43 reviews
I used to watch this show when I was a kid growing up and my mom and sister would watch too and we would always laugh when Flo told Mel, "KISS MY GRITS!!!!". If I was asked about my favorite of the cast, I wouldn't be able to choose. I think Vera is lovable and sweet but then Flo is also wild and lots of fun while Alice is level-headed, smart and has a great singing voice. There are several episodes that I love. For example the one where Alice tries out for a night club act at Disney World and Vera comes to the audition and while Alice is warming up her vocal chords Vera is accidentally mistaken for Alice and does her own audition. Alice then sings "Paper Moon" while the talent scout is yelling at someone on the phone and he somehow is still able to concentrate on her and gives her the contract. After she leaves we can hear Alice telling Vera in an excited screaming voice that she got it and the two of them start screaming joyously in the hall. It was funny but the best episode was the last of the series when they had a montage of the best episodes, and all the celebrity appearances. It was sad to see it go but I'll always remember it as one of the best shows on tv.
- gerry-russell-139
- Feb 7, 2000
- Permalink
I finally got to see the film Alice Doesn't Live Here Any More from which the Alice series is taken and now I certainly have a better perspective on the series. The film was quite a bit more serious than this TV situation comedy. In fact in only the last third of the film does Melvin Sharples and his diner figure into the plot of the film.
But it's the whole show here. Vic Tayback was the only member of the cast of the film to repeat his role. In the film Alice is fleeing from Phoenix after a bad relationship and she stops in Tucson and takes a job at Mel's Diner to pay the rent and save up before she moves on to California.
Here Linda Lavin has settled in at Mel's Diner and while the show centers around her trying to raise her son Philip McKeon, the other members of Mel's wait staff also have episodes centering around them. Beth Howland plays Vera the somewhat naive one and Flo, the one who's seen it all was the irrepressible Polly Holiday. That catchphrase of her's 'kiss my grits' became legendary. Oddly enough when Holiday quit the women who played Flo in the film, Diane Ladd joined the cast. But the show really lost something after Holiday quit.
Alice the series was a bit more family oriented than the mature drama the film was. Still those servers in Mel's Diner and Mel himself made an indelible impression bridging those Carter-Reagan years in the American psyche.
But it's the whole show here. Vic Tayback was the only member of the cast of the film to repeat his role. In the film Alice is fleeing from Phoenix after a bad relationship and she stops in Tucson and takes a job at Mel's Diner to pay the rent and save up before she moves on to California.
Here Linda Lavin has settled in at Mel's Diner and while the show centers around her trying to raise her son Philip McKeon, the other members of Mel's wait staff also have episodes centering around them. Beth Howland plays Vera the somewhat naive one and Flo, the one who's seen it all was the irrepressible Polly Holiday. That catchphrase of her's 'kiss my grits' became legendary. Oddly enough when Holiday quit the women who played Flo in the film, Diane Ladd joined the cast. But the show really lost something after Holiday quit.
Alice the series was a bit more family oriented than the mature drama the film was. Still those servers in Mel's Diner and Mel himself made an indelible impression bridging those Carter-Reagan years in the American psyche.
- bkoganbing
- Jul 3, 2016
- Permalink
This was one of those shows that I watched when I was very young and television was one of my close personal friends.
I have fond memories of this show and actually give it credit for roughing some of the edges on the blade of wit and humor that keeps me armed to this date.
While I look back on the show with very fond memories, lots of laughter, and a certain childhood happiness, I have since found other shows and other things in life that indicate to me that this wasn't really the best show in the world.
I can't see myself watching it anymore, but I want to give it credit for the good times and it's ability to make me happy when I was younger. I agree with another poster who noted that this show was fairly innocent in it's comments and thus would appeal to me if a younger crowd was looking for humor without some of the nasty stuff evident in much of today's media. Give this show a shot if you find a chance.
I have fond memories of this show and actually give it credit for roughing some of the edges on the blade of wit and humor that keeps me armed to this date.
