Monday, June 27, 2011

TPIR-Captain Klutz (1975)




They may have just been showcases on a game show, but to me the Flaky Flicks were so much more. Jay Wolpert, one of our producers on The Price is Right, wrote all of the Flaky Flick showcases. In my mind, his talent and sense of humor is on a par with some of the best comedy writers in Show Business. Along with the large mix of dedicated and generous people who worked behind the scenes on TPIR, and the audience, with whom I always felt such a strong connection, performing in the Flaky Flick showcases was my favorite part of the show.

25 comments:

  1. Hi Aneet-

    These were so fun to watch, I'm glad you enjoyed being a part of them. I love how at 0:53 in the video you did the flair with your hair and gave that sultry, sinester look to the camera. I hope that one day, GSN or another cable network will pick up the rights to TPIR so that we may have another chance to enjoy this one aspect of your diverse career. Again Aneet, being such a big TPIR fan that I am, thank you for your contribution to this cultural icon. Even though I was born after you left the show, I'm glad that I've been able to see your work.

    Regards,

    Joseph

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  2. Hello Joseph,

    Thank you for your gracious message. I'm so glad you enjoyed watching the video. You really zeroed in on one of my favorite moments.

    Yes, I would love to see a collection of Jay Wolpert's Flaky showcases compiled in one piece. They were wonderful satire, and in my mind, art. A few of them, in particular, stand out in my memory.

    I'm happy that you've so enjoyed TPIR. It's fun to share your enthusiasm. Sending My Regards, ~ Aneet

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  3. Aneet,

    This really does bring back great memories of TPIR. I also watched on YOUTUBE the other Flaky Flick showcase The Eggs-O-Cist. I actually remember seeing that one when it was originally broadcast!

    I love the way you're in black and Janice is in white. Also how you stuck out your tongue when you were in the car. I didn't know that it was Jay Wolpert who wrote these Flaky Flicks. I remember meeting him when I was on line for the show and thinking that he had one of the quickest wits I had ever seen! If my memory serves me correctly, I do believe he had a big mustache and wore a shirt that said on his arm "New York".

    Aneet, do you enjoy playing the part of a villain? I know you played villain parts before on some other shows like "Starsky and Hutch".

    I can easily see you as a villain on the original "Batman" series. With all due respects,Julie Newmar has nothing on you. Of course I'd be all too happy to be one of your henchmen.

    Another great post as usual......

    Jonathan :)

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  4. Jnathan, hello,

    In watching this video again, I notice that it has a feel good element to it. I love the way Janice looks and moves at the opening of the showcase. She has such grace and poise.

    Your memories of Jay serve you well. He would have a mustache and a shirt that said New York on it.

    You're perceptive and ask very interesting questions, Jonathan. This issue of playing a villian is one I contemplated often in the 70s, and even while working on Price. I think we've made some progress over time where it comes to stereotypes. The brunette is so much more often considered the bad guy than the blonde. This is one of those subjects that I could go on and on about, as I've given it much thought. I think images have great power, and you have to be careful when you reach masses of people, as the negativity in the characters you play can rub off in people's perceptions.

    On the other hand, a villian (or heavy as they are sometimes called,) usually works with the emotion of anger, overt or covert, and that has a lot of energy. It can be fun and surprising to explore that emotion as an actor. Personally, I prefer characters who are whole and multifaceted--and, of course, comedy!

    Thank you for your interesting comments, Jonathan. Sending sunshine your way, ~ Aneet

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  5. Aneet-

    I think these showcases proved to the viewers that you, Janice, and later Dian, were not just "pretty faces", but also had great talent to add to your charm, beauty and poise. I don't know if you've had a chance to see it yet, and I think I may have been having computer troubles trying to send it to you once, but there is a clip of a showcase from early 1976 dedicated to Mack Sennett, and you, Janice, and Dian are dressed up like the Keystone Cops and end up hitting each other with pies. It's a rather fun showcase.

