I, too, had this amazing mini-series on VHS tape. Those are long gone. Later when it was reshown I decided to re-record it at a better quality (higher speed) and edit out the commercials. Unfortunately, they added a LAUGH TRACK and RUINED IT!!! Not the same and it lost all it's humor with uproarious audience laughter (in the wrong spots), sheesh. Brilliant cast, and I quote lines from this all the time. Like at breakfast with Carol Burnett as Charlotte Kensington saying to her daughter-in-law, Talon (Terry Garr), "Talon, just because you're not blood doesn't mean you're not just as much a part of this family as, say Tiffany." Tiffany being her ADOPTED daughter played by Valerie Mahaffey. They really need to re-release this on DVD.... WITH NO LAUGH TRACK!!! One of the best TV shows I ever watched.

This was sent to Carol Burnett in care of the Columbia Broadcasting Company and to CBS. The charming spoof of many movies and TV "soaps", Fresno, had been promotionally advertised. That was found to peak enough interest that I purposely decided that it was time to invest in my first VCR with the first order of business to save "Fresno" for future enjoyment. After viewing, my decision had been justified and it became what was to be the start of an "extra special" library. I found that most of the character portrayals were excellently done. I have been surprised over the years that there has been no mention of "Fresno" by late night show guests Dabney Coleman, Charles Grodin, Terry Garr and Teresa Ganzell. Was there some kind of a blackout by CBS? If not, what would be a reason? If it was not a popular series, which may be another ratings fiasco, I might understand. Several people I had talked with, who had seen only one or two episodes, said that they didn't understand it and thought it was "silly." They did not realize that it was not intended to be a serious presentation. I particularly enjoyed your portrayals, with Carol Burnett as a vineyard matriarch, Dabney Coleman from an "evil neighbors vineyard," Charles Grodin as the "ambitious son," Terry Garr as the "neglected wife", the "younger son" and his concern for the environment, Pat Corley as the "trailer slob" that only wanted the "Impala," your "chauffeur," Teresa Ganzell as the ambitious "country and western singer," Valerie Mahaffey as the "outsider daughter," the "'ACME WASTE' owner," and the spoof of the "Blues Brother's." The opening scene portraying the naming of the "Fresno" valley was particularly hilarious, as was the scene outside of the courtroom with the parking lot devastation. But, my primary purpose for writing to you is that the tapes had not been protected and were inadvertently overwritten several years ago. I would like to replace "Fresno" but it has not been aired that I had been aware. I have asked video stores if it was available but to no avail. I would appreciate any help you might provide as to the availability of any archival copy. I just hope that "Fresno" is not lost to those of us who appreciate this type of "cult" television, and "damn" the ignorant if they can't understand it. Thanks for your consideration, Gene Ray Issaquah, WA 98029

This was a fantastic spoof taking names and ideas from nighttime soaps such as Dynasty and Dallas. Carol Burnett and Charles Grodin played the main roles, and were absolutely fantastic. To see Carol Burnett as a "drunk" is always fun. I like how they made the last name of the "wealthy" family Kinsington; which compares to Carrington in Dynasty. They also used such names as Tallon; which compares to Fallon in Dynasty and I really thought that Billy Jo and Bobby Jo Bob having the same middle name was great.I have an original copy which I taped off of the TV before having satellite TV, so it is fuzzy and sound is not so great. I'd love to get a new copy and would be ecstatic if you burned it on a DVD. I'd pay for the DVD, your time, shipping, etc. Please E-Mail me at [email protected] if you have anymore copies, or are willing to make anymore; whether on VHS or DVD.Thanx so much, Jamie

My favorite scene from this mini-series is when the person, in the middle of the trial suddenly bursts out their guilt in a passioned plea. Then realizes they are in the wrong courtroom. Carol Burnett, Dabney Coleman, Charles Grodin and Teri Garr are exceptional in their portrayals. This should definitely be on DVD!