Series regulars or semi-regulars in 'Alice' from 1970-1982:
- Beth Howland as Vera Louise Gorman (1976-1985)
- Linda Lavin as Alice Hyatt (1976-1985)
- Philip McKeon as Tommy Hyatt (1976-1985)
- Vic Tayback as Mel Sharples (1976-1985)
- Polly Holliday as Florence Jean 'Flo' Castleberry (1976-1980)
- Marvin Kaplan as Henry (1977-1985)
- Diane Ladd as Belle Dupree (1980-1981)
- Celia Weston as Jolene Hunnicutt (1981-1985)
- Martha Raye as Carrie Sharples (1982-1984)
1970-1982 Episode Guide for 'Alice':
(Episodes with dates prior to 1970 aired as reruns.)
Season 1, episode 1
W: Robert Getchell D: Paul Bogart
With Arthur Space (Stuff Johnson), Dennis Dugan (Joel Snedeger). Debut of a series about a 35-year-old waitress who would rather sing but is stuck working at a roadside diner. Tonight, Alice hopes for a big break when a talent agent comes to town.
Season 1, episode 2
W: Martin Donovan D: Jim Drake
With Denny Miller (Jack). Alice is smitten by an ex-football star who breaks the news that he's not interested in a romance with her -- or any other woman.
Season 1, episode 3
W: Ben Joelson, Art Baer D: Bill Persky
With Pat Cranshaw (Andy), John Myhers (Frank Chasen), Cletus Young (Walker), Jennifer Billingsley (Gertrude Turner), Lurene Tuttle (Bubbles Turner). There's celebration at Mel's Diner when Alice discovers that her late husband left a sizable insurance policy. Then she finds that the beneficiary is another woman.
Season 1, episode 4
W: Lloyd Garver D: Bill Persky
With Pat Cranshaw (Andy), Liberty Williams (Melinda), Cliff Norton (Judge Conover), Caren Kaye (Debbie), Gordon Jump (Sheriff McElroy). Alice accepts a singing job at a rough-and-tumble club.
Season 1, episode 5
W: Lloyd Garver D: Jim Drake
With Geoffrey Lewis (Deputy Barnes), Jack Riley (Richard Atkins), Emory Souza (Midget), Lew Gallo (Customer), William Neal Seals (Man in Drag). Alice is plagued by late night phone calls from someone who only breathes and hangs up, and she fears the caller might make a visit in person.
Season 1, episode 6
W: Harvey Bullock, R.S. Allen D: James Sheldon
With Pat Cranshaw (Andy), Noble Willingham (Morgan), Victor Buono (Critic). Alice invites the local newspaper's food editor to Mel's cafe, and he dies after eating a bowl of Mel's famous chili.
Season 1, episode 7
W: Donald Reiker, Patricia Jones D: Bruce Bilson
With Adam West (Mr. Turner), Lara Parker (Mrs. Randolph), Michele Tobin (Nadine). Alice is shocked to learn that her 12-year-old son is sitting in on a sex education course conducted by his school teacher.
Season 1, episode 8
W: Arnold Kane, Bruce Johnson D: Norman Abbott
With Norman Alden (L.W. "Big Daddy" Dawson), Patrick Cronin (Judd). Flo's flamboyant ex-husband, race driver Big Daddy Dawson, is back in town and has his eye on Alice.
Season 1, episode 9
W: Simon Muntner D: Norman Abbott
With Darrell Zwerling (Calvin). Vera is having problems with her boyfriend and decides to end it all. Alice and Flo try to keep her from overdosing on sleeping pills.
Season 1, episode 10
W: Martin Donovan D: James Sheldon
With Paul Picerni (Vinny Randazzo), Patrick Cronin (Judd). A marriage proposal that would secure her future puts Alice in a quandary -- she doesn't love the man.
Season 1, episode 11
W: Lloyd Schwartz D: Bruce Bilson
With Peter Zapp (Delivery Man), Noble Willingham (Floyd). Alice is thrilled that Mel is taking Tommy camping, until she finds out that it involves hunting as well.
Season 1, episode 12
W: Martin Donovan D: William P. D'Angelo
With Eileen Heckart (Rose Hyatt), Clyde Kusatsu (Herb Tanaguchi). Alice's mother-in-law makes a surprise trip from New Jersey to visit Alice and Tommy, much to Alice's chagrin.
Season 1, episode 13
W: Arnold Kane, Bruce Johnson, R.S. Allen D: William P. D'Angelo
With Eileen Heckart (Rose Hyatt), Murray Hamilton (Charlie Hyatt), Noble Willingham (Floyd). Alice's mother-in-law continues to be the world's most imposing guest -- only now she wants to make it permanent.
Season 1, episode 14
W: Bruce Kane D: Bill Hobin
With Tom Poston (Jerry), John Fiedler (Customer), Burton Gilliam (Buford). Vera is dating a mortician who Alice believes may already have a wife.
Season 1, episode 15
W: Gary David Goldberg D: Alan Rafkin
With Patrick Cronin (Rufus), Susan Lanier (Connie), Maureen Arthur (Maxine). Mel's in love with Alice's free-spirited young cousin, a backpacker who hiked from New Jersey to Phoenix and is temporarily employed at the diner.
