I am 67. Burt Mustin began his acting career at 67. 150+ roles to his credit. He was a guest on almost every show on television at one time or another and was such a familiar presence in my childhood and beyond. Getting to check in on these little pieces of the past is such a privilege. I'm so thankful to those who upload them. You bring old friends back to us! Makes being unwell and stuck inside bearable. This little gem that I didn't know existed has been a real treat. Thank you, SabuCat, you brought me joy this morning.
I've adored her since watching her on "The New Dick Van Dyke Show" in the early 70s. A truly lovely lady & gifted actress and singer. Yowzer.....she could really belt out a tune !!
Nancy Dussault is a big bundle of Talent and Cuteness. This show is comparable in quality to "That Girl" or "The Mary Tyler Show". I could watch 50 more episodes of this!!👏👍
I just watched this and really enjoyed it. I wish they had done more. I so enjoyed seeing Nancy and Karen together. This was quite good. I just love Too Close for Comfort and am so glad Nancy was in it with Ted Knight for 6 seasons.
@jubalcalif9100, did you ever belong to the Facebook fan page that used to be for her. I did for about 3 months and then it went silent. It was such a shame
She packed so much energy and motivation into that character. She made it all look effortless. This show might have done well. Not sure how it would have stacked up to MTM though.
Interesting show, in that style of rapid banter "behind the scenes show biz" comedy Carl Reiner was famous for going back to the Dick Van Dyke show in the 1960's. You see the beginning of the 1970's Mary Tyler Moore show's style of comedy with the quirky collection of characters, music, even opening gritty filmed title scenes. Dussault was a fantastic singer with incredible vocal technique, obviously classically trained but who could belt and move between the two styles...the precursor of Chenowith, O'Hara, and McDonald. Her cabaret style TV shows in the 1980's displayed her musicianship and versatility.
She was the embodiment and definition of cabaret to all who could only see it on television. It's so sad how cabaret has declined in taste since the mid-1980s.
Good cast! For a pilot it seems to have good company chemistry. Given the era, I can see why people make comparisons to shows they know, but this one has a nice spark of originality.
This pilot was telecast as part of CBS' "TRIPLE PLAY" movie "special" on May 8, 1973 (the other pilots- also considered for the network's 1973-'74 season- were "TWO'S COMPANY" and "THE TED BESSELL SHOW"). Carl Reiner, of course, wrote the script. This was part of a deal Dick had with the network to attempt to sell them a series through his "Cave Creek" production company [which also produced his own series at the time].
It feels almost like an apology for dumping Dussault from the cast of "The New Dick Van Dyke Show" (on which Reiner served as writer, director, and creative consultant) when the premise was changed from "talk show host in Arizona" to "soap opera actor in Hollywood."
I honestly believe Carl- and Dick, who produced the pilot- wanted to give Nancy a chance to be her own star. Unfortunately, CBS had too many successful sitcoms on their 1973-'74 schedule to find room for a series featuring her.
My gawd this was such a better show than the other 70s sitcoms. She's adorable and perky. The set and vibe reminded me of Taxi. When sitcoms started getting smarter.
This was a well done pilot. I am quite surprised another network didn't pick this up. NBC was really hurting for a comedy in the early 70's. However this may have been added to the long list of shows that didn't make a full season at NBC. CBS ruled that genre then competing with some very good shows on ABC. In the mid 70's I don't think I ever changed the channel from ABC. I need to look at some old TV guides to see what my memory is lacking.
Thanks. It was a little busy, but enjoyable. I wonder why it wasn't picked up. I never felt like Nancy was used that well on Too Close For Comfort so it was nice to see her in a starring role.
How right you are ! What a dynamite singer ! I can see why she was such a big success on Broadway ! Of course, I already knew she was a wonderful comedic actress.
No, because she was taken a backseat to Ted knight and jm j.bullock very funny antics and shenanigans, acting as an competent straight woman.but fortunately she got to sing every now and then on her series.
Trivia note: This pilot had an unusual second life when it was shown to test audiences _supposedly_ as a potential new show. What the audiences didn't know was they were actually being tested for their response to the new commercials being run during the program.
Karen Morrow must be one of the all time queens of failed pilots/ short runs. But she was such a presence and so charming. Dussault got her nice break with Too Close for Comfort. Both were seasoned stage stars.🌟 🌟
I remember seeing this on TV for the first time many years ago and I was oblivious to the fact that it was written by Carl Reiner and that is directed by Dick Van Dyke.
