Jean Stapleton Movies
Each and every week from 1971 to 1980, the popular TV sitcom All in the Family was heralded by the glass-shattering offkey singing of Edith Bunker, aka "Dingbat." This tended to obscure the fact that Jean Stapleton, the woman who so brilliantly portrayed Edith not only possessed a lilting, well-modulated singing voice, but also was as far removed as possible from a "dingbat" in real life. While attending Hunter College, Stapleton began her performing career as a member of the Robert Shaw Chorale. She made her professional stage debut in 1941, then went on to fruitful work-study associations with the American Apprentice Theater, the American Actors Company, the American Theater Wing, and director-acting coach Harold Clurman. Her first Broadway appearance was in the 1953 production In the Summer House; the following year, she made her TV bow as a semi-regular on the daytime drama Woman With a Past. She endeared herself to Broadwayites with her wistfully funny characterizations in the SRO musicals Damn Yankees, Bells Are Ringing, and Funny Girl, roles that she would carry over into the film versions of these hits. In 1958, she made her first appearance at the Totem Pole Playhouse in Fayetteville, PA, a summer-stock operation managed by her husband, Bill Putch.Most of Stapleton's onscreen work in the 1960s and 1970s could be found in New York-based movies (Something Wild, Up the Down Staircase, Klute) and TV series (Car 54, Where Are You, The Defenders, The Patty Duke Show). Her earliest association with producer-director Norman Lear occurred in the 1969 theatrical feature Cold Turkey, in which she played a neurotic housewife named Edith. When Lear began assembling the cast for his upcoming TV sitcom All in the Family, he immediately thought of Stapleton for the role of slow-witted, strident, essentially kindhearted Bronx housewife Edith Bunker. Before leaving the series in 1980, Stapleton earned three Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Edith -- not to mention the undying affection of millions.
Once free of All in the Family, she sought out roles that she hoped would demonstrate her versatility: She played the distraught mother of a drug-addicted teenager (enacted by her real-life son, John Putch) in the made-for-TV Angel Dusted (1981), and effectively portrayed Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1982 TV biopic Eleanor: First Lady of the World. Stapleton kept her comic skills sharpened by appearing in the made-for-cable productions of Shelley Duvall: She was terrific as a no-nonsense Fairy Godmother ("Trust me. This is important.") in Duvall's Faerie Tale Theater adaptation of Cinderella, and even better as the title characters in Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. In 1990, she briefly returned to weekly television as co-star (with Whoopi Goldberg) of the offbeat sitcom Bagdad Café. Jean Stapleton was then an infrequent but always welcome TV guest-star presence; in 1995, she startled (and delighted) her Edith Bunker fans with her con brio portrayal of Lea Thompson's sex-starved aunt in an episode of Caroline in the City. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
Richard Mckenzie guest stars as Archie's long-estranged brother, Alfred Bunker. After 29 years, Alfred pays a visit to Archie, hoping to patch up their differences before Alfred undergoes radical surgery. An already tense situation is made even more so by a mysterious letter from Alfred, which Archie is told not to open until his brother leaves. Written by Larry Rhine and Mel Tolkin, "Archie's Brother" originally aired on February 26, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Theodore Bikel guest stars as Bronx butcher Alvin Klemmer. Regular customer Edith Bunker is flattered by Klemmer's old-world graciousness, until she realizes that the butcher has fallen in love with her. Written by Phil Sharp, "Love Comes to the Butcher" first aired on February 5, 1978. Audience response to the episode was so positive that in 1979 All in the Family offered a sequel, "A Girl Like Edith," also featuring Theodore Bikel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Archie fully expects that his bar will make a fortune on Super Bowl Sunday. What Archie hadn't counted on was the fact that two holdup men would likewise covet the contents of the bar's cash register. This is the episode in which virtually the entire cast is stripped to their undies. Written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, "Archie and the Super Bowl" originally aired on January 15, 1978, right after CBS' telecast of Super Bowl XII (Broncos vs. Cowboys, in case you need a reminder). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Another of Edith's castoff relations, Aunt Iola (Nedra Volz) has been passed from relative to relative, with no willing to keep her on a permanent basis. Inevitably, Iola ends up at the Bunker household, and despite Edith's feeling of obligation, Archie likewise wants to rid himself of the troublesome old woman. Albert E. Lewin wrote the script from a story by Michael Loman. "Aunt Iola's Visit" was first telecast on January 22, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Archie envisions a life free of financial worries when Edith is chosen to appear in a detergent commercial. Unfortunately for Archie -- and the sponsor -- Edith is incapable of telling lies in front of the camera. Former child star Darryl Hickman delivers a hilariously understated performance as a gay TV director. Scripted by Ben Starr and Ron Bloomberg from a story by Bloomberg, "The Commercial" first aired on January 8, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Archie and Edith have spent several weeks waiting for Edith's no-good cousin Floyd to pick up his daughter, Stephanie. It is now obvious, however, that Floyd isn't coming back. Should the Bunkers keep Stephanie as an unofficially adopted daughter, or should they turn her over to the authorities? Edith chooses the former option, but Archie prefers the latter -- or at least he thinks he does. Written by Larry Rhine and Mel Tolkin, "What'll We Do With Stephanie?" originally aired on October 15, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Nobody in Edith's family cared much for nasty old Aunt Rose -- least of all Archie, who knew that Rose heartily disapproved of his marriage to Edith. But when Rose finally dies, Edith regards it as her duty to attend the old battleaxe's funeral. In this respect, Edith finds herself all alone. Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf wrote the script, from a story by Sam Greenbaum. "Edith's Final Respects" first aired on October 22, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Panic reigns in the Bunker household when an insurance-company physical reveals that Archie has a spot on his liver. Convinced that he is at death's door, Archie disconsolately retires to his bedroom to await the inevitable. The ubiquitous Phil Leeds appears as Mrs. Stanley. Written by Nate Monaster, "End in Sight" originally aired on October 1, 1978, holding its own in the ratings despite the formidable competition of the NBC miniseries Centennial. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Estelle Parsons appears as Blanche, the "straying" wife of Archie's pal, Barney Hefner. When Blanche throws Barney over in favor of an electrician, Barney drowns his sorrows at Archie's bar. Realizing that Barney's self-pity is driving away customers, Archie enlists Edith's aid in bringing the Hefners back together. Written by Milt Josefsberg and Phil Sharp, "Reunion on Hauser Street" first aired on October 8, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Mike and Gloria are all packed and ready to head to their new home in Santa Barbara, CA. Just before their departure, the couple decides to reaffirm their marriage vows -- and request that Archie and Edith do the same. The concluding scene between Archie and Mike may well be the most touching moment in the series' history -- all the more so for what it tells about Archie. Written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, "The Stivics Go West" originally aired on March 19, 1978, as the final episode of All in the Family's eighth season; indeed, it was intended as the final episode, period, but at the last moment Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton agreed to stay on for at least one more year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
All in the Family entered its ninth season minus Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers, but with Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton still in attendance. Originally telecast on September 24, 1978, "Little Miss Bunker" begins as Edith's shiftless cousin, Floyd (Marty Brill), pays a visit to the Bunkers. As usual, Floyd leeches off his hosts, but this time he leaves something behind: His nine-year-old daughter. Danielle Brisebois joins the cast as Stephanie Mills. "Little Miss Bunker" was written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Mike is offered a lucrative teaching job in Santa Barbara, CA. Excitedly, the Stivics prepare for their big move to the West Coast. But this sudden uprooting has an unexpected effect on Mike and Gloria's relationship with Archie and Edith. Sherman Hemsley makes a "crossover" appearance as George Jefferson. Like many another eighth-season All in the Family episode, this one was written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine. "Mike's New Job" made its first network appearance on March 5, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Edith prepares a special farewell dinner for Mike and Gloria, in preparation of their move to California. While Gloria eagerly looks forward to this final family get-together, Mike has a problem: He has already made a commitment that evening to meet his new supervisor from Santa Barbara. The first episode of a two-part story, "The Dinner Guest" was written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, and first aired on March 12, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Once again, Blanche Hefner is "stepping out" on her husband, Barney. And once again, Barney's misery is seriously affecting business at Archie's bar. And yet once again, Archie and Edith try to bring the Hefners back together -- this time by spending a weekend with the contentious couple in Upstate New York. Estelle Parsons and Allan Melvin appear as the battling Hefners. Written by Phil Sharp and Milt Josefsberg, "Weekend in the Country" was first telecast on October 29, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Hoping to buy Archie a TV for their 30th wedding anniversary, Edith is upset to learn that the bank won't okay her loan without her husband's signature. She is even more upset when Archie agrees with the bank's assertion that Edith is "unemployed." In her own dumb-like-a-fox fashion, Edith finds a way to get even with both the bank and Archie. Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, "Edith Versus the Bank" originally aired on November 19, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Archie is shocked to discover that the new waitress hired by Harry is none other than Denise (Janis Paige), the woman with whom Archie nearly had an extramarital fling back in 1976. Unfortunately, Edith also learns that Denise is back in the neighborhood. Inevitably, the two women in Archie's life have a showdown -- with surprising and surprisingly touching results. Written by Milt Josefsberg and Phil Sharp, "The Return of the Waitress" was first broadcast on November 26, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Archie discovers that the cash register in his bar contains several counterfeit ten-dollar bills. Alas, he makes this discovery after Edith has been arrested for trying to spend one of those phony bills. Even more embarrassing is the fact that Edith was using the "funny money" to buy him some new underwear. This episode was written by All in the Family fixtures Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf. "Bogus Bills" first aired on December 3, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Eagerly awaiting a visit from Mike, Gloria, and Joey during the Christmas holidays, Archie and Edith are surprised to learn that the Stivics have cancelled their trip from California to New York. The reason, according to Gloria, is that Mike is suffering from a bad back. Suspecting that something else is amiss, the Bunkers decide to make the westward journey to Santa Barbara to find out for themselves. Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, "The Bunkers Go West" originally aired on December 10, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Archie and Edith arrive in Santa Barbara, CA, where they intend to spend Christmas week with Mike and Gloria. But all is not holly-jolly in the Stivic household; Mike and Gloria are on the verge of getting a divorce. At first, Archie threatens dire consequences to Mike, but ends up taking The Meathead's side when he finds out that Gloria is responsible for the split. The ending of the episode is not entirely happy and upbeat, thereby setting the stage for Sally Struthers' subsequent "solo" sitcom effort Gloria a few years later. Originally telecast as a one-hour episode on December 17, 1978, "California, Here We Are" was originally planned as two half-hour installments, and has since been syndicated in this divided form. The first half of the program was written by Milt Josefsberg and Phil Sharp; the second half was by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
The eighth season of All in the Family is the last in which that "family" would all be together. Offered a professorship at a California University, Mike Stivic (Rob Reiner) moves himself, his wife, Gloria (Sally Struthers), and their son, Joey, out of their Bronx home, which of course is next door to the house inhabited by Gloria's parents, Archie and Edith Bunker (Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton). Although the conservative Archie and the liberal Mike have generally been at each other's throats throughout the previous seven seasons, the two men share a warm and tearful farewell, bringing season nine to a memorable close. But before that happens, another major story development occurs. Fed up with working for others, Archie decides to go into business for himself, purchasing his favorite watering hole, Kelsey's Bar, and renaming the establishment "Archie Bunker's Place." Ultimately the name of the saloon would succeed All in the Family as the name of the series. Season eight offers many other unforgettable moments. In the two-part "Edith's Crisis of Faith, Edith goes into a deep depression when her good friend, transvestite entertainer Beverly LaSalle (Lori Shannon), is murdered. Even more shattering is the two-parter "Edith's 50th Birthday," in which she is attacked by a would-be rapist (David Dukes) in her own home. On a less traumatic and more comical note, the two-part "Archie's Bitter Pill" finds Archie suffering the consequences of popping pep pills to forget about slump in his bar business. And in another dual-episode story, "Archie and the KKK," the otherwise bombastic bigot reveals that he is dead set against hate crimes -- especially those directed at his own son-in-law. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Mike is determined to assert his independence. He chooses to do so by claiming to be too tired to attend a party with Gloria and then going off on a skiing excursion with his friends. Mike's defiant move sparks another of those marathon All in the Family arguments. Written by Ben Starr and Charles Stewart, "Mike Goes Skiing" was originally telecast on January 22, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
There was little love lost between Archie and his co-worker Stretch Cunningham when Stretch was alive. Now that Mr. Cunningham has passed away, a reluctant Archie agrees to deliver the eulogy. But then, Archie discovers a hitherto well-concealed fact: Stretch was Jewish. The sight of Archie Bunker wearing a yarmulke is priceless. Written by Phil Doran, Douglas Aragno, and Milt Josefsberg, "Stretch Cunningham, Goodbye" first aired on January 29, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Gloria is amazed when she finds her mother, Edith, engrossed in a best-selling sex manual. Even more amazing is the effect that the book has on Edith. To make a long story short (without revealing too much of the plot), Gloria prevails upon Mike to relate the "new facts of life" to nonplussed traditionalist Archie Bunker. Written by Eric Tarloff, "The Joys of Sex" made its first network appearance on February 5, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Arriving home early from a weekend trip, Archie and Edith find their tenant Teresa Betancourt and her boyfriend, Brian (Patrick J. Cronin), enjoying an intimate -- and underdressed -- moment in Teresa's room. An outraged Archie is all for throwing Teresa out, bag and baggage. Though Edith is equally shocked by Teresa's libertine behavior, her attitude is mitigated by unanticipated plot developments. Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, "The Boarder Patrol" first aired on January 8, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
While in the furniture shop for repairs, Archie's beloved easy chair is accidentally given to the wrong customer. Tracking down the precious piece of furniture, Archie discovers that the chair become the centerpiece of an avant-garde exhibition created by an artist named Lichtenrauch (Michael Pataki). Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, this episode inadvertently anticipated the real-life honor bestowed upon Archie's celebrated chair, when it was enshrined in the Smithsonian Institution in 1978. "Archie's Chair" originally aired on January 15, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