Season 1, episode 16
W: Harvey Bullock, Roy Kammerman D: Alan Rafkin
With Chi Chi Navarro (Maria), Hamilton Camp (Fred), Leonard Stone (Arnie). Flo destroys Mel's old car after it was given to Alice for safekeeping.
Season 1, episode 17
W: Ben Joelson, Art Baer D: William P. D'Angelo
With Henry Polic (Walter), Bernie Kopell (Burt), Lupe Ontiveros (Mrs. Rivera). When Alice finds a hold-up note lost during the morning rush at Mel's Diner, she tips off the police to stake out the bank across the street, with totally unexpected results.
Season 1, episode 18
W: Arnold Kane, R.S. Allen D: Alan Rafkin
With Tom Mahoney (Travis), Kaye Ballard (Seama), Ron Carey (Rick). Alice is a total disbeliever when a larcenous fortune teller tries to sell her some luck, but the hex she puts on Alice seems to be working.
Season 1, episode 19
W: Rick Mittleman D: Alan Rafkin
With Tom Mahoney (Travis), Warren Berlinger (Marion Bartlett), Arlene Golonka (Shirley Bartlett). A deceptively mild-mannered IRS agent informs Alice of her late husband's tax delinquency.
Season 1, episode 20
W: Roy Kammerman, Arnold Kane, Harvey Bullock, R.S. Allen D: William P. D'Angelo
With Tom Mahoney (Travis), Kenneth Mars (Billy Joe). Alice is being driven up the wall by her house guests: Flo, whose house trailer has been stolen, and Flo's ever-present boyfriend.
Season 1, episode 21
W: Arnold Kane, R.S. Allen D: Alan Rafkin
With Tom Mahoney (Travis). Alice and Flo go manhunting for Vera, who has gone out only once -- and been stood up twice -- in the last three years.
Season 1, episode 22
W: Harvey Bullock, Roy Kammerman D: Norman Abbott
With Tom Mahoney (Travis), Billy Sands (Larry). Alice contributes an old trophy of Mel's to a church rummage sale, then finds out it's an irreplaceable memento.
Season 1, episode 23
W: Ben Joelson, Art Baer D: Norman Abbott
With Tom Mahoney (Travis), Florence Halop (Annie), Michael Keenan. A bag full of money is found in the diner, and everyone is dreaming of ways to spend it -- but Alice is the only one who wants to find the owner.
Season 1, episode 24
W: Arnold Kane D: Bruce Brinkerhoff
With Ronnie Schell (Buck), John Fiedler (Customer), Burton Gilliam (Buford). Customers are staying away from Mel's in droves, and Alice convinces Mel to try advertising to bring in business.
October 2, 1977: The Second Time 'Round
Season 2, episode 1
W: Tom Whedon D: Kim Friedman
With Ned York (Policeman), Lewis Arquette, Rod McCary. Season premiere. Flo's third ex-husband makes an unexpected appearance at Mel's to announce that after five years, their divorce wasn't legal after all.
Season 2, episode 2
W: Tom Whedon D: Marc Daniels
With Victor Jory, Don Chastain (Ted), Larry Hovis (Fred). An Indian claims his ancestral burial ground is under a booth in Mel's cafe.
Season 2, episode 3
W: Sybil Adelman D: Marc Daniels
With Bill Fiore (Kenny), Dave Shelley (Fred), J.S. Young (Customer). When Mel hires a waiter at a higher salary than the girls, Alice, Flo and Vera quit their jobs to emphasize a stand for equal employment.
Season 2, episode 4
W: Tom Whedon D: Kim Friedman
With Norman Alden (Buster), Morey Amsterdam (Herman), Jane Dulo (Customer), Gloria LeRoy (Bar Waitress). Alice's moonlighting job as a nightclub singer is taking its toll on her waitressing job.
Season 2, episode 5
W: Bruce Howard D: Kim Friedman
With Robert Hogan (Greg Stemple). Dateless on a Friday night, the girls accept an invitation to visit a new singles bar.
Season 2, episode 6
W: George Tibbles, Warren S. Murray, Tom Whedon D: Kim Friedman
With Michael V. Gazzo (Gino), John Lawlor (Henderson), Bruce Kimmel (Vinnie), Dave Ketchum (Carl). Alice becomes flustered after recognizing one of her favorite customers on a TV news program about a mobster who disappeared 30 years ago.
Season 2, episode 7
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Edward Winter (Jack). Alice's private life goes askew when Mel, while visiting Alice, hurts his back and can't be moved.
Season 2, episode 8
W: Arthur Rabin D: Kim Friedman
With Clifford A. Pellow (Whizzer Wallace). Flo and Mel, usually at each other's throats, become a pair of love birds after spending a weekend together in Tucson.
Season 2, episode 9
W: Madelyn Pugh Davis, Bob Carroll Jr., Tom Whedon D: Marc Daniels
With Patrick Cronin (Jason Carp), Pat Cranshaw (Andy). Mel, Flo, Vera, Alice and Tommy spend Christmas Eve in the cab of a trailer truck en route to Colorado.
Season 2, episode 10
W: Fred S. Fox, Seaman Jacobs D: Marc Daniels
With George Burns (Himself). When George Burns stops into Mel's, Vera believes that he's actually the Deity he played in the movie "Oh, God!".
