Mary Richards Meets Laura Petrie - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

SawgrassSteve · 01-18-2003, 07:07 PM

Here's a kind of interesting 'fan fiction' short story:
Mary Richards Meets Laura Petrie

Steve

Kristen · 01-18-2003, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SawgrassSteve
Here's a kind of interesting 'fan fiction' short story:
Mary Richards Meets Laura Petrie

Steve

I've read that story before. Fanfiction.net is awesome! In fact, in that same section, there's a story called "My version of the Finale" which is written by Yours Truly!

It's currently unfinished, though.

Kristen

SawgrassSteve · 01-19-2003, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kristen

I've read that story before.
Kristen

I might've known, Kristen! Gees, you're tough to keep up with!

Steve

Leigh Ann · 01-19-2003, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SawgrassSteve

Gees, you're tough to keep up with!

Yeah, you really are, Kristen!

I read your story and the Laura Petrie meets Mary Richards one and I think they are both very good!

Artfiore1 · 03-13-2003, 07:29 AM

Hi all,
Please bear with me. I have never done this before, with ANY TV show. OK, here goes:

*****************************************

"CANCELLED? Oh, Rob, why?" asked a distressed Laura Petrie, her voice quivering slightly.
Her husband replied, "Uh, I guess...I don't know, honey...well, not really, anyway." Dejected and a little nervous, he sat down upon the sofa. She followed and sat down beside him.
He continued, "I ...he-uh...said something about changes and taking the network in 'a whole new direction.' He said that people have grown too sophisticated for Alan's brand of humor. He also said that television variety shows are on their way out -- that they're becoming 'old hat.' "
"What about Buddy and Sally?"
"I'm not worried about them. With their reputations in the business, I'm more than sure that it'll just be a matter of time before they find something just as good as -- if not better than -- what we had. Buddy always lands on his feet, somehow, anyway -- you know that."
"But Rob, what are we going to do?" asked Laura, worriedly.
"I don't know, honey," said Rob, as he stood and walked toward the bedroom, loosening his tie. "Why don't we forget it for now and worry about it when we get back from Minneapolis?"

The following week, Rob and Laura Petrie flew to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a brief stay with relatives of Rob's and to attend the wedding of Rob's cousin Clara. Their young son Ritchie stayed with neighbors Jerry and Millie Helper, while his parents were away.

Upon arriving in Minneapolis, the Petries stopped in a quaint luncheonette for a cup of coffee and a sandwich.
Although Rob did not wish to discuss the problem of his having lost his job until after their trip was over, Laura persisted. They discussed the situation at length, right there in the luncheonette.
A short while later, the young lady seated next to them at the counter said, "Uh, excuse me. I'm not one for sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong, but I couldn't help overhearing what the two of you have been saying."
Laura, a trifle annoyed by this intrusion said, in a not-so-friendly tone, "Yes?"
Shaking hands with both Rob and Laura, the young lady continued, "My name is Rhoda Morgenstern. I'm from New York, too...originally. Anyway, I have this very good friend who works for a TV station here in town -- WJM. Her name is Mary. She was telling me that they're looking for a new writer for a kids' show. Would you be interested in something like that?" As she spoke, Rhoda seemed particularly intrigued by Laura's face, for some reason. Her constant staring made Laura feel uncomfortable as she tried to nibble at her sandwich.
"Gee, I don't know, Miss Morgenstern," said Rob. I thank you very much for the tip. I have always sort of wondered if I could make a living entertaining children. I'm afraid my experience in that particular area is limited to being a clown at one of our son Ritchie's birthday parties...and a little presentation I once made for his class at school. Both, I must say, *were* pretty successful, however."
"What have you got to lose, then?"
"What have I got to lose? I'll tell you what I've got to lose -- a beautiful home back in New Rochelle, and some wonderful friends...and warm summers, *maybe*. But, I do have some family here in Minneapolis. It might be something to consider. Thank you again, Miss Morgenstern."
"Do you really think so, darling?" asked Laura.
"Sure, it might be fun."
"We would have to take Ritchie out of school."
"Laura, this may come as a complete shock to you, but they *do* have schools here, too -- all grades, as a matter of fact." He downed the last swig of his coffee. "I say, I should go for it."
"Okay," said Laura. Rhoda gave them the telephone number and address of the building in which the WJM offices and studios were located. They bid Rhoda farewell and thanked her once again.
The following morning, from his aunt's house, Rob called the number Rhoda had given him. He asked if he could apply for the position of writer for the children's show. The station manager, Mr. Coleman, agreed to see Rob later that afternoon.

