"Tales of the City" (1993) TV mini-series

Director:

Alastair Reid

Writers (WGA):

Armistead Maupin (novel)
Richard Kramer (teleplay)

Release Date:

10 January 1994 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Mystery | Romance

Plot:

The stories of several colorful characters living in San Francisco. Based on the book by Armistead Maupin (A Man I Dreamt Up).

Plot Keywords:

Drugs | Lawyer | Gay Relationship | Apartment Building | Female Nudity

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Olympia Dukakis	...	Anna Madrigal
Donald Moffat	...	Edgar Halcyon
Chloe Webb	...	Mona Ramsey
Laura Linney	...	Mary Ann Singleton
Marcus D'Amico	...	Michael Tolliver
Bill Campbell	...	Jon Fielden (as William Campbell)
Thomas Gibson	...	Beauchamp Day
Paul Gross	...	Brian Hawkins
Barbara Garrick	...	DeDe Halcyon Day
Nina Foch	...	Frannie Halcyon
Edie Adams	...	Ruby Miller
Robert Downey Sr.	...	Edgar's Doctor
Meagen Fay	...	Binky Gruen
Lou Liberatore	...	Chuck
Country Joe McDonald	...	Joaquin

Also Known As:

Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City

Runtime:

360 min (6 parts)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:18 | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

28 Barbary Lane Set, Occidental Studios - 201 N. Occidental Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

American Playhouse

Trivia:

Heather Graham, Ashley Judd, Cynthia Nixon and 'Maria Portillo' were all considered for the role of Mary Ann.

Goofs:

Factual errors: When Mr Halcyon is in the doctor's office, his lateral chest x-rays are upside down.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Mary Ann's Mother: Hellooo?
Mary Ann Singleton: Mom, It's me.
Mary Ann's Mother: What's the matter did you miss your plane?
Mary Ann Singleton: No. I didn't
Mary Ann's Mother: You know darling we were just talking about you...
Mary Ann Singleton: Would you call Mr. Lassiter and say I won't be in on Monday?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Kabluey (2007)

Almost as Wonderful as Armistad's Book!

These actors were so well cast. I had read the book long before the mini-series came along. But this cast was almost exactly what I had imagined as I read the chapters. What an amazingly interesting and fun story of life. Not just life in San Fran in the '70's, but of human emotions and interaction anywhere and anytime. Very well acted and directed. If you like this, then by all means, pick up all of Armistad's books - you'll love them!