Jun 28, 2018
In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host
Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores a pivotal episode of That
Girl (1966-67), starring Marlo Thomas, which addressed sexual
harassment long before the term was widely recognized. The
storyline features guest star Carroll O'Connor as an opera singer
who leverages his influence over Ann Marie (Marlo Thomas) in
exchange for an interview, highlighting the concept of quid pro quo
harassment.
Through a critical lens, this discussion examines how mid-century male writers framed workplace harassment as a plot conflict rather than a societal issue. Cynthia references historical resources, including Time Magazine’s A Brief History of Sexual Harassment in America, to contextualize the portrayal of gender power dynamics on television.
Plot Summary
TV’s handling of sexual harassment has evolved, but That
Girl tackled it decades before the #MeToo movement. This
episode breaks down how the show’s 1966-67 season portrayed an
all-too-familiar power play, analyzing its cultural impact and the
era’s gender norms.
With insights into Marlo Thomas’ legacy and the broader feminist implications of the storyline, Cynthia dissects how television shaped conversations about workplace harassment and the barriers women faced in professional settings.
Episode Resources
- Referenced TV Show:
- That Girl (1966-67)
- Resources:
- Time Magazine’s A Brief History of Sexual Harassment in America (2016) – Sascha Cohen https://time.com/4286575/sexual-harassment-before-anita-hill/
- Marlo Thomas: Growing Up Laughing (2010)
- Stephen Cole’s That Girl: The Unofficial Companion (1999)
- Related Episodes:
- Sports Night More Relevant Than Ever (4.20)
Episode Life Lessons
- Media narratives shape perceptions – That Girl illustrated workplace harassment decades before mainstream discussions.
- Feminism and TV go hand in hand – Marlo Thomas helped redefine women's roles on television.
- Historical context matters – Looking back at mid-century TV helps us understand progress and ongoing challenges.