While I look back on the show with very fond memories, lots of laughter, and a certain childhood happiness, I have since found other shows and other things in life that indicate to me that this wasn't really the best show in the world.
I can't see myself watching it anymore, but I want to give it credit for the good times and it's ability to make me happy when I was younger. I agree with another poster who noted that this show was fairly innocent in it's comments and thus would appeal to me if a younger crowd was looking for humor without some of the nasty stuff evident in much of today's media. Give this show a shot if you find a chance.
- buddhadan-1
- Sep 9, 2006
- Permalink
What happened to "Alice"? You can't find it on DVD, can't find it on cable, and can't even locate it late at night in local syndicated reruns. It's hard to guess why the powers-that-be at TV Land or Nick at Nite haven't realized that this show would be popular as part of their lineup.
Anyway, this show set itself apart from many of its era by its semi-unpredictability. Every plot didn't have a happy ending, and there wasn't necessarily a "good" lesson taught to the viewer by the end. For example, in one episode when Flo enrolls in night school to finally earn her high school diploma, she has trouble concentrating on her homework, and is "forced" by Alice to stay home and study. Rather than provide the viewer with the happy and P.C. ending where Flo realizes the value of an education, the episode concludes with her sneaking out the window to go on a date. Presumably, Flo never gets that diploma.
The show did a good job presenting a blue-collar "diner" setting. None of the waitresses were beautiful, and outside of the endless parade of famous guest stars, the clientele shown in Mel's fit well with that of a '70s greasy spoon in a city like Phoenix. Supporting characters such as Henry and Earl -- everymen in all senses of the term -- fit in well with this motif.
Each character brought something to the show. Alice was the sensible single mom with big hopes and dreams. Vera was the childlike ditz. Flo was the outspoken, aging, oversexed country woman. Mel was gruff and selfish, but was kind-hearted beneath the surface. "Kiss my grits" became a household phrase.
Unfortunately, with Flo's departure, the show took a steady turn downhill. Diane Ladd's Belle and Celia Weston's Jolene were nowhere near as colorful as Flo, and as a result, the plots started to slip, as well. A lot of the later episodes were stupid and downright embarrassing. Many of the early elements that made this show great were simply missing in the later years.
Overall, this was a very entertaining show, and it's a shame that it can no longer be found. Hopefully this will change in future years.
Anyway, this show set itself apart from many of its era by its semi-unpredictability. Every plot didn't have a happy ending, and there wasn't necessarily a "good" lesson taught to the viewer by the end. For example, in one episode when Flo enrolls in night school to finally earn her high school diploma, she has trouble concentrating on her homework, and is "forced" by Alice to stay home and study. Rather than provide the viewer with the happy and P.C. ending where Flo realizes the value of an education, the episode concludes with her sneaking out the window to go on a date. Presumably, Flo never gets that diploma.
The show did a good job presenting a blue-collar "diner" setting. None of the waitresses were beautiful, and outside of the endless parade of famous guest stars, the clientele shown in Mel's fit well with that of a '70s greasy spoon in a city like Phoenix. Supporting characters such as Henry and Earl -- everymen in all senses of the term -- fit in well with this motif.
Each character brought something to the show. Alice was the sensible single mom with big hopes and dreams. Vera was the childlike ditz. Flo was the outspoken, aging, oversexed country woman. Mel was gruff and selfish, but was kind-hearted beneath the surface. "Kiss my grits" became a household phrase.
Unfortunately, with Flo's departure, the show took a steady turn downhill. Diane Ladd's Belle and Celia Weston's Jolene were nowhere near as colorful as Flo, and as a result, the plots started to slip, as well. A lot of the later episodes were stupid and downright embarrassing. Many of the early elements that made this show great were simply missing in the later years.
Overall, this was a very entertaining show, and it's a shame that it can no longer be found. Hopefully this will change in future years.
This is a show which started very strong created upon the concept of the book & the movie Alice Doesn't Live here Any More. It originally aired on CBS starting in the middle of the 1970's. The cast & the material were both very strong.
