As somebody who collects 16mm film, I’m always on the lookout for surviving remnants of past TV glories. Exhibit One for today: this YouTube video featuring a fresh transfer to digital of some 1973 footage shot 50 years ago in Minneapolis. The producers of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, James L. Brooks and Allan Burns,
It’s getting to the point where I don’t want to even open my phone in the morning in order to avoid seeing who passed away in the night. Talk about Groundhog Day. Every time Wiarton Willie sees his shadow eight more celebrities die. Yesterday came news that Dustin Diamond, who played Screech on Saved by
I can’t quite say hats off to PBS for airing Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration. (Tuesday night at 8 p.m. PT; check local PBS listings). It’s listed as a PBS Pioneers of Television presentation. Having just watched the special on the East Coast, I have to agree with many critics who already pointed out that it
It seems to me there is a great movie in the Sam Simon story. I never met the man–one of the three credited creators of The Simpsons–but he appears to evoke a passionate response with people who did know him (including comedy writer Ken Levine; check his terrific blog in the coming days for a promised
Spun Out‘s Foley and Campbell What’s the secret of comedy?The answer is “Timing!”, and to make the joke work, you have to blurt it between “of” and “comedy.”Several Canadian shows are hoping to solve the secret of comedy this season. While the private network swing towards funny has been encouraging, ratings, so far, have not
Matt Groening and James L. Brooks flank Homer. Photo Frank Micelota/FOX Tonight at 8 p.m., The Simpsons airs episode No. 500 (Fox and Global). The title: “At Long Last Leave.” Fox marked the occasion by unveiling a bronze bust of Homer Simpson on the studio lot Thursday.A lot of credit must go to showrunner Al