Season 2, episode 11
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Kim Friedman
With Ron Masak (J.W.), John Myhers (Harleigh), Bob McClurg (Man). When Flo's eyesight begins to falter, her stubborn vanity refuses to let her wear glasses.
Season 2, episode 12
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Pat Cranshaw (Andy), Brad Gorman (Stretch Parker), Joe Silver (Mr. Parker). An amorous high-school basketball star starts putting the moves on Alice. At first flattered, she soon becomes frustrated by Tommy's friend's affection for her.
Season 2, episode 13
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Boyd Bodwell (Sam Fox), Charles Cyphers (Allen Wolf), Larry Hovis (Bill Dovey), Barbara Sharma (Helen Dovey). Alice tries applying her night-school psychology lessons and touches off a furor of ill-feeling among the gang at Mel's diner.
Season 2, episode 14
W: Michael Loman, Chris Hayward D: Noam Pitlik
With Pat Cranshaw (Andy), Bob Dishy (Pharmacist), Stack Pierce (Officer Rice), Gordon Hurst (Gus), Will Sherwood (Officer Adams), Peter Hobbs (Frank), Florida Friebus (Iris), Clifford A. Pellow (Salesman). A zealous young pharmacist, distraught over artificial additives in food, holds himself hostage at Mel's and threatens to end it all if he can't voice his grievance directly to the President.
Season 2, episode 15
W: Tom Whedon D: William Asher
With Burton Gilliam (Jimmie Joe Castleberry). When Flo's baby brother J.J., a rodeo bronc buster, drops into town, she sets up a blind date with a reluctant Alice.
Season 2, episode 16
W: Michael Loman D: Dennis Steinmetz An investigative reporter seeks refuge in Mel's Diner.
Season 2, episode 17
W: Tom Whedon D: Kim Friedman
With Richard Libertini (Ben), George Loros (Turham). Flo is wooed by an Arab diamond and oil millionaire and is ready to go back to Arabia with him as his wife, until she discovers he already has three others.
Season 2, episode 18
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Desi Arnaz (Paco), Janis Paige. When a fashion photographer and his wife decide to separate, Alice's efforts to reunite them almost make the separation permanent.
Season 2, episode 19
W: Warren S. Murray D: William Asher
With Pat Cranshaw (Andy), Patrick Cronin (Jason Carp), Bob McClurg (Cecil), Noble Willingham (Police Officer). For weeks, Mel has been telling the girls how much he dislikes surprise parties and is disappointed when, for his 50th birthday, they take him at his word.
Season 2, episode 20
W: Tom Whedon D: William Asher
With Nedra Volz (Esther), Bill McLean (Farley). After the diner is burgled, the suspicious Mel double locks every door and then discovers that he and the waitresses will be spending the holiday weekend together -- locked in the storeroom.
Season 2, episode 21
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Jerry Reed (Himself), Graham Jarvis (Cappy), Ernie Sabella. Country-music singer Jerry Reed stops by to see Flo, who was his babysitter when he was just a tyke in Texas, and soon finds himself smothered with adulation -- among other things.
Season 2, episode 22
W: Erik Tarloff D: Marc Daniels
With Michael Alldredge (Bus Driver), Rod Browning (Tom), Rod Colbin (Edgar Patton), Joe George (Eddie), Lee Kessler (Ellen Pringle), James Lashly (Henry Blaine), Lupe Ontiveros (Maria Fernanadez), Allan Rich (Mr. Adler), Gay Rowan (Tiffany), Lila Teigh (Mrs. Adler), Beatrice Colen (Wendy Harris), Pat Van Patten (Joan Pringle). Mel and the diner staff prepare for a bus load of hungry customers.
Season 2, episode 23
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher, Tom Whedon D: William Asher Mel's diner is in the red, so someone's got to go -- will it be Alice, Vera or Flo?
Season 2, episode 24
W: Chris Hayward, Gary Markowitz D: Noam Pitlik
With Edward Binns (Driscoll), J.J. Barry (Reese), Ancel Cook (Harry), Gordon Hurst (Gus). An earthquake prediction for exactly 11:37 A.M. has everyone a little off balance at Mel's, including two customers -- a prisoner on his way to jail and his police escort.
September 24, 1978: Take Him, He's Yours
Season 3, episode 1
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Patrick Cronin (Jason Carp), Bob McClurg (Cecil). Season premiere. When Alice gripes about Tommy's headstrong show of independence, Mel proposes to take Tommy in for a while and raise him the way a boy should be raised.
Season 3, episode 2
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Patrick Cronin (Jason Carp), Bob McClurg (Cecil). Alice, Flo and Vera are bugged at Mel when the vintage "bug" he sells them turns out to be a lemon.
Season 3, episode 3
W: Charles Isaacs D: William Asher
With Patrick Cronin (Jason Carp), Bob McClurg (Cecil), William Pierson (Customer). Alice talks Mel into going to the police as a witness to a robbery.
Season 3, episode 4
W: Tom Whedon D: William Asher
With Alan Haufrect (Brian), Barbara Minkus (Doris), Johnnie Decker (Harold), Steve Nevil (Delivery Boy). Vera meets a new boyfriend at the movies, but refuses to bring him to the diner.
Season 3, episode 5
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Bob McClurg (Cecil), Lou Tiano (Marty), Tara Talboy (Louise). To kick their bad habits once and for all, Alice, Flo, Mel and Vera lock themselves in Alice's apartment for three days and go "cold turkey" together.
