Fran inadvertently talks Maggie into going to a kibbutz in Israel for the Christmas vacation instead of a convent.Fran inadvertently talks Maggie into going to a kibbutz in Israel for the Christmas vacation instead of a convent.Fran inadvertently talks Maggie into going to a kibbutz in Israel for the Christmas vacation instead of a convent.
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Ann Morgan Guilbert
- Yetta Rosenberg
- (as Ann Guilbert)
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In "The Kibbutz," Maxwell decides to send Maggie to a Swiss convent after catching her with a boy. However, Fran, with her unique perspective, accidentally convinces Maggie to go to a kibbutz in Israel, reminiscing about her youth where she supposedly "lost her hat" - a comedic metaphor for losing her virginity. Flashbacks hilariously blend '70s and early '80s elements, with references that don't quite match up in time. Throughout, Niles becomes the butt of jokes for his frugality, reacting to any suggestion of spending with exaggerated dismay. Fran's portrayal of kibbutz life is so fantastical it's funny, mixing up cultural clichés. The episode wraps up with Maxwell realizing the mix-up, and Fran's "lost hat" being literally just a hat, adding to the humor. This episode perfectly captures "The Nanny's" essence with its blend of cultural comedy, misunderstandings, and character quirks.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn the flashback we learn that Fran saw Maxwell on TV telling how he almost was about to do "musical with a bunch of people running around dressed as cats." Luckily his secretary Miss Babcock talked him out of it. The musical is, of course, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, which debuted in London on 11 May 1981. Also, The Blue Lagoon (1980) has just been a hit and it is summer, so the flashback must take place in 1980. In the flashback Fran was 16 or 17. So in the actual episode, she is probably 32.
- GoofsIn flashbacks, Val and Fran discuss how they will con Sylvia into letting Fran go to the kibbutz by claiming they want to connect with "the ancient [Jewish] heritage of our people". However, numerous episodes of the series firmly establish that Val is Italian and Roman Catholic, not Jewish, and thus has no ancient Jewish heritage to connect with.
- Quotes
Maxwell Sheffield: It's amazing. Every time I ask you to do something, you always manage to screw it all up.
Fran Fine: And yet, you continue to ask me! You need help, Mister.
- ConnectionsFeatures The Virginia Graham Show (1970)
- SoundtracksThe Nanny Named Fran
Composed & Performed by Ann Hampton Callaway
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