S1E4: “Dreams, Schemes, and Putting Greens” with Barry Corbin - Northern Disclosure

Transcript

Jeanine Turner (0:00)

Foreign. Hi, I'm Jeanine Turner. Welcome to Northern Disclosure where we walk through every episode of Northern Exposure and a thrill to be with you today. And Rob Morrow is here on the show, of course, your co host of Northern Disclosure and the famous Barry Corbin, legendary film star, television star, theater star. He portrayed Maurice in Northern Exposure and he is with us today. And we are going to have so much fun. Rob and I were just opening up, doing a little chit chat with Barry Corbin. We were laughing, we were in stitches. This is so much fun, isn't it Rob? You know, first it was you and I and the pilot and then we had John Corbett and we had. No, we had Joshua Brandon and John Corbett and now we had the fat, fabulous Barry Corbin. And you know, this is really special for us, isn't it Rob? To you know, relive memory.

Rob Morrow (1:00)

Yeah. Jeanine, first of all, you look lovely as you do. Every week you get more and more beautiful. I like your hair, your hair and your, you never know what to expect with your hair. I think last week we were blonde and this week we're brunette.

Jeanine Turner (1:13)

I think I've settled on this. I think this is gonna be my Northern Exposure hair.

Rob Morrow (1:17)

They both look great. And yeah, that was a fun episode. I mean, you know, John Corbett is just puts a smile on anyone's face who's around and as, as does Barry. So it's going to be a double, double smile episodes. So yeah, it has just like you said, it's been watching these shows. I watched it again yesterday. Dream Schemes and Putting Greens. Right is the name of the episode. It's funny because a lot of people don't know names of episodes in TV because they rarely get put on the credits like, and I don't think they ever were with Northern Exposure. But it becomes self explanatory when you watch the episode. But it's, it's a, it, it fortunately features Barry Corbin. You know, kind of his Maury's kicking into gear in a, in a, in a big way. He's got a lot of dimensions in this episode and there's, there's a, there's a lot of, you know, you know, really funny and charming scenes that were fun to play.

Jeanine Turner (2:15)

Barry was great from day one, I mean from day one in the pilot. And I can't wait to talk to him because his level of emotional depth that he brought to the character and that sense of humor, it was just perfect. It was that tough outdoor, the astronaut from Alaska. And then he had that sensitivity that could welled up and, and in this particular episode, which we'll talk about, you know, losing the. The love of his life and things of that nature. And there were so many great lines. Rob and I just. Okay, I want to explain to everybody what I just said to Rob. I watched the show last week with my mother, and then today, as I was doing the Texas Doll up, putting on my makeup on, I was listening to it. And it's really fun to just listen and not watch, because when you watch, you're so engaged in people's acting and the scenery and the cinematography and the acting and all listening to it. There's some great lines. Can I just. Do you mind, Rob, if I just shoot off a couple of great lines?

Summary

Northern Disclosure: Episode Summary – S1E4 “Dreams, Schemes, and Putting Greens” with Barry Corbin

Introduction

In the fourth episode of Northern Disclosure, hosts Jeanine Turner and Rob Morrow delve into the intricacies of the Northern Exposure episode titled “Dreams, Schemes, and Putting Greens.” This episode features an exclusive conversation with Barry Corbin, the acclaimed actor who portrayed Maurice Minnifield, the multifaceted patriarch of Cicely, Alaska. Together, the trio explores behind-the-scenes anecdotes, character development, memorable scenes, and the emotional depth that made Maurice a beloved figure in the series.

Revisiting Episode 4: “Dreams, Schemes, and Putting Greens”

Jeanine Turner initiates the discussion by expressing her excitement about rewatching the episode with Barry Corbin. She shares her affection for Maurice's character, highlighting the emotional layers and humor that Barry brought to the role. Turner recounts specific lines and scenes that resonate deeply, such as Maurice’s witty remark, “Warm liquor gives me gas” (03:20) and Shelly's humorous complaint, “It's yuck. Marie, stop doing that. It's yucky. It makes me feel weird” (04:19).

