Beatrice Arthur - Archive Interview Part 2 of 5

[showtimepoppy]

Thanks for uploading this!

I do think that many theatre people weren't being objective about the Mame cast. So many people were so upset that Angela Lansberry didn't play Mame, that I think there was a huge campaign to bash Lucille Ball. As a regular person watching the movie, I loved it! I'm happy Lucille played Mame. I'm not saying Lucille would be better in the role than Angela, but it was still a gem and I'm sorry some people couldn't bring themselves to enjoy it.

[dextersmith2000]

WOW this interview series is a jewel! 

[SassySuzi]

I agree with Bea re the Mame movie. Lucy was not right for the part and the Time magazine review agreed - "Miss Ball has been molded over the years into some sort of national monument, and she performs like one too. Her grace, her timing, her vigor have all vanished." and "Beatrice Arthur, the rage right now as television's Maude, brings the movie to life whenever she appears. She tucks Mame under her arm and walks away with it, although not far enough. "

[trschaefer]

She was a fascinating woman. I love hearing about her life and career. Thanks for posting this.

[mexluver05]

She made the film Mame, Its a shame she felt like that. Forget Lucy I love Lucy, I do but Bea made the Movie.

[mrbronte100]

Bea Arthur was never in Star Trek--she was in a Star Wars special in the 70s.

[TRAVISJAMES03]

There will NEVER be another Bea Arthur - NEVER.

[mxylpx]

Roz Russell & Angela Lansbury did Mame well because they had class &stage trained.That fact lent that class to Mame which is the ingredient ! Lucy was a chorus girl at heart. Bette Midler & Cher have been considered newer versions,but I think those girls would be lacking in that classy quality. Meanwhile that talk about Bea being in Star Trek was a bit she did in a Holiday special with a Star Wars theme. Dreadful,but no matter Bea was confused by the reference.

[johntlew]

Does Bea talk about doing Mame? And if so, which part of the interview is it??

[bbs5ekata]

she does it around the 4:00 mark.

[ServusGrueziHallo]

Lucille Ball had much too serious a personality to play Mame. Rossalyn Russell on the other hand carried off the "campy" character much better. It's no insult to Lucy. Lucy was just wrong for the part.

[luckygrandma6]

I just loved Bea Arthur until I heard the terrible things she said about Lucille Ball. I grew up with Lucy like the rest of the world did and I just loved her. I bought the movie Mame on e-bay so I could judge for myself what Bea said. Lucy was incredible in Mame and I really enjoyed it but as for Bea Arthur I think she was jealous as Lucy was the star, but Bea was terrible in it and I was disappointed in her. Compared to Lucy she had a very small part and as usual Lucy was beautiful.

[moorlock2003]

Oh please. Give me a break. Bea Arthur was not pleased with the film because it was bad. All you Lucy fanatics need to get a grip on reality. The film was a big flop for many reasons not the least was the casting of Ms. Ball in the lead role. She was wrong for the part, just as Bea says. Ball could not sing, was too old, and was not convincing at all. She was playing Lucy. The movie might have worked if it had a different lead, a different director, and more of a modern 'edge', like "Cabaret".

[Classicsatdusk]

Oh right, MAME should have been like CABARET. Give it up. It would have sucked if it had been like Cabaret. Yeah, that film was great but CABARET is REALLY the film that is responsible for putting the nail on the coffin as far as film musicals are concerned. After the release of that film, it was no longer okay for characters to break into song in the middle of a scene. All musicals post Cabaret failed, up until 1978 when GREASE was released.

[mytimesteps]

I agree that Lucy was terribly miscast as Mame, especially in light of the fact that Angela Landsbury won a Tony 4 the role in 1966. Angela should have done the film but my understanding is that Lucy had a financial interest. I disagree about the comment on direction as Bea's husband Gene Saks directed both the broadway & film version. Bea respected & loved Lucy for her talent- Bea felt obligated 2 Gene & was also doing Maude by the time the movie was filming.

[mangrovesea]

You're not serious, aren't you? I liked Lucille Ball, too, but she was terrible in Mame! We all knew from I Love Lucy that she couldn't sing.

[leisuresuitmikey]

Sorry Grandma... Lucy was terrible! Bea was in that role on Broadway, and was great! Lucy was too too OLD, etc! I love Lucy, but she stunk in Mame!

[ERstat77]

i never realised that they filmed each episode of the golden girls twice!

[ifusuckilltellu]

OMG That's the first time I've heard that!

[ifusuckilltellu]

What a class act I know I will see her on the other side one day & I know she has everyone up there cracking up!

[ifusuckilltellu]

I love when she tells the story of how the head of CBS at the time asked Norman "Who's That Girl" she was something else even if she was middle aged at that time she was always a lady and a young girl at heart I miss you Bea!

[jessly81]

Bea Arthur was NOT I repeat NOT in Star Trek. She was in Star Wars: The Holiday Special.  When the interviewer asks Bea about being in Star Trek in 1968 Bea thought she meant Star WARS.

But Bea was NOT in Star Trek and she never used the name Jane Ross!

I'm tired of hearing this. It's not correct and I don't care if its from Wikipedia.

[truthout911]

That's probably right, because if you look up Jane Ross on IMB it say she died in 1985. Plus under Bea's credit, she was not credited for Star Trek.

[dweebcentric]

and also probably why she didn't recall being credited as such.

