Gimme a Break

While performing at Mr. Funky's Night Club in Glenlawn, California, singer Nell Harper meets Margaret Kennedy, an old friend, now married to a policeman, Carl Kanisky, and the mother of three daughters. Shortly after, when Nell refuses to abide by the club owner's demands -- to meet him in his room -- and is fired, Margaret offers to let her stay at her home. There, she quickly wins over the affections of Katie, Julie, and Samantha, Margaret's daughters.

Five weeks later, when Nell is about to leave for a gig in Bakersfield, Margaret tells her a secret she has kept from her family: that she is dying. Margaret then asks Nell to raise her girls, knowing all too well that Carl could never manage alone. After much thought, Nell agrees to do one last favor for her dearest friend.

The series, set some years later in Glenlawn, follows the adventures of Nell Harper, the feisty housekeeper to Carl Kanisky, a tough, widowed police chief and the father of three pretty, troublesome teenage daughters. The program also spotlights the musical talents of star Nell Carter.