Barry Corbin's Insights

Joining the Cast

Barry Corbin shares his journey to becoming Maurice, emphasizing his initial impressions and the audition process. “[Barry Corbin]: I read the script and thought it was a very good script. I figured they were seeing every middle-aged man in Hollywood for these parts” (15:37). His unique approach during the audition—performing push-ups to showcase his improvisational skills—ultimately secured him the role.

Character Development of Maurice

Corbin delves into the complexity of Maurice Minnifield, discussing the balance between Maurice's tough exterior and his underlying sensitivity. He reflects, “Maurice never got beyond where he saw a woman as a full human being” (24:30), illustrating the character's internal conflicts and emotional struggles, especially concerning his relationship with Shelly.

Memorable Scenes and Lines

The conversation highlights several standout moments from the episode:

The heartfelt apology about socks between Jeanine and Rob (04:19).
Maurice’s humorous lines, such as his comment about warm liquor (03:20).
The poignant moment when Maurice sings at Shelly’s wedding, showcasing his vulnerability despite his macho demeanor (26:27).

Corbin also discusses his collaboration with co-stars, particularly Michael Paul Chan, and shares amusing anecdotes about on-set interactions, like the scene where he improvised about stealing money (43:19).

Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics

Filming Challenges

The hosts and Barry Corbin discuss the technical aspects of filming, particularly challenging scenes like the rain on the golf course. Rob Morrow recounts being drenched during the shoot, while Corbin humorously admits not remembering the scene (33:52). They explore how practical effects and real-time performances contributed to the authenticity of the show.

Relationships Among Cast and Crew

Corbin emphasizes the camaraderie on set, describing his role as a father figure to the younger cast members. “We were the youngsters, but you were always like a father figure in loving and kind and helpful” (68:18). This nurturing environment fostered a sense of family, which translated into the chemistry seen on screen.

Direction and Production Changes

The episode sheds light on the evolving production dynamics, especially during the transition when original creators Joshua Brand and John Falsey left the show. Corbin recounts his concerns about the new direction under David Chase, who later gained fame with The Sopranos. He notes, “After the show was canceled, he was on the television interview show, and I saw the show. He said, I never liked the show. It was too precious” (39:29), highlighting the creative tensions that arose during this period.

Reflections on Memories and Their Impact

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the nature of memories—both personal and collective—and their influence on the actors' experiences. Turner muses, “Memories are really beautiful things that can be haunting as well, but they're beautiful” (64:25). Corbin adds depth by distinguishing between good and bad memories, acknowledging that some are ephemeral while others linger painfully (63:47). Rob Morrow shares his fascination with memory gaps, noting how certain scenes leave little to no recollection, making viewing the show feel like watching someone else’s life (65:57).

Conclusion

The episode of Northern Disclosure offers a heartfelt exploration of Northern Exposure's fourth episode through the lens of Barry Corbin's experiences. The discussion not only revisits memorable moments and lines but also delves into the emotional and technical facets that made the show a classic. Through candid conversations, the hosts and Corbin reflect on the essence of their time together, the enduring impact of shared memories, and the timeless charm of Northern Exposure. As they conclude, Turner beautifully ties the theme of memories back to their professional relationships, encapsulating the enduring bond formed during their time on the show.

Notable Quotes from the Episode

Jeanine Turner (03:07): “Can I just shoot off a couple of great lines?”
Rob Morrow (03:27): “I liked that outfit they got you in—the brown vest and the yellow shirt.”
Barry Corbin (15:37): “I read the script and thought it was very good. I figured they were seeing every middle-aged man in Hollywood for these parts.”
Jeanine Turner (21:07): “You always had such emotion underneath your bravado.”
Barry Corbin (24:30): “Maurice never got beyond where he saw a woman as a full human being.”
Jeanine Turner (26:27): “It was a profound line and life, isn’t it?”
Rob Morrow (61:15): “The silence, it's the most important. It's more important than what you're saying.”
Jeanine Turner (64:25): “Memories are really beautiful things that can be haunting as well, but they're beautiful.”

Time Stamps Reference

00:00 to 72:55