Hes' REALLY good in this one, which I'm assuming was written specifically for him, as he is perfectly attuned to every subtlety of the character and the script. A true, old PRO---never to be equaled or seen again. So if your'e a fan of Mr. Rains, you'll love this show.
Too bad about the bag lady. WHY IS IT that every time a common, everyday, citizen on the street appears in this series--ESPECIALLY the women-- the performance is an eccentric, exaggerated, cartoon-y CARICATURE?? It's as if an order went out from producers Leonard and Siliphant that every "Ordinary New-York type" bit player must be grossly overacted, usually with a VERY broad Brooklynese accent. Not that the bag lady's role is big, but it certainly ruins the dramatic tone of the show when she's onscreen. Jeezzz.....
The son is also too broadly played for my taste, too theatrical and obnoxious for his more intimate scenes with Claude Rains and family.
All-in-all, though, a solidly written show, well photographed and directed (except for the excesses noted above), and a wonderful showcase for one of Hollywood's authentic, legendary actors. LR
NOTE!! The secretary who ushers Burke and McMahon into Claude Rains' office is named CORA; the crazed bag-lady in the beginning is DORA. Suzanne Pleshette in "Pedigree Sheet" was NORA. I'm gritting my teeth for the appearance of FLORA in some upcoming episode.
Too bad about the bag lady. WHY IS IT that every time a common, everyday, citizen on the street appears in this series--ESPECIALLY the women-- the performance is an eccentric, exaggerated, cartoon-y CARICATURE?? It's as if an order went out from producers Leonard and Siliphant that every "Ordinary New-York type" bit player must be grossly overacted, usually with a VERY broad Brooklynese accent. Not that the bag lady's role is big, but it certainly ruins the dramatic tone of the show when she's onscreen. Jeezzz.....
The son is also too broadly played for my taste, too theatrical and obnoxious for his more intimate scenes with Claude Rains and family.
All-in-all, though, a solidly written show, well photographed and directed (except for the excesses noted above), and a wonderful showcase for one of Hollywood's authentic, legendary actors. LR
NOTE!! The secretary who ushers Burke and McMahon into Claude Rains' office is named CORA; the crazed bag-lady in the beginning is DORA. Suzanne Pleshette in "Pedigree Sheet" was NORA. I'm gritting my teeth for the appearance of FLORA in some upcoming episode.