Search - Life with Elizabeth, Vol. 1 on DVD

Betty at Her Best

W. Easley | Colorado Rocky Mountains | 05/18/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A few days ago, my wife and I had the pleasure of watching Betty White host "Saturday Night Live." We both commented that at 88 years old she is as good as ever. That led to my wife remembering watching a TV show in the 1950s that stared Betty. I searched Amazon, and found this nice DVD.

"Life with Elizabeth" (Volume 1) presents eight episodes of a situation comedy, produced in 1953, that stared Betty White as a newlywed Elizabeth and Del Moore as her groom Alvin. Betty won an Emmy for her portrayal of Elizabeth.

The comedy series focuses on interactions between Elizabeth and Alvin as they
adjust to one another in married life. The interactions, and especially the repartee between Elizabeth and Alvin are funny and entertaining.

My favorite episode on this DVD is one where Alvin, having brought important work home from the office, tries to concentrate while Betty does some sewing at the same table. Alvin becomes increasingly frustrated at Betty's unintended interruptions and distractions. My wife and I laughed loudly and often.

I highly recommend "Life with Elizabeth V. 1". It does not use the advanced special effects so common in productions today. However, this black and white production actually needs nothing except these two fine actors.
"

What TV used to be like

Robert L. Edwards | New York, NY United States | 03/20/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Betty White produced and starred in this middling, stagy comedy show based on the concept of newlyweds getting used to each other. Daily routines are given a "chuckle" treatment by the writers. No guffaws here, just typical 50s sweetness.

The 8 episodes are untitled, just numbered. Here is brief synopsis of each:
1) Elizabeth drives husband to distraction
4) Alvin the shutterbug
5) Elizabeth plots to get Alvin to buy a car
6) Elizabeth trys being her own carpenter
7) Alvin tries to cheer up Elizabeth
10) Elizabeth's car is stolen
15) Elizabeth and Alvin compete in board games
15a) Elizabeth and bill problems

Some of us consider Betty White to be a national treasure. Here is a chance to see her as she first appeared on TV."