    Again, thanks for sharing some insight with us regarding your work on TPIR.

    Regards,

    Joseph

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  6. Hello Joseph,

    Good day! I enjoyed your insights and your thoughtful message. I did see the clip you describe. I'm glad that you brought it to my attention again. I really appreciate all that you share with me and our readers and viewers.

    I recall another Flaky showcase where I was also a villain. If my memory serves me well, I was a classic melodrama villain, a man in a stovepipe hat and with a mustache. I think Janice played Sweet Bess and I was tying her to the railroad tracks.

    Again, Joseph, I'd like to thank you so much for all you contribute! Wishing you a beautiful day :) Sincerely, ~ Aneet

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  7. Dear Aneet,

    I love the extensive vocabulary you have in the way you express yourself. You are an incredibly intelligent person!

    I also viewed your Tribute Video. Great job from the person who put it together! One of my favorite clips was when you bit into and chewed that apple. I also loved, among others, your expression when you doled out those coins. They were all great clips!

    Thank you for being you!

    Jonathan :)

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  8. Jonathan,

    I'm humbled by your complements. Thank you. Keep in mind that it is you who asks the interesting and thought provoking questions :)

    And yes, that tribute is fun. GSNsmashfan has an unusual talent for pairing music with video. The effect of that 70s disco music with the TPIR clips is a kick. I also zeroed in on those two clips you mentioned.

    Sending gratitude and good wishes your way, ~ Aneet

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  9. Anitra,

    This is a prime example of how great that show was with you, Janice, Bob, and the incredible Johnny Olson.

    The one showcase I remember so well, that didn't even involve a skit, was one where the contestant had the chance to be a model on the show. That was the first time I ever heard you and Janice speak, as you both told about the prize!! It was great!! Unfortunately, the lady did not win her showcase. Would have been fun to see!!

    Some of these shows are included on the DVD set that cam out about 3 years ago. I wish they'd do another. Definitely a lot of CLASSIC moments that could/will never happen on this show now.

    :-)
    Mark

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  10. OMG!! I see you also posted the tennis photo!! That's it!! So wonderful to see it again!! :-)

    Mark

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  11. Mark,

    Lovely to hear from you! Glad you enjoyed the video. Those were classic moments. Thank you for reminding me of that model showcase. Yes, it would be great to see all of those creative pieces again. I think most of you know that Bob Barker is uncomfortable releasing any of the programs where furs were shown. And, of course, it would take great patience to try to edit them out from tape.

    And, yes, there it is, the tennis photo! :)

    And though I've been working with someone on my web page: Anitra Ford.com, it's not in order yet, but I do believe the tennis photo is posted there now and you may be able to find a better view of it :)

    Sending my warm regards, ~ Aneet

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  12. Hi Anitra, great showcase! The one where you and Janice gave the contestant a chance to be a model was one of my very favorites as well, since it was the first one where you and Janice talked.

    I also remember a Winston ad you did. I loved it so much that I ran to my local corner store and bought every magazine that had the ad in it.

    Thank you for being there through my teen years.

    Kevin

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  13. Kevin,

    So nice to hear from you. I'm delighted that you remember the model showcase. And yes, that Winston ad, where I stood in red plaid shirt, and, if I recall properly, an apron. Winston did a series of ads in that style at the time. It's so interesting to know that it made such a strong impression on you.

    Memories are amazing, the way they bring the past to life. I enjoy your enthusiasm, Kevin. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Sending you my good wishes, ~ Anitra

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  14. Hi Aneet-

    This has been such a great topic. I'm reminded of another Flaky Flick showcase called "The Maltese Mustang" in which you played a dectective, Johnny played the villain, Janice played his henchman, and Dian played a femme fatale murder victim. The beginning of the showcase has a great closeup of you smoking a cigarette, and wearing a man's hat but yet giving that unmistakable sultry, femminine look with your eyes to the camera. I hope it shows up on youtube.

