When I was growing up, That Girl was one of the shows to watch. I loved seeing the hair and fashions and the lighthearted comedy. Marlo Thomas was wonderful in this series. Hollywood did not ruin Marlo, as she went on to write several wonderful books and to carry on her father's work for St. Jude Hospital.In the 1960s, Marlo Thomas was That Girl. Her Ann Marie character opened the door for a new generation of women. Ann was not just a daughter and girlfriend. She was an aspiring actress who leaves home to pursue her career in New York City. She has wonderful chemistry with her boyfriend, magazine writer Donald Hollinger (Ted Bessell). Ann and Donald are one of TV's great comedy teams. Ann the free-spirited one, and Donald the more practical one.
That Girl has a wonderful cast of actors: Dabney Coleman, Bernie Kopell (Get Smart, The Love Boat). Guest stars included Sally Kellerman, George Carlin, Rob Reiner and Terry Garr.
The final episode was going to have Ann and Donald getting married, but Marlo Thomas (who was also an executive producer) refused, believing that it sent the message that a woman's main goal in life was to be married.
Check out a clip at: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3802400025/
The final episode was going to have Ann and Donald getting married, but Marlo Thomas (who was also an executive producer) refused, believing that it sent the message that a woman's main goal in life was to be married.
Check out a clip at: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3802400025/
I remember this show fondly, not just for Marlo (who was a wonderful comedianne), but also for Ted Bessell's skill as a straight man and Lew Parker's nice turn as Ann's father (who was somehow suspicious of Donald, possibily the nicest boyfriend in TV history). I will say that the last year of THAT GIRL was a bit jarring. Isn't that when Marlo traded her bangs for a more mature hair-do and also when they added lyrics to the theme song? Thanks, Dawn, for reminding me about an underappreciated 1960s comedy series.
ReplyDeleteI used to want to be That Girl myself. I was in my early teens and wanted to be an actress in New York, so Marlo's life looked like heaven. Nobody ever mentioned how a single girl struggling to be an actress could afford that fabulous apartment she had, but what the heck -- that was TV and fantasy. I enjoyed this blog, Dawn. It really takes me back.
ReplyDeleteGreat write-up, Dawn, as always! And thanks for the link!
ReplyDeleteDawn I loved watching this show, thanks for the walk down memory lane!
ReplyDeleteRick, I'm not sure I saw the last year of the show. Have you noticed how many times Terry Garr's name pops up in the Classic TV shows? I forgot that she was so popular.
ReplyDeleteBecky, I too loved her little apartment.:)
Sark,Thank you. :)
Gilby, I love the scene where Ann and Don get the car stuck in the mud. And she spins the tire, and mud sprays all over Don.. ;D
Dawn, this was a sweet show that I enjoyed watching as a very young girl. Ann seemed to have a zest for life and ability to find happiness in her hardships. Thanks so much for your lovely post!
ReplyDeletetoto..I agree.. What a fun show.
ReplyDelete