@@angelagriffin5130 I read that Sue Ann was supposed to be just a recurring character, but Betty White hit the role out of the park so well that the decision was made to make her a regular. For a while, the writers had to insure that Phyllis and Sue Ann never encountered each other (there was only one time afterward), but then Cloris Leachman got her own show, so it no longer mattered.
One of the most remarkable moves ever seen on television--Betty White slamming the oven door closed with her knee while holding what's left of that chocolate souffle! Betty White will be greatly missed...
Betty stated before that she had to come up w/ that move herself, since the open oven door was like a gaping hole on the set. Phyllis was too angry to shut the oven door, and Sue Ann was holding the souffle in both hands, so she decided to close the oven door w/ her knee.
Mary got quite tough in just two years. My favourite part of the whole scene is her blackmailing Sue Ann in just twenty seconds and rushing right back to the newsroom to oversee final edit on the bank robbery footage they'd gotten that day.
@@michaelnelson1128 It was made clear that people considered this episode what made her win. Everybody talked about this episode and both Betty and Cloris.
@@markwaltz3307 I believe typically actors from a series can submit an episode of their choice for Emmy consideration, for voters to watch. It makes sense that Cloris Leachman would have picked this one since it's a really good showcase for her, particularly the pie scene.
I love how Mary evolved over the course of the series; she wouldn't have stood up to someone like this early on but eventually she developed self confidence.
That’s true. Mary Richards was a nice young lady who just wanted to be liked by everyone. But she learned that sometimes she had to stand up to people. After all, Sue Ann should have known better than to pursue a man who was obviously married.
The development of the Mary Richards character on "The Mary Tyler Moore" show reminds me of the changes in the character of Peggy Oldson in "Mad Men" and of Daisy Robinson in 'Downton Abbey".
The look on Phillis's face when she tells Sue Ann she's "bananas" is a 100% sell. It's so believable it almost looks like Cloris Leachman is telling Betty White she's bananas in stealth mode.
Betty White was absolutely hilarious as the "Happy Homemaker" who was always on the make for an available bachelor or not, Cloris Leachman was the ultimate foil to Sue Ann and their back and forth was classic TV comedy. Leachman was one hell of an actress.
Yes, she was. She had brilliant comedic timing and delivery. From what I understand, she could sometimes be a pill to work with, but the others on the MTM show gladly put up with her because she was truly a genius at comedy.
I’ve watched this when it originally aired- it was hilarious then and it is hilarious now. I have never forgotten it and now on RUclips I have watched it dozens of times. Wonderful women!
Funny scene! May dear Cloris rest in peace...brilliant at comedy and also drama, as in her poignant Oscar winning performance in "The Last Picture Show".
@@josettedaejung6309 Absolutely. Cloris is renowned for her comedic expertise, but The Last Picture Show reveals her profound depth as a dramatic actress. I don't know if she ever did Ibsen or Strindberg, but she would have been ideal in their plays.
So long Betty. I'll always remember this skit you, Mary and Cloris did. You and the rest who have passed on now can continue to share your laughter. Thank you for the many laughs.
Bless this troupe of terrific performers, so many who are gone now. We were fortunate to see your work. Oh, you can still make me laugh so many years later.
My gosh I remember watching this with my family when I was a kid. It was my mom's favorite show. I thought it was hilarious when she kneed the oven door shut. I still think so!
@@cremebrulee4759 : The word I heard was that the knee slam was an ad-lib that White herself added, and which caught everyone by surprise. Leachman looks like she didn't expect it all all. Hilarious!
Betty ahd Cloris. Two comedy geniuses together. Love their line deliveries. Thanks for posting. I remember seeing this when it originally aired and Betty closing the door with her knee made me burst out laughing, almost as much as Carol Burnett coming down the stairs with a curtain rod across her shoulders in her Gone with the Wind spoof.
Barbie Blue I like that kitchen. In my kitchen at home. I decided on yellow 💛 curtains, and yellow walls. Yellow place mats. Some yellow dishes. I love my kitchen 💛💖💖
One of my favorite TV scenes ever! And I was lucky enough to live in the area and attended many MTM shows filmed, including this incredible episode. I can hear my Friends laugh - we were just going crazy with this and the pie scene!
