The Mary Tyler Moore Show

"Who can turn the world on with her smile? Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?"

Those word opened on of the most critically and publicly acclaimed sitcoms in American TV history. The Mary Tyler Moore Show debuted on September 19, 1970, and left the air of its own volition seven years later.

It's truly a show for the ages. Though it was filmed with 1970's fashion in full force, the writing and acting make it rise above the stereotypical hiphugger jeans and wide white belts.

Created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns, the show took advantage of the burgeoning Women's Liberation movement and put a female firmly in control of her own life at the center stage.

However, Mary was not an activist. Instead, she played a kind, compassionate soul who sometimes had to speak up to let her own voice be heard. But she was always reluctant to do so.

The castmembers included some really talented individuals. The likes of Ed Asner, Gavin McCleod, John Amos, Cloris Leachman, Betty White, Valerie Harper, Nancy Walker, Ted Knight, and others ensured that the razor-sharp scripts would produce top-quality entertainment.

The result is a 1970's show that still looks and feels fresh today. Compare that to, say, Starsky and Hutch. The Mary Tyler Moore Show was a gift to many generations.

Today's site is the Wikipedia entry for the show. Enjoy, and add your own two cents' worth, if you like.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mary_Tyler_Moore_Show

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