Big Daddy (Season 1, Episode 24)
The Golden Girls Deep Dive Podcast
Deep Dive
What surprising historical event happened the week 'Big Daddy' aired on The Golden Girls?
The Captain Midnight Hack of HBO occurred, where an HBO subscriber used his work equipment to disrupt the HBO feed on the East Coast, displaying a message that read, 'Good evening, HBO from Captain Midnight, 1295/month?'
What was the top song on the Billboard chart when 'Big Daddy' originally aired?
Robert Palmer's 'Addicted to Love' was at the top of the Billboard chart on May 3rd, 1986.
Why does Blanche feel uncomfortable with her father staying at the house?
Blanche feels uncomfortable because her father, Big Daddy, has a habit of making overly personal and potentially sexual comments, which makes her feel uneasy about him staying in her home.
What does Sophia do to Mr. Barton to get him to remove the fallen tree?
Sophia puts a Sicilian curse on Mr. Barton, which involves making a specific hand gesture and causing him to experience various misfortunes until he agrees to remove the tree.
Who is the actor that plays Mr. Barton, and what is his notable role?
The actor who plays Mr. Barton is Gordon Jump, best known for his role as Arthur Carlson on 'WKRP in Cincinnati'.
What is the significance of the 1969 Colts-Jets game mentioned in the episode?
The 1969 Colts-Jets game is mentioned as a point of pride for Sophia when she claims to have won a bet using a Sicilian curse. The game was a significant upset, with Joe Namath leading the Jets to victory over the Colts.
Who is Ellen Stewart, and what is her connection to The Golden Girls?
Ellen Stewart was the founder of La MaMa, an Off-Off-Broadway theater in New York City. La MaMa is where 'Torch Song Trilogy', the play featuring Estelle Getty, was created, leading to Getty landing the role of Sophia on The Golden Girls.
What was the initial challenge La MaMa faced when producing 'The Room' by Harold Pinter?
La MaMa did not have the rights to produce 'The Room' by Harold Pinter, leading to a confrontation with Pinter and his agent. Pinter, however, was impressed by Ellen Stewart and gave her permission to produce the play.
How did Ellen Stewart secure the first foundation grant for La MaMa?
Ellen Stewart cold-called the Ford Foundation, inviting them to visit La MaMa. McNeil Lowry and his wife were blown away by the performance and agreed to a $25,000 grant for a down payment and renovations on a building at 74A East 4th Street.
What was Ellen Stewart's mission for La MaMa, and how did she choose plays?
Ellen Stewart's mission for La MaMa was to provide a space for artists to experiment without commercial pressure. She chose plays based on her instincts and the people behind them, often saying she didn't read scripts but read the playwrights.
- Ellen Stewart founded La MaMa, a significant off-off-Broadway theatre.
- La MaMa's production of 'Torch Song Trilogy' led to Estelle Getty's role as Sophia on 'The Golden Girls'.
- Stewart's unwavering support for artists and her unconventional approach to theatre shaped the American theatre landscape.