An Amazing show, writers, producers, actors and scripts. Valerie and Mary were the youngest actors among veteran actors. I learned after Ted Night had died that back in the late 1940s that Ted Knight worked for WCOG a Radio Station and WFMY a TV station in Greensboro NC. Greensboro is my hometown.
Oh, I *loved* this scene, and still do after all these years. The writing, the characterization and performances, and the situational setup just fit SO WELL in this short three minute timeline. This show is a treasure.
Funny how you never saw Lars in the series. He was mentioned, but you never saw him. The Mary Tyler Moore Show was one of the best sitcoms on television, ever. Such great characters. Cloris Leachman was beyond great as Phyllis. I love the way Mary solves Phyllis' problem in like two seconds . . . 1 2 3 and done, mike drop. Way to go, Mary! The character of Sue Ann Nivens was only supposed to be a one time thing in this episode, but the character was so great, she became a regular part of the series.
That was clever of the producers and writers to have that character we never saw.. I’m not sure why they did it. But a lot of tv shows did. Cheers had Norms wife you never saw but always heard about. Happy Days had Jenny Picolo but we did see her the last couple of seasons.Rhoda had the doorman too ..Not sure why they did it but it was a very clever idea. Maybe it was to keep us tuned in…
I love Betty White as the character of Rose on Golden Girls and also as Ellen on Mama's Family, but Betty's portrayal of the man-desperate happy homemaker Sue Ann was classic.
I agree. For me this was the best role for her. She did it justice to the point that Ms White was seen only as the happy homemaker for a long time . She was type cast, and when she g[ the Golden Girls role is when the happy Sue Anne homemaker role finally was put to rest as one role and not her end to being a great comedian.
@@k.tinder8905 Yes indeed and it's also well known that Betty was originally slated to play the role of the promiscuous Blanche on the Golden Girls but Betty instead made the 'career-defining' decision to play Rose.
This might be my favourite scene in TV history. Word is that the oven slam was an ad-lib by White, which caught everyone by surprise. PERFECT. (And I want that '70s kitchen -- avocado green ceramic tile and appliances look wonderful with the co-ordinating drapes.)
I have watched every episode of Phyllis on RUclips...such a shame that show did not last...there is not one sitcom on today that I watch...nothing compares to the shows of the 1970's
I seem to recall Betty saying she ad-libbed kneeing the oven door as a goof---not expecting it to be used. However, everyone thought is was brilliant, so it was kept in.
Two of the funniest moments in the MTM show were in this episode Season 4, Episode 1, "The Lars Affair. This one and the one early where Phyllis baked a pie and the reaction of Rhoda and Mary.
Some very interesting psychology in this scene, easily missed. Not just how Mary effectively disarms Sue Ann in two blinks of an eye, but Sue Ann's attempt to distract Phyllis with passive-aggressive DARVO tactics.
One of their best scenes.It never gets old.Love Cloris! Really miss her.Mary & Betty are great in this scene to. I still watch this show every day.Great writers.Out of all of the writers on this show the best in my opinion is Ed Weinberger & Stan Daniel's #1 and Triva Silverman #2.I would give anything to hang out with Ed & Triva.Rest in peace Stan.Miss the whole gang!
This confrontation would sow the seeds of Mary and Sue-Ann's "frenemy" relationship for the remaining four years of the show. Mary grew a backbone and started to assert herself and create boundaries. Sue Ann's future interactions with Mary were then laced with backhanded compliments and snarky comments. An uneasy truce was created with neither woman ever really becoming friends but not to wanting to start an all-out war with each other too......
...Mary done brought that *BOSS* , O-U-T!! (2:08) ...ha-HAAA!! ...and can we talk about that 70's decor of a Kitchen, of Sue Ann's!? ...avocado Green & Wood paneling!? ..BLECH!
I hope she was consoled by knowing that she wasn't the only one where Joan Collins was concerned. She spread her favours far and wide, and her knees even further....
There's a new challenge sweeping the internet. The “Betty White Challenge” is a virtual event that will be held on Jan. 17 (which would have been the actress’ 100th birthday). The event asks fans to donate $5 to animal rescues or shelters in her name.
Who is now left from this cast? Ed Asner? I never tire of this show or Phyllis. (and I wish somebody showed that show) I love Cloris Leachman's comedy and her first film appearance which before her passing TCM showed.
