Complete series cast summary: | |||
Bea Arthur | ... |
Maude Findlay
(141 episodes, 1972-1978)
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Bill Macy | ... |
Walter Findlay
(137 episodes, 1972-1978)
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Conrad Bain | ... |
Dr. Arthur Harmon
(121 episodes, 1972-1978)
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Rue McClanahan | ... |
Vivian Cavender Harmon
/ ...
(101 episodes, 1972-1978)
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Adrienne Barbeau | ... |
Carol Traynor
(94 episodes, 1972-1978)
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This "All In The Family" spin-off centers around Edith's cousin, Maude Findlay. She's a liberal, independent woman living in Tuckahoe, NY with her fourth husband Walter, owner of Findlay's Friendly Appliances; Carol Trainor, Maude's divorced daughter from her 2nd marriage; and Philip, Carol's son. Other characters included: Dr. Arthur Harmon, Walter's conservative best friend from their Army days. He and Maude were always at odds when it came to politics and just about everything. Vivian Cavender-Harmon, Maude's naive best friend from their college days who married Harmon in season three. During the show's run, Maude had gone through three maids during the series run: Florida Evans, Nell Naugutuck and Victoria Butterfield. Mrs. Naugutuck and Florida, however, were the most memorable. Although it was a situation comedy, it dealt with serious and often controversial issues, much like Norman Lear's other shows "All In The Family" "One Day At a Time" and "Good Times." Written by Kate Tripper
One thing that I disagree with is that Maude was like All in the Family, although perhaps an upsides down All in the Family in that Maude was liberal and Archie was conservative. This show was, truly, one of a kind. It is true that both shows discussed real issues of the times, but both settings are entirely different, Maude and Carol are women and the dominant characters, and the texture of the film is entirely different. It is a sophisticated classic that deserves to be thought of independently for its own guts, comedic genius, and point of view. It had a lot of great stories to tell, and it had the guts to tell it to the whole world