The 1968 unaired pilot for what would eventually become the iconic TV series All in the family (1971).The 1968 unaired pilot for what would eventually become the iconic TV series All in the family (1971).The 1968 unaired pilot for what would eventually become the iconic TV series All in the family (1971).
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This is the first pilot for what became "All in the Family". Apparently the network didn't like some of the cast so they had different actors play Gloria and Richard (later changed to Mike). In particular, this Gloria seemed VERY New York Italian and the later incarnations were more middle America and ethnically ambiguous. D'Urville Martin played Lionel in both pilots--the one and "Those Were the Days" (the second pilot). By the time the first actual episode came along ("Meet the Bunkers"), Richard/Mike, Gloria and Lionel were the actors we are now familiar with and more likable than the pilot actors...though perhaps this is more due to familiarity.
The episode itself is essentially the same as in the second pilot AND the first episode. It's Archie and Edith's anniversary and the kids make them a nice brunch. But, not surprisingly, Richard and Archie get to arguing about race and then later about the existence of God. And, like these two other episodes, Archies racial slurs are a bit more frequent and vulgar than you'd hear in later episodes.
Overall, very similar to the second pilot but perhaps a bit grouchier and more harsh. Watchable and interesting...particularly if you are a fan of the later series.
A few other things to note...the family is named 'Justice' in this one and the opening song is VERY different towards the end and Richard/Mike is Irish (as he is in the second pilot)....oh, and Carroll O'Connor is sporting a toupee!
The episode itself is essentially the same as in the second pilot AND the first episode. It's Archie and Edith's anniversary and the kids make them a nice brunch. But, not surprisingly, Richard and Archie get to arguing about race and then later about the existence of God. And, like these two other episodes, Archies racial slurs are a bit more frequent and vulgar than you'd hear in later episodes.
Overall, very similar to the second pilot but perhaps a bit grouchier and more harsh. Watchable and interesting...particularly if you are a fan of the later series.
A few other things to note...the family is named 'Justice' in this one and the opening song is VERY different towards the end and Richard/Mike is Irish (as he is in the second pilot)....oh, and Carroll O'Connor is sporting a toupee!
- planktonrules
- Jun 22, 2017
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Did you know
- TriviaThis was the first pilot filmed. ABC turned it down and another pilot (titled "Those Were the Days") was filmed for CBS. The second pilot was not shown until TV Land aired it in 1998, but at that time this pilot was believed to be lost. This pilot was first released to the public on the DVD set "The Norman Lear Collection" in 2009.
- Quotes
Edith Justice: Of course, Mr. Religion here wasn't seein' eye to eye with the sermon.
Archie Justice: What sermon? That there was pure socialist propaganda and don't give me that look, you didn't think it was so hot neither.
Edith Justice: I just said it was different, that's all, but I didn't curse the reverend from right there in the front pew.
- ConnectionsFollowed by All in the family (1971)
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