Linda Lavin was an ideal Alice, divorcée with a young son played by Philip Mekeon. She worked at Mel's (Vic Tayback's) diner out somewhere on the highway near Arizona. She worked with Vera & Flo (Polly Holiday). Vera was a classic case of a neurotic trying to make sense of why she was there without too much in the upstairs department except enough sense to stay out of trouble.
Flo early on, made this show a success. She was the wise woman with no virtue who could rarely say no to any man who came on to her who she found at all appealing. She did say no to Mel often because his character & hers were in constant conflict at work & their war, though friendly was sharp as it is Mel who usually would poke fun at Flo & then flow would retort with the famous "kiss my grits, Mel."
The first few seasons, the show scripts were sharp & would focus on issues between the characters. The last year or two, the scripts got terrible & when they brought in major guest stars like Art Carney, even the guests has trouble with the poor material. Alice's son disappeared the last season or so which took an edge away from the scripts too.
Another thing is that "there's a new girl in town" theme really wore out it's welcome the last season. Flo's novelty had worn out by then too.
This is why the series ended as the ratings lagged as the series weakened the last season.
Linda Lavin was an ideal Alice, divorcée with a young son played by Philip Mekeon. She worked at Mel's (Vic Tayback's) diner out somewhere on the highway near Arizona. She worked with Vera & Flo (Polly Holiday). Vera was a classic case of a neurotic trying to make sense of why she was there without too much in the upstairs department except enough sense to stay out of trouble.
Flo early on, made this show a success. She was the wise woman with no virtue who could rarely say no to any man who came on to her who she found at all appealing. She did say no to Mel often because his character & hers were in constant conflict at work & their war, though friendly was sharp as it is Mel who usually would poke fun at Flo & then flow would retort with the famous "kiss my grits, Mel."
The first few seasons, the show scripts were sharp & would focus on issues between the characters. The last year or two, the scripts got terrible & when they brought in major guest stars like Art Carney, even the guests has trouble with the poor material. Alice's son disappeared the last season or so which took an edge away from the scripts too.
Another thing is that "there's a new girl in town" theme really wore out it's welcome the last season. Flo's novelty had worn out by then too.
This is why the series ended as the ratings lagged as the series weakened the last season.
Why does anybody eat there? And why do they need 3 waitresses for such a small place with few customers? And why do the waitresses work there for so long and act like its their dream job? The movie was much better
- britneyfoxx
- Oct 23, 2020
- Permalink
- happipuppi13
- Dec 16, 2005
- Permalink
"Alice" is a series that I can take or leave. Like all series, it has good and bad episodes, but unfortunately the bad episodes are REALLY bad.
I really like Linda Lavin as Alice and Philip McKean as Tommy. They are likeable and fun to watch.
Other characters, like Mel (played by Vic Tayback), are sometimes unwatchable. Mel with his screaming and yelling and calling one of his waitresses "Dingy" all the time could be considered harassment in the real world. But this is television and it's meant to be entertaining. For me, it is not.
Vera (Beth Howland) is cute, but easily one of the dumbest characters ever. Sometimes her cluelessness makes me cringe.
Flo (Polly Holiday) is an interesting character, although her thick accent can come across as annoying. But when she left the show, it definitely left a void.
Overall it's an OK show and sometimes entertaining. It's even funny on occasion. But despite its long run, it's far from perfect.
I really like Linda Lavin as Alice and Philip McKean as Tommy. They are likeable and fun to watch.
Other characters, like Mel (played by Vic Tayback), are sometimes unwatchable. Mel with his screaming and yelling and calling one of his waitresses "Dingy" all the time could be considered harassment in the real world. But this is television and it's meant to be entertaining. For me, it is not.
Vera (Beth Howland) is cute, but easily one of the dumbest characters ever. Sometimes her cluelessness makes me cringe.
Flo (Polly Holiday) is an interesting character, although her thick accent can come across as annoying. But when she left the show, it definitely left a void.
Overall it's an OK show and sometimes entertaining. It's even funny on occasion. But despite its long run, it's far from perfect.