This is the first time I've seen the pronunciation of the star's name included in the opening credits. Of course this being a pilot, it was intended to be shown to network execs, not likely ever the public.
I rather liked this. Bright, funny, a little goofy in spots. Lots of personality. Nancy Dussault (who I knew mostly from "Good Morning America") was charming and adorable. Rather interesting they kept the "raw" audience laughter.
The Case of the Hidden Kitchen ! Very cute & entertaining pilot. A shame it didn't get picked up by the network. Could have been a fascinating look at the backstage life of Broadway folk in the early 70s. Been a LONG time fan of the wonderfully talented Nancy Dussault. Thank you SO much for uploading for us to enjoy ! Though I can't recommend marrying someone on such short notice. 😎👍
It's interesting to see Karen Morrow in this. I once read an interview with Morrow who said that Nancy Dussault was one of the reasons she never quite became a big star on Broadway. Dussault she said, "had something special" that she (Morrow) lacked.
She's lovely, some very funny lines, but where would you go from here? First fight, meet the parents, chance for a nationwide tour, etc. But situation comedies thrive with characters, not the situation.
She could do night club shows, cabaret shows, all kinds of performances, and he could have become a critic for conflict. She could also have to do temp jobs between shows.
I sat through this whole show. It reminds me of Barefoot in the Park. It should have gotten an order for a few episodes but I can understand why it didn’t. Where was it going to go?
@@389383 That could have been great fun, but very unconventional, perhaps upsetting to the rest of the country, where you could not free-lance at anything. They had great chemistry.
She'd have better luck with Ted Knight, though. Carl Reiner may have created this show under Cave Creek Enterprises, but to me, this feels more like MTM Enterprises could've done something like this, considering it filmed at their CBS Studio Center.
This Nancy Dussault person is really charming! I wish the show had been made! I do wonder, though, why husbands on TV shows can't ever be handsome. It's a conspiracy!
Thanks for posting. Hollywood types like Reiner became, assume tv audiences are just waiting to make all broadway stars tv stars. NOPE! Audiences could never relate to this show! Now, Nancy was GREAT on too close for comfort.
Comments mention Too Close for Comfort. I recall the show but I don't remember her in it. Odd, because I'd been aware of her long before that series. Did Ted Knight and the two daughters just complete eclipse her for me?
@@trueshy Actually, I do. Of course, nowadays, on Star Trek Discovery, we have the female character of Michael Burnham. You could also mention (Miss) Jeff Donnell, who played support in many movies from the 40s on. Apparently she got the nickname Jeff from the old Mutt & Jeff comics. I remember her as being one of two actresses to play Peter Parker's Aunt May on the 1970s Spider-Man TV series, but she was on General Hospital for years.
I can see why this show wasn't picked up. A lot of the dialogue was cringe-inducing, and the exagerrated flourishes of movement were more in the mode of a musical number than a sit-com. In short, it was too cute by half. John Byner was the more down to earth element who brought in some relatable humanity. Some of the characters--especially our lead--were hyperactive caricatures more suited to the needs of stage than (TV) screen. I guess that's my main gripe. This looked more like the production of a stage play. The more intimate involvement afforded by the camera is better served by toning down on the big theatrics.
They actually put how to pronounce her name, that's hilarious. Funniest thing about this dreary pilot. Dew Sew sounds a lot like Mary Tyler Moore in her successful series, probably intentionally. I'm surprised she didn't take her hat off and throw it in the air. I liked Too Close For Comfort, but not because of her. This is just a poor setup that relies too much on snappy patter that isn't snappy and character comedy from characters who aren't particularly funny.
I am 67. Burt Mustin began his acting career at 67. 150+ roles to his credit. He was a guest on almost every show on television at one time or another and was such a familiar presence in my childhood and beyond.
Getting to check in on these little pieces of the past is such a privilege. I'm so thankful to those who upload them. You bring old friends back to us! Makes being unwell and stuck inside bearable.
This little gem that I didn't know existed has been a real treat.
Thank you, SabuCat, you brought me joy this morning.
The talented and lovely stage and TV star Nancy Dussault celebrated her 85th birthday earlier this year.
I've adored her since watching her on "The New Dick Van Dyke Show" in the early 70s. A truly lovely lady & gifted actress and singer. Yowzer.....she could really belt out a tune !!
I think she was on Too Close for Comfort” also.
So many 1960s and 1970s faces!🤗warms my heart...especially Burt Mustin. He did EVERYTHING!!!!
