MAUDE: MAUDE'S MOOD {PART 1 OF 2} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of comedy programs, a spin-off of "All in the Family," about the outspoken, liberal Maude Findlay and her family. In the first half of this two-part episode, Maude makes eager strides for the Henry Fonda for President campaign, which she has created. Everyone is overworked and Walter is alarmed at the expenses, but Carol and Vivian seem amused at Maude's excitement for her latest "project." She comes home bearing an enormous new poster of Fonda and presents a campaign song with the other ladies, though when she discovers that Carol has stuffed the envelopes incorrectly, she laments that she is being "sabotaged." Arthur dismisses the entire plan, saying that an actor cannot be president and voicing his support for Ronald Reagan, but Maude states that the other candidates are unworthy and Fonda will be the best leader—once he is made aware that he is running. The others are shocked that she does not have Fonda's participation, but Maude seems unconcerned. Growing worried, Carol, Walter and Arthur visit Dr. Lester in his garage and explain the situation, and he suggests that it is a product of Maude's manic-depression. Walter immediately rejects the diagnosis, arguing that she is not crazy, but Lester explains the characteristic "high and lows" of the disorder and says that he noticed the traits in her many years ago, and Carol and Arthur begin to agree with him.
Maude then arrives and invites Lester to a campaign dinner, announcing that Fonda himself will be there. When the evening arrives, Vivian is excited to meet the famous actor, though the others are dismayed to learn that Maude swindled him into coming by inviting him to perform his one-act show at a non-existent local theatre in exchange for a hefty sum, declining to mention her campaign plan. Lester and Maude's other "staffers" arrive, including a cab driver whom she has hired as a press secretary, and Fonda himself quietly enters and takes them by surprise. He is politely incredulous when Maude announces her plan, but she begs him to hear her out, citing his various honorable roles as proof of his leadership. Lester points out his lack of qualifications, but Maude ignores his "defeatist" attitude and praises Fonda's "spiritual honesty," giving an impassioned speech about his strengths. Lester is convinced, but Fonda firmly declines and leaves. Maude wildly suggests burning down the house to make a statement, but then begins to sink into depression over her failed plan, and Walter comforts her, realizing that Lester's diagnosis was accurate. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: January 26, 1976 9:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:26:00
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:14746
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1972-1978
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Rod Parker … Executive Producer
- Bob Schiller … Producer
- Bob Weiskopf … Producer
- Rita Dillon … Associate Producer
- Hal Cooper … Director
- Norman Lear … Created by
- Jay Folb … Writer
- Marilyn Bergman … Theme Music by
- Alan Bergman … Theme Music by
- Dave Grusin … Theme Music by
- Donny Hathaway … Theme Music by
- Beatrice Arthur … Cast, Maude Findlay
- Bill Macy … Cast, Walter Findlay
- Adrienne Barbeau … Cast, Carol Traynor
- Conrad Bain … Cast, Dr. Arthur Harmon
- Rue McClanahan … Cast, Vivian Cavender Harmon
- Hermione Baddley … Cast, Mrs. Nell Naugatuck
- Henry Fonda … Cast, Himself
- Tim O'Connor … Cast, Dr. Herbert Lester
- Joe Mantell … Cast, Gus