- iloveseaotters
- Jul 6, 2024
- Permalink
I have avoided seeing Ellen Burstyn who won an Academy Award in the movie version because I grew up watching Alice on television whether in reruns or on network television. It was a lively show and it had a terrific cast. Linda Lavin will always be Alice to me regardless of her wonderful acting career. Linda Lavin has stretched as a character actress whether in small, supporting, featured, or leading roles. Linda Lavin is a comic gem. Doug McKeon who plays her son, Tommy, is the brother to Nancy McKeon better known for her role as Jo on "The Facts of Life." Whatever happened to Doug anyway? Well, Vic Tayback is brilliant as Mel Sharples and the casting of American legendary entertainer, Martha Raye, as his mother is something I have never forgotten. The show re-introduced Martha Raye as a sharp-tongued wise mother to Mel. The show I remember aired on CBS Sunday nights with the likes of "The Jeffersons," and "All in the Family." After 9 years on the air, it came to an end. I loved Polly Holliday as Flo with one of the most memorable catchphrases "You can kiss my grits." I never had a grit. The show was memorable also for lovable Vera, likable Jolene, and Diane Ladd's role. Although it worked best with Vera, Flo and Alice, Flo's show never took off and she should have returned to the show. Since I haven't seen an episode in about a year, I am vague because I have missed the show not being on the air anymore whether on TV Land or anywhere else. It made you want to move to Phoenix which is probably one of the reasons that Phoenix is over a million in population. You have to thank the show for bringing Martha Raye, we all knew her as Mel's mom but in reality, Martha's life was truly extraordinary. I learned that she went to entertain the American troops wherever and whenever they were at war. We can't thank Martha enough even now. She was given America's highest honors for her services as a civilian during wartime. But the show also provided lots of laughs and entertainment during it's long run, we don't see shows like Alice anymore and we probably never will.
- Sylviastel
- Jul 10, 2006
- Permalink
This show takes me back to my youth.
I use to watch this show in the mornings after the Price is Right in syndication.
They'd show it twice so I really got to be failure with the show. Back then there was only a few channels so it was great to watch this Classic tv sitcom. I feel it's right up there with the Jefferson and All in the family. It ran for 9 seasons. It also had some unforgettable characters. Even though the show was called Alice the stand out characters were Mel and Flo. Flo with the catch phrases "kiss my grits" and "when donkeys fly". Mel's catch phrase "Stow it". It is sad to say it's hard to find this show on tv or any streaming format.
- quitwastingmytime
- Jun 30, 2021
- Permalink
Theme song: "There's A New Girl In Town"-lyrics and music by David Shire with Marilyn and Alan Bergman. Theme sung by Linda Lavin.
Based on the Oscar winning 1974 film directed by Martin Scorsese and starred Ellen Burstyn and Dianne Ladd under the title,"Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore",this was to become the front point of the television series "Alice",which was basically done under the same title,but with a different cast and different setting. For the astounding nine and half years that it ran on CBS from the premiere episode on August 31,1976 to the final episode of the series on July 2,1985 after producing 212 episodes,"Alice" was one of the shows that was part of the network's powerhouse lineup of shows during the decade of the 1970's,which included "One Day At A Time","All In The Family", "The Jeffersons","Kojak",and the medical drama "Trapper John,MD".
"Alice",was basically the forefront of the selection of "Good Blue Collar Comedy Shows"that emerged during that decade. This was a show that got to see the goings on behind and in front of a working establishment(a family diner)with the situations that occurred between each of the characters. It may have been a trashy sitcom to some of its critics,but for one it didn't rely on politics nor for that manner a lot of slapstick neither. But it was the focus of everyday people and everyday situations that kept the show in top of the Nielsens for the nine years that it ran on the air. Not to mention audiences also got the chance to hear Broadway sensation Linda Lavin singing abilities to boot as well as her acting chops. Also during its run,"Alice" garnered 16 nominations including several Golden Globe wins for Linda Lavin,Polly Holliday and not to mention here Vic Tayback. Not bad for a show that was CBS' top rated sitcom during the mid-1970's and well into the mid-1980's when the show was at the peak of perfection.
