38 reviews
Why Isn't This on Video???
After so many years, I still get these spontaneous flashbacks about "Fresno" - like LSD, except this is even tripier! Think of an extended Carol Burnett skit as the most outlandish take-off, with the most insane dialogue and characters; and think of all of this as dead on target - the soap opera mini-series à la "Dallas" and "Dynasty," with a little "Santa Barbara" thrown in, and you get (I'm laughing as I type this) "Fresno".
Usually, after the premise has worn off, this kind of satire doesn't have the inventiveness or the talent to sustain a feature. But with "Fresno," the idiocy, the inanity, the hilarity is indeed sustained throughout: for the whole ride you really don't know what new goof is around the corner.
I would love to have seen Harvey Korman in the cast. Hey, can't have everything, though with "Fresno," I almost do. Something else outrageous, though un-funny, about "Fresno" is that no video has been issued for this, one of the greatest comedies in television history.
Usually, after the premise has worn off, this kind of satire doesn't have the inventiveness or the talent to sustain a feature. But with "Fresno," the idiocy, the inanity, the hilarity is indeed sustained throughout: for the whole ride you really don't know what new goof is around the corner.
I would love to have seen Harvey Korman in the cast. Hey, can't have everything, though with "Fresno," I almost do. Something else outrageous, though un-funny, about "Fresno" is that no video has been issued for this, one of the greatest comedies in television history.
- jacksflicks
- Apr 24, 2001
- Permalink
A Dead on Spoof of Nighttim Soaps and a Nearly Forgotten Classic
FRESNO was a television rarity...a multi-part comedic TV miniseries. This near brilliant spoof of nighttime soaps like DALLAS and DYNASTY came right on time in 1986 when those shows were in their heyday. This laugh out loud miniseries followed the adventures of the Kensington family, the owner of the largest raisin dynasty in Fresno, California. The large and wonderful all-star cast included Carol Burnett, Dabney Coleman, Teri Garr, Anthony Heald, Bill Paxton, Michael Richards, Theresa Ganzel, Valerie Mahaffey, Melanie Chartoff, Pat Corley (Phil on "Murphy Brown")and despite the presence of all this comic talent, this entire mini series was stolen by Charles Grodin, in a brilliant comic turn as eldest son Cain Kensington. His JR Ewing take-off was perfectly executed comic genius and quite possibly Grodin's finest work on any screen anywhere. Just an exceptionally funny miniseries that stays fresh and hilarious throughout its extreme length. I, too used to have FRESNO on tape and lost it during a move. As another poster intimated, I too would gladly pay for a copy of FRESNO on VHS or DVD. If CBS hasn't put it on video it should be. A forgotten classic that is worthy of a second look for those who missed it the first time.
Classy/goofy, straight-faced "Dallas" spoof set in raisin industry
Wow -- it's been 14 years since this came out... Specific scenes and lines have slipped my mind, but I'll always remember how much I laughed when I saw it! It's a takeoff on the conniving lives and lusts of the oil-royalty "Dallas" (remember J.R. Ewing?), set in the "cutthroat raisin industry" of Fresno, California (an actual, not-large agricultural city known, at least at that time, for little more than the raisins). Witty/absurd lines and great performances of them by masters of that art -- Carol Burnett, Charles Grodin, Jerry Van Dyke, and others. Somebody must have tapes of this somewhere... if you find them, let me know! It's classic and I'd love to keep it!
"Oh what a tangled web we weave, eh, Juan?"
I can only second all the preceding calls that this masterpiece of modern American comedy be issued on DVD. It was shown here in Australia in the late 80s and missed by most, but I was lucky enough to see it and it remains a cherished memory. My girlfriend (now wife) and I and all our flatmates laughed our guts out at the time, but how dearly I wish now that I'd kept the videotape!