As I do when I take off my hat, you make a good point !! Wonderful to see so many familair faces from my 60s childhood and 70s teen years.
a remarkable resume' considering he 'got into the business' relatively late. Burt Mustin -1884-1977
Always loved her! Never knew this existed.
Nancy Dussault is a big bundle of Talent and Cuteness.
This show is comparable in quality to "That Girl" or "The Mary Tyler Show". I could watch 50 more episodes of this!!👏👍
Dude, I am an expert on obscure TV shows and I am AMAZED at what you have here !!!!! I never even HEARD of this !
Because it's a pilot show and was not picked up as a series. I'm curious where he did find the pilot
as a 53 year old I love this what a cast Nancy always loved too Close for comfort was a staple in our house in the early 80s
I just watched this and really enjoyed it. I wish they had done more. I so enjoyed seeing Nancy and Karen together. This was quite good. I just love Too Close for Comfort and am so glad Nancy was in it with Ted Knight for 6 seasons.
I too love Nancy soooo much ! Quite lovely and quite talented !
@jubalcalif9100, did you ever belong to the Facebook fan page that used to be for her. I did for about 3 months and then it went silent. It was such a shame
Created by Carl Reiner and directed by Dick Van Dyke. Wild!
Not a bad little show. Nancy Dussault is really a great actress. This show deserved to make it past a pilot.
I heartily concur ! A wonderful actress & singer !
She packed so much energy and motivation into that character. She made it all look effortless. This show might have done well. Not sure how it would have stacked up to MTM though.
We could've had a show with Rip Taylor as a regular. I'd like to visit that alternate universe!
Interesting show, in that style of rapid banter "behind the scenes show biz" comedy Carl Reiner was famous for going back to the Dick Van Dyke show in the 1960's. You see the beginning of the 1970's Mary Tyler Moore show's style of comedy with the quirky collection of characters, music, even opening gritty filmed title scenes. Dussault was a fantastic singer with incredible vocal technique, obviously classically trained but who could belt and move between the two styles...the precursor of Chenowith, O'Hara, and McDonald. Her cabaret style TV shows in the 1980's displayed her musicianship and versatility.
Well said and well put ! THANK YOU for a refreshingly perceptive comment !
This pilot was made three years after the Mary Tyler Moore started in 1970.
I thought his apartment was very much in the style of Mary :’s apartment in St. Paul/Minneapolis., with the exception of the kitchen wall.
She was the embodiment and definition of cabaret to all who could only see it on television. It's so sad how cabaret has declined in taste since the mid-1980s.
The great Noam Pitlik!
Very talented actor AND director !
@@jubalcalif9100 He directed the first season of Wings
John Byner. Wow!
Too bad this wasn't picked up. I really enjoyed it.
I agree 100 per cent !
same here...love to have followed this
You had me at Rip Taylor
Indubitably ! Always a huge Rip Taylor fan !
Same!
😂👍
That was just wonderful, she definitely should have had her own show!
I agree 100 per cent !!
If the Mary Tyler Moore Show and That Girl had a baby.
Wow I loved that...it was wonderful.
You said it ! I enjoyed it too. Well written & well cast. LOTS of familiar faces !
good ol Burt Mustin 🙂
The guy who looked like he was 70 years old in high school
@@zaq55 You speak the truth, Kemo Sabe !
Good cast! For a pilot it seems to have good company chemistry. Given the era, I can see why people make comparisons to shows they know, but this one has a nice spark of originality.
Nancy Dessault's energy was great, and her timing was impeccable. I don't understand why it wasn't picked up either.
I came here to say pretty much the same thing. I wish I had more to watch.
I can see why this show was not picked up. Reiner / Van Dyke were stuck in the early 1960s and couldnt keep up by 1973.
Had the series been picked up, millions of people would have been able to pronounce her name properly.
This pilot was telecast as part of CBS' "TRIPLE PLAY" movie "special" on May 8, 1973 (the other pilots- also considered for the network's 1973-'74 season- were "TWO'S COMPANY" and "THE TED BESSELL SHOW"). Carl Reiner, of course, wrote the script. This was part of a deal Dick had with the network to attempt to sell them a series through his "Cave Creek" production company [which also produced his own series at the time].
It feels almost like an apology for dumping Dussault from the cast of "The New Dick Van Dyke Show" (on which Reiner served as writer, director, and creative consultant) when the premise was changed from "talk show host in Arizona" to "soap opera actor in Hollywood."
