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
- 1977
Generous Edith offers the Bunker living room as the site for the wedding between Mr. Hooper (Ian Wolfe) and Florence Talley (Merie Earle), two octogenarian residents of the Sunshine Rest House. Unfortunately, the ceremony coincides with Archie's long-anticipated fishing trip. As the wedding plods on and on due to unexpected interruptions and delays, it looks as if the fishing season will be over before Archie ever gets to bait his hook. Written by Charles Stewart and Ben Starr, "Unequal Partners" first aired on October 23, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
One of the most controversial and compelling episodes of All in the Family, "Edith's 50th Birthday" begins as the rest of the family prepares a surprise party for Edith at Mike and Gloria's house. Left alone in her own house, Edith is attacked and held at knifepoint by a rapist (David Dukes). Though the intruder leaves before inflicting any physical damage, the experience so unnerves Edith that she refuses to go to the police and testify against her attacker; in fact, it appears as if she will be too frightened ever to leave her house again. Offsetting the grimness of the central situation is a surfeit of broad comedy, including Archie and Mike's slapstick efforts to search the Bunker house just in case the rapist is still lurking about. Written by Bob Weiskopf and Bob Schiller, "Edith's 50th Birthday" originally aired as a 60-minute episode on October 16, 1977; it has since been re-edited as two 30-minute episodes for syndication purposes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Archie reluctantly accompanies Edith to the funeral of her cousin, Liz. At first, an uncharacteristically quiet Archie enters into the solemnity of the occasion. But things change radically when the Bunkers make the acquaintance of the decedent's longtime female roommate, Veronica Cartright (K. Callan), who also turns out to be the late Liz's lesbian lover. Written by Bob Weiskopf and Bob Schiller, "Cousin Liz" first aired on October 9, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
All in the Family launched its eighth season on October 2, 1977 (and moved from Saturday to Sunday evening in the process), with the extra-length "transitional" episode "Archie Gets the Business." Tired of working for wages, Archie yearns to fulfill his longtime dream of purchasing Kelcey's Bar. Of course, there's a little matter of collateral, but Archie is certain that Edith will agree to his plan of signing over their mortgage as a security. Unfortunately, Edith doesn't agree -- and that's why Archie ends up forging her name. Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, the 60-minute "Archie Gets the Business" has since been re-edited into two 30-minute episodes for syndication purposes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Archie is driven crazy by the persistent yapping of the dog owned by his neighbor Barney Hefner. Things get worse when Archie accidentally runs over the dog with his car, and tries to rush the animal to the vet without Barney knowing anything about it. As the episode draws to a conclusion, Archie's attitude towards animals in general and dogs in particular undergoes a few remarkable changes. Written by Charles Stewart, Ben Starr, Mort Lachman, and Milt Josefsberg, "Archie's Dog Day Afternoon" originally aired on March 12, 1977, as the final episode of All in the Family's seventh season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Surprise, surprise! It is Archie Bunker, who, as head of his lodge's membership committee, demands that a minority-group member be allowed to join. Actually, Archie is covering his own behind: The lodge has been threatened with legal action from various civil-rights groups if it does not open its doors to either a Jew or an African American. Hoping to kill two birds with one stone (so to speak), Archie lobbies for the membership of a black Jewish man named Solomon Jackson (James McEachin). Written by Ben Starr and Charles Stewart, "Archie the Liberal" originally aired on March 5, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
While playing a word game, Gloria is frustrated at Mike's intellectual capacity. Lashing out at her husband, she attributes her limited range of knowledge to the fact that she handled the domestic duties while Mike enjoyed the benefits of a college education. Ultimately, Mike is kicked out of his house, forcing him to spend the night with a none-too-agreeable Archie. Written by Mel Tolkin, Larry Rhine, Mort Lachman, and Milt Josefsberg, "Mike and Gloria Split" first aired on February 26, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