Here you had a host of characters that were sensational to watch as Alice Hyatt(Linda Lavin)puts up with Mel Sharples(Vic Tayback)and his male chauvinistic ways of thinking better than any woman on television. In other words Mel may have the upper hand,but in each sly and repulsive remarks he gives her,Alice gets him right back! Also,there were others that worked at the diner as well...you have dingy,innocent simpleton,naive and strangely weird(but cute)Vera Gorman(Beth Howland),then you have the Texas firecracker and the true definition of Southern country and Southern pride Florence "Flo" Jean-Castleberry(Polly Holliday)who was dynamite at getting back at Mel's views of thinking and the ONLY one that Mel couldn't keep her mouth shut,since she always had an opinion of what was on her mind at any time and would relate to the others about it. In other words,she was an high-octane nymphomaniac and the perfect foil for the street-tough New Jersey-bred Alice Hyatt. In other perspectives,Flo was an even better foil for Mel,and never hestitates to retort him with some valuable advice.....The phrase,"Kiss My Grits"!,became an national outcry when it was mentioned. However,the show did have a split personality until 1980,when Polly Holliday left the series,and went into her own spin-off of "Alice" titled "Flo",which lasted one season,and after that fiasco,Holliday was never heard from again. It was Polly Holliday who kept the show in the top of the ratings for the first five seasons of the show(1976-1980)and then the unthinkable happen.
After Holliday left the series in 1980,the show started to declined in the ratings and likely so. During the 1980-1981 season,Dianne Ladd(who was in the original 1974 film)appeared as Belle which was basically okay,but the show slipped even into a abyss during the last four seasons of the show. During the 1981-1982 season,a new waitress named Jolene was just as dumb as they come(Celia Weston)who remained on the show until the final episode of the series in 1985. Only actors Linda Lavin,Vic Tayback,Beth Howland,and Phillip McKeon(who played Alice's son Tommy)remained on the show for the remainder of its run. Cameo players such as Andy(Pat Crenshaw),Travis(Tom Mahoney),and Henry (Marvin Kaplan)were valuable assets which went great with the guest celebrities that were on the show too like George Burns,Martha Raye, Telly Savalas,Art Carney,and Ruth Buzzi. The final episode of the series came after a nine and-a-half years on the air on July 2,1985 where they had a montage of some of the best episodes and also all of the celebrity appearances. It also showed Mel leaving his diner after years in the business and selling it to someone else. At the end,Alice buys the diner and restores the business after Mel calls it quits. It is crying shame that the series is never on the air,but it needs to be since it was the best of the best.
Based on the Oscar winning 1974 film directed by Martin Scorsese and starred Ellen Burstyn and Dianne Ladd under the title,"Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore",this was to become the front point of the television series "Alice",which was basically done under the same title,but with a different cast and different setting. For the astounding nine and half years that it ran on CBS from the premiere episode on August 31,1976 to the final episode of the series on July 2,1985 after producing 212 episodes,"Alice" was one of the shows that was part of the network's powerhouse lineup of shows during the decade of the 1970's,which included "One Day At A Time","All In The Family", "The Jeffersons","Kojak",and the medical drama "Trapper John,MD".
"Alice",was basically the forefront of the selection of "Good Blue Collar Comedy Shows"that emerged during that decade. This was a show that got to see the goings on behind and in front of a working establishment(a family diner)with the situations that occurred between each of the characters. It may have been a trashy sitcom to some of its critics,but for one it didn't rely on politics nor for that manner a lot of slapstick neither. But it was the focus of everyday people and everyday situations that kept the show in top of the Nielsens for the nine years that it ran on the air. Not to mention audiences also got the chance to hear Broadway sensation Linda Lavin singing abilities to boot as well as her acting chops. Also during its run,"Alice" garnered 16 nominations including several Golden Globe wins for Linda Lavin,Polly Holliday and not to mention here Vic Tayback. Not bad for a show that was CBS' top rated sitcom during the mid-1970's and well into the mid-1980's when the show was at the peak of perfection.
