BRBTV birthdays this week

- Sydney Penny, who played B.J. Walker on "Santa Barbara" and has been doing Hallmark movie fare more recently, turned 35 on Monday, August 7.
- Mel Tillis, who played Burl Tolliver (costarring with James Best's wife Dorothy) on an episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," and also performed as himself on a different episode, turned 74 yesterday, August 8.
- Richard Anderson, whom we loved as Oscar Goldman on "Bionic Woman" but who also played Buck Fallmont on "Dynasty," turned 80 yesterday, August 8.
- Kate O’Mara, the Jackie Collins-type character of Caress Morrell, causing trouble for sis Alexis on "Dynasty," turns 67 tomorrow, August 10, 1939.
- George Hamilton, who had a mean gleam as Joel Abrigore on "Dynasty" but just can't get enough of those Old Navy and snack-chip commercials lately, also turns 67 this year, on Saturday, August 12.
- Jeff Altman, the wholly obnoxious Hughie Hogg on "The Dukes," turns 55 on Sunday, August 13.

Happy birthday to all!

All Headline News reports why J.Lo left "Dallas"

All Headline News staff writer Mary K. Brunskill, as quoted on http://www.americansuperstarmag.com/hollywood_gossip.php, is reporting that Jennifer Lopez has allegedly quit the "Dallas" movie because she didn't want to work with John Travolta.

"The actress was set to play J.R. Ewing's troubled wife, Sue Ellen, in the adaptation of the popular TV drama but turned her back on the project last week," the story says. J.Lo's representative, Leslie Sloane Zelnick, confirmed her departure, All Headline News says, but refused to give a reason for her surprise decision: "It has now been claimed that Lopez hated the script and wasn't happy that Travolta had been handed the role of her on-screen husband."

The news outlet's writer Matthew Borghese had filed a story on Friday about the reported departure: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7004439523

Original director Robert Luketic quit the project earlier this year due to "creative differences" and was replaced by "Bend It Like Beckham" director Gurinda Chadha.

Next week: Veronica just isn't herself

Jughead & Friends Digest #13
"Triple Feature": Once again, Archie has double-booked himself... this time promising to go out with Veronica and go to the movies with Jughead at the same time! Veronica uses everything in her power... including giving him money for refreshments... to get alone time with Archie! Will this scenario have a happy fade-out, or will it get two thumb's down? Script and art: Fernando Ruiz. PLUS: A selection of classic tales by various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand August 15, 2006
UPC #: 62816-46851-0131
132-page, full color digest format, $2.49 US

Veronica #173
"A New Leaf": Veronica just hasn't been herself ... nothing seems to rile or upset her. Until Betty pulls out a ring and announces she's engaged to Archie, that is! Why the sudden change in everyone's favorite rich girl? Script and art: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand August 15, 2006
UPC #: 62816-46758-17311
32-page, full color comic, $2.25 US.

Peter Mark Richman stars in Stallone short

... And no, we don't mean Sly Stallone -- we mean his son, Sage Stallone, who's even played his screen son, Rocky Balboa Jr. Sage Stallone is doing some moviemaking himself, these days, and one of his projects this year is a 30-minute film that features our own Peter Mark Richman, a BRBTV triple shot. You'll remember Richman best as Andrew Laird on "Dynasty," wise counsel to Blake Carrington. He was also Maynard Anderson (not to be confused with Punk Anderson) in the earlier years of "Dallas." AND he was the original C.C. Capwell on "Santa Barbara."

"Vic" is the "tale of a man who, once famous, tasted the bitter truth about unsteadiness of human fascination and memory," according to reviewer Abel Korzeniowski. Written and directed by the younger Stallone, the film also includes Miriam Byrd-Nethery, whom you might remember as Rose Ellen on "The Dukes of Hazzard." Her husband, Clu Gulager, plays the title character. Richman plays Paul Marcus, and you can see him in stills from the movie at its IMDb page.

