2017 comments: Was Flossie pathetic?

[flossieskid]

In reviewing some posts from 2017, it was so very interesting to read the comments asking if people thought Flossie was pathetic and lonely? Could not get back to that site, but I was pleased by the forum participant, “aresalz” I think, who said Flossie was, basically, just like the loving, caring women in the South. I surely agreed that the writers created a wonderful character in Flossie Brimmer.

I am sure that Mr. Brimmer was alive when Mrs Brimmer came to Waltons Mountain. Exactly as another Forum “eagle eye” mentioned, Flossie told Jim Bob how cute Mary Ellen was saying “Hello, Hello, Hello” and how much Mr. Brimmer enjoyed the Walton children when they stayed with them.

I read the headline that was something like, “ is there anyone else who thinks Flossie Brenner is pathetic?” First, I thought since the person didn’t even know her correct last name, she must not really like good old Flossie. When I saw that, I thought I would be upset. But, to tell you the truth - I was curious about what would make viewers think that about her character? The fact that Flossie felt comfortable enough to complain about her feet and to share with people that she was lonely speaks volumes about how much she trusted all her friends on Waltons Mountain. My Mom was never really a complainer in her personal life, so I’m sure she enjoyed exploring that aspect of Flossie.

Although I don’t remember those scenes. I do remember when Olivia got upset with Flossie and Cora Beth when they were gossiping about the new Reverend dancing. But, I must say Dr. Kurt’s comment about Flossie being fat was rather rude! Not that it wasn’t true, but his bedside manner could have used a little work!

I was very pleased that quite a few people stood up for Flossie and that warms my heart. I know my Mom would have been thrilled!

[Brenda]

For reference, here is a link to the thread.

waltonswebpage.proboards.com/thread/8218/feel-sorry-flossie-brenner

I agree that Dr. Willard’s comment was rude, but I think it was intended more as a reflection of his character than of Flossie’s. Curt Willard was introduced as brash and outspoken. He even admitted it himself and said that he was used to treating coal miners and that’s how they expected to be spoken to.  He hired Mary Ellen because she knew the people in the community and could communicate with them more effectively about their physical conditions.  

I didn’t comment on the original thread, but I’ve always enjoyed the character of Flossie Brimmer and feel that she was an integral part of the show.  Your mother portrayed her splendidly.  

[Kyle]

There’s an odd scene in the episode where Livvie gets her unfortunate permanent where she stops by to see Mrs. Brimmer, who is drunk and complaining about her life cooking for and serving strangers. I guess it’s to make Livvie feel less bad about her awful hairdo, but it made Mrs. Brimmer look a little pathetic. And that’s not how she was depicted in other episodes.

[Easton]

(I haven't researched this. It is merely the past history that I've made up in my own mind.)

I don't think it was ever mentioned what Mr. Brimmer did for a living, but I've always believed that the house was the one they had probably always lived in. (Just a hunch.) When Mr. Brimmer died, probably quite suddenly, so did the household income and Flossie was left on her own. I doubt if she ever held a job before and undoubtedly would have found it difficult to find one at her age. The only real option left to her was to convert her home into a rooming house. I don't think it was something she really wanted to do. She simply had no choice.

Except for the church and Godsey's, I don't think Flossie had any social life at all, having to stay at home so much catering to her roomers needs.

I see Flossie Brimmer as pathetic, but in the original sense of the word, not is today's definition. I see her as a version of Charlie Chaplin's 'Little Tramp'. He was the epitome of 'pathos'. Flossie's situation was pathetic, but she always dealt with it with a smile on her face and a caring heart. Sometimes it simply became too much for her, like the time with Olivia's hair-do. It was rare to see Flossie at the bottom of the 'loneliness' well. That was an important (and vital) glimpse into Flossie's private life.

Flossie was really a complex character in my eyes, and your mother played her perfectly. It would have been very easy to bring Flossie down the the level of pathetic in the modern sense of the word.

[whisper]

No, she wasn't pathetic . Some days it's just too hard to paint a smile on your face. 

[ellaroo]

I don't think Flossie was pathetic at all. Maybe with the exception of the occassion gossip, she was a descent and understanding character. I liked how she was there for the Walton children such as "The Secret" and "The Grandchild." 

[flossieskid]

I really appreciate everyone’s comments about Flossie. I don’t remember the episode about Olivia’s hair and, again, even though she is credited on the show and the Waltons are always on “Inspire” TV, all my Mom’s shows aren’t taped on my TIVO. Frustrating! I’d like to see that episode.

Easton, my posts do not say “mobile” on it from my perspective. That is why I was so confused!

I’ve been watching all the westerns and older shows on Inspire. Just saw my Mom, with a major role, on “Wagon Train” called “The Maud Frazer Story” starring Barbara Stanwyck. TIVO got that one! It is so timely because I was cleaning up an old storage closet a few weeks ago and came across my first scrapbook. I started it when I was 8. I have signed pictures of lots of stars including Miss Stanwyck. I had utterly no clue where my Mom worked with the huge star. Thinking I knew most every show my Mom was ever in, I was quite surprised at her large role on that “Wagon Train” playing “Bessie” - Barbara’s sidekick and wagon companion with an Irish accent, no less.