I loved the whole cast, Carol really shines, must be her best comedy part ever IMO; the whole team is totally spot-on; this was my second major sighting of Bill Paxton, who's very funny indeed, and it's all done with such a straight face, a twinkle in the eye and *perfect* timing. Dabney Coleman at his hilarious, magnificent, slimy best best ... Charles Grodin (also a personal best IMO) hamming it up magnificently as the petulant Cane, Teri Garr fantastically funny as uber-bitch Talon ... Gregory Harrison perfect as the the mega-dumb Torch, who literally does not have his shirt on for one single shot in the entire show ... Valerie Mahaffey *wonderful* as the oh-so-dim Tiffany. The shot that stays in my mind is Carol's sidesplitting look of non-plussed resignation as she clambers into the back of the station wagon.
The script is brilliant, funny in its own right as well as striking its targets with perfect accuracy -- anyone who has ever watched any of the daytime or primetime soapies will squeal with laughter. It stripmines the entire genre for send-ups -- the overacting, the improbable shots and set-ups, the overblown emotions, the ridiculous names, the unbelievable plots and coincidences, the flouncy 'rivalry' between the antagonists, the gordian interpersonal relationships ... the whole Armenian name shtick ... oh I could go on for ages ...
It's really sad that this hasn't kicked on and attracted the kind of following that similar efforts like 'Soapdish' enjoy, because it's every bit as good.
I can only conclude by appealing: CBS - PLEASE issue this wonderful show on DVD RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! I've been waiting nearly 20 years - we all wanna see it. What's up? Don't you want the money???
I loved the whole cast, Carol really shines, must be her best comedy part ever IMO; the whole team is totally spot-on; this was my second major sighting of Bill Paxton, who's very funny indeed, and it's all done with such a straight face, a twinkle in the eye and *perfect* timing. Dabney Coleman at his hilarious, magnificent, slimy best best ... Charles Grodin (also a personal best IMO) hamming it up magnificently as the petulant Cane, Teri Garr fantastically funny as uber-bitch Talon ... Gregory Harrison perfect as the the mega-dumb Torch, who literally does not have his shirt on for one single shot in the entire show ... Valerie Mahaffey *wonderful* as the oh-so-dim Tiffany. The shot that stays in my mind is Carol's sidesplitting look of non-plussed resignation as she clambers into the back of the station wagon.
The script is brilliant, funny in its own right as well as striking its targets with perfect accuracy -- anyone who has ever watched any of the daytime or primetime soapies will squeal with laughter. It stripmines the entire genre for send-ups -- the overacting, the improbable shots and set-ups, the overblown emotions, the ridiculous names, the unbelievable plots and coincidences, the flouncy 'rivalry' between the antagonists, the gordian interpersonal relationships ... the whole Armenian name shtick ... oh I could go on for ages ...
It's really sad that this hasn't kicked on and attracted the kind of following that similar efforts like 'Soapdish' enjoy, because it's every bit as good.
I can only conclude by appealing: CBS - PLEASE issue this wonderful show on DVD RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! I've been waiting nearly 20 years - we all wanna see it. What's up? Don't you want the money???
One of the funniest ever
Normally parodies don't age well and become dated, but this one just keeps on giving, with quotes like.
"Blech, these grapes tastes like Fresno".
Billy Joe Bob (idiot) to court appointed (female) attorney, "I just want my wife to stay home, cook my food and have babies, you know, to be in her place. You can understand that, can't you ma'am?".
Same idiot, "Dang it, we shouldn't have killed Martha, we should have killed Kane" - (I'm not going to explain this one, just trust me, I'm laughing right now just thinking about it ... 19 years later.).
And lastly, never for get, "No, I hadn't thought of that .... until now!".
I would pay between $50 and $100 bucks for this one on DVD (a legit copy, that is).
"Blech, these grapes tastes like Fresno".
Billy Joe Bob (idiot) to court appointed (female) attorney, "I just want my wife to stay home, cook my food and have babies, you know, to be in her place. You can understand that, can't you ma'am?".
Same idiot, "Dang it, we shouldn't have killed Martha, we should have killed Kane" - (I'm not going to explain this one, just trust me, I'm laughing right now just thinking about it ... 19 years later.).
And lastly, never for get, "No, I hadn't thought of that .... until now!".
I would pay between $50 and $100 bucks for this one on DVD (a legit copy, that is).