I honestly believe Carl- and Dick, who produced the pilot- wanted to give Nancy a chance to be her own star. Unfortunately, CBS had too many successful sitcoms on their 1973-'74 schedule to find room for a series featuring her.
There was another pilot in the 1960s titled "Two's Company." It became "That Girl," which coincidentally co-starred Ted Bessell.
Yep.
My gawd this was such a better show than the other 70s sitcoms. She's adorable and perky. The set and vibe reminded me of Taxi. When sitcoms started getting smarter.
If this had gone to series--I would have watched it. Too bad it wasn't picked up.
I totally agree.
She is talented! And the characterization in this is good.
That song sounds like a Neely castoff from Valley of the Dolls.
As I do when I take off my hat, you make a good point.
A staple Broadway-type number.
This was a well done pilot. I am quite surprised another network didn't pick this up. NBC was really hurting for a comedy in the early 70's. However this may have been added to the long list of shows that didn't make a full season at NBC. CBS ruled that genre then competing with some very good shows on ABC. In the mid 70's I don't think I ever changed the channel from ABC. I need to look at some old TV guides to see what my memory is lacking.
Gus the fireman from Leave It to Beaver!
Thanks. It was a little busy, but enjoyable. I wonder why it wasn't picked up. I never felt like Nancy was used that well on Too Close For Comfort so it was nice to see her in a starring role.
How right you are ! What a dynamite singer ! I can see why she was such a big success on Broadway ! Of course, I already knew she was a wonderful comedic actress.
No, because she was taken a backseat to Ted knight and jm j.bullock very funny antics and shenanigans, acting as an competent straight woman.but fortunately she got to sing every now and then on her series.
Trivia note: This pilot had an unusual second life when it was shown to test audiences _supposedly_ as a potential new show. What the audiences didn't know was they were actually being tested for their response to the new commercials being run during the program.
Wow! A backstage show I definitely would have watched this
Too bad this wasn't picked up. It was enjoyable. Thank you for posting it. 😏❤💕🌹😘
As Snagglepuss would say, "Indubitably !"
HOW did this not get green-lit??? I completely enjoyed it.
thanks for the memories of another TV time capsule. carl reiner & DVD 👌
opening scene looks like the same garage as "Taxi"
Really nice work by Karen Morrow.
We're so accustomed to extolling successes of Carl Reiner and Norman Lear that we forget that both had their share of bombs.
This was so good! It should have aired! Cute and funny and Carl and Dick behind it? Come on!
You know what is funny, the apartment set looks almost exactly like the Mary Tyler More apartment set!
Karen Morrow must be one of the all time queens of failed pilots/ short runs. But she was such a presence and so charming. Dussault got her nice break with Too Close for Comfort. Both were seasoned stage stars.🌟 🌟
Was she in Tabitha (1976) ??
I remember seeing this on TV for the first time many years ago and I was oblivious to the fact that it was written by Carl Reiner and that is directed by Dick Van Dyke.
10:34 the dance on the right, with the mustache, sure is handsome!
Good show. We can certainly see how the level of talent and writing for sitcoms has dropped from then to now.
This is the first time I've seen the pronunciation of the star's name included in the opening credits. Of course this being a pilot, it was intended to be shown to network execs, not likely ever the public.
This was great
I rather liked this. Bright, funny, a little goofy in spots. Lots of personality. Nancy Dussault (who I knew mostly from "Good Morning America") was charming and adorable. Rather interesting they kept the "raw" audience laughter.
*"MURIELLLLLL!!"*
Love that last line!
Great Show. I would have watch the series. If they did a show number every week that would have made it different from the comidies for that time.
Great cast. Would have been an excellent series.
Very interesting cast.
The Case of the Hidden Kitchen ! Very cute & entertaining pilot. A shame it didn't get picked up by the network. Could have been a fascinating look at the backstage life of Broadway folk in the early 70s. Been a LONG time fan of the wonderfully talented Nancy Dussault. Thank you SO much for uploading for us to enjoy ! Though I can't recommend marrying someone on such short notice. 😎👍
It's interesting to see Karen Morrow in this. I once read an interview with Morrow who said that Nancy Dussault was one of the reasons she never quite became a big star on Broadway. Dussault she said, "had something special" that she (Morrow) lacked.
Morrow had a longer career, though.
@@nonenoneonenonenone The two of them used to have a nightclub act.
we'll never find out what he does for a living
The l’il doggy in a tie-on rain bonnet around 1:10 in just slays me.
