‘There’s a new girl in town, ’cause I’m feelin’ good!’ (‘Alice,’ TV title, 1978)
Alice first aired on CBS in August of 1976 and ran for nine seasons until July of 1985. The show was based on the 1974 movie Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (which netted its star, Ellen Burstyn, an Oscar.)
The film and series follows a New Jersey mom who moves to Arizona with her young son while looking for work as a singer. She ends up employed as a waitress at a greasy eatery called Mel’s Diner.
The TV cast stars Linda Lavin as Alice, Vic Tayback (reprising his movie role) as Mel, Beth Howland as Vera and the show-stealing Polly Holliday as Flo – famous for the catchphrase “Kiss my grits!”
The pride of Mel’s Diner: Flo (Polly Holiday,) Vera (Beth Howland,) and Alice (Linda Lavin,) 1976
Below, you’ll find the intro for Alice season one. I did a fair bit of scrounging around and the version embedded is the best available. As a bonus treat, I’ve included a better quality short scene, also from season one.
Previously, on Show Toppers: The Bad News Bears (TV, 1979)
Living in Phoenix, I always watched the show just to hear the occasional reference to a local town or landmark. The intro does show I-17 heading into Phoenix. The diner that was used for the establishing exterior shots is still standing on Grand Avenue in Phoenix. It’s name has been changed to Mel’s.
I was a fan and watched the first few seasons. Definitely enjoyed the funnier side of it with Vera, Flo and Mel. Thanks for the Phoenix insight!