- malcolm9999
- Mar 1, 2005
- Permalink
An extremely enjoyable mini series. Wish it was on VHS so we could view it again.
My husband and I very much enjoyed all of the actors in the mini series. The entire film was beautifully directed and the cast was wonderful. We wish there was more television like this. Is there anyway that we can find out which network broadcast Fresno in 1986. We did attempt to record the series, but missed the last part. It would be great if the network would show the series again. Better yet, record it on VHS! We've been searching for this one for a long time.
The Kensington Family - The Haves, and You Don't!
The spoof of all spoofs, the parody of all parodies – is "Fresno." Inspired by the characters and outrageousness of "Dynasty,' "Falcon Crest," and "Dallas," "Fresno" is a tale of murder, deception, lust infused with comedy. Carol Burnett, Dabney Coleman, Teri Garr, Gregory Harrison and Charles Grodin are the main cast of this hilarious showcase. There's so much involved in this story, I don't know where to begin. Carol Burnett is Charlotte Kensington and is rich, and is in the raisin business. They have a novel idea, a secret weapon, but her enemy Dabney Coleman wants to destroy her. Part of the back story is the mysterious death of Carol's husband, Yancey which happened years ago. Charles Grodin's character, her son, Kane, is obviously a takeoff of J.R. Ewing and Charles is absolutely great in his role. He almost steals the show from everyone else, but everyone is given equal time to shine. Unfortunately they don't really do much with Tallon, played by Teri Garr and is Charles's wife. There's a gay son and also an adopted daughter, played especially well by Valerie Mahaffey. Bill Paxton and Teresa Ganzel are simple country folk and married, she a maid in the family's household but who has dreams of being a country singer. As you can see, it's practically a virtual who's who of 1980s TV. And, Gregory owns a shirt, which he carries over his shoulder. But he's shirtless throughout most of the time, even in places you wouldn't expect. He shows up with an agenda of his own. I am barely scratching the surface with all this, but I can't really describe the experience of seeing all the bizarre goofiness of "Fresno." You can see this on Youtube, so find "Fresno" and enjoy the twisted characters in all their wonderful glory.
- JLRMovieReviews
- Jul 6, 2015
- Permalink
STILL LOOKING FOR IT!!! CLASSIC IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT
This was a BLAST when I first saw it in the 80s when it premiered!! It is CLASSIC Burnett in ALL her glory surrounded by an excellent cast. It is a hidden comedy gem and I have not given up my quest to find a viewable copy of it!!!!
- jack-115-853599
- Aug 24, 2021
- Permalink
Great parody
My family saw this 15 years ago, and we still laugh at all of the one liners. My sister just brought "Flame" or "Torch" or "Match" up in a conversation and it got us talking about the miniseries once again. I really wish this was on VHS, it is really something else.
It came out in 1986, and we haven't seen it since, except when it was replayed shortly afterward with a laugh track added, which really took away from the series. It was a parody of the night time soap operas of the day, like Dallas and Falcon Crest, except rather than oil or wine, the family was a dynasty in the raisin industry. I think their motto was "We dry no vine before its time" or something like that. I can still remember the scenes at the breakfast table, and you would see a bowl of raisins covering a little cereal at each of their seats. Wonderful.
It came out in 1986, and we haven't seen it since, except when it was replayed shortly afterward with a laugh track added, which really took away from the series. It was a parody of the night time soap operas of the day, like Dallas and Falcon Crest, except rather than oil or wine, the family was a dynasty in the raisin industry. I think their motto was "We dry no vine before its time" or something like that. I can still remember the scenes at the breakfast table, and you would see a bowl of raisins covering a little cereal at each of their seats. Wonderful.
Welcome to the planet of the grapes.
- mark.waltz
- Apr 1, 2018
- Permalink
Funny is the word!
This film came out when I was nine years of age; I didn't see it then, but I remember hearing my sisters talk about it.
Well, years later, I have sought a copy of the film (and finally got one in a bidding war on ebay! yay!) Why the interest? Well, I am a fan of Anthony Heald, and I found out he had a role.
