Fresno (1986)

brilliant actors, brilliant editing

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Fresno was absolutely hilarious. The actors' delivery was completely deadpan, and all the laughs came from the ridiculous convolutions of the plot, which were only slightly more ridiculous than Dallas or Falconcrest. Fresno received a well-deserved award for casting, featuring a raft of stellar comedians including Charles Grodin and Teri Garr. As I recall the show did not do well in the ratings. The actors played it so straight that there may have been a lot of viewers who just didn't get it. That seemed to be the opinion of the producers, who added a laugh track when they re-prised the miniseries a few months after it debuted. This of course ruined the whole effect, and it probably did even worse in the ratings than the first run. I really wish someone would dig up a tape and put this out on DVD.

How I would love to see it again, and yet it is never seen. I asked a well-known movie producer/director who had cas Charles Grodin in one of his films, and even had had never seen it. Carol Burnett, Charles Grodin, Jeffrey Jones (Mr. Acme of the Acme Toxic Waste Company) were outstanding. My favorite line: The matriarch, Carol Burnett, to her poor, overworked peon Juan, who has asked her for a raise (she continually cut his wages) so he could feed and clothe his family: "Juan, I have seen what your family eats and wears, and it couldn't cost THAT much." Second favorite line: When Terri Garr (who walks around all day in a teddy) "accidentally" bumps into Torch at the bunkhouse: "What are you doing here," she asks. "Just came back to change my shirt," says Torch, who carries a perfectly pressed shirt around all day but never puts it on.

This was sent to Carol Burnett in care of the Columbia Broadcasting Company and to CBS. The charming spoof of many movies and TV "soaps", Fresno, had been promotionally advertised. That was found to peak enough interest that I purposely decided that it was time to invest in my first VCR with the first order of business to save "Fresno" for future enjoyment. After viewing, my decision had been justified and it became what was to be the start of an "extra special" library. I found that most of the character portrayals were excellently done. I have been surprised over the years that there has been no mention of "Fresno" by late night show guests Dabney Coleman, Charles Grodin, Terry Garr and Teresa Ganzell. Was there some kind of a blackout by CBS? If not, what would be a reason? If it was not a popular series, which may be another ratings fiasco, I might understand. Several people I had talked with, who had seen only one or two episodes, said that they didn't understand it and thought it was "silly." They did not realize that it was not intended to be a serious presentation. I particularly enjoyed your portrayals, with Carol Burnett as a vineyard matriarch, Dabney Coleman from an "evil neighbors vineyard," Charles Grodin as the "ambitious son," Terry Garr as the "neglected wife", the "younger son" and his concern for the environment, Pat Corley as the "trailer slob" that only wanted the "Impala," your "chauffeur," Teresa Ganzell as the ambitious "country and western singer," Valerie Mahaffey as the "outsider daughter," the "'ACME WASTE' owner," and the spoof of the "Blues Brother's." The opening scene portraying the naming of the "Fresno" valley was particularly hilarious, as was the scene outside of the courtroom with the parking lot devastation. But, my primary purpose for writing to you is that the tapes had not been protected and were inadvertently overwritten several years ago. I would like to replace "Fresno" but it has not been aired that I had been aware. I have asked video stores if it was available but to no avail. I would appreciate any help you might provide as to the availability of any archival copy. I just hope that "Fresno" is not lost to those of us who appreciate this type of "cult" television, and "damn" the ignorant if they can't understand it. Thanks for your consideration, Gene Ray Issaquah, WA 98029

My favorite scene from this mini-series is when the person, in the middle of the trial suddenly bursts out their guilt in a passioned plea. Then realizes they are in the wrong courtroom. Carol Burnett, Dabney Coleman, Charles Grodin and Teri Garr are exceptional in their portrayals. This should definitely be on DVD!