My scrapbook and the show one week later was a delightful surprise! Now, I just wish I could figure out how I got an autograph, on a ripped piece of a script page, of delightful character actor Ed Wynn. I have no idea where either of my parents worked with him. Most people know him as the crazy uncle laughing and doing all the somersaults in a scene in “Mary Poppins”! It is amazing the wealth of talent both my parents worked with. The list goes on and on and on. Weren’t they lucky?

[flossieskid]

I really appreciate everyone’s comments about Flossie. I don’t remember the episode about Olivia’s hair and, again, even though she is credited on the show and the Waltons are always on “Inspire” TV, all my Mom’s shows aren’t taped on my TIVO. Frustrating! I’d like to see that episode.

Easton, my posts do not say “mobile” on it from my perspective. That is why I was so confused!

I’ve been watching all the westerns and older shows on Inspire. Just saw my Mom, with a major role, on “Wagon Train” called “The Maud Frazer Story” starring Barbara Stanwyck. TIVO got that one! It is so timely because I was cleaning up an old storage closet a few weeks ago and came across my first scrapbook. I started it when I was 8. I have signed pictures of lots of stars including Miss Stanwyck. I had utterly no clue where my Mom worked with the huge star. Thinking I knew most every show my Mom was ever in, I was quite surprised at her large role on that “Wagon Train” playing “Bessie” - Barbara’s sidekick and wagon companion with an Irish accent, no less.

My scrapbook and the show one week later was a delightful surprise! Now, I just wish I could figure out how I got an autograph, on a ripped piece of a script page, of delightful character actor Ed Wynn. I have no idea where either of my parents worked with him. Most people know him as the crazy uncle laughing and doing all the somersaults in a scene in “Mary Poppins”! It is amazing the wealth of talent both my parents worked with. The list goes on and on and on. Weren’t they lucky?

[flossieskid]

Don’t know why my latest post is listed twice! I saw a notice saying “one cannot post twice” in 10 seconds. I guess I am faster on the draw with my “posting finger” than I realized. Apologies!!

[Easton]

^ That's what it is. To prevent spammers from flooding the board with posts, the board times each post and requires 10 seconds before it allows people to post again. Spammers and bots can post the same post a lot of times within 10 seconds if they're allowed to do so.

By the way, I posted this photo in another thread. It is taken from The Outrage in which President Roosevelt dies. As his funeral train passes through town, the camera pans through the people lining the tracks to view the casket. The woman in the hat looks extremely familiar. Do you perchance know her?

[kazk]

I don't think Flossie was written as pathetic and lonely either. She ran a boarding house so would have had the company of boarders when they were staying with her. She also had many friends but yes, she did enjoy a bit of a gossip! Flossie was a very good and kindly friend to the Walton children on several occasions and she took in her niece for a time as well.

She was particularly courageous in coming forward to read the German bible for John Boy and to translate it for the people. One of her most memorable episodes.

A character is written in a particular way then portrayed by the actor as they see them and as the writer and director sees the character. Perhaps Flossie was modelled on someone who was known to the writer. I think she adds a great deal of depth to the Waltons Mountain community!

[goodnight]

Aug 2, 2021 16:28:30 GMT -5 flossieskid said:

I really appreciate everyone’s comments about Flossie. I don’t remember the episode about Olivia’s hair and, again, even though she is credited on the show and the Waltons are always on “Inspire” TV, all my Mom’s shows aren’t taped on my TIVO. Frustrating! I’d like to see that episode.

I think it might be the same episode where Grandma is upset about having to share organ playing at church with a woman she doesn't like.

[flossieskid]

Easton, I really pride myself in being able to recognize character actors and actresses, as well as, guess the voices of performers on commercials. I do not know who the woman is in the hat in that picture you posted. She looks a little like a combo of my Mom, Peggy Rea and Anne Ramsey as Danny DeVito’s Mom in “Throw Momma From the Train.” But, most likely all 3 of those people in the scene are extras used for background.

[patriciaanne]

I would say there's nothing pathetic about a widowed woman on her own using her entrepreneurial smarts to stay afloat during a very challenging time. My goodness, if someone can't complain once in awhile -- and even get a little tipsy -- without being considered "pathetic," I'd say we're all in trouble!

I loved the multi-dimensional characters on The Waltons. They portrayed "real" people who were brave, resourceful, determined, kind, and yes -- sometimes petty, vain, selfish, small-minded, etc. It's the foibles that make the characters so interesting and relatable. I would have loved to be Flossie Brimmer's neighbor. I would have enjoyed a cup of tea on her porch, maybe a couple of her cookies and yes -- a little gossip, too!!!! 🥰

Tracey (flossieskid), didn't you tell us it was your sister who used to say, "Hello, hello, hello" and that dialogue was your mom's idea?

[pinkbaker07]

I think she had a deep sense of loneliness that came through. Those times were soul sucking harsh and she depended on the kindness of strangers in a way to survive.