    Maybe one day we'll get to see more of the Flaky Flicks. I'd love to see that old fashioned melodrama with you wearing the stovepipe hat.

    Regards and good wishes as always,

    Joseph

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  15. Hi Aneet! A fun video clip; thanks for sharing!

    If only your "Emmy Award Winning Moment" could return to You Tube...

    Had a peek at your website! Very cool!

    Have a good weekend!

    Bits

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  16. The photo with the tennis dress - so gorgeous. When was it taken?


    Bits

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  17. Bits,

    Lovely to hear from you! And yes, I feel the same way about the "Emmy winning moment." I'm glad that you alerted me to it in the first place. As far as my website is concerned, it's still a work in progress. I'm glad you like it as is. I appreciate your feedback.

    So gad you like the tennis photo. It was a publicity shot, that if I recall correctly, was done around 1973. Yikes.

    And so, Bits, I want to wish you a wonderful holiday weekend. Sending my warm wishes your way, ~ Aneet

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  18. FYI: Your 1974 flick "Wonder Woman" is on You Tube. Will watch tonight.

    Last year there were many You Tube clips with 1970s TPIR. For unknown reasons the clips were removed. Where, oh where, can they be?

    I would view the 1970s clips because, well, I'm not a fan of the Drew Carey TPIR.

    Bits

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  19. Hi Bits,

    Thanks again for yet more tips and information. I so appreciate them. I have been noticing the same thing, that it seems to be more difficult to find those old clips than it was just a year ago. This doesn't make sense to me.

    I haven't seen the Drew Carey version. I like Carey, in general, and would think that the format of TPIR could hold its own with a good host. But Bob Barker is really a charismatic and unique game show personality. And I can see where, if you were a fan of Bob's, it would be pretty hard to settle for a replacement.

    Again, Bits, my warm regards, ~ Aneet

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  20. hi Anitra
    OH TPIR many great Memories.I no longer watch it though,its just not
    the same.I want to congratulate who ever cast You on the Show,and especially you who deserves no less.Your shoes were never filled when you left the show.also who ever scored all the Music to the show was brilliant.I just feel that the music was written especially for you,and janice.Now I dont like the Music at all or the new set.yes change is good,but not in this case.this is just my humble opinion.Hope all is well,Roger

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  21. Roger, hello,

    I answered this comment and just before I posted it, my computer cut out. It's hard to begin again from scratch.

    First of all thank you for your sterling complements, Roger, they mean a lot.

    Mark Goodson, the original exec. producer on Price had a lot to do with Janice and I getting the job. We also met with the other producers and the director before being hired. They all cast their votes.

    I don't know if he wrote the original score, but Michael Malone was our Music Director.

    I like Drew Carey, but I don't watch the show either. I do think Price is strong enough to sustain a few changes in the format.

    One thing that stands out in my mind about Price (and I've said this before,) are the fantastic people who worked behind the scenes. I could go on and on here. A show like that takes an enormous amount of organization and talent. and Price had that in spades!

    I always enjoy hearing from you Roger. Sending you and your family my warm regards, ~ Aneet

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  22. Four thousand bucks for a new Mustang? I'll have some of that - but only if that rather sexy driver is standard equipment..........

    8^)

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  23. Hello MT

    Yes, that's quite a price for a Mustang! Sorry, that one doesn't arrive fully equipped.

    I enjoy your humor. Sending good wishes your way, ~ Anitra

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  24. This particular Flaky Flick is genuinely historic - it was the second showcase on the first hour-long TPIR, 11/3/75.

    The complete show is on YouTube; just search "TPIR November 1975."

    Sveltana is SO adorable.......
    8^)

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  25. Hi Chris,

    How interesting. I didn't realize that this was from the first one-hour show. My memory told me that we moved to one-hour much sooner. Hmmm.

    Anyhow, thanks for the info and your sweet comment, ~ Aneet

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