Laura sat in a reception area, as Rob was directed toward the station manager's office. On his way there, Rob's attention was caught by an attractive young lady who was walking down an intersecting hallway. Keeping a reasonable distance, Rob followed her down a flight of stairs and through another long hallway, until the girl had disappeared into what appeared to be a television newsroom.
During his interview, Rob was told by Mr. Coleman that unfortunately the children's show writer position had just been filled within the hour.
"However, a rather unusual situation has suddenly occurred down in our newsroom. It seems that a very capable and talented newswriter whom we have employed for years, has decided to leave us. We have no idea why, but all of a sudden, he decided to change his name and become the captain of a cruise ship out in California. So, we now find ourselves in need of a newswriter. Ever do any of that?"
Rob coughed nervously and repositioned himself in his chair. "Well, no...but I'd certainly-uh like to give it a try. I'm sure I could handle it, sir, if you would be willing to take a chance on me."
The station manager sent Rob down to the newsroom and to Lou Grant's office. On his way there, Rob stopped by the reception area.
He said to Laura, "Honey, you've got to come with me!"
"Why? What's going on, Rob?"
"Never mind that, now -- I'll explain it on the way. There's something you've just GOT to see to believe!"

Rob and Laura left the reception area and headed for the WJM newsroom.

The Petries entered the newsroom. Rob looked around the room and then gesturing toward Mary Richards' desk, he asked Laura, "Notice anything unusual, honey?"
"You're Mr. Petrie, right?" asked Mary, coming over and shaking Rob's hand.
"Yes, I am. And...uh-I-uh. And-uh you are?"
"I'm Mary Richards, the producer of the news."
She turned to Laura and extended her hand. The two ladies shook hands, slowly, each staring at the other in amazement for several seconds.
"Do I know you?" they both asked almost in unison. They ultimately decided that they did *not* know each other, but that each most likely reminded the other of someone she used to know.

On the way back to Aunt Emily's house, Laura said, "It's a shame you didn't get that job, darling. Or, the other one. That seemed like such a nice office. The boss, Mr. Grant, seemed nice."
"Are you kiddin' me?" said Rob. "That guy scared the *life* out of me when I was alone with him in his office. He even *yelled* at me!"
"He did? What did he say?"
"He told me I seemed to have a great sense of humor. Then, all of a sudden, he hollered, 'I HATE HUMOR!!' "
"That's strange. I kind of liked him....what little I saw of him, that is." Then, she added, "I'll bet you're disappointed that you're not going to get to work with that *girl*. You really liked her, didn't you?"
"You bet I did! But, I think it's because she looked just like you."
"So, it wasn't just my imagination, then?" asked Laura. "You thought so, too?"
"No question about it. If you were a little older, a little thinner, had funny-looking hair and more modern clothes, you could pass for her twin."

Two days later, the Petries attended the wedding of Rob's cousin Clara. The next day, they returned to New Rochelle and lived happily ever after.

Rob went on to publish a lengthy series of successful novels, while Laura landed a job producing a news program at an independent television station in upstate New York.

THE END

SawgrassSteve · 03-13-2003, 12:42 PM

Great story, Artfiore1,
It was entertaining, it was interesting, and it had anticipation. Are you sure you haven't done this before?
You know what would be interesting? Is if someone would actually produce a movie "short" of that story! Using (here I go again) original footage coupled with computer animation technology. It probably wouldn't air, but it would be a great (and expensive) "fan fiction" project for someone who had the funds to pull it off!
Thanks. I enjoyed reading it.

Steve

Kristen · 03-13-2003, 03:33 PM

Artfiore, I loved your story!! I loved the line about Lou telling Rob he hated humor. And Murray suddenly leaving to become captain of a cruise ship!

You did a great job with the characters. Maybe you should help Carl on the reunion thing he's working on!

Kristen

Artfiore1 · 03-13-2003, 06:04 PM

Kristen and Steve,
I thank you folks for all the kind words and I'm so glad you both enjoyed the story.

I honestly never tried writing a fanfiction story about any TV show before. I do enjoy writing, though (two short novels in recent years). Combined that with the decades I have spent watching and loving "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" . . . and adoring those "two" ladies.

*ShortCake* · 03-13-2003, 10:10 PM

wow thats cool! I wish I could write like that!

Artfiore1 · 03-14-2003, 03:31 AM

"Shortcake,"
Have you ever tried?

Thanks for the reply, and for reading the story.