Cloris Leachman was trying so hard not to laugh when Betty White closed the oven with her knee. I read somewhere that it was not in the script so Leachman wasn’t expecting it
Thanks for the Upload !! I was hoping the show would get Jhonathan Frid to play Lars on the show from Dark shadows..That would have been cool.. Thanks for the Upload 👍 !! XD
The 'elegant' way that Sue Ann closed that oven door and Mary's 30 second take down made this one of the best scenes in this series.
I'm just disappointed the writers never used the phrase "happy homewrecker" in this episode. that would have been a hoot.
Fkn brilliant and hilarious!
@@brockreynolds870 Agreed. You know, I think it's almost as if they DID because I think we are ALL thinking of that phrase in our heads.
@@angelagriffin5130 I read that Sue Ann was supposed to be just a recurring character, but Betty White hit the role out of the park so well that the decision was made to make her a regular. For a while, the writers had to insure that Phyllis and Sue Ann never encountered each other (there was only one time afterward), but then Cloris Leachman got her own show, so it no longer mattered.
One of the most remarkable moves ever seen on television--Betty White slamming the oven door closed with her knee while holding what's left of that chocolate souffle! Betty White will be greatly missed...
Betty stated before that she had to come up w/ that move herself, since the open oven door was like a gaping hole on the set. Phyllis was too angry to shut the oven door, and Sue Ann was holding the souffle in both hands, so she decided to close the oven door w/ her knee.
Iconic move
That poor chocolate souffle that did no one any harm!
When Phyllis is the sane one in a scene you know you're in trouble . . .
Indeed. 😆
Hahaha 😅
Slamming the oven door with her knee is one of the funniest things I've ever seen.
Mary was savage af! No one else ever took Sue-Ann down the way she did in this clip.
Absolutely brutal. Mary was out of time and decided so was Sue-Ann.
Mary was tough when she had to be. When she gave the brush off to her new friend who proved to be anti-Semitic was another golden moment.
I need a GIF of Betty kicking the door.
That will NEVER stop being funny! "Oh, good!" LOLOL.
Cloris Leachman, Mary Tyler Moore and Betty White…..pure comedy gold.
Mary got quite tough in just two years. My favourite part of the whole scene is her blackmailing Sue Ann in just twenty seconds and rushing right back to the newsroom to oversee final edit on the bank robbery footage they'd gotten that day.
Young and beautiful back then. Rest in peace Cloris. Betty is still beautiful at 99 years old.
@Bluto Bubblebutt still doesn't matter how old Cloris was. She was beautiful and a lovely person and funny
@Bluto Bubblebutt be quiet how sad you are
The knee closing of the oven door is pure genius!
0:55 : When Phyllis thinks you're crazy....you have serious screws loose.
Looks like Lars has a type.
Phyllis wasn’t crazy…. She was eccentric!
Leachman's Emmy-winning performance in this episode. And the introduction of Betty White as Sue Ann was a brilliant decision.
How do know it was this performance she won the Emmy for
@@michaelnelson1128 See it for yourself. ruclips.net/video/WVWmqCbKUZo/видео.html
@@michaelnelson1128 It was made clear that people considered this episode what made her win. Everybody talked about this episode and both Betty and Cloris.
@@markwaltz3307 I believe typically actors from a series can submit an episode of their choice for Emmy consideration, for voters to watch. It makes sense that Cloris Leachman would have picked this one since it's a really good showcase for her, particularly the pie scene.
@@michaelnelson1128 ruclips.net/video/WVWmqCbKUZo/видео.html
I love how Mary evolved over the course of the series; she wouldn't have stood up to someone like this early on but eventually she developed self confidence.
She handled that problem in no time!
Yes, I agree Danny...we loved Mary and she became very inspiring to people. : )
That’s what made the MTM Show excellent television.
That’s true. Mary Richards was a nice young lady who just wanted to be liked by everyone. But she learned that sometimes she had to stand up to people. After all, Sue Ann should have known better than to pursue a man who was obviously married.
The development of the Mary Richards character on "The Mary Tyler Moore" show reminds me of the changes in the character of Peggy Oldson in "Mad Men" and of Daisy Robinson in 'Downton Abbey".
RIP Cloris Leachman and Betty White, two of the most hilarious and beautiful women ever to grace the screen.
