Oh, I love this. Bette has some great one liners in this. This could have gone on and been a good vehicle for her and Mary, it would have been so good to see much more of Bette and Mary, making the most of their comic timing, they could have been a fantastic duo. Two of the best and much missed, they don't make them like that anymore (or in Miss Davis's case, they don't build them like that anymore). ❤
This hidden little gem was a delightful surprise! It's a shame it didn't sell, but thank you for unearthing it. Watching this absolutely made my day, and I subscribed immediately! Can't wait to see what else you have in that vault of yours!
I'm sure this may have been one of many TV pilots produced by Aaron Spelling not to make it to air during his early life as a producer. Little did he know the numerous successes he'd have later on!
Can anyone identify the young bride and the little girl on the beach? ( I hope Little Beach Girl and hunky James Stacy never were on set together ... he had, uh, "issues" ... google him to see why) Producer Richard Newton went on to do Hawaii Five-Oh. Writer Cy Howard produced and wrote on all the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hours. Watching this, it's no surprise that director Richard Kinon went on to direct 65 episodes of Love Boat, which has a similar tone to The Decorator -- he also directed the tv series Hotel, which Davis starred in for the pilot (replaced by Miss Eve Harrington herself, finally going on for Margo). Kinon was also known for Hogan's Heroes and The Partridge Family. Apparently, Kinon never married or had children ... hum... Mart Crowley, of course, went on to write the amazing Boys In The Band -- this pilot puts a new twist on the Bette Davis jokes in that play, knowing that he worked with and wrote for her. And last: in the party scene is the ubiquitous Arthur Tovey who appeared in almost 500 movies and tv shows in his almost 70 year career (averaging almost 10 films a year). But can't identify the young bride or Beach Girl though both look familiar. Anyone know?
Haha Bette must have needed some cash - but I thoroughly enjoyed this and would definitely have watched it, wonder why it didn't sell, it's not any dumber than Spelling's other (awful but GREAT) stuff.
Well, I declare. Bette seemed to have a foot back in 'All About Eve'. (I blame the writers) Anyway, I enjoyed seeing Bette in something new to me. The pilot was weak, I must say. Thank you.
You must have read my mind. Bette Davis playing Tallulah Bankhead playing a decorator. Lots of drop gag lines with too much canned laughter. Given the premise of this sitcom, How many episodes could they come up with? I can easily see why it ended up as an unsold pilot.
After playing a lot of serious dowdy roles, Bette must have enjoyed playing a character who was glamorous and fun loving.
I can never unsee Bette Davis square dancing.
Actually this is good. Very witty. Well written and surprised it wasn’t picked up by a network.
I would have watched this; so camp and fun! Bette looked stunning
Oh, I love this. Bette has some great one liners in this. This could have gone on and been a good vehicle for her and Mary, it would have been so good to see much more of Bette and Mary, making the most of their comic timing, they could have been a fantastic duo. Two of the best and much missed, they don't make them like that anymore (or in Miss Davis's case, they don't build them like that anymore). ❤
This Pilot of Aaron Spellings was never sold. This is the only one made.
ABC turned it down for the 1965-'66 season.
The end credits say teleplay by Mart Crowley. He would go on to write the stage play “The Boys in the Band.”
Wonder if he wrote it for her, Bette Davis?
@@francescaa8331 I'd believe it -- wouldn't be too far-fetched!
You can see the connection to other "home-spun" shows popular at this time like The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, & Petticoat Junction.
Good observation.
Also the real McCoys maybe.
Wow never knew of this. Bette in A tv show
This hidden little gem was a delightful surprise! It's a shame it didn't sell, but thank you for unearthing it. Watching this absolutely made my day, and I subscribed immediately! Can't wait to see what else you have in that vault of yours!
It might hav bn OK n 60s. Sorry it didn't fly. Cute story.
Loved Bette ! I would have watched.
I'm sure this may have been one of many TV pilots produced by Aaron Spelling not to make it to air during his early life as a producer. Little did he know the numerous successes he'd have later on!
Can anyone identify the young bride and the little girl on the beach?
( I hope Little Beach Girl and hunky James Stacy never were on set together ... he had, uh, "issues" ... google him to see why) Producer Richard Newton went on to do Hawaii Five-Oh. Writer Cy Howard produced and wrote on all the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hours. Watching this, it's no surprise that director Richard Kinon went on to direct 65 episodes of Love Boat, which has a similar tone to The Decorator -- he also directed the tv series Hotel, which Davis starred in for the pilot (replaced by Miss Eve Harrington herself, finally going on for Margo). Kinon was also known for Hogan's Heroes and The Partridge Family. Apparently, Kinon never married or had children ... hum... Mart Crowley, of course, went on to write the amazing Boys In The Band -- this pilot puts a new twist on the Bette Davis jokes in that play, knowing that he worked with and wrote for her. And last: in the party scene is the ubiquitous Arthur Tovey who appeared in almost 500 movies and tv shows in his almost 70 year career (averaging almost 10 films a year).
But can't identify the young bride or Beach Girl though both look familiar. Anyone know?
Could've been a cute series.
Wow❤
3 years after Baby Jane. Just playing herself, as she did for the last years of her career.
Haha Bette must have needed some cash - but I thoroughly enjoyed this and would definitely have watched it, wonder why it didn't sell, it's not any dumber than Spelling's other (awful but GREAT) stuff.
Well, I declare.
Bette seemed to have a foot back in 'All About Eve'. (I blame the writers)
Anyway, I enjoyed seeing Bette in something new to me.
The pilot was weak, I must say.
Thank you.
You must have read my mind. Bette Davis playing Tallulah Bankhead playing a decorator. Lots of drop gag lines with too much canned laughter. Given the premise of this sitcom, How many episodes could they come up with? I can easily see why it ended up as an unsold pilot.
I wonder if she were that age with all the plastic surgery available how she'd look.
she'd look like Madonna does right now.
That probably would have made a better movie instead of a tv show