Season 3, episode 6
W: Tom Whedon D: William Asher
With Harvey J. Goldenberg (Walter), Lyman Ward (Burt Gilman). Flo has trouble studying for her high school diploma despite Alice's tutoring.
Season 3, episode 7
W: Tom Whedon D: William Asher
With Steve Franken (Holdup Man), Jim Varney (Milo Skinner), Dave Madden (Soccer Coach). Mel's bright idea to keep the diner open late to catch the demolition derby crowd results in a strange encounter for Alice.
Season 3, episode 8
W: Tom Whedon, Jerry Winnick D: William Asher
With Michael Pataki (Ted), Shirley Mitchell (Betty), Dave Shelley (Bob). Mel mistakes Alice's intentions when she invites him for a family dinner.
Season 3, episode 9
W: Tom Whedon D: William Asher
With Joyce Bulifant (Connie Raymond), Owen Bush (Ed), James Cromwell (Detective Hilton), Nancy McKeon (Girl Orphan). Mel unwittingly buys stolen turkeys for a Thanksgiving dinner he is having for orphans.
Season 3, episode 10
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Bob McClurg (Cecil). To save money for Tommy's education, Alice moonlights by delivering singing telegrams.
Season 3, episode 11
W: Alan Rosen, Fred Rubin D: William Asher
With Michael Keenan. Mel scoffs at Vera's prediction of danger for him until her other predictions begin coming true.
Season 3, episode 12
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Gary Collins (Jim Thornton), Lou Frizzell (Bubba Norris), Joseph V. Perry (Freddy), Miriam Byrd-Nethery (Henrietta). Alice feels she has to stop dating Tommy's principal when Tommy's friends begin razzing him about it.
Season 3, episode 13
W: Marion C. Freeman, Dawn Aldredge D: Marc Daniels
With Robert Hogan (Greg Stemple), Alan Haufrect (Brian), Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Victoria Carroll (Marie), Theodore Lehmann (McCoy). Alice feels terrible when the blind date she sets up for Flo falls through, leaving her without a date for New Year's Eve.
Season 3, episode 14
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Alan Haufrect (Brian), Michael Ballard (Customer), Patrick Cronin (Jason Carp), Victoria Carroll (Marie), Clifford A. Pellow (Whizzer Wallace), Ron Rifkin (Eric). A minor war erupts between Mel, Flo and Vera when Alice is given two extra tickets to a celebrity ball.
Season 3, episode 15
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Patrick Cronin (Jason Carp), Bob McClurg (Cecil), Carmine Caridi (Al Sharples), Lou Frizzell (Bubba Norris). Mel's younger brother drops into town and rekindles his romance with Flo.
Season 3, episode 16
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Olivia Barash (Melissa Lloyd), Bruce Kirby (Mr. Lloyd). After Alice grounds him, Tommy rebels and runs off in the middle of the night with his girlfriend Melissa.
Season 3, episode 17
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Robert Hogan (Greg Stemple), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Martha Raye (Carrie Sharples). Mel's pushy mother unexpectedly drops in from Brooklyn and moves in with her son.
Season 3, episode 18
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Lee Lochhead
With Michael Ballard (Mike), Dawson Mays (Delivery Man). Vera is heartbroken after her boyfriend tells her that he's marrying someone else.
Season 3, episode 19
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher, Tom Whedon D: Lee Lochhead
With Karen Morrow (Ina Simpson), Bobby Ramsen (Laslo). Alice's show business break has an expensive price tag -- leaving Tommy alone.
Season 3, episode 20
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Hans Conried (Randolph Briggs), Don Chastain (Ted), Bob Hastings (George). Alice, Flo and Vera's jobs are jeopardized when Mel sells the diner to the fastidious and crotchety Randolph Briggs.
Season 3, episode 21
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Michael Ballard (Mike), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Patrick Cronin (Jason Carp), Ed Kenney (Joe), Hans Conried (Randolph Briggs), John Welsh (Edgar), Randy Doney (Kirby). Unable to buy back his diner from the new restaurateur, Mel opens an eatery in Alice's apartment.
Season 3, episode 22
W: Charles Isaacs, Tom Whedon D: Marc Daniels
With Fred McCarren (Sean), Danny Goldman (Tony). Alice and Vera vie for a role in a production being cast by an attractive director.
Season 3, episode 23
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: William Asher
With Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Larry Breeding (Mark), Bobby Ramsen (Laslo), Bryan O'Byrne (Joe), Lew Horn (Assitant), Don Chastain (Ted). Vera gets an offer to do a commercial after starring as Cinderella in a theater production.
Season 3, episode 24
W: Marion C. Freeman, Dawn Aldredge D: William Asher
With Forrest Tucker (Edsel Jarvis Castleberry), Hamilton Camp (Clem). Sparks fly when Edsel Castleberry show up looking for hs little girl, Flo, whom he hasn't seen in years.
September 23, 1979: Has Anyone Here Seen Telly?
Season 4, episode 1
W: Robert Fisher, Arthur Marx, Charles Isaacs, Tom Whedon D: Marc Daniels
With Telly Savalas (Himself), George Savalas (Himself). Telly Savalas gives star-struck Vera a thrill when he stops by the diner while she's working there alone. When no one believes her story, she quits in a huff.
