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The Mary Tyler Moore Show There is nothing negative I can say about The Mary Tyler Moore Show. It defined television and paved the way for later television shows such as Cheers, Murphy Brown, Frasier and Seinfeld. It was bold, it was human, it was intelligent -- but most of all, it was funny. It may well have the greatest cast ever assembled. Mary Tyler Moore had already established herself a comic actress on The Dick Van Dyke Show, but with The Mary Tyler Moore Show she proved she was more than an actress, but a television icon. Among the cast were Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Ted Knight, Edward Asner, Betty White, Gavin MacLeod, and Georgia Engel. Together this cast created a timeless situation comedy more than just a half hour of comedy, but the best television show off all time. Although the show had many writers and directors over the years, it is David Lloyd, Treva Silverman, James L. Brooks and Jay Sandrich who can be accredited for most of its quality. They catapulted the commercialism of TV into art. With this talented ensemble of performers and craftsman, 7 seasons of timeless comedy not only came into our living rooms, but our hearts. And through the invention of TV reruns, it will continue to captivate its audience for years to come. A+
The Dick Van Dyke Show This show was the first on television to truthfully portray both the professional and personal side of one's life. Dick Van Dyke may well be the master of physical comedy and with his brand of comic delivery and Carl Reiner's flawless writing, a classic TV sitcom was born. This show also established Mary Tyler Moore as a comic actress. For 6 years, this show blazed a new trail only to be perfected by The Mary Tyler Moore Show. A-
After years in the comedy circuit, Mary Tyler Moore finally showed us her serious side. Just as her life was becoming more and more dramatic, she gave us an indelible dramatic performance -- in Ordinary People. Her performance in this film garnered her an Oscar nomination and deservedly so. Her portrayal of the torn mother was enough to prove the Ms. Moore was one of America's most talented and versatile actresses. A
After The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Tyler Moore tried her hand at motion pictures. This is the best of her 1960's films. It is hilarious from start to finish. Although not particularly a showcase for Moore's talents, it is pleasing nonetheless. B-
Mary Tyler Moore's brief appearance in this movie makes this movie worthwhile all by itself. She bares all as she delivers some of filmdom's greatest lines. She is hilarious and, amazingly enough, is not the only reason to catch this brilliantly funny film. A-
Mary Tyler Moore's best dramatic performance in this film garnered her another Emmy Award to add to her roster. The film is startling, frightening and incredibly disturbing -- exactly the reason it is so good. Lea Thompson is the perfect choice to play opposite Moore. B+
Ms. Moore and Bernadette Peters make a fabulous duo in this heartwarming TV drama. Neither one gives their best performance, but it is well worth the one and a half hours. It is guarantees to jerk a few tears and a few smiles. B-
Mary tried to star in yet another TV series in the eighties, but came up with this dud. The poor writing and terrible supporting ensemble doomed this project from the get-go. D+
After several dramatic films, Mary decided to try to maintain her flare for the dramatics in this newsroom drama. What results is a wishy-washy series even Moore herself tried to get out of. I remember liking it while it was on the air, but looking back at it, I am not sure why. It certainly was no Lou Grant. C-
I think this western was highly underrated and incredibly mis-timed.
Maybe not her best series, but Moore took a risk and unfortunately it resulted
in disaster. C+
Mary and Rhoda together again! All I can say, is AT LAST!!! From the second Mary comes up the escalator, I was amazed. Some people disliked this special...I loved it! Hurrah! A |
Flirting
With Disaster
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