any baby dying, because of how innocent and defenseless babies are, that is disturbing, but in all honesty, I felt no real loss when he died. I as a fan and viewer was grieving the loss of Alice, and the lack of emotion to her dying just compounded the loss.

Regarding Albert, I did think he was let off too easily. When he was finally found, the focus seemed more on making sure he knew he was still loved and not on how his carelessness caused the deaths of two important and beloved people. It made me sick when, in the very next episode, Albert is threatening to end his friendship with Andy simply because the new girl in town, with whom Albert has a crush on, is interested in Andy instead of him. I was like, "Dude, your carelessness with a pipe caused his mother to die, and here you are threatening to end your friendship with him over a girl."
There's something "off" about that. I think it serves to undermine Alice's importance, almost as if she had never existed. I can't be sure, but I think it's the episode when Almanzo's brother comes into town. I could be wrong, but I digress.

In any case, I agree with the inconsistencies are irksome, but to me, the LACK of reaction and grief is even more so. I guess they figured that if they downplay Alice's importance, then the other townsfolk shouldn't be expected to grieve as much, and then ultimately, neither should the fans. But that's not how it turned out, is it...


Ed