Stephen Forstmeier came to the comment section to request this :) just bump you up instead

Yeah, please explore this topic!

100% this, the Glasgow scene is electric.

Wow OK, looks like a lot of folks want this! I'm going to need to do a lot of research & learning about the topic before I can speak really authoritatively, so let me know if you have suggestions for resources I should check out!

@@MattBaume This article is an overview of the history of cross-dressing in Britain and seems like a good place to start. www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2014/11/brits-cross-dressing-history

That was a major part of the show ... bigoted Archie showing himself become more open-minded. One of the most memorable - to me - was when he discovered that his football hero was gay - while arm wrestling him. LOL The death of Beverly touched many people. And Carroll O'Connor, who played Archie, wanted to push the borders as far as he could and still maintain the fun and the ratings. I was friends with someone that knew him and I understood that Carroll and the "gate keepers of purity" [standards and practices] had a few interesting battles.

In the 1970's, there was so much hope and promise that the US would become a more progressive country. A few years after the first airing of this episode, Ronald Reagan was elected president, and the backsliding began. Dammit, America--you took a wrong turn there.

Rebecca Woolf Agreed. Archie Bunker had a basic decency that Trump cannot even fathom. I believe Archie would have rejected Trump for the white supremacist that Trump is, and seen him as a soft, rich blowhard who only pretended to care about working people.

There's also the time he realizes his new friends are violent racists, and he rejects them.

edit: I mean Archie of course. Not that orange curse.

Edith is the best!

She's morality and humanity goals.

Edith was the show's protagonist. However, the show's heel wasn't Archie, it was clearly both Michael and Maude...two despicable uber liberal characters who unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon your perspective) actually made Archie look better.

ScattySafari Edith was a stupid house wife Archie married her so she can wait on him hand and foot she didn't have a voice he shut her uo.every chance he got

@@jessicafashionlover2148 K

I was raised in a liberal family who was Latino and not Mormon from Utah. I grew up in liberal Seattle, but Archie was the character that I finally figured out that we can love each other but still disagree.

What most people don't realize is that this show also poked fun at feminism and the women's liberation movement by making Gloria talk the talk, but then cry like a baby - there are episodes where she ends up agreeing with her dad's view of the traditional family. This show also relentlessly poked fun at Mike's progressive behavior by making him the lazy son-in-law who sponges off of his in-laws. Mike was also often portrayed as a male chauvinist. The producer wanted to counteract Mike's progressive character with his equally patriarchal nature in an effort to show the hypocrisy of the counter-cultural (now known as progressive) movement. The only reason why progressives today don't see this is because they consider Mike's behavior in the show as appropriate, but that was not the intent of the show. The 70s were not about taking sides, they were about laughing at the idiocy of ALL sides and this show did it really well - racist & bigoted (in Archie), submissive wife (in Edith) feminist (in Gloria), and progressive (in Mike).

I've heard that O'Connor hated the fact that so many didn't seem to get the fact that Archie was supposed to be in the wrong on so many of his views. From what I heat it was a big part of the reason he took the role on _In the Heat of the Night._

@@ElizaDolittle I'd say it was also mocking hip conviction; agreeing with the progressive views because it is the cool thing to do. It is the same unconsidered conviction and blind adherence to societal norms that produce and Archie. It tried to warn us about the echo chamber before that was even a thing... And it also shows that it can be hard to get away from your upbringing, without strong moral judgement. It is the kind of 'both sides' satire that southpark tries to do (but without the often adolescent collegebro superior snark that it uses)

@@ElizaDolittle What they were showing was that everybody has their flaws. There isn't one type of person who is good and one who is bad we all have both in us and use up those qualities during out lives. But the show was made by progressives and it was to show how the older generation, though good people, were highly flawed and needed to be shown these qualities in order to become better people. The other characters were to help show Archie why his thinking and sometimes actions were wrong and Mike was there to show that we aren't perfect, far from it, but we can change and become better people. It wasn't a poke at the counter culture, it was a poke at the average guy being ill informed and wrong about most things. They championed gay rights, acceptance, anti gun laws, racial divides, women's liberation and plenty other subjects. It was definitely a liberal show in the fact it took up those issues instead of ignoring or perpetuating the societal norms of the time. It isn't a poke at the left but it was a poke at human beings being flawed. But it shows the progressive people realizing we aren't perfect and trying to learn and become better. While it depicts those against the left as just as clueless but unwilling and unwanting of change and betterment and usually being depicted being lousy people who end up getting the short end by episodes end. You can see what you like in it but it was a show that featured people growing and understanding their flaws. But make no mistake they show the hatred and ignorance of the anti progressives being the real bad people of the show.

according to Edith. they were dead. Archie is the one who spouted that they disowned or didn't want to be around Beverly. But I think Edith is the one who knows Beverly LaSalle(being that Beverly LaSalle was Edith's long-time friend and not Archie's long-time friend) best and I think I will go with her view. Although, of course, the character is part of a script written by humans and is not a real-life person. However, in this case, because Beverly LaSalle was played by a real-life transgender person, it kind of blends the two in people's minds? It might also be interesting to know that Don McLean is a graduate of Burbank High School and had a sister Marcia McLean who also was a graduate of Burbank High School.

