Interviews | Posted by TV Time Machine 06.02.14
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JaySandrich2Jay Sandrich, director of more than 100 episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, is interviewed by TV Time Machine host Jim Benson about this classic 1970’s comedy TV series.

In this journey on the TV Time Machine—we travel back to 1970. A year that introduced a bright, warm ray of sunshine to the cold climes of Minneapolis. We are proud to welcome a television legend, Emmy-Award winning director on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Jay Sandrich. Mr. Sandrich not only directed well over 100 episodes of the series, but has been at the helm of some of the greatest television series over the past 50 years, including: Get Smart, That Girl, The Odd Couple, The Bob Newhart Show, The Cosby Show, The Golden Girls, and many, many more.

Over the next few audio segments, Jay Sandrich helps us relive virtually every aspect of this classic television series, and reflects upon his incredible body of work, which includes many of The Mary Tyler Moore Show’s finest moments. Again, for those of you intrepid enough to join us for a trip back to visit the ‘ol gang at WJM News, feel free to read your teleprompter, as we slip from the restraints of the present, and into a very special transmission of the past!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   marytylermoore

Listen to the Interview Below

Jay Sandrich audio interview Segment One

In this segment, host Jim Benson and Mary Tyler Moore Show director Jay Sandrich talk about his early career working with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz on the classic TV comedy I Love Lucy, and also working with producer Leonard Stern on both I’m Dickens He’s Fenster and the classic 1960’s TV comedy spy spoof, Get Smart. Mr. Sandrich also discusses filming the pilot for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, its inherent difficulties, and how the show’s premiere episode started as a disaster and ended a triumph.

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Jay Sandrich audio interview Segment Two

For the second segment, host Jim Benson and Mary Tyler Moore Show director Jay Sandrich discuss the magic of Mary Tyler Moore and how the character of Mary Richards evolved and matured over the years. Mr. Sandrich also talks about Ed Asner and his portrayal of Mary’s boss Lou Grant, how Mr. Grant ultimately became a surrogate father for Mary, and the amazing Betty White and how she was cast as the man-hungry Happy Homemaker, Sue Ann Nivens.

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JaySandrich audio interview Segment Three

For the final segment, host Jim Benson and and Mary Tyler Moore Show director Jay Sandrich discuss Mary’s best friend Rhoda (played by Valerie Harper), how perfect Valerie Harper was for that role, and how the character was originally created for the show. Mr. Sandrich also discusses the plethora of MTM TV show spinoffs, including Rhoda, Phyllis, and Lou Grant. Finally, Jay Sandrich talks about directing the final episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, how magical that experience was, and how emotional that day was for cast, crew, and the audience.

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