The Bunkers' upstairs bathroom suffers minor damages in a small fire. Hoping to collect a huge insurance settlement, Archie rearranges the evidence to make it seem that the damage was extensive. His self-inflicted vandalization is merely a prologue for yet another example of Archie figuratively shooting himself in the foot. Roger C. Carmel appears as insurance adjustor Ligway. First telecast on February 19, 1977, "Fire," was written by Michael Loman, Larry Rhine, and Mel Tolkin. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the first episode of a two-part story, Lori Shannon returns to the role of Edith's female-impersonator friend, Beverly LaSalle. While heading for a Christmas party at the Bunkers, Beverly and Mike are attacked by a violent street gang -- and Beverly is killed. Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf wrote the script, from an original story by Erik Tarloff. Part one of "Edith's Crisis of Faith" was first telecast on December 18, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In another flashback episode, Mike and Gloria recall their first blind date way back in 1968. Once again, the audience is treated to a glimpse of the curly haired, squeaky-voiced, pre-Lib Gloria and the bearded, oversexed radical Mike. Christopher Guest, who later appeared in the Rob Reiner-directed films The Princess Bride and This is Spinal Tap, is here cast as Jim, with Priscilla Lopez as Debbie. Written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, "Mike and Gloria Meet" first aired on December 11, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Archie has been duped into joining the KKK (which, undoubtedly for legal reasons, has been renamed "The Kweens Kouncil of Krusaders"). Even worse, the group plans to burn a cross on Mike and Gloria's lawn. Aghast, Archie puts his own life on the line to save his loved ones from harassment. Dennis Patrick appears as Gordie, with Roger Bowen as Mitch. Written by Bob Schiller, Bob Weiskopf, Mort Lachman, and Milt Josefsberg, part two of "Archie and the Ku Klux Klan" originally aired on December 4, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the first episode of a two-part story, Archie is offered membership in a secretive "patriotic" organization. Only when it is too late does Archie realize that he's been "rushed" by the KKK, who have designated his own son-in-law, Mike, as their latest target for persecution. Dennis Patrick and Roger Bowen head the supporting cast as Gordie and Mitch, respectively. Written by Bob Schiller, Bob Weiskopf, Mort Lachman, and Milt Josefsberg, part one of "Archie and the Ku Klux Klan" originally aired on November 27, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Archie's dependency upon "pep pills" -- brought about by the pressures of owning a bar -- has gotten completely out of hand. Fortunately, he is able to make a complete withdrawl from amphetatimes; unfortunately, this "cold turkey" approach has left him utterly depressed and defeated. Saving the day is Archie's down-to-earth bartender, Harry. Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine in collaboration with medical consultant William C. Rader, M.D., part two of "Archie's Bitter Pill" first aired on November 13, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In this first episode of a two-part story, the pressures of the saloon business lead Archie to begin taking unprescribed pep pills. Inevitably, he develops a dangerous addiction to amphetamines. The script was written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine in collaboration with medical consultant William C. Rader, M.D. The guest cast includes A. Martinez as Manuel and Arny Freeman as Watkins. Part one of "Archie's Bitter Pill" first aired on November 6, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Preparing the grand opening of "Archie Bunker's Place," Archie discovers that being an employer can be just as vexing as working for wages. As one argument segues into another, Archie's entire staff walks out on him. There is nothing else for Archie to do but press Edith, Mike, and Gloria into service as temporary help -- and one can well imagine Mike's efficiency as a convivial bartender. Originally telecast on October 30, 1977, "Archie's Grand Opening" was written by Larry Rhine and Mel Tolkin. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Edith is still grieving over the death of her female-impersonor friend, Beverly LaSalle, who was killed by a vicious street gang for no reason other than being "different." So shaken is Edith that nothing can snap her out of her depression. Not even the Christmas season can lift her spirits; in fact, she has renounced her faith in God, appalled that He would allow such a horrible thing to happen. Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf wrote the script, from an original story by Erik Tarloff. "Edith's Crisis of Faith, Part Two" was first telecast on December 25, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1976
It's mind-boggling, but women who wanted to vote were once labeled by psychologists as mentally ill. Indeed, women in the United States could not vote until 1919, after passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. As this documentary shows, pioneering women such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) and Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) fought for over five decades to extend the vote to women. This is the fifth installment in the 13-volume American Documents documentary series, which presents United States history in an entertaining, yet well-researched manner. American Documents, Vol. 5: How We Got the Vote is hosted by actress Jean Stapleton, best known for her role as the emotionally abused Edith Bunker in the sitcom All in the Family. Highlights of this program include archival photographs and newsreel footage. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1976