Season 4, episode 2
W: Charles Isaacs, Tom Whedon D: Marc Daniels
With Robert Hogan (Greg Stemple), Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Nancy Lenehan. Mel makes the mistake of offering a free meal to every customer who doesn't get a smile from his waitress.
Season 4, episode 3
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Victoria Carroll (Marie), Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Ed E. Carroll (Herman). Alice is caught in the middle when Mel and his fiancee disagree on a pre-marital agreement.
Season 4, episode 4
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Michael Ballard (Mike), Howard Platt (Max), Annrae Walterhouse (Debbie). Alice is shocked to learn that the older woman Tommy is professing his love for is her co-worker Vera.
Season 4, episode 5
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Michael Alldredge (Ralph), Ted Gehring (Charlie), Richard B. Shull (Barney), Med Flory (Brad), Claude Stroud (Happy Schuster). When Mel insinuates that his top competitor asked Flo out only to get Mel's secret chili recipe, Flo gets mad and quits.
Season 4, episode 6
W: Charles Isaacs, Tom Whedon D: Marc Daniels
With Alan Haufrect (Brian), Spencer Milligan (David), Suzan Campbell (Student), Terry Wills (Instructor). Alice learns why Vera's boyfriend objected to Vera taking an art class that used a nude model, when she learns the identity of the model.
Season 4, episode 7
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Lee Lochhead
With Martha Raye (Carrie), Michael Ballard (Mike), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Patrick Cronin (Jason Carp), Ted Gehring (Man). Mel gets a psychosomatic backache when his mother returns to town and tries to take over the diner.
Season 4, episode 8
W: Charles Isaacs, Tom Whedon D: Norman Abbott
With Dinah Shore (Herself), Ronnie Schell (Ken Baldwin), Guich Koock (Lonesome Larry). Mel's famous chili recipe gets him an all-expense paid trip to Hollywood and an invitation to cook up a batch on Dinah Shore's show -- but trouble develops when he tries to decide who to take with him.
Season 4, episode 9
W: Thad Mumford, Dan Wilcox D: Marc Daniels
With Victoria Carroll (Marie), Patrick Cronin (Jason Carp), Ed Kenney (Announcer). Alice, Flo and Vera go for a weekend at a friend's rustic cabin, unaware that the cabin's co-owner has offered it to Mel and his girl.
Season 4, episode 10
W: Charles Isaacs, Tom Whedon, Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Lee Lochhead
With Art Carney (Himself), Alan Oppenheimer (Bernie). Mel gets more than he bargained for when he convinces Vera to get her cousin, famed actor Art Carney, to endorse his chili.
Season 4, episode 11
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Marc Daniels
With Michael Alldredge (Ralph), Ted Gehring (Charlie), Ed Kenney (Police Officer #1), Jack Kruschen (Santa Claus), Ancel Cook (Ancel), Randy Doney (Police Officer #2), Will Hunt (Arrested Santa). A holiday tale finds the girls pooling their meager resources to celebrate Christmas at the diner.
Season 4, episode 12
W: Linda Morris, Vic Rauseo D: Marc Daniels
With Michael MacRae (Sy), Sherry Jackson (Toni Morelli). Flo takes the wheel herself when she learns that her trucker beau has a female partner.
Season 4, episode 13
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Norman Abbott
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Michael Alldredge (Ralph), Raleigh Bond (Hank), Eve Arden (Psychologist), Kim Dashiell (Sally), Christian Juttner (Billy). Tommy stirs up trouble by candidly discussing his elders on a TV talk show.
Season 4, episode 14
W: Katherine Green D: Marc Daniels
With Michael Alldredge (Ralph), Michael Ballard (Mike), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Ted Gehring (Charlie). Mel installs a time clock which prompts the waitresses to demand overtime for the Sunday cleanup they used to do for nothing.
Season 4, episode 15
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Gary Shimokawa
With Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Howard Witt (Robert), Ancel Cook (Customer), Phil Leeds (Cab Driver), Vernon Weddle (Minister), Martha Raye (Carrie Sharples). Mel is delighted that his mother is planning to remarry -- until he discovers that his prospective stepfather is younger than he is.
Season 4, episode 16
W: Charles Isaacs, Tom Whedon D: Marc Daniels
With Kelly Parsons (Wanda), Wayne Storm (Fireman), Terry Wills (Wilbur). Tommy has his heart set on taking his girl to a formal Valentine's Day dance and he needs a tuxedo.
Season 4, episode 17
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Michael Alldredge (Ralph), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Ted Gehring (Charlie), Eddie Barth (Ernie Rockwell), Reva Rose (Mildred). Mel plays host to an old buddy whose wife has just left him.
Season 4, episode 18
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Michael Alldredge (Ralph), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Ted Gehring (Charlie). Flo says goodbye to Mel's when she takes a job offer from a wealthy Houston restauranteur.
Season 4, episode 19
W: Linda Morris, Vic Rauseo D: Marc Daniels
With Victoria Carroll (Marie), Ted Gehring (Charlie), Hugh Gillin (Slade), Howard Mann (Customer). Mel hires a new waitress from Mississippi named Belle, who has dreams of being a country-music writer.
Season 4, episode 20
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Robert Hogan (Greg Stemple), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Ted Gehring (Charlie), Kip Gilman (Cliff). Although Belle is getting along fine with Mel, she's not doing so well with Alice and Vera after she steals their dates.
