Recently after an accidental couch potato binge on The Golden Girls -- you all know what that's like, right? -- I realized that the boyfriend had never seen the classic 70s sitcom Soap, which is from the same creative team, so we've been watching. The main character is rich dotty matriarch Jessica Tate (Katherine Helmond of Whos The Boss fame). She brings up movies and movie stars constantly. The fantasy of movies is a natural fit, since she doesn't have the firmest grasp of reality. She's basically a template for Rose on Golden Girls. Helmond, like White after her, has a very firm grasp of comic timing.
In this scene she wants to look through a family photo album because she believes they've all been cursed.
Jessica Tate: I think that in those pictures we'll find the answer. Mary did you see The Omen? Well, I mean nobody believed Lee Remick when she said that her son was the devil and he was trying to kill her and you know what happened? He killed her. And then, I mean, of course everyone said 'well, she was right' but it did her a lot of good, she was dead by then.Ha. It's much funnier with Helmond's loopy train of thought speed delivery.
The success of any comedy is so dependent on your mood, isn't it?
Anyway, back to Emmy-winning Helmond. Here's another actressy bit when Jessica is accused of the murder of her young lover. Her husband promises her they'll get the best lawyer. "But what about that movie?!" she pleads confusing him, and she's off in her own world again. Instead of worrying about the trial she's worried about who will play her in the movie version she's certain they'll make.
Jessica: Promise me that you'll try to maintain some control. Because I just have a feeling -- I just have this awful feeling that they're thinking of having Shelley Winters play me! See I was thinking of someone like Catherine Deneuve --she's attractive enough. Or it could make a wonderful musical. Barbra Streisand could play me.
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9 comments:
I'm lucky. If they made a movie of my murder trial, I'd be played by either myself, Andre Braugher, Denzel Wasington or Don Cheedle, so no worries.
I think of Soap first and Brazil a close second when Katherine Helmond's name comes up.
1. If they ever made a movie about me, be it for being on trial for murder, or for something else, I would most likely be played by, and want to be played by, a "previously un-known actor".
2. If I were actually on trial for murder, I really don't think I'd worry about who would play me. I think I'm sadly down to earth and focused when it comes to really big threats like this.
3. Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) worrying she will be played by Tori Spelling inevitably comes to my mind...
4. Sorry, never heared of "Soap". When Katherine Helmond's name comes up, only "Who's the Boss" comes to my mind. And I prefer not to speak about it.
I'd hope I could get Clive Owen or Josh Broliin, or Mick Jagger. I'd dread getting Jeremy Davies.
And murder was the case that gave me, or would give me, but I'd be, like, totally innocent.
Just checked it out: Unfortunately, Helmond never won an Emmy. Golden Globe, twice. Emmy-nope.
Erich -- of course you'd be. I feel certain that no film critic could ever kill anyone... outside of with their words. ;)
Well, i believe that women are really good portraying men. Look at Cate Blanchett as Dylan or Linda Hunt as Billy. I'm not sure who would i choose. Which woman would be good to play at you Nathaniel?
I was once told that Philip Seymour Hoffman would play me and Mary-Louise Parker would play my best friend, which actually sounds like a damn good road trip flick.
carlos -- debbie gibson.
oh, i don't know... i admire you for asking such a question though. i've literally never thought of answering it before . i have no idea.
Nat, did you see the AV Club's recent rundown of influential television comedies from the 70s? Soap is among the shows mentioned. I haven't seen it in years, but I remember liking it when I was way too young to understand half the jokes.
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