[tweetingrobin1969]

@dweebcentric she might not remember cause shes aged , ill like to see when you hit her age and see if you can keep it up ....shes a great lady!!!

[lucky7blk8]

See you when I get there! RIP

[cashqueenj]

Such a sweet, yalented, vibrant woman. We have truly lost one of the very best. Thank goodness this is only temporary and I know she has reunited with Estelle Getty- Golden Girls at the golden gates. She will forever be in my heart. Prayers and love to all her many friends and family members as well as her many adoring and grieving fans. Thank you for being a friend Bea.

[TinkerMazell]

R.I.P. Bea Arthur!

[jkoch49]

growing up as a gay boy in the 70's, Bea's character, Maude, was one of my role models. When I was being picked on, I assumed Maude's demeanor and overcame much adversity. It helped my self-esteem. I am eternally grateful for having Bea Arthur as one of my life heroes. She will be missed.

[Zlrussell]

I, as a gay teen now, look up to her! So is wonderful. Classic. Funny. She has taught me a lot of things. From Maude to Golden Girls. This interview. I've loveed her ever since I was 10 years old. We all will miss u Bea!.

[CherchezMoi]

I am SOO sad about Bea Arthur's death!! I'm 19, and I have been religiously watching The Golden Girls since I was at least 5....and Dorothy has always been my favorite Golden Girl!! And she was such a wonderful person, not to mention an extraordinary actress!! We'll all miss you!! Thank you for all the laughs!! And of course, Thank You for Being a Friend!! Love you!!<33 R.I.P Bea Arthur(Pussycat)!!

[jbowmore]

The interviewer asks about "Star Trek", but Bea Arthur responds about "Star Wars" (the holiday special)

Just to be clear, Bea Arthur is not also "Jane Ross", and she was never on Star Trek

[victimsofthefuture]

The interviewer laughs at 11:09, is that to signify that asking her about the "Jane Ross" rumor was just to antagonize her?

[CALICOTV301]

You would see the biggest gift would be from me and the card attached would say thank you for being a friend!

[mfealy]

RIP...a true star!!!

[CALGAL2HULAGAL]

RIP Bea you were a brilliant actress......

We have lost another good one......

[kewlbloo12]

Rest in peace Well miss you very much

R I P

[redheadeddude]

According to Wikipedia (yes, I know, the most reliable source), she DID appear in Star TREK: "Star Trek, in the second season episode The Gamesters of Triskelion, as "Tamoon" (billed as Jane Ross) (1968)" Of course, she also was on the Star WARS Holiday Special in 1978, which she speaks of here.

[redheadeddude]

that voice. I love her.

[IconWatcher]

This interviewer isn't so good; it's like she's intimidated by Bea. I mean, how could you not be? But they should have edited out the questions.

[mastmedia]

Susan Harris was a genius. Such a brilliant writer.

The quality of education reflected in the talent who've come before is really evident now. Television today is junk and I think the level of skill (or lack thereof) in contemporary culture is a testament to the fact.

[dannysgirl71605]

didn't she do startwars in 78???

i could be wrong...but i definitely don't think the starwars appearance was 68.

bea looks STUNNING as always!!!! this lady is my idol!!!!

[Candygirl524]

I freaking love this WOMan . . definitely an idol of mine. . .besides this lady is my great aunt . .lol

[latinahoney123]

shes your great aunt? what? seriously?

[mcmlxvi]

Rose?? Is that you?

[antoniorossiz]

What a broad!

[CherchezMoi]

Love Love Love this woman!! I am a huge fan od The Golden Girls!! Such an amazing person!! Love you Bea!!

[lizziesecondstreet]

What a wonderful actress, person, and lady! Bea Arthur is a national treasure.

[sonjaxfactor]

One thing about Beatrice. She does not pull punches. Ever!

[Dmalice22]

Before I say what I am about to say I want you all to know that I am not joking. I find her very attractive, even old to me she is so beautiful

[kokolonkenponkel]

oh,she definitely is,and always has been!!!and i am not joking here either...

[OliveBranch08]

She looks like my grandmother! Even in her younger years on the GG! And her personality on GG is my grandmothers in real life! Imagine that!

[MitsiMits]

She's my idol...Love ya Bea :)

[ShieldBladeLatinos]

she looks sick

[yardleyaloe]

No. There's nothing wrong with Bea. She is just old. Kindly accept that.

[bosma64]

Considering Bea was born in 1922, I think she looks damn good! She is one of my most favorite stars. LOVE HER!!

[tall32guy]

She was an old woman! What do you expect? LOL And I happen to think she looked great in this one, but to each their own.

[paddyjoejr1]

You Are Nuts, She Was Still Gergous! & Very Sexy Too!

[tweetingrobin1969]

@tall32guy im glad youre with me on this one!!!!.

[shadoh]

I think the interviewer probably mixed up Star WARS with Star TREK. There was an actress who really is named Jane Ross who guest starred in Star TREK. Bea Arthur starred in the Star WARS Christmas Special as "Ackmena".

[pheobs61]

Oh my gosh I knew that had to have been horrible (MAME) after Acting with Angela Lansbury who is the top of her field!

[damone77]

"I'm so sorry I did it". I'm so glad that Miss Arthur finally admits that it was Angela's part not Lucy's. I know that Jerry felt the same way.

[damone77]

What a priviledge to see one of my favorite character actresses of all time!