Sally Struthers Movies
The daughter of a Portland doctor, Sally Ann Struthers left home at 18, determined to become a star. The 5' 1", frizzy-haired Ms. Struthers attended classes at the Pasadena Playhouse, then worked as a singer, dancer and commercial actress before the breaks began arriving in rapid succession in 1970. By the end of that year, she had been seen on TV as a comedy-ensemble player on The Smothers Brother Comedy Hour and a chorus girl (in fact, the only chorus girl) on The Tim Conway Comedy Hour; she'd played a small but attention-grabbing role in the Jack Nicholson film Five Easy Pieces; and she'd provided the voice for Pebbles Flintstone on the animated Pebbles and Bamm Bamm Show. Oh, before we forget: also in 1970, Struthers was cast as Gloria Bunker Stivic on the groundbreaking TV sitcom All in the Family. During her seven-season stint as Gloria, she shared a 1972 "Best Supporting Actress" Emmy with The Mary Tyler Moore Show's Valerie Harper. She also took time out to deliver an image-busting performance as the sluttish wife of kidnap victim Jack Dodson in Sam Peckinpah's The Getaway (1972), and to star in such made-for-TV films as Aloha Means Goodbye (1974), Hey, I'm Alive (1975) and The Great Houdinis (1976). In 1975, Struthers very nearly walked off All in the Family over a much-publicized salary dispute; she left the series when her contract ended in 1978, returning briefly to appear in an episode titled "California Here We Are"--and winning a second Emmy as a result. Though big things were predicted for Struthers, her post-Family years were rough. Her TV-movie appearances began playing to ever-diminishing ratings, while her highly touted 1981 Broadway debut in Wally's Café was a bust. It was a frightened, insecure Sally Struthers who returned to series television in 1982 as the star of Gloria, an All in the Family spin-off which recast the actress in the role that made her famous. Despite initially good ratings, Gloria tanked after a year. After another foredoomed Broadway appearance in a female version of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple, Sally accepted the role of klutzy divorcee Marsha McMurray Shrimpton in the 1986 syndicated sitcom 9 to 5. Around this same time, Struthers began showing up as the TV spokesperson for a charitable organization serving malnourished Third-World children. While none could doubt the actress' sincerity, her strident, lachrymose fund-raising appeals were treated with merciless derision by the many sketch-comedy TV series of the period. Though her career may never again reach the heights of her All in the Family days, Sally Struthers has kept busy in a variety of show-business ventures, including voiceover assignments on such series as Talespin and Dinosaurs, and a recent touring production of the musical Grease, in which she co-starred with another TV favorite of yore, The Monkees' Davy Jones. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1975
As indicated by its title, this episode of All in the Family served as the pilot for the spin-off series The Jeffersons. The Bunkers appear at the beginning of the episode to bid goodbye as the nouveau riche Jefferson family leave their middle-class Bronx neighborhood in favorite of a "dee-luxe" apartment on New York's fashionable East Side. Helen Willis and Franklin Cover make their first appearances as the Jeffersons' new neighbors, a "mixed" married couple named Helen and Tom Willis. Written by Lloyd Turner and Gordon Mitchell, "The Jeffersons Move Up" originally aired on January 11, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Edith is charmed by her plumber's new assistant, Nick Howard (Cliff Osmond), who compliments her appearance and recites poetry as he works. She is less charmed to discover that Nick is a prisoner at Sing Sing, who is participating in a work-furlough program. But Edith's concern is nothing compared to Archie's outright terror over having a "con" in his house. Scripted by Lou Derman and Bill Davenport from a story by Bud Wiser, "Prisoner in the House" first aired on January 4, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Archie makes another snide comment about Mike's eating habits, whereupon Mike counters that Archie smokes too much. The gauntlet flung, Archie and Mike make a five-dollar bet. Archie must give up smoking for 48 hours, while Mike must abstain from eating for the same period of time. Who will be the first to weaken? Written by Lou Derman and Bill Davenport, "No Smoking" made its first network appearance on March 1, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Archie sees nothing wrong in "borrowing" a few nails and an electric drill from work. Mike and Gloria argue that stealing is stealing, no matter what the circumstances or excuses. Yes, another argument ensues, and yes, Archie learns another lesson -- and so, for that matter, do Mike and Gloria. "Everybody Does It" was written by Lou Derman, Bill Davenport, and Susan Ware. The episode was originally broadcast on February 8, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
To pass the time, Archie takes a magazine test which ostensibly measures his life expectancy. Alas, he scores a miserable 64, meaning that, according to the test, he will die at the age of 57. This of course sends Archie into a tizzy; after all, he's already passed the "big five-o." In its original program listings, TV Guide felt the need to observe that "Archie and the Quiz" was taped before a live audience -- something that has been common knowledge since All in the Family debuted. This particular episode was written by Michael Morris, and first aired on February 15, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Poised to move out of the Bunker household and into a place of his own, Mike decides to release five years' worth of pent-up anger by telling Archie exactly where to go. Alas, Mike is forced to eat his words -- due to some unexpected red tape, he will be unable to move into his new home for another week. "Alone at Last" was written by Hal Kanter and was the second series episode to be directed by Carroll O'Connor's longtime friend and professional associate, Paul Bogart. The program first aired on September 15, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