Nobody us offended, but it's only right to respect who they were by acknowledging what we now know

It's just the terminology they had

They also had a sub-term, "half-sister" or "half-brother", which was called in the zines at the time as a transvestite who has the soul of a woman (or man, in case of trans guys) and sometimes even mentions desires for hormones. I think it's kind of beautiful terminology in its own way, and I sometimes wonder how our language might have evolved if those kinds of community terms caught-on more strongly than the medical language like transsexual and transgender.

for the curious: "The third and final appearance occurs in "Edith's Crisis of Faith (Part 1)". Beverly visits the family to invite them to her debut show at Carnegie Hall. After leaving the Bunker home, Beverly (dressed as a man) and Mike are attacked and beaten up while walking together to a subway station. Beverly gets the worst of it, suffering mortal injuries. Edith is left to grieve and must come to terms with the violent and senseless death of her friend at Christmastime." all-in-the-family-tv-show.fandom.com/wiki/Beverly_LaSalle matt, we can skip the full arc, thanks :(

I agree. I always thought her final appearance was television history and one of the best episodes of All in the Family. It was indeed tearfully moving for those of us who have a heart.

My Mom and I were crushed when that happened! Then Edith lost her Faith for a bit. Yes heart wrenching!

Cry every time I watch the episode

I cried too

Oh wow I missed that one -- I'll see if I can dig footage of it up!

Don't forget Dustin Hoffman as Tootsie

That was a hilarious moment, but weirdly, the actor and actress at the door are not listed in the credits at the end of the episode, on IMDB, or anywhere I have found. Anyone know more? Feel free to reply.

@@Jonathanbroder it was during an election...not sure what year it aired but I believe it was during a presidential election IRL. will look andf see what elections fell during first couple of seasons.

What a concept! People are complicated. Archie is a very complex character. It annoys me to see people dismiss him as an awful person or whatever. If someone like Edith loves him then there is something to love. A big point of the show is to show the flaws and facets of Archie. The good and bad and how he can change.

@@bongchoof Yeah, I mean, if someone watches more than a clip here or there, and actually watches the show and pays attention to it, they'll come to realize that Archie is actually VERY open minded, and always willing to reevaluate his prejudices. That makes him a far better human being than the viewer who judge him harshly for having those prejudices. All Archie needs is a nudge that he could be wrong and he rethinks his position. I'd rather have him for a father than the ignorant, won't listen to anyone but himself jackass that I do have.

I remember watching King of the Hill in the 90s (and 00s) and thinking it was so original for doing that with Hank - just goes to show how many trailblazers I was ignoring.

you'd think we didnt (those of us who are of a certain age) grow up watching these lessons on how to be decent ppl to one another. wtf happened here? its heartbreaking &depressing to find so many missed the points. :(

Barry William Teske I think you’re right. James Burrows is another great one.

Let the church say Amen. Norman Lear is in a class by himself in US tv history.

Clever of him to wrap up liberal ideas in conservative bigotry.

Isn't it amazing that Norman's still working? I met him briefly in LA a few years ago and he was super sharp and funny and kind.

Matt Baume I mean the guy is 96 years old now. Retirement? What’s that? We can only hope to reach that age remaining that sharp and on it.

@@MattBaume he created some of my favorites and I'm 17 and love his shows

As is Archie's response to him: "Nahhhh- you musta been seein' things!"

The fact your mum was willing to explain probably also helped.

@@Lapinporokoira Yes, absolutely. I remember being so confused about WHY a man would dress like a woman in public. She basically said, "There are just some people that do that," very casually.

A few years back my boss who is also a musician was playing at a gospel show where a man dressed as a woman was playing fiddle, he didn't realize that until the show was almost over, be raised in the Assembly of God church he had reservation's on this so he talked to his dad who was in his 90s what he thought. The old man's reply was if we were running a whorehouse that it might be a a problem but seeing how they were playing music that's between him and God

But transgender people and transvestites aren't the same thing. A trans woman is not a man wearing girl's clothes, she's a woman. Anyway, I'm always glad to read stuff like this :)

@@DUWANGlai_kangyi That's true but back then there wasn't a lot of information around about the subject and, at least for me, it was nice to see someone like me in one of my favorite shows. Like the song 'Lola' it told me that I wasn't alone.

Kinda reminds me of King of the Hill in a way.

Was his weight the issue?

I don't know

Either way, what a shame; that's too young.

Just like Divine.... so young

@@r0bw00d Lori Shannon wasn`t that big, in fact I wouldn`t consider her fat. I`ll bet cigarettes were involved.

Such a great film

The kids in the hall raised me. I think it was my first conscious drag experience I loved that show

I always loved how the Kids' female characters were just as real as their male ones.

Plus one of the members voiced Pleakley in the "Lilo and Stitch" films and TV series and that character dresses in drag and presents as female A LOT but uses male pronouns when not in women's wigs and clothing. Funny enough, Ving Rhames, who voiced the social worker Cobra Bubbles in the franchise, also played a drag queen himself once!