01-18-2003, 07:07 PM	#1
SawgrassSteve Loyal Worshipper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 04, 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,423	Mary Richards Meets Laura Petrie Here's a kind of interesting 'fan fiction' short story: Mary Richards Meets Laura Petrie Steve
	__________________ The Cult Of Laura

03-13-2003, 07:29 AM	#5
Artfiore1 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 28, 2001 Location: East Brunswick, NJ, USA Posts: 457	Hi all, Please bear with me. I have never done this before, with ANY TV show. OK, here goes: ***************************************** "CANCELLED? Oh, Rob, why?" asked a distressed Laura Petrie, her voice quivering slightly. Her husband replied, "Uh, I guess...I don't know, honey...well, not really, anyway." Dejected and a little nervous, he sat down upon the sofa. She followed and sat down beside him. He continued, "I ...he-uh...said something about changes and taking the network in 'a whole new direction.' He said that people have grown too sophisticated for Alan's brand of humor. He also said that television variety shows are on their way out -- that they're becoming 'old hat.' " "What about Buddy and Sally?" "I'm not worried about them. With their reputations in the business, I'm more than sure that it'll just be a matter of time before they find something just as good as -- if not better than -- what we had. Buddy always lands on his feet, somehow, anyway -- you know that." "But Rob, what are we going to do?" asked Laura, worriedly. "I don't know, honey," said Rob, as he stood and walked toward the bedroom, loosening his tie. "Why don't we forget it for now and worry about it when we get back from Minneapolis?" The following week, Rob and Laura Petrie flew to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a brief stay with relatives of Rob's and to attend the wedding of Rob's cousin Clara. Their young son Ritchie stayed with neighbors Jerry and Millie Helper, while his parents were away. Upon arriving in Minneapolis, the Petries stopped in a quaint luncheonette for a cup of coffee and a sandwich. Although Rob did not wish to discuss the problem of his having lost his job until after their trip was over, Laura persisted. They discussed the situation at length, right there in the luncheonette. A short while later, the young lady seated next to them at the counter said, "Uh, excuse me. I'm not one for sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong, but I couldn't help overhearing what the two of you have been saying." Laura, a trifle annoyed by this intrusion said, in a not-so-friendly tone, "Yes?" Shaking hands with both Rob and Laura, the young lady continued, "My name is Rhoda Morgenstern. I'm from New York, too...originally. Anyway, I have this very good friend who works for a TV station here in town -- WJM. Her name is Mary. She was telling me that they're looking for a new writer for a kids' show. Would you be interested in something like that?" As she spoke, Rhoda seemed particularly intrigued by Laura's face, for some reason. Her constant staring made Laura feel uncomfortable as she tried to nibble at her sandwich. "Gee, I don't know, Miss Morgenstern," said Rob. I thank you very much for the tip. I have always sort of wondered if I could make a living entertaining children. I'm afraid my experience in that particular area is limited to being a clown at one of our son Ritchie's birthday parties...and a little presentation I once made for his class at school. Both, I must say, were pretty successful, however." "What have you got to lose, then?" "What have I got to lose? I'll tell you what I've got to lose -- a beautiful home back in New Rochelle, and some wonderful friends...and warm summers, maybe. But, I do have some family here in Minneapolis. It might be something to consider. Thank you again, Miss Morgenstern." "Do you really think so, darling?" asked Laura. "Sure, it might be fun." "We would have to take Ritchie out of school." "Laura, this may come as a complete shock to you, but they do have schools here, too -- all grades, as a matter of fact." He downed the last swig of his coffee. "I say, I should go for it." "Okay," said Laura. Rhoda gave them the telephone number and address of the building in which the WJM offices and studios were located. They bid Rhoda farewell and thanked her once again. The following morning, from his aunt's house, Rob called the number Rhoda had given him. He asked if he could apply for the position of writer for the children's show. The station manager, Mr. Coleman, agreed to see Rob later that afternoon. Laura sat in a reception area, as Rob was directed toward the station manager's office. On his way there, Rob's attention was caught by an attractive young lady who was walking down an intersecting hallway. Keeping a reasonable distance, Rob followed her down a flight of stairs and through another long hallway, until the girl had disappeared into what appeared to be a television newsroom. During his interview, Rob was told by Mr. Coleman that unfortunately the children's show writer position had just been filled within the hour. "However, a rather unusual situation has suddenly occurred down in our newsroom. It seems that a very capable and talented newswriter whom we have employed for years, has decided to leave us. We have no idea why, but all of a sudden, he decided to change his name and become the captain of a cruise ship out in California. So, we now find ourselves in need of a newswriter. Ever do any of that?" Rob coughed nervously and repositioned himself in his chair. "Well, no...but I'd certainly-uh like to give it a try. I'm sure I could handle it, sir, if you would be willing to take a chance on me." The station manager sent Rob down to the newsroom and to Lou Grant's office. On his way there, Rob stopped by the reception area. He said to Laura, "Honey, you've got to come with me!" "Why? What's going on, Rob?" "Never mind that, now -- I'll explain it on the way. There's something you've just GOT to see to believe!" Rob and Laura left the reception area and headed for the WJM newsroom. The Petries entered the newsroom. Rob looked around the room and then gesturing toward Mary Richards' desk, he asked Laura, "Notice anything unusual, honey?" "You're Mr. Petrie, right?" asked Mary, coming over and shaking Rob's hand. "Yes, I am. And...uh-I-uh. And-uh you are?" "I'm Mary Richards, the producer of the news." She turned to Laura and extended her hand. The two ladies shook hands, slowly, each staring at the other in amazement for several seconds. "Do I know you?" they both asked almost in unison. They ultimately decided that they did not know each other, but that each most likely reminded the other of someone she used to know. On the way back to Aunt Emily's house, Laura said, "It's a shame you didn't get that job, darling. Or, the other one. That seemed like such a nice office. The boss, Mr. Grant, seemed nice." "Are you kiddin' me?" said Rob. "That guy scared the life out of me when I was alone with him in his office. He even yelled at me!" "He did? What did he say?" "He told me I seemed to have a great sense of humor. Then, all of a sudden, he hollered, 'I HATE HUMOR!!' " "That's strange. I kind of liked him....what little I saw of him, that is." Then, she added, "I'll bet you're disappointed that you're not going to get to work with that girl. You really liked her, didn't you?" "You bet I did! But, I think it's because she looked just like you." "So, it wasn't just my imagination, then?" asked Laura. "You thought so, too?" "No question about it. If you were a little older, a little thinner, had funny-looking hair and more modern clothes, you could pass for her twin." Two days later, the Petries attended the wedding of Rob's cousin Clara. The next day, they returned to New Rochelle and lived happily ever after. Rob went on to publish a lengthy series of successful novels, while Laura landed a job producing a news program at an independent television station in upstate New York. THE END
	__________________ Later, Art Maj. Frank Burns: "Why does everyone take an instant dislike to me?" Capt. "Trapper John" McIntyre: "It saves time, Frank." * * * Roger Phillips: "Your behavior has been crass, overbearing and repugnant!" Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli: "When I get to a dictiionary, you're in trouble." * * * Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver: "How did you know all that, Wally?" Wally Cleaver: "Beav, just 'cause I'm your brother, that doesn't make me automatically stupid." * * * Jed Clampett: "What that boy may need is some more schoolin'." Daisy Mae Moses "Granny" Clampett: "More schoolin'??? He's done been all the way through the sixth grade! How much further can he go?" * * * Maj Charles Emerson Winchester III: "What IS that odor?" Cpl. Walter "Radar" O'Reilly: "North wind -- cesspool. East wind -- latrine." Maj Charles Emerson Winchester III: "But, the wind is from the south." Cpl. Walter "Radar" O'Reilly: "Oh, that's our kitchen." * * * Maj. Frank Burns: "What are you doing in here?" Cpl. Walter "Radar" O'Reilly: "I'm looking for Major Houlihan." Maj. Frank Burns: "Any mindless baboon can see that she's not here . . . including me!" Last edited by Artfiore1; 03-30-2003 at 09:00 PM.

