Maude - The Complete First Season
Starring: Brian Morrison, Esther Rolle, Hermione Baddeley, J. Pat O'MalleyDirector: John Rich
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC
Running Time: 460 minutes
DVD Release: March 20th 2007
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DVD Review
Lest anyone doubt that Maude was part of the great second golden age of TV sitcoms in the mid-'70s, the first season of the show will lay those doubts to rest. The inimitable Bea Arthur, who won an Emmy for the role, is the uber-feminist-realist at the center of a loving, slightly dysfunctional family in the Norman Lear series. Arthur, and Maude, are fearless in confronting issues of the day, from abortion and penalties for marijuana possession to the real heartbreak post-divorce. The supporting cast is first-rate, too, including Adrienne Barbeau as Maude's daughter, Carol, who's come home to nest after a traumatic divorce; Bill Macy as Maude's beleaguered fourth husband, Walter; and the beloved, fearless Esther Rolle as housekeeper Florida Evans. Despite the roiling issues and confrontation s in each episode, nothing rattles Maude, who became something of a role model for women trying to navigate through turbulent changing times. Sample dialogue: Maude: "When he says wife, he means possession." Walter: "So what, Maude? You told me a hundred times you want to be possessed." Maude: "Walter Findlay, I never said that standing up and you know it." Maude speaks her mind in all 20 episodes--and if you don't like it, God'll get you for that. --A.T. Hurley
Stills from Maude (click for larger image)
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Beyond Maude at Amazon.com
 The Works of Beatrice Arthur, |  Bea Arthur on Broadway |  More TV from the 1970's |
User Reviews
"...and then theirs Maude!" - Rating: 5/5
We have waited a long time for this Norman Lear sitcom to appear on DVD.
The character of "Maude Finlay" came from 2 episodes of "All in the Family" (1971-79) during the second season. Beatrice Arthur first appeared in the episode "Cousin Maude's Visit" (December 11, 1971).
If you thought "Archie Bunker" was very vociferative on politics, union labor, black and polish people and God, then wait until you hear Edith's cousin, Maude.
Maude and Archie could go around and around on a topic, including women's liberation. Maude would win.
We saw "Maude Finley again when Edith & Archie Bunker went to New York to visit Maude for Carol's wedding (March 11, 1972). These two episodes are not on the "Maude" DVD, but can be seen on the All in the Family: Season 2 DVD.
Beatrice Arthur was so popular with the tv viewers, she was spun-off into her own CBS tv series, Maude (1972-78).
The cast included Bill Macy as Maude's husband, "Walter", Adrienne Barbeau as daughter "Carol", Brian Morrison [Airport '75/ Airport '77 and The Concorde: Airport '79 in additional footage] as Carol's young son, "Phillip", Conrad Bain as the neighbor and Walter's best friend, "Arthur", Rue McClanahan as "Vivian", Esther Rolle as "Florida Evans"--Maude's new housekeeper.
Bill Macy also appeared in two "All in the Family" episodes, "Archie sees a Mugging" (Januiary 29, 1972) as a "uniformed policeman". Six weeks later, he returned in an episode as "Walter Finley".
Maude had a beautiful home with her fourth husband, Walter. She convinced her adult daughter, Carol and her young son to live with them in the two-story house. Maude was an activist on politics and women's rights. Don't cross Maude on an issue because she is a woman who is liberal, headstrong and speaks her mind. When she was right, she knew it. When she was wrong, she would relent and say so. She was emotional too. Always worried about her daughter Carol and having the perfect marriage. Maude loved Walter.
Some familar faces in this season:
Ed Begley Jr, Helen Page camp, William Redfield, Cesare Danova, Pasty garrett, Paul Barswlou, Jon Korkes, Vincent Gardenia, Louis Guss, Frank Aletter, Van Johnson, Barbara Rush, Elizabeth Fraser, Frank Campanella, Tom Bosley, Rosemary Murphy.
Funny Line: "God's gonna get you for that, Walter".
Notes: Esther Rolle would later leave the show, but continued her "Florida" character in "Good Times" (1974-79). John Amos continued his character as her husband, "James".
Beatrice Arthur and Rue McClanahan would reteam for "The Golden Girls".
Adrienne Barbeau and Beatrice Arthur reunited on the morning program, "The View", March 20, 2007.
Wow, what a show - Rating: 3/5
I remember watching this show on occasion back in the 70s and didn't like it cuz Maude always seemed so darn crabby. But that was before I finally understood looks aren't necessarily that obvious. Translation: there's more to what meets the eye.
I'd been wanting to watch it again, and it was good to once I bought it at a store (this is one of some shows I didn't order at Amazon). I enjoyed it and already watched everything here twice, so hopefully the 2nd season will be released soon.
Timeless humour - Rating: 5/5
The sharp and straight lines of Maude are politically incorrect sometimes, but always hilarious. Beatrice Arthur has an unending variety of facial expressions and gestures which adds even more comic verve to her acting. Too bad no subtitles for hearing impaired are included: the script, although simple and with no elaborate rhetoric, is really worth reading.
So Where is Season Two? - Rating: 5/5
This was my favorite sitcom when I was a kid. The early 70s was such a Golden Era in Television with classics like Maude, All In The Family, Mary Tyler Moore, M*A*S*H*, The Odd Couple, Bob Newhart. These programs were not only funny and entertaining, they were well-written and acted. They also made you think. It was such a great time to grow up. Not like most of the trendy, superficial junk that passes for entertainment on TV today.
Bea is my favorite actress of all time. Bigger than life, she could say more with just a look than most actresses today could in their entire career. There are so many classic episodes, so many wonderful performances that I look forward to seeing again. Maude and Vivian were the Lucy & Ethel of my generation. I can't wait to own every season of "Maude" on DVD. So where is Season Two already? Sony, I sure hope you release the next season soon or, to quote Maude Findlay, God will get you for that!!!
Maude was a comic masterpiece - Rating: 5/5
"Maude" stars famed comedienne, Bea Arthur in the title role. This is Bea's best work (sorry "Golden Girls" fans) because her part is so larger than life (just like herself.) Maude doesn't' know how to take no for an answer; she rules her house with an iron fist (and tongue.) This is pure 70's entertainment and a must for any Bea Arthur fan.
