I’ve been stricken by a bad case of TV nostalgia lately. But just when I thought I had kicked it, actress Valerie Harper, who I adored worshipped as Rhoda Morgenstern in the 1970s’ sitcom, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” announced this week she has terminal brain cancer and has three months to live.
Now, I don’t make a habit of getting caught up in celebrity drama, but Harper’s People mag cover story was a real kick in the pants. You see, back in the 70s, I aspired to be beloved WGN producer Mary Richards and live in that sassy studio apartment on 119 North Wetherly with its huge closet and invisible bathroom. What little girl didn’t?
Instead, I grew up to be Rhoda, the dumpy, funny sidekick who lived in the attic and rocked a mean headscarf. At least she was more fun than Mary.
In fact, over the course of my career, I adopted one of Rhoda’s classic lines: “Allow me to introduce myself, I’m another person in the room.” Sadly, I had to use it too many times, mostly on men who reminded me of WGN anchor doofus Ted Baxter. There was also an editor back in the day, but that’s another story…
But what rekindled my “MTM” nostalgia was news that “119 North Wetherly,” the 1900 Victorian in Minneapolis pictured in the show as Mary’s home (owned by Phyllis and the invisible dermatologist Lars), was on the market for $2.8 million. Talk about an expensive piece of TV memorabilia!
Apparently, the 7-bedroom, 9-bath home has been totally restored and, according to reports, is still a city tourist attraction. I’m kicking myself now for not making time for a drive-by in my rented electric blue PT Cruiser when I was there reporting on the Republican National Convention a few years ago. But it was August and Mary’s house wouldn’t look the same to me without all the snow…
One of my favorite Love is All Around episodes – and there are many from the nine seasons – is “The Dinner Party.” You must remember this 1973 classic: Mary invites Congresswoman Margaret Geddes to dinner and has “The Happy Homemaker” Sue Ann Nivens make Veal Prince Orloff for exactly six guests.
Hilarity ensues when Rhoda brings a date (Henry Winkler!) and Mary’s boss, Mr. Grant, helps himself to three portions of veal and then returns two portions to the platter.
Life lessons learned: Always make more than enough food, have a dining table with leaves and extra chairs, and NEVER bring an uninvited guest because they may end up eating alone at the little table by the window.
Frankly, Veal Prince Orloff – braised veal, stuffed with mushrooms and onions, topped off with a béchamel sauce and cheese – is not in my kitchen repertoire. Sorry, Sue Ann.
But if you’d like to see Julia Child whip up her Veal Prince Orloff, here’s a link to “The French Chef” episode: http://www.amazon.com/The-French-Chef-Prince-Orloff/dp/B00622BSXI.
Tags: Julia Child, Laura Raposa, mary tyler moore, The Foodsmith, valerie harper, veal prince orloff