- Mulligan Stew (TV series)
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Mulligan Stew Format Educational Created by Ira A. Klugerman and Joseph Pascal Starring Steven Einbender
Larry Friedman
Mion Hahm
Barry Michlin
Benjamin Sands
Sherry Louise WrightCountry of origin United States No. of seasons 1 No. of episodes 6 Production Location(s) Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan Running time 30 minutes Broadcast Original channel Syndicated Original run 1972 – 1981 Mulligan Stew was a children's educational program, sponsored by the 4-H Council and shown both in schools and on television. It was produced by Michigan State University and premiered in 1972 during National 4-H Week in Washington, D.C.[1] Named for the hobo dish (and also for the initials of Michigan State) each of the six half-hour episodes gave school-age children information about nutrition.
Produced by V. "Buddy" Renfro, Mulligan Stew featured a multi-racial group of five kids: Maggie (Sherry Wright), Mike (Steven Einbender), Micki (Mion Hahm), Manny (Benjamin Sands), and Mulligan (Larry Friedman), plus one adult, Wilbur Dooright (played by Barry Michlin, who later had a minor career in movies and TV). The group went on nutritional adventures around the globe, although the series' filming usually stuck close to Lansing, Michigan (the opening sequence was filmed in MSU's football stadium.)
School packages included a companion comic book with further adventures of the characters, reviews of things learned from the show, and lyrics to the show's songs (performed by The Stews, a band comprising the five kids in the program).
The show was noted for the key phrase "4-4-3-2" that was often invoked to refer to the USDA's then-recommended number of daily servings of the four food groups — "fruits and vegetables," "breads and cereals," "milk or cheese," and "meat, fish or fowl." Thanks in part to the popularity of "Mulligan Stew", 4-H membership was boosted to an all time high in 1974[2], and it remained on the air (in reruns) until 1981. Many children of the 1970s remember the show fondly, especially the episode where pizza is recommended as a healthy food (because it fit into all four food groups).
Contents
Episode list
№ Title 1 "The Great Nutrition Turn On" Wilbur and the Stews travel to the town of Lazy Susan and rescue the lethargic locals, whose energy is being sapped from poor eating habits. 2 "Look Inside Yourself" The Stews explain the basics of nutrition and digestion, as well as the importance of eating breakfast. 3 "The Flim Flam Man" The Stews shun Mulligan when he refuses to follow the direction of a macrobiotics-like fad diet promoter. Mulligan is ultimately proven correct, but not without some anguish on his part. 4 "Getting It All Together" The Stews help prepare a buffet to spotlight the nutritional value of international foods. 5 "Countdown 4-4-3-2" With a rescue bag of food in tow, the Stews come to Wilbur's aid when he chooses a dark and stormy night for a camp-out. 6 "The Racer That Lost His Edge" With the help of a balanced diet, a sidelined race car driver regains his proper racing weight and returns to action — and his gout is alleviated to boot. Cast members
Larry Friedman (Mulligan) is a dancer and stage performer. He recently appeared in the musical Rasputin with Ted Neeley and John Hurt.[3]
Mion Hahm (Micki, credited as Mi-on Hahm in the show) is now a banking professional in Florida.
Steve Einbender (Mike) is Senior Manager of Customer Analytics, The Home Depot, in Atlanta, Georgia. He still plays drums.[4]
Barry Michlin (Wilbur) had a number of minor roles throughout the 1970s and 1980s.[5] He is now a photographer in Los Angeles.[6]
Benjamin Sands (Manny) is now a music teacher in the Washington, D.C. area.
Sherry Wright (Maggie), an actress and singer who made her home in Alexandria, Virginia, passed away in July 2009.[7]See also
- Food guide pyramid for current USDA recommendations
- "My Plate" is the 2011 USDA updated nutritional recommendation. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/index.html
References
- ^ "1960-1979". Web1.msue.msu.edu. http://web1.msue.msu.edu/cyf/youth/history/4hstory/1960-79.html. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
- ^ http://cahe.nmsu.edu:16080/pubs/resourcesmag/summer01/4-Hyouth.html
- ^ "Rasputin, Performer Biographies". Official Web Site. http://www.rasputinthemusical.com/BiographiesA.htm. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
- ^ http://www.thehelpersrock.com
- ^ "Barry Michlin Filmography". IMDB. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0585229. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
- ^ "Barry Michlin Photography". http://www.barrymichlin.com/main.html. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
- ^ "Sherry Wright Obituary". Washington Post. July 27, 2009. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/26/AR2009072602747.html. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
External links
Categories:- Health education television series
- 1972 television series debuts
- American children's television series
- Michigan State University
- Nutrition
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