Needless to say, I laughed the whole time watching it. The movie is terrific. A whole miniseries that is a spoof--what a great idea! In the past, I loved primetime soaps like "Dallas," "Knots Landing," and "Dynasty." This film skewers them mercilessly. Bravo!
Oh...and Anthony Heald is just terrific is the bleeding heart son.
Well, years later, I have sought a copy of the film (and finally got one in a bidding war on ebay! yay!) Why the interest? Well, I am a fan of Anthony Heald, and I found out he had a role.
Needless to say, I laughed the whole time watching it. The movie is terrific. A whole miniseries that is a spoof--what a great idea! In the past, I loved primetime soaps like "Dallas," "Knots Landing," and "Dynasty." This film skewers them mercilessly. Bravo!
Oh...and Anthony Heald is just terrific is the bleeding heart son.
Outrageous classic spoof of "Dallas"
As far as we know, we are two of about ten people on planet Earth to have watched this show. This is so frustrating, because Fresno has to be one of the best shows of its kind ever produced.
Fourteen years later, my spouse and I still quip about certain memorable scenes and lines. For me, the most memorable was the breakfast table scene culminating in the "You'd think this was Roots or something" comment. For my spouse, it was Carol Burnett always telling the driver to bring around the Bentley (always in the garage under repair), and then riding, facing backward, in a broken down station wagon like nothing was wrong.
We wish other people could/would watch Fresno, so we can be sure that it was as funny as I remember (and we aren't crazy).
Fourteen years later, my spouse and I still quip about certain memorable scenes and lines. For me, the most memorable was the breakfast table scene culminating in the "You'd think this was Roots or something" comment. For my spouse, it was Carol Burnett always telling the driver to bring around the Bentley (always in the garage under repair), and then riding, facing backward, in a broken down station wagon like nothing was wrong.
We wish other people could/would watch Fresno, so we can be sure that it was as funny as I remember (and we aren't crazy).
Almost forgotten
Great forgotten comedy!!
I still pull my copy of this one out every now and then to watch it. I've got the original broadcast recording of it that I taped myself....cut the commercials and everything. The quality is not great, but it's good enough to still enjoy immensely. If memory serves, the ratings for this mini-series were less than stellar. I can't remember what was going on that week, but it seems there was something big going on that prevented a lot of people from viewing this classic. Everyone in this production is at the top of their game and deserves recognition for it. Hopefully it will make it to DVD someday....I'll be first in line!
- dljameyson
- Apr 27, 2005
- Permalink
Near National Lampoon
I have just recently watched this - in 2020! I was five when this originally aired. I am, however, a huge television lover and have watched old soaps like Dynasty. I cannot imagine anyone that loves those shows not finding this series completely hilarious.
The cast is fantastic - maybe even more fantastic now than it was then seeing how many of these actors went on to have solid and interesting careers. Carol Burnett nailed the character of Charlotte to the wall of her crumbling dynasty and I adored her in this.
The storyline was solid enough that it kept me intrigued for all five hours. It had twists and turns I didn't expect. Sometimes they were funny sometimes they weren't.
The humor in this reminded me a lot of the humor in the classic Lampoon's Vacation films. I wish they still made this style of entertainment. Silly & ridiculous are underrated. Maybe bc they are hard to do really well as they did here. Yes, that's what I said. There are quality levels of silly and ridiculous and the quality of Fresno is top notch.
The cast is fantastic - maybe even more fantastic now than it was then seeing how many of these actors went on to have solid and interesting careers. Carol Burnett nailed the character of Charlotte to the wall of her crumbling dynasty and I adored her in this.
The storyline was solid enough that it kept me intrigued for all five hours. It had twists and turns I didn't expect. Sometimes they were funny sometimes they weren't.
The humor in this reminded me a lot of the humor in the classic Lampoon's Vacation films. I wish they still made this style of entertainment. Silly & ridiculous are underrated. Maybe bc they are hard to do really well as they did here. Yes, that's what I said. There are quality levels of silly and ridiculous and the quality of Fresno is top notch.