His year-long college fellowship at an end, Mike lands a teaching job. At long last, he and Gloria are able to move out of the Bunker house and find a place of their own; in fact, Gloria has promised her parents that she and Mike will locate an apartment within the week. But if Archie thinks that he is rid of his pesky son-in-law, he's in for another disappointment. Scripted by Lou Derman and Bill Davenport from a story by Robert Arnott, "Mike Makes His Move" originally aired on March 8, 1975, as the final episode of All in the Family's fifth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
The sixth season of All in the Family got under way as Mike and Gloria prepared to move out of the Bunker house and into their new lodgings -- the old Jefferson house, right across the street. Adding to the excitement is Gloria's discovery that she is pregnant. But this may not be altogether good news; Mike has already gone on record insisting that he doesn't want any children. Written by Hal Kanter, "A Very Moving Day" originally aired on September 8, 1975, as All in the Family itself moved from its familiar Saturday-night time slot to a new Monday-evening berth. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
While fondly recalling the opening theme music of The Milton Berle Show, Gloria and Mike receive a letter stating that Gloria has been fired from her job. Once Mike has come to grips with the fact that he will be forced to be the family breadwinner, a new plot tangent develops when Gloria's chauvinistic boss (George Furth) admits that he fired her because she is pregnant -- and then virtually dares her to do something about it. Carroll O'Connor does not appear in this episode. Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, "Mike Faces Life" first aired on October 27, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, (more)
- 1975
Resigned to the fact that he is going to be a father, Mike is likewise willing to go along with Gloria's "natural childbirth" plans. In theory, it sounds great, but when Mike begins to contemplate the notion of actually being present in the delivery room while Gloria gives birth, the old familiar qualms set in. The supporting cast includes Francine Beers as Sybil Gooley. Written by Lou Derman and Milt Josefsberg, "Mike's Pains" was originally telecast on October 6, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Bernadette Peters guest stars as Linda Galloway, a sexy college student in need of special tutoring. Since Linda is one of Mike's students, he takes on the task of getting her through the finals. But Mike is not quite prepared for the fact that Linda finds him to be a very attractive man -- nor does this fact escape the notice of a jealous Gloria. The script, by Lou Derman and Milt Josefsberg, is so adroitly constructed that for a few moments, even the audience is convinced that Mike will plunge headlong into infidelity. "Gloria Suspects Mike" originally aired on November 17, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Thanksgiving dinner at the Bunkers' provides Archie with yet another opportunity to hit the ceiling. This time, Archie is outraged when Mike and Gloria announce that their baby will be raised without any sort of religious training. Though certainly no churchgoer himself, Archie is convinced that the couple has already consigned their unborn child to the Pit of Perdition, and he intends to do something about it. Written by Lou Derman, "The Little Atheist" was originally broadcast on November 24, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
In order to pass a company physical, Archie must lower his normally high blood pressure. This means that Archie must remain absolutely calm, no matter what the provocation. Unfortunately, the family is in the midst of debate over the naming of Gloria's baby -- and it's still two days before the physical. Often credited to Michael Ross and Bernie West, this episode was actually written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine. "Grandpa Blues" was first telecast on November 10, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Pregnant Gloria's "due date" has come and gone. In fact, nine full days have passed since Gloria was supposed to have given birth. Frustrated beyond belief, Gloria explosively takes out her anger on Mike -- and before long even Edith has fallen victim to her daughter's crabbiness. Others in the cast include Robin Wilson as Sylvia, Garn Stephens as Dotty, and Madeline Fisher as Vicki. Written by Milt Josefsberg and Ben Starr, "Gloria Is Nervous" originally aired on December 8, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
While moonlighting as a cabbie, Archie is mugged. Reporting the crime to a cop named Garsky (Frank Campanella), Archie lets slip that he fended off the mugger with a concealed tear-gas pen. As a result, it is Archie who ends up being arrested for carrying an illegal weapon. Best line: "You ain't over-bright, are ya?" Paulene Myers appears as Judge Mackenzie, while future Trapper John MD regular Charles Siebert is cast as Mr. Sloan. Written by Larry Rhine and Mel Tokin, "Archie's Civil Rights" first aired on December 1, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Mike is finally able to pry the in-labor Gloria loose from a restaurant telephone booth and rush her to the hospital. Thanks to innumerable delays, it is grandparents Archie and Edith who arrive at the hospital first -- with Archie still in blackface from his lodge minstrel show, creating quite a spectacle indeed. The only calm member of the family is expectant mother Gloria, who keeps her cool all through the delivery while Mike suffers his own version of labor pains. This program made history as the first sitcom episode to show an actual live birth (courtesy of a pre-taped sequence). Best line: "Not now, Michael, I have a headache." Written by Milt Josefsberg and Ben Starr, Part two of "Birth of the Baby" first aired on December 22, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