Season 4, episode 21
W: Linda Morris, Vic Rauseo D: Linda Lavin, Lee Lochhead
With Alan Haufrect (Brian), Raleigh Bond (Raleigh), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Ted Gehring (Charlie), Howard Mann (Customer), Mickey Morton (Trucker). Vera asks Belle to help make her be more attractive to men.
Season 4, episode 22
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Lee Lochhead
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks). Mel discovers how much he'll get for letting the city condemn his property when he signs an agreement to share his profits with the women.
Season 4, episode 23
W: Linda Morris, Vic Rauseo D: Linda Lavin, Lee Lochhead
With Pamela Myers (Bobbi), Howard Platt (Max), Reb Brown (Willy). A tour guide steers business towards the diner out of love for Mel.
Season 4, episode 24
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With John Crawford (Police Officer), Hector Elias (Hector), John Hawker (Trucker #1), Howard Mann (Trucker #2), Christopher Tayback (Jack), Felice Schachter (Victoria). Tommy moves in with Mel for Easter week vacation after Alice refuses to let him go to Mexico with a group of kids, prompting a wager between Alice and Mel. She bets that he will kick Tommy out and Mel bets that Alice will snoop on her son.
November 2, 1980: Mel And The Green Machine
Season 5, episode 1
W: Linda Morris, Vic Rauseo D: Lee Lochhead
With Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Raleigh Bond (Raleigh), George Wyner (Marty), John Harkins (Mr. Egan), Damu King (Police Officer). An automated bank teller accidentally spews out $24,675 to an astonished but delighted Mel, who takes the money and runs.
Season 5, episode 2
W: George Arthur Bloom D: Marc Daniels
With Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Douglas Robinson (Doug), Warren Berlinger (Starkey), Richard Jamison (Customer). After his safe is stolen, Mel rents the services of two very efficient guard dogs.
Season 5, episode 3
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Marc Daniels
With Robert Goulet (Himself), Lou Criscuolo (Joe Capri), Michael Tucci (Dino), Nedra Volz (Gambler). Robert Goulet makes an appearance when Vera wins a free trip to Las Vegas and Alice, Mel and Belle tag along to try their luck.
Season 5, episode 4
W: Vic Rauseo, Linda Morris D: Marc Daniels
With Robert Goulet (Himself), Lou Criscuolo (Joe Capri), Michael Tucci (Dino), Michael Ballard (Mike). Mel may get his diner back if Belle can get Robert Goulet to perform for a Las Vegas casino owner, but when it seems she can't get him, Alice steps in and impersonates him.
Season 5, episode 5
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Ted Gehring (Charlie), Mildred Natwick (Aunt Agatha). Vera's Aunt Agatha, a freewheeling sexagenarian, makes a pit stop in Phoenix while motorcycling to Mexico. This prompts Vera to make a life-altering decision -- whether to ride off into the sunset with her aunt or remain where she is.
Season 5, episode 6
W: Linda Morris, Vic Rauseo D: Marc Daniels
With Susan Tolsky (Miss Gafney), Richard Balin (Mr. Plotkin), Jody Arthur Balsam (Larry Plotkin), Paul Smith (Arthur), Vernon Weddle (Principal Solomon). Against Alice's expressed wishes, Mel secretly teaches Tommy how to take care of a school bully.
Season 5, episode 7
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Marc Daniels
With Ted Gehring (Charlie), Shavar Ross (Danny), Maurice Hill (Doctor), Mickey Morton (Trucker). The sparsely attended funeral of a buddy persuades Mel to become Mr. Nice Guy so as to ensure a decent turnout at his own burial.
Season 5, episode 8
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Linda Lavin, Christine Ballard
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Michael Alldredge (Ralph), Howard Witt (Robby), Martha Raye (Carrie Sharples). Mel's mother is singing the blues after her husband of six months has left her.
Season 5, episode 9
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Lee Lochhead
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Ruth Buzzi (Chloe), Zale Kessler (Customer). Henry's convinced that his wife of 20 years is suddenly being nice because she's having an affair, so he tells her he's having one too -- with Alice.
Season 5, episode 10
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Nick Havinga
With John Sylvester White (Mr. Swanson). As the new manager of her apartment building, Alice has the unenviable task of locking out a delinquent fellow tenant, Belle.
Season 5, episode 11
W: Vic Rauseo, Linda Morris D: Marc Daniels
With Ted Gehring (Charlie), Walter Olkewicz (Sonny Santini), Tom Kindle (Police Officer), Ed Kenney (Construction Worker). Vera chains herself to a 100-year-old tree in front of the diner to save it from being cut down for a road project.
Season 5, episode 12
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Ted Gehring (Charlie), Jerry Reed (Himself), Bob Gunter (Window Washer). The waitresses cut up a huge fish they find in the refrigerator, unaware that singer Jerry Reed had left it there until he could have it stuffed.
Season 5, episode 13
W: George Arthur Bloom D: Marc Daniels
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Douglas Robinson (Doug), William Bogert (Langston Birch), Lou Cutell (Customer), Catherine Paolone (Customer). Mel gets into a nose-to-beak yelling match with Vera's new pet parrot, which then drops dead.