Here you had a host of characters that were sensational to watch as Alice Hyatt(Linda Lavin)puts up with Mel Sharples(Vic Tayback)and his male chauvinistic ways of thinking better than any woman on television. In other words Mel may have the upper hand,but in each sly and repulsive remarks he gives her,Alice gets him right back! Also,there were others that worked at the diner as well...you have dingy,innocent simpleton,naive and strangely weird(but cute)Vera Gorman(Beth Howland),then you have the Texas firecracker and the true definition of Southern country and Southern pride Florence "Flo" Jean-Castleberry(Polly Holliday)who was dynamite at getting back at Mel's views of thinking and the ONLY one that Mel couldn't keep her mouth shut,since she always had an opinion of what was on her mind at any time and would relate to the others about it. In other words,she was an high-octane nymphomaniac and the perfect foil for the street-tough New Jersey-bred Alice Hyatt. In other perspectives,Flo was an even better foil for Mel,and never hestitates to retort him with some valuable advice.....The phrase,"Kiss My Grits"!,became an national outcry when it was mentioned. However,the show did have a split personality until 1980,when Polly Holliday left the series,and went into her own spin-off of "Alice" titled "Flo",which lasted one season,and after that fiasco,Holliday was never heard from again. It was Polly Holliday who kept the show in the top of the ratings for the first five seasons of the show(1976-1980)and then the unthinkable happen.
After Holliday left the series in 1980,the show started to declined in the ratings and likely so. During the 1980-1981 season,Dianne Ladd(who was in the original 1974 film)appeared as Belle which was basically okay,but the show slipped even into a abyss during the last four seasons of the show. During the 1981-1982 season,a new waitress named Jolene was just as dumb as they come(Celia Weston)who remained on the show until the final episode of the series in 1985. Only actors Linda Lavin,Vic Tayback,Beth Howland,and Phillip McKeon(who played Alice's son Tommy)remained on the show for the remainder of its run. Cameo players such as Andy(Pat Crenshaw),Travis(Tom Mahoney),and Henry (Marvin Kaplan)were valuable assets which went great with the guest celebrities that were on the show too like George Burns,Martha Raye, Telly Savalas,Art Carney,and Ruth Buzzi. The final episode of the series came after a nine and-a-half years on the air on July 2,1985 where they had a montage of some of the best episodes and also all of the celebrity appearances. It also showed Mel leaving his diner after years in the business and selling it to someone else. At the end,Alice buys the diner and restores the business after Mel calls it quits. It is crying shame that the series is never on the air,but it needs to be since it was the best of the best.
GREG MAY of Orlando, FL says: "I watch TV with discretion. And I feel I have good taste when it comes to television viewing. I LOVE ALICE! I looked forward to the show every week on the CBS Television Network. And the reason I loved her so much is because I LOVE LUCY! Do you get the connection? The same writers that penned the classic sitcom starring Lucille Ball also wrote Linda Lavin's situation comedy. And 'Alice' was the last of those great situation comedies! We will never forget the character of 'Flo' exclaiming 'Kiss My Grits!' or grouchy Mel as he forced his chili on his customers. Remember Earl? He first appeared on the series as another customer complaining about Mel's chili. Then they made him Tommy's coach from school. Earl was played by comedian DAVE MADDEN whom you'll remember as the harried agent 'Reuben Kincaid' on 'The Partridge Family' and from that ground-breaking show of the late 60's, 'Laugh-In'. You'll enjoy my article about meeting Dave Madden at www.Florida-backroads-travel.com."
I have fond memories of Alice, a sitcom that straddled the half of the 70s and half of the 80s. This decade long series was superb ("kiss my grits!!") and had heart, something that we long for. I wish I could binge watch Alice.
