MovieChat Forums > Bewitched (1964) Discussion > Samantha's Super Maid

Samantha's Super Maid

posted 7 years ago by [email protected] (1732)
16 replies | jump to latest

I enjoy this mid-5th season ep more than I should, as it's clumsy, highly derivative (stealing
a scene from ILL's "Lucy Hires a Maid WORD-FOR-WORD), and clearly slopped together
during the time period when York's scenes could be added several weeks later.

That said, I dig Liz's all-for-it performance, the twinkle in the eye of Nellie Burt, and the
bewigged, cold-as-ice Virginia Gregg. And there's always "Phyllis" (pushy, but somehow
sympathetic as always).

But to my point: I caught a WEIRD blooper when I watched it several days ago. In the
close-up, when Sam answers the door for "Amelia's" (Burt) entrance, there is a strip of
gray electrical tape plastered on the front door! I accept it when we see the marks on the
floor (for the actors), but WHY would they need to mark the closeup with tape on the door???
It's just Liz's face in beautiful close-up.

If you haven't noticed this, do yourself a favor and cue this scene up. It's pretty
obvious, and I'm surprised I never noticed it before.

[–] [email protected] (5501) 7 years ago

Now I have to go back and watch that scene! I never noticed it. And I was just watching some of season five last week.

Samantha had amazing patience with Mrs. Stephens. And Darrin seemed to totally weasel out of any confrontation with his mother! (like an early Ray Barone! Ha)

Of course his mother left BEFORE he found out about the maid. But he could have called her on the phone and told her in no uncertain terms that they did not want a maid.
His mother always had the best of intentions, but she was pushy. And another one of those moments occurred when she asked Endora, "Do you live here?"

Nellie Burt was so warm and sweet-natured. I would LOVE to have her for a maid (if I could afford one,that is)

[–] adamdurrance (60) 6 years ago

Just watched. I don't think that's tape. (Outside upper right square?) I think that's just the way the light is hitting. I can see how you would think that's tape.
Been watching this season just to refresh my memory in general. I didn't remember Darrin looking so thin and sickly. Almost hard to watch.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

Hmn, looked like tape to me, but I'll give it a cue and check again.

As for York, he looks his worst at the end of season four and at the beginning of season five (this aired in January
of '69, but was filmed late summer of '68).

This episode and "Nursery School" were clearly shot AROUND York, with his minor scenes done later.

Strange (and sad) thing, though: By late November, when York was finishing his last, complete episodes of
the show, he appeared to put on some weight, and didn't look so pale. He looks noticeably healthier in both
"Samantha, the Bard" and "Samantha, the Sculptress." York was out again for the next shoot, "Mrs. Stephens,
Where are You?", then the company went on winter break. When they returned to set January 3, 1969, York
shot one or two days of "Daddy Does His Thing" (originally entitled "Samantha's Surprise", as Sam was going
to announce THEN she was pregnant). York collapsed and was gone for good. The show was later rewritten,
and Maurice changed Darrin into a mule for the WHOLE SHOW, rather than just for the opening teaser. York's
final scenes are depressing, he looks so ill.

When the original script was revamped for Sargent in season six, it was the two-parter, "Daddy Comes to
Visit." Here, the mule bit was changed to a dog. Again, Darrin was only a dog for the opening teaser, then
the Darrin-the-warlock plot began (minus Sam announcing she was pregnant).

[–] adamdurrance (60) 6 years ago

So far I've watched the first two discs. Noting that so far Endora isn't in the show that much.

Thanks for the info. Always filling in the gaps of my knowledge.

Also noticed the change of wallpaper in the entrance and hate it. )

Mother Stevens is really on my nerves as well.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

I didn't like that change in wallpaper either (puke orange/yellow).

I'm in the minority in that I really liked Mabel Albertson (maybe more the actress than
the character, Phyllis).

The big letdown this season is no Aunt Clara.

I like season five, but there was a definite drop in quality overall. I actually think season six is much
stronger.

[–] [email protected] (5501) 6 years ago

Phyllis was always a difficult character for me to like. She could be so pushy and bossy. But some of your comments have made me see her in a more positive light.

She loved her son but she appeared to pretend to care about Samantha. There was some awkward coolness there. It didn't help that Samantha always seemed to keep her at arm's length. Phyllis took it personally. She couldn't possibly know it was because Sam didn't want her to witness any "hocus pocus", as Darrin always called it.

And the loss of Aunt Clara was depressing.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

I don't get why it's so puzzling. Darrin was an only child, and the classic saying is that a son always
leaves his mother for his wife.

Sam was NOT overly warm to Phyllis, and pushed her out. That Phyllis would be hurt by this is totally
understandable.

I also feel any comments/slurs Phyllis made about Endora were highly deserved.

As for the actor herself, Albertson had her down perfectly. I love her reaction in "Samantha's Super
Maid:" "How TERRIBLY nice to see you again."

Adamdurance: You are RIGHT! I looked again at that shot of Sam in close-up, welcoming
Amelia, and that's the LIGHTING on the door. I stand corrected, but man, it sure looks
like duct tape!