I cannot believe how good they are at drag. It was done out of necessity but you couldn't tell. KITH originally had female members before they got on TV, but they all joined second city. I'm kinda glad they did. Kathie and Cathy will always have a special place in my heart.

It makes me cry so hard no matter how many times I watch the last episode.

I agree. It was very heartbreaking. I bawl every time no matter how many times I watch it. I feel so much hatred that it's still going on this day & age.

@@ThirdOfJune4444 Yes, in so many ways some TV shows that are 30-40 years old are so much more advanced than what America is now.

I agree Paul. It's no better in Canada. I witness & experience sexual orientation discrimination and alternate lifestyles almost every day. If memory serves, the episode where Beverly was bashed to death was entitled "Edith's Crisis Of Faith". You can't help but want to hug & hold her in comfort. She just lost a close friend, and was blinded to what Beverly represented. She just loved a human being. What a beautiful & enlightened outlook, in my opinion. I'm almost tearing up right now...hehe! I have the entire series on DVD, and I think I'm going to watch the episode tonight. Thank goodness for Kleenex. :-)

Yas omg breaks my heart everytime i see it

Hmmm that's lowkey transphobic yo but if he was ok with then it's all good I guess

Yeah, I haven't seen the musical, but I can't imagine it translates well into a modern setting. I wouldn't mind seeing a gender-swapped version with a woman posing as a man... though I guess that's basically Victor/Victoria.

I'll have videos about those other episodes coming soon!

@@MattBaume future feed prompted!

@@MattBaume I didn't see AITF until the 90s and didn't get to watch the full series until earlier this decade. But the arch and tragic end have stayed with me ever since. Jean Stapleton's portrayal of the pain and her loss of faith make me blubber even more.

Be warned.... it doesn''t end well

@@MattBaume also explore Dorthy's brother Phil on Golden Girls...IIRC he appeared in a couple of episodes, and the episode with his funeral is quite moving for an 80's sit com.

Oh good, glad it's helpful! It really is a challenge to understand what someone means when they use a label back then.

Yes, it's true, there are a lot of indications that Beverly takes off the drag when she's not working.

Wow, I really came away from that comment looking like this huge bitch, but that wasn't my intention. I love this video... I love all these videos and think Matt Baume is doing the world a huge service in going back and viewing these things.

@@MuncleMarkster you didn't come off as rude to me

Are you British, by any chance? I understand pantomimes are basically a tradition to watch during the Christmas season; I would've loved to have grown up with that! I still hope to be able to catch a performance someday :)

I think it's a little of each -- Archie is scared for himself, and letting Beverly know that she should be on high alert as well.

Cass Winthrop = Crystal Lake? I seem to recall her/him being de-wigged in a public restroom.

@@Nathan-jq1uw Yup!

Tom Who "Too many people would get offended by nearly every episode". Thing is, the issues we have today socially, culturally, and politically aren't exactly as they were then. Doing the exact same type of show today isn't as relevant. And to the point on people being too offended today, I think people underrate how easily offended people of past decades were just by different things than today. Showing Marianne's midriff on "Gilligan's Island" was a controversial decision, Star Trek's interracial kiss sparked FCC phone calls, Luci and Desi sleeping in the same bed was deemed inappropriate by the networks, a black boxer, Jack Johnson, winning against a white boxed started a nationwide race riot and a ban of the film of the bout in Congress. People say it a lot, but I'm not so sure people are more offended now than in the past. I'd only say that's it's easier than ever to be vocal about it.

@@cjaquilino I agree. It's easier for people to voice offense thanks to the internet. It's not like people didn't get offended about little things then, too, remember when they took the, "bigger than jesus." comment by lennon out of context and a bunch of super religous people got crazy mad.

Thanks! This one's been a long time coming.

It's my all-time favorite sitcom and one of my top 3 favorite episodes. Thanks again for highlighting it. :)

@Anthony Scottoo Omg, yes finally someone mentions that movie! Holiday Heart is so underappreciated that it's frustrating.

Anthony Scott00 this is about back in 70

@@jessicafashionlover2148 Oh okay I was just mentioning this film for its portrayal of a crossdressor

@@AnthonyNekro Around the 15:30 mark, the video mentions more recent examples. I'm thinking he left out Holiday Heart because that character is very similar to Beverly. He wanted to show how Beverly was different, which she was in the 1970's. Holiday Heart (2000) deserves it's own video. It had a huge impact particularly on the black community.

Yeah it's a shame he never came back!

That one's on my list! I just want to be sensitive and careful about it since it touches on quite a few issues.

I think American TV is just really skittish about showing that someone can be both masculine AND feminine. Like, it wants people to pick one and stick with it, even if it's totally impractical and bizarre to do so.

@@MattBaume A friend of mine, Micheal Kerns, talked about how when he auditioned for a tv show (I think it was "Brothers" but I'm not sure) he would switch behaviors to be more butch or femme depending on the situation and that really confused the directors, producers and casting directors.

@@dmc8092 Butch and femme are lesbian terms. I think you mean feminine and masculine.

Aw you're welcome! I just need some patches on my elbows and I'm in full perfessor mode.

I saw it once as a child and i don't think i can ever see it again.

It holds up really well!