Season 5, episode 14
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Tom Williams (Harvey Armstrong), Raleigh Bond (Raleigh), Tom Kindle (Joe). Tommy is cutting classes to pursue a singing career and his first job is singing at a juice saloon.
Season 5, episode 15
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Douglas Robinson (Doug), Jack Kruschen (Benny Conway), Martha Raye (Carrie Sharples). During a visit, Carrie plans to help out at the diner as a cook, but Mel refuses so she goes to work for a competitor -- and almost puts Mel out of business.
Season 5, episode 16
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Marc Daniels
With Florence Halop (Mugger), Andy Romano (Police Officer), Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck). When Mel recounts the story of the little old lady who mugged him, the old lady becomes four thugs.
Season 5, episode 17
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon, Vic Rauseo, Linda Morris D: Marc Daniels
With Ted Gehring (Charlie), Douglas Robinson (Doug), Robert Carnegie (Burt). A lady trucker chooses Mel's Diner as the place to tell her amorous driving partner to take their rig and hit the road, and Mel ends up offering her a job as a waitress.
Season 5, episode 18
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Marc Daniels
With Duane P. Campbell (Chuck), James Callahan (Vinnie), Vern Rowe (Man). Alice thinks she has found her big break when she lands a gig singing with a band at a banquet and then is invited to join them as a permanent member -- the only problem is that they are about to launch a one-year road tour.
Season 5, episode 19
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Marc Daniels
With Victoria Carroll (Marie). Mel suddenly takes a romantic interest in Vera, who doesn't realize it's just a ploy to make his girlfriend jealous.
Season 5, episode 20
W: Tom Whedon, Charles Isaacs D: Linda Lavin, Christine Ballard
With James Murtaugh (Mr. Devlin), Irene Arranga (Julie), Nancy Jeris (Police Officer), Tom Taylor (Police Officer). Vera refuses to give up the baby girl someone left in her pile of wash at the laundromat.
October 4, 1981: Bet A Million, Mel
Season 6, episode 1
W: Arthur Marx, Robert Fisher D: Nick Havinga
With Ted Gehring (Charlie), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Hamilton Camp (Willie Harmon). Mel borrows $10,000 against the diner to bet on a 90-to-1 nag.
Season 6, episode 2
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Marc Daniels
With Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Donald O'Connor (Himself), Byron Webster (Mr. Swift). Determined to leave her mark on the world, Vera sets out to break the tap dancing endurance record.
Season 6, episode 3
W: Robert Sternin, Prudence Fraser D: Marc Daniels
With Robert Pierce (Treplev), Allan Rich (Vladimir). A towel boy from the Russian ballet decides to defect and takes refuge in Mel's storeroom.
Season 6, episode 4
W: Gail Honigberg D: Marc Daniels
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Nancy McKeon (Kimberly), Phillip R. Allen (Mitch Aames), Shavar Ross (Tyrone), Billy Jayne (Jeff), Ty Mitchell (David), Evan Cohen (Artie), Nicki Armstrong (Dana), Philip Gordon (Manuel), Jimmy Briscoe (Harold). On Halloween, Alice's latest heartthrob asks her to shepherd his four kids for the evening.
Season 6, episode 5
W: Vic Rauseo, Linda Morris D: Marc Daniels
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Doris Roberts (Mona Spivak). It's Alice's 40th birthday, and for the milestone she gets a millstone, a visit from her meddling mother.
Season 6, episode 6
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon, Vic Rauseo, Linda Morris D: Marc Daniels
With David Rounds (Wendell). Smooth operator Mel teaches his shy cousin, Wendell, how to score with Vera.
Season 6, episode 7
W: Ken Hecht, Bob Brunner D: Marc Daniels
With Kip Niven (Steve Marsh), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck). Against Mel's orders Vera cashes a check for an old flame, who's nowhere to be found when it bounces.
Season 6, episode 8
W: Ken Hecht, Bob Brunner D: Stockton Briggle
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Hector Elias (Hector), Jerry Potter (Jerry). Mel becomes despondent when he realizes he has no heirs, so he has a will drawn up which divides his possessions among Alice, Vera, Tommy, Jolene, Henry and Earl.
Season 6, episode 9
W: Vic Rauseo, Linda Morris D: Marc Daniels
With Jack Gilford (Jake). The ghost of a partner past gives Mel the dickens on Christmas Eve after Mel fires Alice, Jolene and Vera.
Season 6, episode 10
W: Michael Weinberger D: Marc Daniels
With Ron Palillo (Mutner), Jay Leno (Bones), Susan Wolf (Daisy). Alice's spirit inspires a biker to recruit her as his "old lady."
Season 6, episode 11
W: Gail Honigberg D: Marc Daniels
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks). Alice blows the whistle on Tommy's basketball playing when his grades start to slip.
Season 6, episode 12
W: Chet Dowling, Sandy Krinski D: John Pasquin
With Kim Richards (Lisa), Karlene Crockett (Melody). Mel gives Tommy advice on how to charm the ladies, which Tommy promptly applies to Mel's niece.
Season 6, episode 13
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Marc Daniels
With Susan Tolsky (Customer), Jerry Hausner (Customer). After getting hooked on soap operas, Vera becomes a washout at work and later quits when Mel won't let her watch them at the diner.