- mollilypan-97-771046
- May 29, 2020
- Permalink
One of the best TV shows ever
I, too, had this amazing mini-series on VHS tape. Those are long gone. Later when it was reshown I decided to re-record it at a better quality (higher speed) and edit out the commercials. Unfortunately, they added a LAUGH TRACK and RUINED IT!!! Not the same and it lost all it's humor with uproarious audience laughter (in the wrong spots), sheesh. Brilliant cast, and I quote lines from this all the time. Like at breakfast with Carol Burnett as Charlotte Kensington saying to her daughter-in-law, Talon (Terry Garr), "Talon, just because you're not blood doesn't mean you're not just as much a part of this family as, say Tiffany." Tiffany being her ADOPTED daughter played by Valerie Mahaffey. They really need to re-release this on DVD.... WITH NO LAUGH TRACK!!! One of the best TV shows I ever watched.
- davismanLA-777-68144
- Jun 27, 2010
- Permalink
As good or better than you remember...
It's a mini-series, they had several hours to fill, so, no, it doesn't play like a movie. Fresno does drag a bit in the second half. Doesn't matter. Relax, enjoy, and look for the details: Anthony Heald, as noted elsewhere, is hilarious; breakfast at the Kensingtons' involves Terri Garr and Carol Burnett dressing for a Presidential Inaugural Ball and tossing Bloody Marys in quick succession, with Terri Garr's gown, at one point, nearly releasing BOTH bazongas onto the tablecloth, worth the price of admission on its own; there was clearly someone in on the script who's spent a LOT of time in the Central Valley, f'rinstance Jerry Van Dyke as a country bar owner named Tucker Agajanian, or the marvelous fly-in shot at the opening. And, yeah, from time to time they DO show a print of this at various artistic functions in Fresno.
Now, I understand and comply with the guidelines posted for IMDb that says Thou Shalt Not Discuss Availability. But there's an easy way to find out for sure. Just Google the name of the show, with the URL of the IMDb entry. Oh, yeah--remember to enclose it all in quotes, so you don't use up a lot of resources unnecessarily searching the entire Net.
Like this:
"Fresno www.imdb.com/title/tt0090435/"
Now, I understand and comply with the guidelines posted for IMDb that says Thou Shalt Not Discuss Availability. But there's an easy way to find out for sure. Just Google the name of the show, with the URL of the IMDb entry. Oh, yeah--remember to enclose it all in quotes, so you don't use up a lot of resources unnecessarily searching the entire Net.
Like this:
"Fresno www.imdb.com/title/tt0090435/"
Such a parody of soaps in general is hilarious. Couldn't stop laughing when I saw it years ago.
This soap spoof is really the best I've ever seen. For a distracted viewer, it would have appeared as a genuine soap with idiotic plots to catch your attention. The cast, especially Carol Burnett and Dabney Coleman, were really "into" their roles. Torch is the epitome of the "pool boy" type of character you always find in the Dallas/Dynasty kind of series. I wish I could get my hands (and eyes'n'ears) on a copy of this "mini" as it is referred to.
Searching for Video or DVD
I am looking for a copy of this Show. This by far the funniest show I have ever seen. My favorite about this show is they take "class" and "refinement" and make a mockery of it. My favorite part of the show is the "Martini in the Face"
I have always thought that was so funny. It makes my stomach hurt.
If you have not seen this show I strongly recommend it if you like to laugh. I have been looking for it for 3 years and finally found this site. If anyone has this show on tape or DVD I would be ecstatic. Thanks Scott
I have always thought that was so funny. It makes my stomach hurt.
If you have not seen this show I strongly recommend it if you like to laugh. I have been looking for it for 3 years and finally found this site. If anyone has this show on tape or DVD I would be ecstatic. Thanks Scott
- timbermanscott
- Aug 5, 2004
- Permalink
I want this on DVD!
Why haven't they put this on DVD yet? I saw this as a 14 year old and my mom had been a Dallas fan, so to me this was the funniest thing on the planet. My sister is the only other person I personally know who has seen it.
