DVD Review: Laverne & Shirley - The Fourth Season

In my review of Laverne & Shirley - The Third Season, I wrote that the strength of the show lay in Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams' gifts as physical comediennes. That still remains true in the fourth season. While the two don't have the quite the same type of physicality as Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance--Marshall and Williams allow for a bit more sexuality and rough contact style--the influence is definitely there. The other thing that made the pair work was their contrasting personalities. Shirley was the wide-eyed optimist, while Laverne had a tough cynicism; Shirley seemed hopelessly clueless while Laverne had some street smarts. No matter what type of person you were, as a fan your adoration went to whichever you identified with.

Laverne (Penny Marshall and Shirley (Cindy Williams) made their first appearance on an episode of Happy Days. Like Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley was about life in the 1950's, but this time it's as seen through the eyes of two female Shotz Brewery workers in Milwaukee. Laverne & Shirley was about two roommates trying to find their way in life after high school. The girls worked as bottle-cappers at the brewery, where their neighbors, Lenny (Michael McKean) and Squiggy (David L. Lander) worked as truck drivers at the brewery. Lenny and Squiggy really thought they were cool but they were really pretty square. However, their comic timing was great, and the pair got more screen time during Laverne & Shirley's fourth season.

Phil Foster played Laverne's father, Frank DeFazio. Wild-haired, loud and with a tendency to gesticulate, Frank ran the Pizza Bowl and acted as a father-figure to both girls. Like Happy Days' Arnolds, the Pizza Bowl was a place for everyone to hang out, and Laverne could pick up extra cash working there. Legendary actress (and godmother of actor Jeff Bridges) Betty Garrett played Frank's girlfriend Edna Babish.

Laverne & Shirley is at its best when the writers allow the actors to use their ability to perform slapstick. Look for guest appearances by Jay Leno, Ed Begley, Jr., Rance Howard, and Robert Alda. Some of the best episodes include: "Playing the Roxy" when a bump on the head makes Shirley believe she's a stripper. It's nice to see Cindy Williams given an opportunity to put the conservative personality of Shirley away for awhile and cut loose a little bit.

"The Quiz Show" may be the best episode of the season. In this one, Laverne, Shirley, Lenny and Squiggy appear on a game show together. This episode allows each actor to show his/her comedic talents and is truly funny stuff.

"Laverne and Shirley Move In." This flashback episode has Shirley remembering the first day the two roommates moved in together. You just know that had to be fun!

"A Visit to the Cemetery" As the title implies, Laverne visits her mother's grave for the first time. While some might find this episode schmaltzy, I think it shows Penny Marshall's versatility.

There are a couple of bad episodes this season. "The Festival," Parts 1&2." The whole gang goes to New York to attend an Italian festival and see Laverne's grandma (Penny Stanton) in an episode where clichés and ethnic stereotypes abound. The3 episode is way too long and the stereotyping unfortunate. In "It's a Dog's Life," Shirley tries to rescue a puppy from the pound. The writers use a tired premise and punch lines, resulting in no laughs.

Despite a couple of bad episodes, Laverne & Shirley remained a surprisingly strong show during the series fourth season. Fans will not be disappointed.

All 23 episodes of Laverne & Shirley's fourth season are included on four discs. The DVD is presented in 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The picture is very clear and the color is good. The sound is a Dolby Digital restored English mono and no discernible hisses or pops.

As with many of these Paramount sets, there are no special features.