The look on Phillis's face when she tells Sue Ann she's "bananas" is a 100% sell. It's so believable it almost looks like Cloris Leachman is telling Betty White she's bananas in stealth mode.
Betty White was absolutely hilarious as the "Happy Homemaker" who was always on the make for an available bachelor or not, Cloris Leachman was the ultimate foil to Sue Ann and their back and forth was classic TV comedy. Leachman was one hell of an actress.
Yes, she was. She had brilliant comedic timing and delivery. From what I understand, she could sometimes be a pill to work with, but the others on the MTM show gladly put up with her because she was truly a genius at comedy.
@@ajs11201Oscar winning actress doesn't score almost 300 credits here by being a "pill", troll. That cast reunioned together for years afterward.
@unowen-nh9ov
Pardon me. I didn't realize we would hear from her press agent. Thanks for chiming in.
Agreed Sue Ann became Phyllis’s foil once Rhoda left
I’ve watched this when it originally aired- it was hilarious then and it is hilarious now. I have never forgotten it and now on RUclips I have watched it dozens of times. Wonderful women!
Three excellent comedic actresses, and a GREAT series!
Incomparable cast. The standard in tv sitcoms. Love this.
And brilliant writing
Funny scene! May dear Cloris rest in peace...brilliant at comedy and also drama, as in her poignant Oscar winning performance in "The Last Picture Show".
Her performance as Ruth Popper in "Last Picture Show" was heartbreaking.
@@josettedaejung6309 Absolutely. Cloris is renowned for her comedic expertise, but The Last Picture Show reveals her profound depth as a dramatic actress. I don't know if she ever did Ibsen or Strindberg, but she would have been ideal in their plays.
She was the best in the LPS. I hated how the young guy used her, but she played the role to Oscar perfection.
So long Betty. I'll always remember this skit you, Mary and Cloris did. You and the rest who have passed on now can continue to share your laughter. Thank you for the many laughs.
Bless this troupe of terrific performers, so many who are gone now. We were fortunate to see your work. Oh, you can still make me laugh so many years later.
PEAK Performance by ALL involved in this production.
My gosh I remember watching this with my family when I was a kid. It was my mom's favorite show. I thought it was hilarious when she kneed the oven door shut. I still think so!
That was hilarious...she was still putting on the sweet act, but with that knee to the oven door, she was really pissed! LOL ;D
You are so right! Such a little thing but such a big thing
Kirk Williams I do that when I'm juggling to many things in my kitchen lol
It was hysterical. I have to wonder who came up with that idea.
@@cremebrulee4759 : The word I heard was that the knee slam was an ad-lib that White herself added, and which caught everyone by surprise. Leachman looks like she didn't expect it all all. Hilarious!
Hilarious scene! Played perfectly by outstanding actresses. 👏🏼
Watch Cloris Leachman's mouth 0:37 to 0:49. She is trying not to laugh. Betty White's knee to the stove was improvised.
I THOUGHT it probably was! Betty White knew exactly what to do!
A correction. Betty White raised the idea with the director. He approved. She just didnt tell Cloris Leachman.
Betty ahd Cloris. Two comedy geniuses together. Love their line deliveries. Thanks for posting. I remember seeing this when it originally aired and Betty closing the door with her knee made me burst out laughing, almost as much as Carol Burnett coming down the stairs with a curtain rod across her shoulders in her Gone with the Wind spoof.
I love the way she closed the oven door-----so lady-like.
You're bananas you know that!! Gotta love Mary giving it to Sue Ann. Lmao
One of the best episodes in one of the best sitcoms ever. #RIP Cloris
It was Mary who solved the problem in less than a minute and no innocent soufle was harmed in the process. 😃
The souffle was already dead.CPR couldn't save it.
I’ve never had soufflé.. is it good?? It seems to be like a chocolate cake with no frosting??
How to tell a person off in thirty seconds or less. You go Mary!
Avocado kitchen lol
That was my mother's favorite color. She maintained her kitchen that way up to the 2000s.
Barbie Blue I like that kitchen. In my kitchen at home. I decided on yellow 💛 curtains, and yellow walls. Yellow place mats. Some yellow dishes. I love my kitchen 💛💖💖
Barbie Blue Ikr yuk
My Dad had matching station wagon, once upon a time known as BRG.