Season seven of All in the Family begins on an unsettling note with a three-part story in which faithful Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) seriously considers cheating on his ever-lovin' spouse, Edith (Jean Stapleton), with a brassy waitress named Denise (Janis Paige). Ultimately, Archie returns to Edith without having compromised his wedding vows, but it takes some time for Edith to forgive her wandering husband. This story arc is followed by two more multi-episode plotlines: in "The Unemployment Story," Archie faces the likelihood of losing his job, then must talk another unemployed soul out of committing suicide, and in "Archie's Operation," our hero must endure surgery armed with the knowledge that the hospital receptionist, the blood transfusionist, and the surgeon are all members of minority groups! Meanwhile, Archie's daughter, Gloria (Sally Struthers), and son-in-law, Mike (Rob Reiner), continue to adjust to their new parenthood as they care for baby Joey. The episodes revolving around Mike and Gloria aren't as numerous as those dealing with Archie and Edith, indicating that Struthers and Reiner were both seriously considering leaving the series -- which they would do at the end of the following season. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1976
Mike's liberalism is once more put to the test when he is faced with the iniquities of Real Life. Up for a prestigious teaching position at a Minnesota College, Mike may lose out to a black candidate thanks to what would later be called "affirmative action." Surprisingly, a gloating Archie agrees with the school's equal-opportunity policy. David Downing plays Mike's competitor, John Kasten, while Lee Bergere is cast as Dean Winslow. Written by Milt Josefsberg and Ben Starr, "Mike's Move" originally aired on February 2, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1976
Jack Gilford delivers a poignant performance as Bernard Bernstein, an elderly Jewish watchmaker who has spent a lifetime vainly chasing rainbows. Archie befriends Bernstein in hopes of making vast quantities of money from the little watchmaker's latest "sure-fire" invention. It isn't until Archie has sunk 1,000 dollars of Edith's savings in the project that he realizes what the pathetic Mr. Bernstein has known all along -- there is no such thing as a sure thing. Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, "Archie Finds a Friend" first aired on January 26, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1976
In the conclusion of a two-part story arc, Edith is outraged that Archie has been "stepping out" with a waitress named Denise (Janis Paige), despite Archie's insistence that the relationship never went beyond the flirtation stage. Ultimately, Archie and Edith separate, with both parties to proud to take their first step towards reconciliation. It is up to Mike and Gloria to bring the Bunkers together again. Written by Larry Rhine and Mel Tolkin, part two of "Archie's Brief Encounter" first aired on September 29, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1976
Season seven of All in the Family opened with an hour-long episode -- the first of a two-part story arc -- which put the relationship between Archie and Edith Bunker to its severest test. With Edith busy at the Sunshine Nursing Home, a lonely Archie gravitates to an attractive middle-aged waitress named Denise (Janis Paige). He carries the relationship one step further, when, wearing his "good shirt from Disney World," he pays a nocturnal visit to Denise's apartment. And then, Edith finds out. Written by Larry Rhine and Mel Tolkin, part one of "Archie's Brief Encounter" first aired on September 22, 1976; since that time, the 60-minute episode has been re-edited into two 30-minute installments for syndication purposes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1976
In the conclusion of a two-part story, an unemployed Archie continues to look for work. After landing a minimum-wage custodial job, Archie finds himself in the position of saving an unsuccessful applicant for the same job -- and a college graduate to boot -- from committing suicide. Gerald Hiken guest-stars as the hapless Frank Edwards. Written by Charles Stewart and Ben Starr, part two of "The Unemployment Story" originally aired on October 13, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1976
In the first episode of a two-part story, Archie suffers the humiliation of being fired from his job -- just as Mike is given a promotion. But this blow is a minor one compared to the heartache Archie endures when he makes his first trip to the unemployment office. Future Oscar-winner F. Murray Abraham appears as the clerk. Written by series stalwart Ben Starr, part one of "The Unemployment Story" originally aired on October 6, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1976
It is no surprise that Archie is outraged again. This time, the source of his anger is Mike and Gloria's refusal to baptize baby Joey. Determined that the child will enter Heaven in spite of his parents, Archie "borrows" Joey for a quiet -- and hilariously touching -- baptismal service of his own invention. Clyde Kusatsu appears as Reverend Chong. Written by Milt Josefsberg, Mel Tolkin, and Larry Rhine, "Joey's Baptism" first aired on February 23, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
