Transcripts of the Introductions by Vicki, Exclusive to the Mama's Favorites DVDs

[justegofficial]

Here are transcripts of all the Vicki Lawrence episode introductions EXCLUSIVE to the Mama's Favorites (Season 1 and Season 2) releases. WHY Time Life put these just on the "best of" releases and didn't include them anywhere on the $200 complete series set (which one would ASSUME had all of the bonus material available, included), I have no idea. While I think they're cute intros and would have made a nice addition to the complete series set/season sets, they're really not worth the extra $20 you'd have to spend to get these extra two releases ESPECIALLY if you already spent $200 for the complete series set, and that's why I've transcribed her intros for you below:

By the way, the episodes that were edited/syndicated on the season sets/complete series set are the same way on these releases.


Mama's Favorites - Season 1 (7 episodes)

Note: The episodes appear in PRODUCTION order on this release for some reason as opposed to airdate order like they appear on the Season 1 set.

"Vint and the Kids Move In" (:33)
'This was the first episode of our first season, introducing you to Vinton Harper, Mama's one and only son, who's been evicted from his home and he's hoping that he and his two kids can stay with Mama until he gets back on his feet. Mama's sister is played by the fabulous Rue McClanahan. I remember when Rue came in to audition for the part of Fran - she was in a frilly little dress with a hat and a parasol and there was never any question in anybody's mind that she would not be my sister Fran.'

"The Wedding - Part 1" (:20)
'Vint and Naomi are tying the knot and Eunice wants to sing at the wedding. Mama, Fran and Ellen all agree that no one wants to hear that but unfortunately Eunice overhears them. She gets back at Ellen by blabbing a shocking secret that the whole town has been keeping from her and the fur flies. We had a lot of fun with Carol Burnett and Betty White on this episode.'

"The Wedding - Part 2" (:35)
'Naomi agrees to let Eunice sing at the wedding and Eunice is over the moon until of course she learns that Mama gave Vinton her father's precious sapphire ring. Eunice gets drunk and there is a classic Eunice and Mama moment when she throws a tantrum and then Vint and Naomi's big plans hit an unexpected snag - so much for the fairytale wedding. It was the tackiest wedding dress ever sewn and for those of you who are watching carefully, please notice Earl Boen as the Reverend Meechum. He was a semi-regular on Mama's Family and went on to do Terminator 2.'

"Cellmates" (:23)
'The gang throws Eunice a surprise party at the Bigger Jigger but the big surprise is that she ends up spending her birthday in the local jail. Mama is there with her, too, alongside a happy hooker played by Yvonne Othon. For those of you with great eyes you will remember her as one of the Sharks' girlfriends in West Side Story who went on to do Mama's Family.'

"Positive Thinking" (:18)
'Eunice goes on a self-improvement kick and gets a new attitude. It works like a charm and she's finally cast in a juicy role at the local playhouse, but Eunice is up against the beautiful Gloria DeHaven in this episode. This was also Harvey's last episode with us. Miss you, Harv.'

"Mama's Boyfriend" (:20)
'Mama reunites with an old flame who whisks her away on a romantic trip out of town. Her family is scandalized, but they have nothing to fear. Mama won't surrender her virtue without a fight. She was a bit of a horn-dog on the show - lots of boyfriends. This one was played by William Windom. Great character actor.'

"Family Feud" (:20)
'For once the family is not just feuding with each other. They're joining forces to try to win some big money on Family Feud. Richard Dawson charms Mama and you will never guess which Harper really delivers under pressure. Richard Dawson was so fabulous. He just played it like he always was on the game show. And please put this dysfunctional family in real life. It is hysterical.'


Mama's Favorites - Season 2 (6 episodes)

Note: Unlike the Mama's Favorites - Season 1, THESE episodes are in their original AIRDATE order just as they appear on the Season 2 release.

"Country Club" (:23)
'It's a big day for Ellen. She is Raytown's Woman of the Year and the country club is honoring her with a very fancy party, but Mayor Tutwiler has a surprise for Ellen - Mama, Vinton and Naomi are invited and they didn't bring their country club manners. What you won't see on this episode is that when we were taping, Betty accidentally called the mayor, Mayor TITwiler and it took us forever to get the scene filmed.'

"Rashomama" (:10)
'Mama gets hit in the head with a stew pot and lands herself in the hospital. Vinton wants to know how it happened but Naomi, Ellen and Eunice all have their own version of the story.'

"Gert Rides Again" (:16)
'Mama's cousin Gert used to be a barrel of laughs, but now she's wasting away in a nursing home. Mama goes to visit and tries to bring a little spring back into the ol' gal's step. I have often said I got to touch the golden age of television and here is a little piece of it - Mama dancing with Imogene Coca.' [Note: The scene where Mama and Imogene Coca/Gert perform "Ain't Misbehavin'" has been cut due to music licensing, so the "dance" scene Vicki so lovingly refers to isn't even included on the DVD]

"Mama Learns to Drive" (:17)
'Hold onto your hats! Mama's at the wheel. The family has a devil of a time trying to get her safely on the road, but when there's a blue organza hat to be shopped for, Mama changes her tune. You know, many people stop me and tell me they are just sure they know where Mama's neighborhood was. I'm just sayin' this is Pasadena, y'all.'

"Mama Buys a Car" (:13)
'Mama's ready for wheels of her own and the deal she gets from Vinton's friend Willie Potts just might be too good to be true. This is early Fred Willard, kids. He gave Mama a lemon and we made lemonade.'

"Dear/Ask Aunt Fran" (:20)
'Fran gets a job as an advice columnist, but there's one problem: she gives terrible advice. She's in over her head until Mama bails her out with her infinite wisdom. Rue McClanahan, the consummate perfectionist, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse until she just drives everyone nuts.' [Note: It mistakenly says "DEAR Aunt Fran" on the cover and in the menu just like it does on the Season 2 and complete series set, but correctly displays the proper title, "ASK Aunt Fran," on the disc art]