03-13-2003, 10:10 PM	#9
ShortCake Blair Warner fan. Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 01, 2000 Location: Florida Posts: 3,761	wow thats cool! I wish I could write like that!
	__________________ Ashley "Nice girls don't throw tree's"- Jo Polniaczek.

03-13-2003, 12:42 PM	#6
SawgrassSteve Loyal Worshipper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 04, 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,423	Great story, Artfiore1, It was entertaining, it was interesting, and it had anticipation. Are you sure you haven't done this before? You know what would be interesting? Is if someone would actually produce a movie "short" of that story! Using (here I go again) original footage coupled with computer animation technology. It probably wouldn't air, but it would be a great (and expensive) "fan fiction" project for someone who had the funds to pull it off! Thanks. I enjoyed reading it. Steve

03-13-2003, 03:33 PM	#7
Kristen Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 17, 2000 Location: New York, USA Posts: 4,042	Artfiore, I loved your story!! I loved the line about Lou telling Rob he hated humor. And Murray suddenly leaving to become captain of a cruise ship! You did a great job with the characters. Maybe you should help Carl on the reunion thing he's working on! Kristen

03-13-2003, 06:04 PM	#8
Artfiore1 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 28, 2001 Location: East Brunswick, NJ, USA Posts: 457	Kristen and Steve, I thank you folks for all the kind words and I'm so glad you both enjoyed the story. I honestly never tried writing a fanfiction story about any TV show before. I do enjoy writing, though (two short novels in recent years). Combined that with the decades I have spent watching and loving "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" . . . and adoring those "two" ladies.

03-14-2003, 03:31 AM	#10
Artfiore1 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 28, 2001 Location: East Brunswick, NJ, USA Posts: 457	"Shortcake," Have you ever tried? Thanks for the reply, and for reading the story.