New York News – Nostalgia Central

1 9 9 5 (USA)
13 x 60 minute episodes

For five years, from 1961 to 1966, Mary Tyler Moore played America’s favourite sitcom wife, Laura Petrie, in The Dick Van Dyke Show. Four years later, she went on to even greater fame and a considerable fortune during the seven-year run of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, as the adorable, single career woman Mary Richards.

But a variety show called Mary lasted just three telecasts in 1978, and The Mary Tyler Moore Hour (1979) only survived for a three-month run. A few years later, another show called Mary (this time a sitcom) failed to survive its first season in 1985, and her next series, Annie McGuire, ran out of steam after two months.

Mary tried yet again in New York News as hard-nosed, spiky-haired Louise Felcott, in this behind-the-scenes look at the workings of a daily newspaper (the financially-strapped tabloid, the New York Reporter) as seen through the activities of its editorial staff and reporters.

Louise was the tough publisher (“Get me the story at any cost”); Nan Chase (Madeline Kahn, pictured) was the haughty gossip columnist, with Angela (Melina Kanakaredes), Ellie (Kelli Williams), and Jack (Gregory Harrison from Trapper John MD) as reporters.

George C Scott appeared in three episodes as Ollie the Hot Dog Vendor.

Tyler Moore was reportedly unhappy with her tough, unsympathetic character and asked to be written out of the production. But before the writers could do their worst, the CBS series was cancelled. It was her fifth consecutive TV failure.

Louise Felcott
Mary Tyler Moore
Jack Reilly
Gregory Harrison
Angela Villanova
Melina Kanakaredes
Ellie
Kelli Williams
Nan Chase
Madeline Kahn