MAUDE: MAUDE'S BIG MOVE {PART 1 OF 3} {SERIES FINALE} (TV)
Summary
The finale in this series of comedy programs, a spin-off of "All in the Family," about the outspoken, liberal Maude Findlay and her family. In the first installment of this three-part episode, Maude decorates her home in an Asian style to celebrate the homecoming of her friend, Congresswoman Irene McIlhaney, just back from a voyage to China. She hires a Mr. Fong to make an "authentic" meal, though he and Walter both annoy her when they fall back on stereotypes. Arthur and Vivian arrive dressed in costumes and Vivian seems upset, though she declines to explain. They examine some fortune cookies and learn that they are all facing big changes in their lives, and though they dismiss them as nonsense, Walter reveals that he may soon retire if he sells his store for a good price, which unnerves Maude. Carol and Phillip arrive and Carol receives a similar fortune, to her distress. Irene arrives and immediately states that she is sick of Chinese food, much to Maude's dismay. As they talk, Carol reveals that she is moving with Phillip to Denver for a job, and Vivian admits that Arthur has taken up a country practice in Idaho and they too will be leaving. Before they can decide how to tell Maude, however, Maude cheerfully announces that Irene has just hired her on her congressional staff, and the two celebrate.
The others fret about ruining Maude's happy night with their news, and they finally confess the truth to Irene, who passionately states that she is a "trooper" and can handle any bad news, though Maude's horrified reaction when she overhears the conversation contradicts this idea. She begs them all not to go, but Carol convinces her that her job is a good opportunity, and Arthur explains that he will be "semi-retired" in the small Idaho town and that Maude will surely make new friends soon. Walter then announces that he is retiring after all, and though he seems thrilled, Maude is further upset at the idea of having him around at all times. Fong attempts to comfort her, though he is not quite helpful, and she laments the loss of her "old life." Irene encourages her towards her "new life," however, telling her all about her interesting, challenging new job on her staff, and Maude cheers up somewhat. Irene assures her that Maude will always have a job as long as she is alive, but this becomes a problem when Irene suddenly drops dead in the midst of their revelry. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: April 8, 1978 9:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:25:10
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:39121
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Asian American Pacific Islanders Collection
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1972-1978
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Promos - "Maude" upcoming episode
CREDITS
- Rod Parker … Executive Producer
- Hal Cooper … Executive Producer, Director
- Charlie Hauck … Producer
- Rita Dillon … Associate Producer
- Norman Lear … Created by
- Richard Herlan … Writer
- Marilyn Bergman … Theme Music by
- Alan Bergman … Theme Music by
- Dave Grusin … Theme Music by
- Donny Hathaway … Theme Music by
- Beatrice Arthur … Cast, Maude Findlay
- Conrad Bain … Cast, Dr. Arthur Harmon
- Bill Macy … Cast, Walter Findlay
- Adrienne Barbeau … Cast, Carol Traynor
- Mary Louise Wilson … Cast, Irene McIlhaney
- James Hong … Cast, Morris Fong
- Kraig Metzinger … Cast, Phillip