At first I thought the movie was better,but then after binge watching this series again on TV lately after not watching it for a longtime made me realize this is way better. In the film there wasn't much character development for Mel Sharples(Vic Tayback),but here we see Mel in a deeper light. We see his seedy apartment,and he is really damn funny on this show,especially his interactions with "Dingy" Vera. Here we see Mel as a gambler,a boss with a bad temper,but also with a big heart. In the movie he was more of a background character,kinda 2 dimensional,but here he is full of character. Love Flo and Belle,but imo I think the series got better when Jolene Honicutt(Celia Weston) arrived. I like her but never understood why Flo is the most popular,I thought she was annoying actually in a few episodes. The episodes with Jolene are way more funnier. I love the episodes directed by the Star Trek director Marc Daniels the best. They had insane plots,but also thought provoking. Vic Tayback also was in an episode of Star Trek TOS so it makes sense. Don't believe the bad reviews either,they prolly haven't watched past a full episode. Imo you can't really judge this series until you've watched a good chunk of it. I love the last two seasons although the cop character was annoying. Wish Vera had married the computer guy instead. Alice(Linda Lavin) is great and is like the all-around character. I actually prefer her interpretation of the Alice character compared to the dramatic movie version by Ellen Burstyn. Her son Tommy(Phillip McKeon) is also great,and also better than the original. Belle episodes were great too and she was a good singer. This isn't for everyone. If you can't stand 70s-early 80s sitcoms this might not be for you,but I personally think it's one of the best of that era,up there with Three's Company!! And both shows are also similar looking into it. Both had similar plots during some episodes,and 3 different blonde actresses that each took over the same role. I also love Mel's one liners like "Stow It!!!" LOL.
- isabellacatgirl
- Jan 7, 2022
- Permalink
I like the show but Alice is NO singer
I dont get the whole going to be singer aspect of the show when she quite simply CAN NOT SING!!
All right! All right already! I admit it! I used to watch this show because I had a crush on Linda Lavin as a kid! There, the world knows it now! Satisfied!? Now, I watch the reruns because I think the show provides humour that is light and clean and that doesn't make you think too much. Based on the movie "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," Alice Hyatt (Lavin) plays a broke, recently widowed mother of Tommy (Philip McKeon). Her car broke down in Phoenix en route to Hollywood, leaving her stranded in Phoenix. Working for Mel (Vic Tayback) the penurious tubby tyrannical proprietor of Mel's Diner, she befriends fellow waitresses Vera (Beth Howland), an innocent simpleton, and Flo (Polly Holliday), a high octane nymphomaniac whose homespun Texas manner provides the perfect foil for the street tough, New Jersey-bred "new girl in town." Flo is an even better foil for Mel, and never hesitates to retort him with some valuable advice..."Kiss my grits!" The show definitely had a split personality: funny until 1980 when Flo left, and then it went straight downhill for the next five years. Cameo players such as Andy (Pat Crenshaw), Travis (Tom Mahoney), and Henry (Marvin Kaplan) were valuable to the show, as were George Burns, Telly Savalas, Art Carney, and Martha Raye. Equally memorable were some of the one-liners, including "Can you read lips? [Raspberry!]," "Don't be rational when I'm hysterical," and "If we get out of this alive, I'm going to kill you!" One of my favourite episodes revolved around an ex-gangster wanted by the FBI and the mob, coupled with a whiny truckdriver whose rig full of peaches broke down outside the diner. Not the basis of a James Joyce or a Henry Roth novel, but entertaining nonetheless. At least the early episodes were.
- shelbythuylinh
- Nov 20, 2021
- Permalink
This long running television show was a major hit back in the day. The show was a re-working of the film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore". Where that film dealt with how life is hard for single woman with no skills. This show was just another typical situation comedy. Where the first 2 season were watchable and funny the show became worse after actress Polly Holiday left for her own spin off show called "FLO". That show failed and they should of brought back "Polly" but they didn't.
What we got was the original actress that played Flo (Diane Lane) but she plays a different character on this show. Sh lasted one year. Then we got another actress Celia Weston who came aboard and stayed for rest of the shows run.
