Dave Madden Movies

When an apple on the Bundys' tree is seen hanging over the D'Arcy's yard, a battle royal ensues between the two neighboring families. In fine Laurel and Hardy tradition, the hostilities begin with a few small volleys designed to embarrass but not injure. Before long, however, the tit-for-tat warfare gets out of hand, and the results are truly explosive. Highlights in this episode include a pointed reference to Ted Danson's recent embarrassing blackface turn, as well as cameo appearances by sitcom favorites Danny Bonaduce, Dave Madden and Gary Coleman (the latter going ballistic when someone mentions that he looks like himself!) ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Alice ends its nine-season run with the series' 202nd episode, in which Mel Sharples (Vic Tayback) finally sells the diner that bears his name--and surprise of surprises, he doles out huge bonuses to his staff. Mel's waitresses Alice (Linda Lavin), Vera (Beth Howland and Jolene (Celia Weston) proceed to reminiscence on the highlights of the past nine years, which of course are served up in the form of "flashbacks" from earlier episodes. In the course of events, Alice finally gets her chance at showbiz stardom, Jolene draws up plans to open her own beauty shop, and Vera announces her pregnancy. This episode was written by the series' executive producers Madelyn Pugh Davis and Bob Carroll Jr., whose previous collaborations included the classic 1950s sitcom I Love Lucy. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Once again short of funds, Vera (Beth Howland) takes a second job as a radio deejay. Calling herself "Nightbird", Vera adopts an uncharacteristically sexy voice for her on-mike persona. Sure enough, our heroine attracts a huge fan following consisting of lonely males--and nearly wrecks her marriage to Elliot (Charles Levin) in the process. Watch for prolific character actor Stephen Tobolowsky in a supporting role. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

While chowing down on Mel's chili, Alice (Linda Lavin) chips a tooth (talk about "tough beans"!) She immediately heads to dentist Harvey Gordon (James Coco) for some quick repairs. As a result, Dr. Gordon falls hopelessly in love with Alice--or is it just Alice's X-rays that have captured his heart? Pamela Myers, a frequent Alice utility actor, shows up in this episode as a nurse. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Accompanying Carrie (Martha Raye) to the racetrack, Tommy (Philip McKeon) surprises everyone--including himself--by winning big. Convinced that he has hit upon the perfect "system", Tommy continues placing bigger and bigger bets...and when things start turning sour, Alice (Linda Lavin) holds Carrie responsible. Vic Tayback (Mel) does not appear in this episode. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

All through his childhood, Mel (Vic Tayback) was led to believe that his pet dog was a war hero. The "leader" of this presumption was Mel's own mom Carrie (Martha Raye). Now, in middle age, Mel discovers to his horror that Carrie has been lying to him for the past 40 years. It takes the combined efforts of Mel's waitresses to close the canyon-wide rift that has opened between mother and son. Joey D'Auria, future star of the internationally popular cable-TV series Bozo's Circus, appears as a delivery man. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the conclusion of a two-part story, Vera (Beth Howland) has decided to marry Elliot (Charles Levin), the cop who gave her a jaywalking ticket. That is, she decides to marry him, then doesn't. Then she does...then she doesn't...then she does...and then the episode runs out of both time and options. "Vera's Wedding" was originally telecast by CBS in tandem with its predecessor, "Vera Gets Engaged"--the same night that rival network ABC made history with its landmark nuclear-holocaust drama The Day After. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

On the advice of self-proclaimed legal expert Earl Hicks (Dave Madden), Mel ups the security at the diner by having his waitresses bonded. This throws Vera into a panic; it seems that she has (or thinks she has) a "criminal past." Before the situation is resolved, Vera has gone on the lam and is hanging out with a group of colorful (and aromatic) street people. In the original TV Guide listings, future Night Court regular Selma Diamond is credited as the "bag lady", but the episode itself credits comedienne Carol Arthur, the wife of Dom DeLuise. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

When her crabby landlady evicts her pets, an outraged Vera (Beth Howland) predicts dire consequence for the old woman. Shortly thereafter, the landlady's apartment catches fire, and Vera thinks that she is somehow responsible. Unfortunately, so do the police! This is the first of several episodes in which series star Linda Lavin essays the dual role of waitress Alice Hyatt and vituperative landlady Debbie Walden (a fact that was withheld as a "surprise" in the original TV Guide listings). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Tommy (Philip McKeon) is spending so much time playing basketball that he doesn't have time to study. When Tommy's grades begin to slide precipitously, Alice (Linda Lavin) refuses to let him play until he gets back on track. But Tommy has an important basketball tournament coming up--and he's determined to make his appearance on court no matter what the consequences! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Hoping for a romantic rendezvous with her new boyfriend Mitch (Philip R. Allen), Alice (Linda Lavin) is instead saddled with the responsibility of escorting Mitch's four kids as they go trick-or-treating on Halloween. The situation turns out to be more trick than treat when one of the youngsters disappears. Featured amongst the supporting cast is child actor Billy Jacoby, who under the name of Billy Jayne later appeared as Mikey Randall on Parker Lewis Can't Lose. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Per the episode's title, Alice prepares to celebrate (if that is the correct word) her fortieth birthday. Alas, the festivities are threatened with ruin by the unexpected arrival of Alice's meddling mother Mona Spivak. Mona is played by Doris Roberts in what amounts to a dry-run for her lengthier engagement as Ray Romano's mom on Everybody Loves Raymond (And for the record, there is only a seven-year age difference between Doris Roberts and Linda Lavin!) ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Mel (Vic Tayback) is seized by a feeling of profound depression when he looks around and realizes that he has no heirs to carry on his legacy (such as it is). With the help of resident legal expert Earl (Dave Madden), Mel decides to draw up a will with some rather eccentric terms. It is when Mel announces the contents of the will to his "heirs" Alice (Linda Lavin), Vera (Beth Howland) and Jolene (Celia Weston) that the trouble REALLY starts! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi