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Has anyone noticed over the past 10 years how everything has turned into a series?

It's almost impossible to watch a complete movie in a single viewing anymore, but rather have to tune in once a week to watch anywhere from 6-14 episodes that eventually lead to a conclusion.

Part of me is annoyed by that, but then there is another part of me that actually enjoys it. And I think because I'm an impatient person, the part of me that gets annoyed is the part that wants an immediate conclusion in one sitting.

However there are exceptions, such as the joy and rapture I'm feeling in watching the series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. And I would have never known about the series, had it not been for my longtime blogging friend, Rob, who posted something on his blog several weeks ago. So I thought, "Why not check it out? It's a series based in the 1950's, and I love anything to do with period pieces. And brother let me tell you, I am so happy that I decided to watch it because from the very first episode, I was (and still am) completely hooked. Thanks, Rob!

You see, I so admire talent. And in this series, the talent oozes from every avenue. From the writers, actors/actresses, characters, costumes, hair and makeup, extraordinary music, lighting, and mind-blowing cinematography, 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' is truly a magnificent work of art!

Since discovering the series, I've already watched two seasons and have just started the third, with a fourth one remaining. I watch 1-2 episodes per night, but am always tempted to watch more. This is one of those series that I don't ever want to end, so I'm prolonging it.

Series Synopsis:

Miriam "Midge" Maisel has everything she has ever wanted -- the perfect husband, two kids and an elegant apartment on New York's Upper West Side. Her seemingly idyllic life takes a surprising turn when she discovers a hidden talent she didn't previously know she had -- stand-up comedy. This revelation changes her life forever as she begins a journey that takes her from her comfortable life on the Upper West Side through the cafes and nightclubs of Greenwich Village as she makes her way through the city's comedy industry on a path that could ultimately lead her to a spot on the "Tonight Show" couch. 

The cast is stellar! 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' is a strong ensemble piece in which every character plays off each other. And a perfect example of that are the characters of Mrs. Miriam 'Midge' Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan) and her manager, Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein). Their chemistry and comedic timing are incredible to watch. 


In fact, all of the actors/actresses have outstanding comedic timing. Watching this series is like riding a speeding train because that's how fast the dialogue and the characters move. In comedy, it's all about timing. And this cast has it down perfectly. 

The Style of the 1950's-

I could go on and on about the many things I find exceptional when it comes to this series. However, in this post I'm going to simply focus on how the style of the 50's is so brilliantly captured.

Here are several cast members out of costume...


Cast member in costume (*costume designer: Donna Zakowska)...


1950's hair and makeup...


Rachel Brosnahan looks as though she was born in the 50's because the style is absolutely stunning on her. Besides her talent for acting, Rachel has a physicality that, much like a blank canvas, can be painted into any character and completely look the part. She's a natural-born shapeshifter. 





1950's automobiles...


So, yes, as you can tell from this post, in so many ways, I am truly in love with 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'

And I admire the character of  'Miriam 'Midge' Maisel because she’s not only funny, but also strong, resilient, verbose, feisty, and great at getting what she wants.

Bravo Midge!



And congratulations, Rachel. You deserved the Emmy!


Wishing you a week filled with laughter, everyone!
💗

28 comments:

  1. A friend of mine raved about the show when it first came on, but since we already pay beaucoup bucks for cable, I wasn’t about to pay for a streaming service to watch Mrs Maisel. But it definitely sounds like something I’d enjoy! I love the costumes and recognize the cast members from other shows. I will have to see if I can watch it for free via another app. Thanks for the thumbs up approval rating! Now I know where you’ve been . . .Lol!

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  2. I can't believe that I never knew about this series before Rob mentioned it on his blog?!? And that's probably because I don't have cable or watching TV. I usually hear about these series from other people and then watch them. I mean, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel came on in 2017, yet I just started watching it in 2022.

    I don't pay for cable, I stream all my stuff through (https://www.divicast.com/). And before that, it was another free streaming service that I used. I'm too cheap to pay for cable. LOL!

    Aren't the costumes faaaaaaaaaabulous? And yes, the whole cast has such a rich resume in previous shows and movies. What really blows me away about this series is the cinematography. Many times while watching an episode, I will pause and replay certain moments, just to re-watch how the camera moves. It's freaking amazing! I found a video on You Tube that highlighted the cinematographer and how he worked the camera in various scenes. SO impressive!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a fantastic week!

    X

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  3. "Rachel has a physicality that, much like a blank canvas, can be painted into any character and completely look the part. She's a natural-born shapeshifter." Ron, I love how you said that, it's so TRUE! She looks gorgeous in the 1950's style clothing. Just GORGEOUS! Big fan of hers (Gossip Girls and Grey's Anatomy).

    I feel like you about "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel", it's a work of art! Anytime I watch it, I laugh my ass off. Susie cracks me up!!!!! She is so damn funny! I also love Midge's parents. Hilarious!

    I watched the 4th season and am hoping and praying that there will be a 5th. I heard that they are working on it. Can't wait!

    Great post, Ron. Love all the photos! xo

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  4. Doesn't she look fantastic in that style? Like she was born into it! Even her face looks 1950's!

    This is the first thing I saw Rachel in. However, I did a search and found her film and television work, which I will have to watch. She is such a talented actress, isn't she? She NAILED the stand up comedy. And that's not easy to do.

    "Susie cracks me up!!!!! She is so damn funny! I also love Midge's parents. Hilarious!"

    YES to that! Whenever Susie is in scene, all I do is laugh. She 's HYSTERICAL! Last night I watched an episode with Midge's parents and started coughing because I was laughing so hard.

    Like I said, I think the whole cast is brilliant.

    Oh good! I was wondering whether there would be a 5th season. I'm about midway through the 3rd and looking forward to the 4th. I can't believe I never knew of this series. It's marvelous. LOL!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice. Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  5. I will try to watch it this summer! I’ve used divicast from your recommendation before for two Paramount + shows, and boy was I happy! It’s a bit glitchy, but it worked!

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  6. Sounds like a perfect way to be fully entertained!! Cars, fashion, and quick wit that keeps anyone paying attention & appreciating it makes a perfect series . Well said Ron

    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com

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  7. Yes, you're absolutely right, it can be a bit glitchy. Sometimes I have to switch to a different streaming server. But OMG...I love that's its FREE and NO commercials!

    I also use Peacock (free) and Vudu (free) for different shows and movies.

    X

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  8. Yes, it certain is, Anni! I really enjoy "period pieces" because I find it fascinating to see the different styles and they way people lived back then.

    I was truly surprised by how much I LOVE this series. Such a talented pool of actors/actresses, writers, and crew members. And it's both hysterically funny and touching at times.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  9. Ron, when this series first came on, my girlfriends and I would get together for our weekly, "Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Night" and drink martini's. And just to tell you how much we were into it, we would all wear RED lipstick, like Midge. I kid you not.

    I LOVE this show! And being from New York, I enjoyed the locations that were actually shot there. I am so looking forward to season five. You're right, the chemistry between all the cast members is pretty amazing. And love how every other word out of Susie's mouth is the F-bomb! Rachel is so good as Midge. You would swear she was a stand up comedian from the way she delivers. She's a natural. That final photo of her with her Emmy is just beautiful!

    Weren't the 50's such a classy time in fashion and style? Kind of like today. LOL!

    Wonderful post, Ron! So glad you discovered "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel!" xo

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  10. Hola Denise!

    OMG...that's FAAAAAAAAAABUOUS! How fun that must have been! And yes, the 50's were such a classy time for fashion and style. I was born in the 50's (1955), but it wasn't until I got older did I really appreciate it. When you're living it, you don't really see it!

    I know, I love the NY locations shots. I recently watched an episode that was shot in Washington Square Park. So COOL!

    "And love how every other word out of Susie's mouth is the F-bomb! "

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I know! Anytime she comes into a scene, I find myself rolling on the floor with laughter. She's freaking hysterical.

    Yes, the way Rachel delivers the comedy in her stand up is as if she did it her whole life. I really like the interchange she has with the character of Lenny Bruce. They go so well together.

    I'm midway through season 3 and looking forward to 4. I wonder when 5 will be aired?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Yup...so glad I discovered it too!

    X

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  11. Ron, just from your description and the photos you shared, I know I would really enjoy this series. Over the past few years I've heard people mention 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' but never looked into it. But I will now! I agree with you, everything has turned a series. And it's overwhelming to see how many their are, especially in the last year. The most recent I've watched is 'The Thing About Pam' with Rene Zellweger and it was so good! She totally transformed the way she looks. The series is based off the real-life character, Pam Hupp. If you get a chance, look for it.

    The style of the 1950's is so sharp, isn't it? Both the men and women looked so put-together. I love the photo of that vintage Checker cab!

    Thanks for sharing this, Ron. Well-written and enticing. I have an Amazon Prime account, so I will be watching this!

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  12. Morning, Daniel!

    Yes, I agree, particularly over the past year. And I think that's because when COVID hit in 2020, movie/series productions came to a halt and were postponed until things went back to semi-normal. There seems to be a new series every week!

    And OMG....I just recently watched "The Thing About Pam" and freaking LOVED it! Wasn't Rene incredible? And what a story!!! I didn't even know about Pam Hupp until I watched the series. What a PSYCHO she was! I have a feel Rene is going to receive an Emmy for her performance because she was sooooooooooo damn good. After I watched the series, I went back and watched interviews with the real Pam Hupp and was blown away by how accurate Rene was in her portrayal. She nailed it!

