Schlemiel, Schlimazel! Happy 50th Birthday, “Laverne & Shirley” (Part One)

We're making our dreams come true today, as we dive into the wonderfully wacky world of our two favorite Milwaukee bottle-cappers while they transverse life, love, and a little vo-de-oh-doh-doh. Yes, we’re talking about Ms. DeFazio and Ms. Feeney today, in the first of our two part celebration of the 50th anniversary of "Laverne & Shirley"! This situation comedy, which aired on ABC from 1976 until 1983, defines the term “classic television”.  We’re commemorating the show’s 50th by going back to the Milwaukee years, when two blue-collar  turn bad luck into a weekly art form. And yes, we start where the show lives best: big character choices, physical comedy that commits all the way, and jokes that still land because the emotions are real. In Part One, we talk about how the series spins out of “Happy Days”, why Gary Marshall had to “rebuild” the characters for the family hour, and how Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams create a partnership that feels equal in a way TV rarely gets right. Along the way, we dig into the “Lucy” influence, the chemistry that makes absurd situations believable, and the secret sauce of supporting players like Lenny and Squiggy when they stay as just that: support.  We also set the table for Part Two, where a terrible plot turn and growing backstage dramas change everything about the show we love so much. But that’s for later; today grab a Scooter-pie and a milk and Pepsi a join us in the festivities as we pay tribute to a TV classic.  If you enjoy the show, subscribe so you don’t miss the next chapter, and please leave a rating or review so more classic TV fans can find us. Text us or Leave a Voice Mail (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2306168/fa...)  Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com (https://www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com) Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod (  / goinghollywoodpod  ) To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detai... To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to    • Film Historian Answers Old Hollywood Quest...   Reach us at goinghollywoodpod@gmail.com Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist (https://www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com...) on Spotify.