My favorite scene from the entire series
when Sue Ann closes the oven door with her knee I lose it every time!
One of my favorite TV scenes ever! And I was lucky enough to live in the area and attended many MTM shows filmed, including this incredible episode. I can hear my Friends laugh - we were just going crazy with this and the pie scene!
Phyllis's married name on MTM: Lindstrom. Rose's maiden name on Golden Girls: Lindström. Coincidence? I think not!
Both are from Minnisota
Rose's name was Nylon!
@@petesdad100 ... Nylon is her married name, Rose's madin name was Lindstrom
Sue Ann and Sue Ellen (Carol Burnett Show) were so similar .
@@petesdad100 It was actually Nyland, sounds more Scandinavian/German.
The writing on this show was top notch. The acting only made it better!
An Amazing show, writers, producers, actors and scripts. Valerie and Mary were the youngest actors among veteran actors. I learned after Ted Night had died that back in the late 1940s that Ted Knight worked for WCOG a Radio Station and WFMY a TV station in Greensboro NC. Greensboro is my hometown.
Priceless performances. Never missed an episode.
Oh, I *loved* this scene, and still do after all these years. The writing, the characterization and performances, and the situational setup just fit SO WELL in this short three minute timeline. This show is a treasure.
One of those rare moments where we (well, most of us, I think) were firmly on Phyllis's side.
Brilliant acting & writing. Everyone in this scene is brilliant.
Funny how you never saw Lars in the series. He was mentioned, but you never saw him. The Mary Tyler Moore Show was one of the best sitcoms on television, ever. Such great characters. Cloris Leachman was beyond great as Phyllis. I love the way Mary solves Phyllis' problem in like two seconds . . . 1 2 3 and done, mike drop. Way to go, Mary! The character of Sue Ann Nivens was only supposed to be a one time thing in this episode, but the character was so great, she became a regular part of the series.
That was clever of the producers and writers to have that character we never saw.. I’m not sure why they did it. But a lot of tv shows did. Cheers had Norms wife you never saw but always heard about. Happy Days had Jenny Picolo but we did see her the last couple of seasons.Rhoda had the doorman too ..Not sure why they did it but it was a very clever idea. Maybe it was to keep us tuned in…
Also on Rhoda there was Carlton the doorman whom we never saw, but only heard from.
I love Betty White as the character of Rose on Golden Girls and also as Ellen on Mama's Family, but Betty's portrayal of the man-desperate happy homemaker Sue Ann was classic.
I agree. For me this was the best role for her. She did it justice to the point that Ms White was seen only as the happy homemaker for a long time . She was type cast, and when she g[ the Golden Girls role is when the happy Sue Anne homemaker role finally was put to rest as one role and not her end to being a great comedian.
@@k.tinder8905 Yes indeed and it's also well known that Betty was originally slated to play the role of the promiscuous Blanche on the Golden Girls but Betty instead made the 'career-defining' decision to play Rose.
Betty kicking the over door = classic.
And it wasn’t scripted 😂
Great scene ... still funny today... great acting by all three ladies...
Three Brilliant Actors ... Together!
"Oh, my poor baby!" Love you Betty. RIP
This might be my favourite scene in TV history. Word is that the oven slam was an ad-lib by White, which caught everyone by surprise. PERFECT. (And I want that '70s kitchen -- avocado green ceramic tile and appliances look wonderful with the co-ordinating drapes.)
I have watched every episode of Phyllis on RUclips...such a shame that show did not last...there is not one sitcom on today that I watch...nothing compares to the shows of the 1970's
Agree!
When Phyllis slammed the oven door I could have pissed my pants lol
OMG STILL SO CLEVER till this day today RIP to both you will always be loved.
Loved the whole cast, and they’re not really gone, just waiting for me to put that dvd into the machine.
Mary's "mic drop" is priceless!
Funniest episode ever! That knee closing the oven😂
This was such a great show! Nuff said.
Avocado green appliances when harvest gold just won't do anymore.
And it matches the decor too.
My god they look so young!
Well that was almost 50 years ago, after all! lol
But they were middle aged. That's how old they are now! Lol
I have been in love with Cloris for as long as I can remember
You're bananas!
Such a great ensemble, and such a great show.
Rest in Peace, Betty. An amazing career, an amazing woman.