    Isn't that Checker cab faaaaaaaaabulous? And I remember when NYC still had those cabs, back when I lived there in the 70's.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. I think you'll really enjoy this series!

    X

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  13. Ron, oops...I forgot to mention in my previous comment about the scenes in the series that were set in B. Altman & Co. in the cosmetic department. Wasn't it wonderful to see how stores were back then? Everything was displayed so beautifully and the employees looked so professional.

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  14. OMG Denise, I thought the EXACT SAME THING! And being that I've spent half my life in cosmetic retail, I was especially in awe of how it was back in the 50's. Like you said, everything looked so beautiful and the girls behind the counters looked so professional and attentive. Kind of like how it is today with employees all texting on their cell phones WHILE at work. LOL!!!!

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  15. Ron, this is such a well composed post. I can tell that you put a lot of time and energy in your posts. I can't imagine how long it takes you to organized and prepare a post like this. How long does it take you?

    Being a New York Jew, the minute this series came on I was hooked too! The family members of both families are SO DAMN HILARIOUS, and so Jewish. I love Midges mother and father. And Joel's as well. I could just sit and watch the scenes they're in over and over again and laugh so hard.

    And you're right, the attention to detail when it comes to the fashion and style of that era is incredible. I was born in the 50's but didn't appreciate it until I got much older, looking back. I remember my mother, my aunts and my grandmother's wearing clothes like the ones you featured in these photographs. And the clothing back then was made with such quality. Not today's clothes that fall apart after two washings. LOL!

    Isn't Susie a RIOT? I love her mouth. LOL!

    Happy to hear that you discovered this series and are really enjoying it. This is a show that will go down in television series history as one of the BEST. I'm looking forward to season five!

    That last image of Rachel with her Emmy is just beautiful!

    Have a great week, Ron! xo

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  16. Helloooooooooo there, Elaine!

    Thanks, my friend! I enjoy putting posts like this together. It takes me about a week to collect and edit the photos, and then write it. I don't post as much as I used to years ago, so I can take my time composing my posts, I'm at a point where I don't want to post like I used to (2-3 posts per week), I'd rather post once a week or every two weeks, and take my time. I'm more about quality than quantity.

    "Being a New York Jew, the minute this series came on I was hooked too! The family members of both families are SO DAMN HILARIOUS, and so Jewish. I love Midges mother and father. And Joel's as well. I could just sit and watch the scenes they're in over and over again and laugh so hard."

    OMG, YES....I love the whole JEWISH thing about this series. And although I'm not Jewish, my family used to have so many Jewish friends, so I can totally relate. And I agree, the parents are absolutely hilarious. One night I was laughing so hard that I began coughing and couldn't stop. Their comedic timing is BRILLIANT!

    Same here, all the women in my family wore clothes like these. Do you remember seamed panty hose? I thought they were the most fabulous things. So CLASSY! I don't remember what kind of cars my family drove, but I do remember they were HUGE. Later, my father drove a white Cadillac convertible.

    I agree, this series will go down in TV history as one of the bestest ever! Can't wait for five too!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Elaine. Hope you're enjoying a fantabulous week!

    X

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  17. I've heard about this one, but I haven't watched it. I watch so little TV these days, but this one sounds pretty interesting ... and I do love those old cars! The photo with the guys in uniform really made me tear up though -- my dad was in the Navy and I imagine he wore just that sort of white outfit with the tie and cap.


    Thanks for reviewing this show for us, Ron. Your enthusiasm for it really shows, and I suspect more than a few of us will try to watch at least one episode, based solely on your recommendation!


    Enjoy the upcoming weekend, my friend! xx

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  18. Ron, thanks so much for the shout-out! I really appreciate it!

    And I rode in that green Chevrolet when I did my story for TheStreet.com! It's a great way to travel.

    The show really seems to have nailed down that Fifties look, which is so important. We watch these stories so we can be transported to another time.

    Btw, I totally get what you're saying about every single story being turned into a series.

    I've watched 8 episodes of some TV shows and wondered why the heck didn't they do this in a two-hour movie?!

    But then a really cool show comes along and I'm all in!

    Great post, buddy, and I'm glad you're enjoying the show!

    Take care!

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  19. Hellot there, Debbie!

    Me too. I don't watch TV much at all. In fact, I don't even own a television, however I do stream movies and certain series through my computer.

    Yes, I too (through Rob's post) thought it sounded interesting so I gave it a go. And I'm glad I did because I am so enjoying it.

    "The photo with the guys in uniform really made me tear up though -- my dad was in the Navy and I imagine he wore just that sort of white outfit with the tie and cap."

    I know, isn't the clothing in these photos pretty amazing? It's as if you're actually back in the 50's because everything is so authentic. I love period pieces!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having an excellent week. And enjoy your weekend too! I can't believe it's Friday already!?!