One actress who popped up now and again was Martha Raye. She played Mel's mother. In real life when Vic Tayback was ill and was sidelined for several episodes Martha was brought in. This led to one of the worse television episodes of all time.
This episode called "The Over the Hill girls". It revolves around the fact Carrie (Martha Raye) and Alice can't get a singing job because they are thought to be too old!
In this episode is was all to apparent that it was a vanity episode to allow the shows lead (Linda Lavin) to sing. That would of been okay but also allowed Martha Raye to sing as well. In this episode they do a duet of the song "Do You Think I'm Sexy'?
Imagine a middle aged woman and an old woman singing the lyrics "If you want my body and you think I'm sexy"! Yes its enough for you to throw up for weeks. The episode was awful but it makes all the other episodes seem like they were written by Shakespeare.
What we got was the original actress that played Flo (Diane Lane) but she plays a different character on this show. Sh lasted one year. Then we got another actress Celia Weston who came aboard and stayed for rest of the shows run.
One actress who popped up now and again was Martha Raye. She played Mel's mother. In real life when Vic Tayback was ill and was sidelined for several episodes Martha was brought in. This led to one of the worse television episodes of all time.
This episode called "The Over the Hill girls". It revolves around the fact Carrie (Martha Raye) and Alice can't get a singing job because they are thought to be too old!
In this episode is was all to apparent that it was a vanity episode to allow the shows lead (Linda Lavin) to sing. That would of been okay but also allowed Martha Raye to sing as well. In this episode they do a duet of the song "Do You Think I'm Sexy'?
Imagine a middle aged woman and an old woman singing the lyrics "If you want my body and you think I'm sexy"! Yes its enough for you to throw up for weeks. The episode was awful but it makes all the other episodes seem like they were written by Shakespeare.
- junehall-35012
- Sep 14, 2017
- Permalink
Not only did this show boast great writing and characters, but it also included a great list of guests as well. Desi Arnaz, Eve Arden, Art Carney, and Martha Raye were just some of the names to take a shot at Alice.
All the cast members played their characters to the hilt, especially Polly Holiday as Florence Jean Castleberry. Sadly, her series "Flo" did not do as well.
A great series well worth watching.
All the cast members played their characters to the hilt, especially Polly Holiday as Florence Jean Castleberry. Sadly, her series "Flo" did not do as well.
A great series well worth watching.
When you think of the terrible Sitcoms of the 70s and 80s, this one stands apart. It is by far the worst of the worst.
Stupid, unintelligent one liners. Insane plots and plastic characters.
Still on today when the station can't sell the air time to an infomercial.
Stupid, unintelligent one liners. Insane plots and plastic characters.
Still on today when the station can't sell the air time to an infomercial.
- docbennettstid
- Jul 18, 2021
- Permalink
It's enchanting, it's hard to believe that such a terrific show once existed. I fell in love with Alice while watching reruns as a young girl, and I'm so happy to see that the reruns are being aired on TNN.
It's a very light hearted show, you don't have to really think about anything, you can just sit back and relax.
All the actors (especially in the first few seasons) are amazing to watch, no wonder it lasted 9 years.
It's a very light hearted show, you don't have to really think about anything, you can just sit back and relax.
All the actors (especially in the first few seasons) are amazing to watch, no wonder it lasted 9 years.
Sitcoms simply do not get much worse than this pile of garbage. The acting is awful (see Beth Howland's portrayal as "Vera" as Exhibit A). The plots are a joke. The sets are cheap. Heck, even the opening theme song is pitiful. Avoid at all costs.
I used to watch this show when I was a kid. Since then, I've rarely seen it in re-runs, even though my cable system has over a hundred channels. Anyway, "Alice" was a nice, enjoyable little show that lost a lot of steam after Polly Holiday (Flo) left to pursue her own sitcom. I really think Flo was the most interesting character. The producers of "Alice" replaced her with similar characters, but none were as good.
- Typing_away
- May 22, 2002
- Permalink