Percy Adlon’s 1988 German art-house movie of the same name transmogrified into an American sitcom with ex-mortuary beautician Whoopi Goldberg portraying Brenda, the feisty and cynical manager of a run-down diner/motel in the middle of California’s Mojave Desert.
All In The Family‘s Jean Stapleton co-starred as warm-hearted fifty-something tourist and retired teacher Jasmine Zweibel, who signs on as a maid after abandoning her husband.
The two women enjoyed a chalk-and-cheese friendship which provided most of the laughs.
Brenda’s family – errant and usually absent husband Sal (Cleavon Little from Blazing Saddles), son Junie (Scott Lawrence) – an aspiring pianist and temporary diner cook – and troublesome teen daughter Debbie (Monica Calhoun reprising her movie role) – all featured, as did diner regular Rudy (James Gammon).
When Junie quit to find his fortune in the second season, nervous Dewey Kunkle (San Whipple) took over in the fleapit’s kitchen.
Rooms at the motel cost $25 a day, or $127 a week.
Brenda Whoopi Goldberg
Jasmine Zweibel
Jean Stapleton
Junie
Scott Lawrence
Debbie
Monica Calhoun
Sal
Cleavon Little
Rudy
James Gammon
Dewey Kunkle
San Whipple
Sheriff Wayne Highsmith
William Shockley
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