We live in Fresno now and have driven past so many areas that I remember from the miniseries. I still can't help laughing when I think about it. I really badly want to see it again. My husband thinks I am nuts. He never even heard about it when it was on back in the 80's, but it is one of my biggest TV memories.
I have searched high and low on the internet and never have found an old copy of the VHS that is reported to be out there. I would rather have it on DVD anyhow. What do we have to do to get it put on DVD (and not a bad copy of an old recording). I want the real thing!
We live in Fresno now and have driven past so many areas that I remember from the miniseries. I still can't help laughing when I think about it. I really badly want to see it again. My husband thinks I am nuts. He never even heard about it when it was on back in the 80's, but it is one of my biggest TV memories.
I have searched high and low on the internet and never have found an old copy of the VHS that is reported to be out there. I would rather have it on DVD anyhow. What do we have to do to get it put on DVD (and not a bad copy of an old recording). I want the real thing!
- fernandofamily
- Aug 26, 2006
- Permalink
Best spoof ever!
Excellent Comedy!
My brother and I watched this and I still recall some of the choicer scenes: the family at the table where an empty seat is placed for the long departed Patriarch Mr. Kensington, hat and vest in place. Carol Burnett as Mrs. Kensington telling hired hand Jaun that he didn't need a raise, "I've seen what your family wears and what they eat, you don't need a raise." Dabney Colman as Mr. Tyler Cain taking his niece to school in the limo. (She hates to "attrack attention"). The lady with the water rights, her clock collection and her beer drinking, hick husband in his dirty T shirt with a wedge of belly exposed. Charles Grodin as Cain Kensington pouring mama's bloody mary "breakfast". Jerry Van Dyke hosting a fund raiser for WHIP (Woman with Husbands in Prison)was a hoot. Mrs. Kensington visiting her son in prison...well it was just one belly laff after another. Non stop hilarity with an absolutely wonderful cast of characters. This NEEDS to be released on DVD!
- brian-olsen1
- Sep 25, 2005
- Permalink
A terrific spoof
Every once in a while I remember watching this back in 1986 and have to smile. We were die-hard Dallas fans in my family (God knows why), so the tremendous evening soap-opera send-up worked very well for us. I won't ever forget the Raisin Capital of the World, DDDLT, or other giggle-producing memories (Carol Burnett's Dynasty-inspired wardrobe, e.g.). Will this ever be available on home video?? I hope so! I would love to see it again.
No one who ever watched Dallas, Dynasty, Falconcrest, or other 70s-80s vintage evening soaps can find this anything but hilarious and spot-on. Its skewering of every soap/melodrama formula ever over-used will leave you howling and hoping it will go on for much longer. The week we spent watching it was one of the funniest of my television life, and made all those Friday nights soaking up South Fork seem worthwhile.
It seems as though television has grown/withered to such an extent that this kind of miniseries no longer has any place in prime-time or anywhere else. It is a great pity! I am a great fan of smart entertainment, which is more often than not treated as an oxymoron by the industry these days. TV needs more of this kind of thing.
No one who ever watched Dallas, Dynasty, Falconcrest, or other 70s-80s vintage evening soaps can find this anything but hilarious and spot-on. Its skewering of every soap/melodrama formula ever over-used will leave you howling and hoping it will go on for much longer. The week we spent watching it was one of the funniest of my television life, and made all those Friday nights soaking up South Fork seem worthwhile.
It seems as though television has grown/withered to such an extent that this kind of miniseries no longer has any place in prime-time or anywhere else. It is a great pity! I am a great fan of smart entertainment, which is more often than not treated as an oxymoron by the industry these days. TV needs more of this kind of thing.
The Best Parody Ever!
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.
The zaniest combo of 'Dallas' and Carol Burnett imaginable
This six-hour mini-series begins with light chuckles and builds up to an uproarious ending with secrets spilling out in the outrageous courtroom ending. If you loved Carol Burnett's "Went With The Breeze," you will love this spoof. It is weel worth the six hours viewing time. I had a video tape of it, and watched it at least eight times, and still loved to watch it, but my video disappeared.