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Unproduced Script #7152: "Your Old Friend Phyllis"

posted 8 years ago by upperco
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Stumbled upon this curio . . . an unproduced script with the production number 7152 (one of several that fell out during RHODA's fourth season) called "Your Old Friend Phyllis." It sold in November 2014. This obviously seems to have been written for Cloris Leachman's character. Does anyone know anything about this -- why it fell through, the history, etc. (or other scripts given production numbers that went unfilmed)?

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/rhoda-tv-series-show-script-episode-1695522784

[–] pvd295 8 years ago

The fourth season was 1977-78, when the show was 'regrouping' itself. At the time, Leachman's own spin-off 'Phyllis' had been canceled after two seasons (1975-77), and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' had ended in March, 1977. So I wonder if they were thinking of having 'Phyllis' join the show, as a recurring cast member? I always thought that would have been a great idea, and suggested it on this forum a few times - it would have made sense.

The problem with RHODA was the fact that they never gave her a supporting cast that 'stuck'. Except for her sister Brenda (and Carleton the doorman), all the other cast members came and went...none stuck around from season to season. 'Joe' of course was on for the first two and a half, 'Gary' was on for 3 and 4, 'Ida' was on for the first two, and then left in season 3 with husband 'Martin' - but returned in Season 4...it really was a mish-mash.

The addition of 'Phyllis' living in NYC (probably in the same apartment building as her and Brenda) would have been a set up for some fun possibilities...would love to read this script!

Great find....

I prefer fantasy over reality TV - like Fox News. - B.Streisand

[–] upperco 8 years ago

Finally got a copy of the script! Read it here: http://jacksonupperco.com/2016/06/29/read-an-unproduced-rhoda-script-your-old-friend-phyllis/

[–] pvd295 8 years ago

Thanks for sharing! It looked rather funny, but a little familiar....

Wasn't there another episode where Rhoda was returning from an all-nighter, and Brenda catches her coming home with a bag of garbage in her hands? I think she said she had to take the stairs because the elevator was broken - something like that.

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