[–] [email protected] (5501) 6 years ago

I'm not exactly puzzled by Phyllis's behavior. It was just her personality. In the first few episodes Sam tried to gain her mother-in-law's acceptance. it's just puzzling that she seemed to start out determined not to like Samantha or at least to find fault with her.

Remember how she wanted to teach Samantha to make Darrin's favorite dishes? Aunt Clara secretly whipped up coq au vin and a pineapple upside down cake, Darrin's favorites. Phyllis immediately got upset and jealous. When she found out that Sam didn't cook the dinner, well THEN she was happy.

Phyllis Stephens seemed to be a contrary type of person. She was hard to please.

Yes Darrin was her only son. But I don't attribute her behavior to that fact. My dad had three brothers. But his mother always treated him like the little boy that my mom stole from her!

As for Phyllis's comments to Endora, yeah, they were right on target. Endora often had it coming. "Do you live here now? You're always here every time I visit." lol

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

Well, most fans would agree with you (including the aforementioned Adamdurance). Phyllis is not
a particular fan favorite, but I enjoy most eps she's in (with the exception of "Tabitha's Weekend",
and season seven's "Sam's Psychic Slip").

I recently watched (three times over a week) "Mrs. Stephens, Where are You?" When Phyllis meets
Serena, it's a hoot! Talk about interplay! Here, Phyllis shows up unannounced (she at least
usually called from "the corner drug store"), to "Keep Samantha company" while Darrin is away.
Phyllis isn't bitchy to Serena...just NOSY and CATTY. I love the way Serena lets her have it.

Phyllis: "We've met Samantha's mother...She's a very nice person."
Serena: "I wouldn't say that to her face."

I always consider this ep Serena's breakout role. The character really takes form and comes
to life in this episode.

[–] [email protected] (5501) 6 years ago

Oh I do enjoy the interplay between Phyllis and Serena "Mrs. Stephens, Where Are You?"

It wasn't surprising that Phyllis was curious about Sam's family. But some of her comments WERE so catty, like in an attempt to find out how old Endora was, said she wore a lot of make-up for a woman her age.

Phyllis: "She must be at least..."
Serena: "Well she admits to a thousand."

Even Phyllis knew she was over the line because under her breath she said, "I deserved that."

Sam tried to be tactful with her. Serena just let the fur fly. I think those two characters should have had a lot more scenes together.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

I work with a lot of people of different ages in my job, and at a recent staff meeting, the subject
of age came up. Because I look a lot younger than I am (thank God), I don't reveal my
age. So, at the meeting, I said, "Well, I ADMIT to a thousand!" and got a huge laugh!
(I didn't reveal my "source", lol).

[–] adamdurrance (60) 6 years ago

I've been binge watching season 5. I tend to do this with this show, then can't stand to watch it for about 6 months.
I didn't realize how much Phillis was used this season to fill the gap. Now seeing more of Endora the latter part of the season.
Phillis (not the actor) just made me uncomfortable, now getting used to her.
Love Bennett's fav of this season from beginning to end.
Amazing to see Queen Hepsibah doing a 180 in this episode.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

You really go six months without watching BW? Wow. While you don't post super
often, it seems you post more than twice a year.

Hepsibah? In season five? Not sure what you mean.

[–] adamdurrance (60) 6 years ago

I mean Ruth Mcdevitt. I think of Ticheba when I saw her. (Tried to go by memory when posting and failed).

When posting I often go by memory but not actively watching.

Another thing I noticed was how grandfatherly Roy Roberts seems as opposed to Robert Simon. The latter seems to have a sexual drive, while Roberts seems completly devoid of it.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

I far prefer Simon, and didn't care for crusty Roberts for decades (despite his
fine character work in films). But in the last several years, I've picked up on
his wonderful comic timing.

The longest I go without a BW ep or two is a month. I've come to terms with
my addiction!

[–] [email protected] (5501) 6 years ago

I like both Frank Stephens. But I have a bit of a preference for Robert Simon. He seemed to have more of a playfulness and enjoyed a flirtation with Endora which drove his wife batty. Of course I think that was Endora's plan, to get under her skin.

A BW addict? There are worse things to be addicted to. I can't go very long without watching a few episodes either.

Funny about "admitting to a thousand." These characters become part of our lives.

I've used some of the dialogue too. The time I really remember using an episode was from I Love Lucy. We watched the show every afternoon.

One time (years ago), my mom, sister and I were playing Trivial Pursuit with my boyfriend. My sister got an entertainment question. "What famous burlesque star was a stripper?"

It was Gypsy Rose Lee and my sister was struggling to come up with the name. I started humming the melody from 'The Operetta.' (I am the queen of the gypsies, gyp, gyp, gypsies)

My sister blurted out Gypsy Rose Lee! It was so funny. My boyfriend was incredulous.
"HOW did you come up with that answer?"

Okay, so I cheated! lol It's not like we were playing for money.