After her husband dies from a trucking accident, Alice packs up the car, and her son, Tommy, then heads to Hollywood, dreaming of a singing profession. Her car breaks down in Phoenix, forcing her to take a job at Mel’s Diner, a greasy spoon where gruff owner Mel barks orders to Alice and her fellow waitresses.

Cast: Linda Lavin, Philip McKeon, Vic Tayback, Polly Holliday, Beth Howland, Diane Ladd, Celia Weston, Marvin Kaplan