In the first episode of a two-part story, Gloria suddenly goes into labor while she's stuck in a restaurant telephone booth. As Mike and Edith try to free Gloria and ship her to the hospital, Archie receives the news while applying blackface for a lodge minstrel show. Perhaps a bit overloaded with complications, the script by Larry Rhine and Mel Tolkin is undeniably one of the series' most memorable. Part one of "Birth of the Baby" first aired on December 15, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
Season five of All in the Family begins with a four-part story arc, in which Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) faces a long stretch of unemployment during a union strike, while the other members of the Bunker household -- including wife Edith (Jean Stapleton) -- attempt to either tighten or fatten the family's bank account. In a later multi-episode storyline, Archie disappears en route to a lodge convention in Buffalo, leading the family to believe that he has met with an accident -- possibly a fatal one. This story arc was developed while Carroll O'Connor was making noises about leaving All in the Family because of creative financial and creative difference with producer Norman Lear. In the event that O'Connor made good his threat to leave the show, the producers commissioned a script in which Archie is killed in a car accident. Once the dispute was settled and O'Connor returned to the series, the "death" script was shelved, only to be dragged out several years later and rewritten as an episode of Good Times to accommodate the exit from that series of actor John Amos. During All in the Family's fifth season, the series passed its 100-episode milestone. This event was celebrated with an hour-long retrospective special, hosted by Henry Fonda. A few episodes later, the Bunkers' black next-door neighbors "move on up" to a Manhattan high rise, thereby launching their own spin-off series, The Jeffersons. And in the season's final installment, Mike (Rob Reiner) and Gloria (Sally Struthers) decide to finally move out of the Bunker household -- and into the newly vacated Jefferson house! ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1974
Mike thinks that the husband should be the "aggressive" member of a married couple. Gloria claims she doesn't care, but Mike thinks he can read through the lines of her indifference. As a result, Mike and Gloria's romantic evening degenerates into a high-decibel argument. Focusing almost exclusively on series regulars Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers, this episode was written by Don Nicholl. "Mike and Gloria Mix It Up" first aired on January 5, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1974
The family is planning a 50th birthday party for Archie. The only one unwilling to enter into the festivities is Archie himself, who feels that he is old and useless. Then he takes a peek at his birth certificate -- and is he in for a surprise. The episode's level of humor is heightened by the attitude contrast between Archie and the octogenarian couple Quigley (Burt Mustin) and Jo (Ruth McDevitt). Written by Paul Lichtman, Howard Storm, and Don Nicholl, "Archie Feels Left Out" originally aired on January 12, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1974
Archie tries to help out his unemployed friend, Joe Tucker (Vic Tayback), who used to hold Archie's job at the loading dock. Things get dicey when it looks as though Joe is going to get his old job back -- and where does that leave Archie? A pre-Charlie's Angels David Doyle rounds out the supporting cast as Jim Sanders. Written by All in the Family story editors Bernie West and Michael Ross, "Et Tu, Archie" was first telecast on January 26, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1974
Richard Masur is cast as George Bushmill, a retarded grocery stockboy whom Gloria befriends. Intimidated by George's mental handicap, Archie unintentionally gets the boy fired from his job. Before Archie learns his inevitable lesson, he is neatly put in his place by George's dad (Joseph Mascolo); explaining that George's brain suffered a loss of oxygen at birth, Mr. Bushmill turns to Archie and asks "What's your excuse?" Written by Don Nicholl, "Gloria's Boyfriend" first aired on February 2, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1974
Lionel Jefferson's engagement party promises to be a fun occasion for everyone but Archie, who discovers that Lionel's dad, George Jefferson, does not want to invite him. Even so, Archie attends, only to get into an argument with George's indomitable mother. The episode ends with Archie and George once more finding out they have more in common than either man would wish. Zara Cully makes her first appearance as Mother Jefferson, a role she would carry over into the All in the Family spin-off The Jeffersons. Written by Michael Ross and Bernie West, "Lionel's Engagement" originally aired on February 9, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1974
The whole Bunker household is thrown into an uproar -- and the cause of it all is a dish of stew. Believing that he has eaten poison mushrooms, Archie is convinced he is at death's door. Richard Stahl and Jane Dulo head the supporting cast as Archie's doctor and nurse, respectively. Written by Michael Ross and Bernie West, "Archie Eats and Runs" first aired on February 16, 1974, a few weeks after series regular Jean Stapleton won a Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a Comedy/musical Series." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1974
When Gloria is depressed, everyone in the family suffers. The reason for Gloria's doldrums is her belief that she has fallen out of love with husband Mike. It is up to Edith to save the day -- and to again reveal that, when the chips are down, she is anything but a mere "dingbat." Written by All in the Family story editors Michael Ross and Bernie West, "Gloria Sings the Blues" made its first network appearance on March 2, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
