MARTIN MULL PRESENTS THE HISTORY OF WHITE PEOPLE IN AMERICA, PART 1: IN SEARCH OF (TV)
Summary
Part one of this satirical, two-part mock documentary, hosted by Martin Mull, which examines the bland Harrison family to shed light on the culture and behavior of white, middle-class, suburban Americans. This program begins with a series of testimonials from white celebrities Steve Martin, Teri Garr, and Bob Eubanks about the effects of being white on their lives and careers. Next, the typical suburban Harrison family of Hawkins Falls is introduced -- including father Hal, mother Joyce, and children Tommy and Debbie -- and their home is analyzed for clues on white tastes and mores, such as the insistence on paying full retail price for everything. The Harrisons then appear in typical white pursuits such as barbecueing and arguing over mayonnaise. After Tommy struggles to discuss his heritage in school, Mull tours the Institute for White Studies, which scientifically measures white likes, such as dairy products and dogs, and dislikes, such as "strange" religions and uncuffed pants. The Harrisons then share a tense Thanksgiving dinner marred by an argument over Jell-O, followed by a preview of the white sexual practices that will be explored in the next installment. Actress Marion Ross concludes the program with tips on books to consult on white culture, such as "Valley of the Dolls."
(This program contains minor technical problems. This represents the best copy of this program currently available to the Museum.)
Details
- NETWORK: Cinemax
- DATE: June 4, 1985 Tuesday 9:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:23:02
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T86:0179
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Race relations - Comedy
- SERIES RUN: Cinemax - TV, 1985
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Martin Mull … Executive Producer, Writer
- Kevin S. Bright … Producer
- Allen Rucker … Producer, Writer
- Harry Shearer … Director
- Wendy Haas-Mull … Composer, Original music composed by
- Martin Mull … Host
- Bob Eubanks … Cast, himself
- Teri Garr … Cast, herself
- Steve Martin … Cast, himself
- Marion Ross … Cast, herself
- Mary Kay Place … Cast, Joyce Harrison
- Fred Willard … Cast, Hal Harrison
- Christian Jacobs … Cast
- Amy Lynne … Cast
- John Brent … Cast
- Edie McClurg … Cast
- Julie Payne … Cast
- Jack Riley … Cast
- Arikko Howell … Cast
- Robert Ridgley … Cast
- Jeremy Schoenberg … Cast
- Peter Torokvei … Cast
- Van Eman, Charles … Cast