    X

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  20. Hey there, Rob!

    Right after I read your post, I found "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" on my streaming website and started watching it. OMG...it's truly one the BEST series I've ever seen. I'm addicted. LOL!

    Oh, how cool....you rode that green Chevrolet?!? That must have been so much fun. And btw, I read the article you wrote for The Street about your experience taking the MMM tour and freaking loved it. Well done!

    So true what you said about watching a TV show with 8 episodes and wondering why they couldn't condense it to a two-hour movie? But then again, a show like this comes along and I find myself NEVE wanting it to end!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. And again, thanks for your blog post because without you, I would have never seen this series!

    Have a superb weekend!

    X

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  21. Ron,This was such a fun post and loved all those 1950s looks which were certainly so much better than most any today, just saying.

    Like yourself, I had not watched any of the episodes, but did watch a couple after Rob's recent post. We have Amazon Prime already so that's how I watched them. Unlike yourself, I haven't finished even Season 1 so still have a lot to go since also like yourself I only binge on a couple episodes at a time. Right now, I am doing that with some older former TV shows on Netflix, especially "How to Get Away with Murder" with the fabulous Viola Davis.

    I will return to this one in time and may have to force myself not to binge on more than a couple episodes. Thanks for including all the fabulous 50s fashions and automobiles. These took me back to my youthful days in the 1950s.

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  22. Good morning, D!

    Thanks! Glad you enjoyed. And I agree with what you said about 1950's compared to today's fashion/style.

    Every since Rob's post, I've been obsessed with 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.' I'll be starting Season 4 soon. I think Season 5 starts sometime this summer.

    " Right now, I am doing that with some older former TV shows on Netflix, especially "How to Get Away with Murder" with the fabulous Viola Davis."

    OMG...I LOVE Viola Davis, so thanks so much for mentioning the Netflix series because I will look for it. Anything that woman is in, I will watch because she's such a talented (and diverse) actress!

    Isn't it funny how those of us who were born in the 50's, look back now and realize just how faaaaabulous the style was?

    Have a terrific, D! And thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  23. Is that Tony Shalhoub in the cast? I love him. And aren't the clothes just gorgeous?! I had heard of the series but don't have Amazon Prime. I wish it was on Netflix or Hulu!

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  24. Yes....it sure is! Tony plays Midges' father in the series and he is freaking HILARIOUS! I didn't know who he was until I went back and googled his filmography and realized that I DID know who he was because he was in one of my favorite movies, "The Big Night" with Stanley Tucci. He is such a great actor!

    LOVE the clothes of that period. In fact, the whole style of that period.

    I don't have Amazon Prime either. I watched this series on a free website called, Divicast.com. I've been using it for the past year and a half.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  25. We were definitely fans of this series! Everyone in the cast of Mrs. Maisel did a 'marvelous' job!! Yes, yes, the acting, the style of the times... all of it. For some reason though... I didn't quite get into the last season. Maybe just because we watch a LOT of t.v. at night and were into other things when it came out and didn't hold my attention as much? We have various stations/apps/streaming. Sometimes we can binge a show, but other times you have to wait for a new season, etc. and I've gotten lost on a few things that way. We really liked one called 'Killing Eve' but the last season, same thing... I was forgetting some details and now have to go back and do a recap before trying again.
    So, not sure if I'll get back to it. But we did enjoy 'most' of it anyway. There was a lot of interesting parts!!

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  26. "For some reason though... I didn't quite get into the last season. Maybe just because we watch a LOT of t.v. at night and were into other things when it came out and didn't hold my attention as much?"

    Yes, Mary....I totally agree with you about the fourth season. There was something lacking in the storylines that they other seasons nailed. I work with a women who watched the series as well and she said the same thing, that the fourth season was lacking. My favorite season was THREE. LOVED it!

    Honestly? I think some of the series get a bit too long, which seems to drag it out without quality content. I'm wondering how season five with be with The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? I hope it's good.

    I will look for "Killing Eve" online. Right now I'm watching "The Staircase" and am really enjoying it. I love anything with Colin Firth. It's a series based off a real story.

    X

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  27. We are watching 'The Staircase' now, too!! Colin Firth is really good in it. I didn't remember the story from way back, if I'd ever heard about it, but it is very interesting. I read ahead though, so do know some of what happens in future episodes. We're also watching the final season of 'Grace and Frankie'. It's been a very enjoyable series!

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  28. OMG, Mary, you too?!?! Isn't Colin Firth faaaaaaaabulous? I watched the original documentary "The Staircase" before I watched the biopic, so I know how it ends up. It's truly one of the most bizarre trials I've ever seen. Part of me thinks he did it, and then another part thinks he didn't. And I suppose we will ever really know the truth.

    LOVE "Grace and Frankie!!!" I've been a huge fan of Lily Tomlin forever.

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