Season 6, episode 14
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Linda Day
With Edie McClurg (Imogene), Rose Arrick (Broadway Betty), Martha Raye (Carrie Sharples). Mel has a beef with his mother, who wants to publish his secret chili recipe in her new cookbook.
Season 6, episode 15
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: John Pasquin
With Victoria Carroll (Marie), Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Phillip R. Allen (Mitch Aames), Ron Kuhlman (Jack), Don Bovingloh (Mark), Pat Benson (Margie), . Valentine's Day promises anything but hearts and flowers for the diner staff, who all quarrel with their dates.
Season 6, episode 16
W: Vic Rauseo, Linda Morris D: Mel Ferber
With Justin Lord (Produce Man), Beatrice Colen (Customer), Jerry Hausner (Customer). A book on building self-esteem inspires Vera to become "the best little waitress in the world!" Later, Mel leaves the newly confident Vera in charge of the diner.
Season 6, episode 17
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Marc Daniels
With Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Marilyn Cooper (Brenda), James Callahan (Vinnie). Alice is visited by a high school chum who's still suffering from her teenage inferiority complex.
Season 6, episode 18
W: Chet Dowling, Sandy Krinski D: Marc Daniels
With Ted Gehring (Charlie), Robert Carnegie (Burt), James Cavan (Prospector). To help Jolene's exhausted good buddy, the girls drive his rig to a mining town, blissfully unaware that they're hauling dynamite.
Season 6, episode 19
W: Vic Rauseo, Linda Morris D: Marc Daniels
With Dave Madden (Earl Hicks), Kenneth Mars (Dr. Evers), Susan Tolsky (Nurse). Mel considers getting a nose job while undergoing surgery for a deviated septum, and nearly drives everyone crazy asking their advice.
Season 6, episode 20
W: Gail Honigberg D: John Pasquin
With Gail Strickland (Julia Roberts), Lisa Lindgren (Sara Brown), Mario Roccuzzo (Customer). Alice's actress friend from New York persuades Tommy that he has a brilliant future on Broadway.
Season 6, episode 21
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon, Gail Honigberg D: Linda Lavin, Christine Ballard
With Kip Niven (Steve), Cisse Cameron (Bonnie), Rebecca Clemons (Marilyn), Jane Dulo (Mrs. Sage), Pamela Myers (Patty), Robert Picardo (Freddie), Renny Temple (Sam). Vera returns from her high school reunion with stars in her eyes and a sparkler on her finger.
Season 6, episode 22
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon, Vic Rauseo, Linda Morris D: Marc Daniels
With Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), George Wendt (Monty). A jilted acquaintance flips for Alice on the first bounce, and when she doesn't reciprocate his feelings he threatens to jump from the Mel's Diner sign.
Season 6, episode 23
W: Chet Dowling, Sandy Krinski D: Marc Daniels
With Douglas Robinson (Doug), Carl Ballantine (Freddy), Jerry Potter (Jerry), Hank Rolike (John). To counter a competitor whose contest is drawing customers, Mel launches one too and ups the ante to $3,000.
Season 6, episode 24
W: Chet Dowling, Sandy Krinski D: Marc Daniels
With Tom Williams (Frank Feister), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Tony Longo (Artie), Susan Davis (Frances Feister), Martha Raye (Carrie Sharples). Mel happily envisions a rent-free future when his mother buys his apartment building, but surprises him when she announces a $50 rent increase.
October 6, 1982: Sorry, Wrong Lips
Season 7, episode 1
W: Lloyd Turner, Howard Liebling D: Mel Ferber
With Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Debbie Reynolds (Felicia Blake), Lucille Benson (Grace), Elvia Allman (Lillian), Jerry Potter (Jerry), Bob Ari (Larry). Debbie Reynolds plays an actress whose torrid memoirs convince Mel he's the one she remembers as the greatest kisser in her life.
Season 7, episode 2
W: Gail Honigberg D: Linda Lavin, Christine Ballard
With Jerry Stiller (Gordy), Tessa Richards (Linette). Mel tries to outdo an old buddy who shows up boasting a track record of fast living and sporting a blonde on his arm as proof.
Season 7, episode 3
W: Sandy Krinski, Chet Dowling D: Marc Daniels
With Douglas Robinson (Doug). There's gold in them there walls, or so Mel reckons after learning that the eccentric who built his diner left $20,000 stashed in another building.
Season 7, episode 4
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Marc Daniels
With Tom Williams (Jimmy), Joel Grey (Himself), Michael Rupert (Mickey). Joel Grey offers his services for free as the leading man in a musical revue bankrolled by Mel and featuring Alice. Mel, however, has never heard of Grey and gives the role to his bookie instead.
Season 7, episode 5
W: Mark Egan, Mark Solomon D: Marc Daniels
With Tom Williams (Jimmy), Duane R. Campbell (Chuck), Joel Grey (Himself), Michael Rupert (Mickey), Maurice Hill (Andrew Tashman). Joel Grey walks out after producer Mel turns a revue about New York into a desert musical with tunes like "Two Tootsies From Tucson" and "Ramona From Arizona."
Season 7, episode 6
W: Gail Honigberg D: Mel Ferber
With Robert Hogan (Greg Stemple), Doris Roberts (Mona Spivak). Alice's meddlesome mother knocks the stuffing out of her daughter's Thanksgiving dinner with the news that she and her husband have been divorced.