I now can see why Linda Lavin had problems with Polly Holliday - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 05-26-2007, 10:00 PM

Watching "Florence of Arabia" Alice was just a minor character in the background while Flo had the starring role. I could see how an episode like this one would upset the "star."

Ireneparalegal · 05-26-2007, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Watching "Florence of Arabia" Alice was just a minor character in the background while Flo had the starring role. I could see how an episode like this one would upset the "star."

It is understandable. I just can't fathom Linda Lavin being the type to feel this way. Afterall, being on Barney Miller, she should know that it is nice to see each member of the cast "shine" once in a while.

Flo, stood out even when the episode didn't revolve around her. It's like at a party when the blonde walks in, all the brunettes seem to just fade.

I sure do miss being a blonde sometimes.

Brian Damage · 05-26-2007, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

It is understandable. I just can't fathom Linda Lavin being the type to feel this way. Afterall, being on Barney Miller, she should know that it is nice to see each member of the cast "shine" once in a while.

Flo, stood out even when the episode didn't revolve around her. It's like at a party when the blonde walks in, all the brunettes seem to just fade.

I sure do miss being a blonde sometimes.

You are right, but I think Linda felt threatened and well she should've been. Flo was getting the funnier lines and bigger laughs.

Ireneparalegal · 05-26-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

You are right, but I think Linda felt threatened and well she should've been. Flo was getting the funnier lines and bigger laughs.

I think the way Flo (Polly) delivered the lines helped in that department as well. Each character was unique. Alice we already know was the good two-shoes, so her lines wouldn't be so funny when it came to anything that Flo would be doing or saying. Alice was good at wise cracks here and there. Flo had funny lines all the time and her face and body language just seemed to tie it all in. Her accent helped too.

Brian Damage · 05-26-2007, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

I think the way Flo (Polly) delivered the lines helped in that department as well. Each character was unique. Alice we already know was the good two-shoes, so her lines wouldn't be so funny when it came to anything that Flo would be doing or saying. Alice was good at wise cracks here and there. Flo had funny lines all the time and her face and body language just seemed to tie it all in. Her accent helped too.

Very true, that is why I am sure Linda wanted Polly off the show. She saw her as a legitimate threat. If Polly had stayed any longer, it would turn into the Flo show. Not much different to what Jimmie Walker did on Good Times.

Ireneparalegal · 05-26-2007, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Very true, that is why I am sure Linda wanted Polly off the show. She saw her as a legitimate threat. If Polly had stayed any longer, it would turn into the Flo show. Not much different to what Jimmie Walker did on Good Times.

Exactly. But I really loved Flo. I liked the character and it only worked well on Alice. I seen her spin-off and those characters just ruined the show for me. I couldn't see Flo anywhere else but Alice. That was great chemistry.

GARFIELDKOOL · 05-26-2007, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Watching "Florence of Arabia" Alice was just a minor character in the background while Flo had the starring role. I could see how an episode like this one would upset the "star."

Well, Alice was boring, there was nothing colorful or spunky about her character. You needed a Flo or a Mel to make your show look good. Flo brought that spice and great interactions to the show.

Brian Damage · 05-26-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Exactly. But I really loved Flo. I liked the character and it only worked well on Alice. I seen her spin-off and those characters just ruined the show for me. I couldn't see Flo anywhere else but Alice. That was great chemistry.

I agree with you. They even brought in Mel to try and bring back the old chemistry, but it just wasn't the same. The MAIN problem was they matured Flo into Alice!!! LOL

Ireneparalegal · 05-26-2007, 10:34 PM

Kool and Brian, you both have very good points. When you have a bland character like Alice, you need the neurotic Vera, the cranky Mel and the spicy Flo. I loved Alice, but all by herself, I couldn't deal with her...as a character or a real person.

GARFIELDKOOL · 05-26-2007, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Kool and Brian, you both have very good points. When you have a bland character like Alice, you need the neurotic Vera, the cranky Mel and the spicy Flo. I loved Alice, but all by herself, I couldn't deal with her...as a character or a real person.

Mel was my boy. He came across as a bossy yeller, but he was really a nice guy who had a soft heart.

Brian Damage · 05-26-2007, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GARFIELDKOOL

Well, Alice was boring, there was nothing colorful or spunky about her character. You needed a Flo or a Mel to make your show look good. Flo brought that spice and great interactions to the show.

I agree. I am just surprised that Alice lasted as long as it did once Flo left the series.

GARFIELDKOOL · 05-26-2007, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Kool and Brian, you both have very good points. When you have a bland character like Alice, you need the neurotic Vera, the cranky Mel and the spicy Flo. I loved Alice, but all by herself, I couldn't deal with her...as a character or a real person.

This show couldn't have survived if it weren't for the supporting cast.

Brian Damage · 05-26-2007, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GARFIELDKOOL

This show couldn't have survived if it weren't for the supporting cast.

You can say that about any show really. Flo was a star on Alice, but a failure on her own spinoff show.

TVFactFan · 05-26-2007, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GARFIELDKOOL

This show couldn't have survived if it weren't for the supporting cast.

Unless this show start getting better in the upcoming seasons, I'm going to think Alice stayed on the air because of this below

season 1 aired after All in the Family
season 2 aired after All in the Family
season 3 aired after All in the Family
season 4 aired after One Day at a Time
season 5 aired after One Day at a Time
season 6 aired after One Day at a Time
season 8 aired after 60 Minutes
season 9 aired after the Jeffersons

Mr. Television · 05-26-2007, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GARFIELDKOOL

This show couldn't have survived if it weren't for the supporting cast.

Totally agree with you there. I loved the show but I think Alice was my least favorite character...maybe next to Tommy. lol

05-26-2007, 10:00 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	I now can see why Linda Lavin had problems with Polly Holliday Watching "Florence of Arabia" Alice was just a minor character in the background while Flo had the starring role. I could see how an episode like this one would upset the "star."
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05-26-2007, 10:34 PM	#9
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	Kool and Brian, you both have very good points. When you have a bland character like Alice, you need the neurotic Vera, the cranky Mel and the spicy Flo. I loved Alice, but all by herself, I couldn't deal with her...as a character or a real person.