Greg2356
Supporting Actor
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2009
- Messages
- 548
- Real Name
- Marc
Swan4022,swan4022 said:I've been watching, for the first time in 15-20 years, the first episodes of Season 5. What a treat. The writers of these episodes (Paul West, Barbara Hammer, etc.) and the directors (Jeffrey Hayden, Gene Nelson etc.) had a way of combining "light humor" peppered by the occasional big laugh, which usually leads up to a moment of genuine pathos and humanity. Even the folks who controlled the laugh track were masters at what they were doing--mixing in light titters at exactly the right moments.
"Mrs. Stone & Dr. Hyde" is a perfect example of how well this whole balance is achieved, and it's a pleasure to experience a show that was never cynical about showing its humanity, either, never shied away from imbuing its characters with humility and grace. There is an extremely moving moment in "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary," when Mary admits to Donna the reason she's decided to move back home instead of live in a college dorm, that wrought tears for me last night, knowing how much the actors themselves continued to behave as a "family" long after the show ended, and also feeling my own nostalgia for long-gone opportunities to have what Mary calls "real friendships" with my own parents.
These episodes firmly establish "the importance of a family staying together," as read by Donna from Jeff's letter in "Mr. Nice Guy." And, of course the series' musical composers created some perfect touches to accompany these sentiments, such as when Donna reads aloud Jeff's letter, or when Mary and Donna have their warm talk in the kitchen. These episodes also give me newfound gratitude for all four actors' abilities: There's a brilliant moment when Shelley Fabares hitches her breath just before asking Donna what's for dinner, that you can tell shows the real emotion they were feeling while they performed that scene. And it's absolutely heartbreaking when Donna welcomes her back home saying, "We've been waiting for you."
The cinematography in the episodes is incredible: the mixture of close-ups and long shots, varied lighting, and unique camera angles (such as when the Stones are figuring out how to help the child who has been brought into the clinic in "Dr. Hyde") make these episodes seem more like short Cinema, and not "just TV."
Incidentally, I recently noticed that Gert Anderson was the Director of Photography on The Donna Reed Show, and I had been seeing that name often at the end of my other favorite shows, Mission: Impossible, and Mannix. What a cool discovery!
I see that "My Dad" is next up and I'll admit that gives me a few pangs, remembering how strong this episode is, and how unapologetic it is about allowing its male characters show their emotions.
I first became a fan of The Donna Reed Show in the late 80s airings on Nickelodeon, when the network showed very little else other than public domain films. Some people say that watching these old television shows is like "comfort food," and I must say re-watching this whole series, especially these episodes of the fifth season, has been extremely nourishing to the soul.
Thanks for the update. This is such a great show. I, as many others on this forum, got hooked on this series when it ran on Nick at Nite in the late 80's. I still have my Donna Reed watch from Nick.Greg2356 said:I thought you might like to know, that "MeTV" is now joining the cause to help get the last three seasons of "The Donna Reed Show" released from Sony Pictures.
I just hope Sony doesn't jack up the asking price if they think they've got a suddenly-hot property on their hands.Greg2356 said:I thought you might like to know, that "MeTV" is now joining the cause to help get the last three seasons of "The Donna Reed Show" released from Sony Pictures.
I would think they're smart enough to realize the three seasons they hold have two uses... DVD releases through MPI (or whomever), and syndication airings on an outlet like MeTV, and that's it.Kasey said:I just hope Sony doesn't jack up the asking price if they think they've got a suddenly-hot property on their hands.
You're Welcome, JoelA! I still have my Donna Reed watch too!JoelA said:Thanks for the update. This is such a great show. I, as many others on this forum, got hooked on this series when it ran on Nick at Nite in the late 80's. I still have my Donna Reed watch from Nick.