She was a real cutie back then.
yes she was.....i wish she would have ended up doing something better than Two Close with Ted Knight...something like.....The Nancy Dussault Show
Too bad this wasn't picked up. A lot of potential here.
John Byner!
She's lovely, some very funny lines, but where would you go from here? First fight, meet the parents, chance for a nationwide tour, etc. But situation comedies thrive with characters, not the situation.
She could do night club shows, cabaret shows, all kinds of performances, and he could have become a critic for conflict. She could also have to do temp jobs between shows.
Conflict was already there with the John Byner character.
Wow, that was rough.
I sat through this whole show. It reminds me of Barefoot in the Park. It should have gotten an order for a few episodes but I can understand why it didn’t. Where was it going to go?
I guess every episode would be about what he did for a living!
@@389383 That could have been great fun, but very unconventional, perhaps upsetting to the rest of the country, where you could not free-lance at anything. They had great chemistry.
WOW !!!
What could have been and should have.
She'd have better luck with Ted Knight, though.
Carl Reiner may have created this show under Cave Creek Enterprises, but to me, this feels more like MTM Enterprises could've done something like this, considering it filmed at their CBS Studio Center.
Their shows were much more intimate in scale. Very few characters were outgoing.
This Nancy Dussault person is really charming! I wish the show had been made! I do wonder, though, why husbands on TV shows can't ever be handsome. It's a conspiracy!
He's cute!
Thanks for posting. Hollywood types like Reiner became, assume tv audiences are just waiting to make all broadway stars tv stars. NOPE!
Audiences could never relate to this show!
Now, Nancy was GREAT on too close for comfort.
Dress shields. Legit!
Nancy Dussault finally got her big chance starring with Ted Knight.
This really could have worked. What a missed opportunity.
You can say that again !
Really surprised to see Dick Van Dyke as the director; didn’t know he directed anything!
Liked her better in Too Close For Comfort and she wasa great with Alan Arkin in The In Lawqs w Peter Faulk.
Its never a good sign when the opening credits have to tell you how to pronounce the stars name.
I don’t remember Nancy Dussault having her own show.
It’s a living!
Disaster.
Not surprising, it was never picked up.
You never wish an actor good luck , especially in a dressing room .. you say break a leg .
Swanny on Sanford and Son
That living room looks a lot like Mary Richards' in The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Not at all! Everyone keeps saying that. The only parallel was the kitchen in the cupboard on stage right.
so its the Muppet show minus the muppets.
Comments mention Too Close for Comfort. I recall the show but I don't remember her in it. Odd, because I'd been aware of her long before that series. Did Ted Knight and the two daughters just complete eclipse her for me?
That's Mary Richard's apartment from The Mary Tyler Moore Show
A performer said "good luck!"? Nope.
i watched this when i was a kid back when they aired unsold pilots ..i thought Nancy was funny and was disappointed it didn make it to series
They actually had to tell us how to pronounce Nancy Dussault's name? Huh....
Do you remember MISS Michael learned from The Waltons also from the 70s (where they had to tell you she was a female & not a male LOL).
@@trueshy Actually, I do. Of course, nowadays, on Star Trek Discovery, we have the female character of Michael Burnham.
You could also mention (Miss) Jeff Donnell, who played support in many movies from the 40s on. Apparently she got the nickname Jeff from the old Mutt & Jeff comics.
I remember her as being one of two actresses to play Peter Parker's Aunt May on the 1970s Spider-Man TV series, but she was on General Hospital for years.
The over the top "zany gal" persona wears very thin very fast.
I can see why this show wasn't picked up. A lot of the dialogue was cringe-inducing, and the exagerrated flourishes of movement were more in the mode of a musical number than a sit-com. In short, it was too cute by half.
John Byner was the more down to earth element who brought in some relatable humanity. Some of the characters--especially our lead--were hyperactive caricatures more suited to the needs of stage than (TV) screen.
I guess that's my main gripe. This looked more like the production of a stage play. The more intimate involvement afforded by the camera is better served by toning down on the big theatrics.
It's giving Blanskis Beauties vibes....
Wow. Someone else remembers that one!
She achieved the career Jon Stewart should have had.
They actually put how to pronounce her name, that's hilarious. Funniest thing about this dreary pilot. Dew Sew sounds a lot like Mary Tyler Moore in her successful series, probably intentionally. I'm surprised she didn't take her hat off and throw it in the air. I liked Too Close For Comfort, but not because of her. This is just a poor setup that relies too much on snappy patter that isn't snappy and character comedy from characters who aren't particularly funny.
Except here they were funny and snappy.