Say hello to all your costars...
I seem to recall Betty saying she ad-libbed kneeing the oven door as a goof---not expecting it to be used. However, everyone thought is was brilliant, so it was kept in.
2:03 Always love it when Mary gets firm, and this was always one of her best.
But Phyllis REALLY should have thrown the entire soufflé at Sue Ann. 🤣🤣
Two of the funniest moments in the MTM show were in this episode Season 4, Episode 1, "The Lars Affair. This one and the one early where Phyllis baked a pie and the reaction of Rhoda and Mary.
Some very interesting psychology in this scene, easily missed. Not just how Mary effectively disarms Sue Ann in two blinks of an eye, but Sue Ann's attempt to distract Phyllis with passive-aggressive DARVO tactics.
Whenever I hear the MTM theme song, the world seems just a bit better.
Sue Ann - do you know how to remove chocolate stains?
Gosh those three were so good! Total pros.
Rip Phyllis and Sue Ann…4 MTM cast members died this year…Sad…
The greatest TV comedy cast ever.
Love that everything in sight is avocado green
This show is simply fantastic
Sue Ann: I can put a bed anywhere I want!
Murray: You could put a waterbed on the back of a motorcycle.
One of their best scenes.It never gets old.Love Cloris! Really miss her.Mary & Betty are great in this scene to. I still watch this show every day.Great writers.Out of all of the writers on this show the best in my opinion is Ed Weinberger & Stan Daniel's #1 and Triva Silverman #2.I would give anything to hang out with Ed & Triva.Rest in peace Stan.Miss the whole gang!
Legends forever.
This confrontation would sow the seeds of Mary and Sue-Ann's "frenemy" relationship for the remaining four years of the show.
Mary grew a backbone and started to assert herself and create boundaries. Sue Ann's future interactions with Mary were then laced with backhanded compliments and snarky comments.
An uneasy truce was created with neither woman ever really becoming friends but not to wanting to start an all-out war with each other too......
When that knee went up.....classic!!
Too bad Phyllis and Sue Ann didn't interact more on air
...Mary done brought that *BOSS* , O-U-T!! (2:08) ...ha-HAAA!! ...and can we talk about that 70's decor of a Kitchen, of Sue Ann's!? ...avocado Green & Wood paneling!? ..BLECH!
One of my favorite scenes in all of television. #TheHappyHomewrecker
"There was no need for violence!"
Cloris leachman really went through this Joan Collins had a thing with her husband
I hope she was consoled by knowing that she wasn't the only one where Joan Collins was concerned. She spread her favours far and wide, and her knees even further....
That's got nothing to do with this episode.
@@jusssayin480 Well.....If this was filmed after Leachman’s husband went with Collins, then it is indeed. “acting inspiration”.
Did she go Krystle Carrington on Joan? Cloris would have kicked her ass! 😎
godspeed Phyllis
The apron!
The best ever.
There's a new challenge sweeping the internet. The “Betty White Challenge” is a virtual event that will be held on Jan. 17 (which would have been the actress’ 100th birthday). The event asks fans to donate $5 to animal rescues or shelters in her name.
Have considered doing a Sue Ann vs. Murray compilation? Some of the funniest jokes and moments were the constant insult matches between the two.
EPIC!
Mary OWNED her in this scene.
MTM owned the show & the studio, like Lucy b4 her.
❤️2 Greats! XOXO 💋💋💋
Perfect!! ❤️
Betty White RIP ❤💔❤
Rest easy ladies 😢
Who is now left from this cast? Ed Asner? I never tire of this show or Phyllis. (and I wish somebody showed that show) I love Cloris Leachman's comedy and her first film appearance which before her passing TCM showed.
Gavin and obviously Betty White.
Only Betty White is left.
@@triciajohansen3027And she's gone, too.
thanx
Cloris Leachman was trying so hard not to laugh when Betty White closed the oven with her knee. I read somewhere that it was not in the script so Leachman wasn’t expecting it
MAGNIFICENT PERFORMANCE!!!
#RIHMARYTYLERMOORE
#RIHCHLORISLEACHMAN
#RIHBETTYWHITE
Thanks for the Upload !! I was hoping the show would get Jhonathan Frid to play Lars on the show from Dark shadows..That would have been cool.. Thanks for the Upload 👍 !! XD