Philadelphia-born Richman has had a busy and storied TV career, and it's nice to see him keeping up the acting credits. BRBTV has chatted with him a bit over years, and he's shared some fun stories of his days on the set of "Santa Barbara" and "Dynasty."

Ray Wise has a couple movies on the horizon

Ray Wise, who played Blair Sullivan on "Dallas" and Spiros Koralis on "The Colbys" (but is perhaps better known for the sinister role he had as Leland Palmer on '90s cult hit "Twin Peaks") is working on a couple flicks this year. The longtime TV star will play General Matthews in the thriller "Pandemic," now in postproduction. The film, directed by Jason Connery, also stars Alesha Clarke of ABC's "Port Charles."

Also up this year is "7-10 Split," featuring Tara Reid, Robyn Lively (the "Savannah" redhead) and model Rachel Hunter. Wise plays Buddy in the film, directed by Tommy Reid (yes, Tara's brother). The plotline from the IMDb: "An aspiring actor whose career is in the dumps, exploits his amazing bowling skills to take the PBA by storm and becomes rich and famous, only to lose his best girl and best friend."

Shroyer plays a ghost in fall flick

Car-show appearances, a new flick and a drive to get the "Enos" TV series released on DVD are all part of Sonny Shroyer's world lately.

The star of "The Dukes of Hazzard" (Enos, of course) will be at Monster World in Unity, Wisconsin, on Saturday, August 12. If you're going to be in the area and want to know more, go to the Monster World website. On Saturday, September 16, Shroyer will be at the River Fest Car Show in Eden, North Carolina. Then, in October, he'll be at the Stars, Cars and More Show (which seems to be getting bigger every year and which is very heavy on "The Dukes" this year) in Little Rock, Arkansas. See the Stars, Cars and More website for more on that October 13-14 show and its special "Dukes Day" event.

Shroyer also will be appearing in the film "The Price" this fall, says Matt Cucchiara, CEO of Brooklyn Films and an executive producer of the movie. "I have now had the pleasure to meet Sonny in person -- what a wonderful guy!" Cucchiara says on Shroyer's official website. "In this movie, Sonny will play a ghost. As usual, he does a fantastic job. This musical comedy is a low-budget film, and is G-rated, but it has a great cast, great music and a great message. We started shooting in Orlando Florida on May 1. We will complete the shooting phase by the first week in June. Please tell all the Sonny Shroyer fans to talk up this movie. When this movie becomes a success, we will be on our way! We want to use Sonny in all our future films!"

Finally, Shroyer is leading a charge to get his "Dukes" spinoff "Enos" released on DVD. He's inviting fans to cast votes for the show at TVShowsonDVD.com.

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- Susan Flannery, who played Leslie Stewart on "Dallas," turned 63 yesterday, July 31.
- Lane Davies, the unforgettable original Mason Capwell on "Santa Barbara," also had a birthday yesterday, turning 56.
- Louise Sorel, equally unforgettable as Augusta Lockridge on "SB," turns 66 on Sunday, August 6.

Happy birthday to all!

The Halloween treat that won't rot your teeth!

Tired of giving out candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween? (Or, like BRBTV, do you just wanna keep all the candy to yourself????) This October, as in years past, Archie Comics is offering bundles of 25 "ashcan" comics to be given out as Halloween treats.

In this year's special-edition "Halloween Ashcan" comic, Betty and Nancy get part-time jobs at a local costume shop, but when a big order falls through, they may be out of a job … and out of luck! But when Chuck drops by the shop with bad news about his failed comic book submission, his forgotten portfolio — filled with superhero costume designs — may just save the day for the girls, Mr. Pansky’s Costume Shop, and Halloween! Script: George Gladir; pencils: Stan Goldberg; inking: Al Milgrom; lettering: Jack Morelli; color: Barry Grossman.

Sold in bundles of 25 and shipped weeks before Halloween, this 16-page mini-comic is certainly low-calorie and sugar-free, and will introduce the young'uns to the Archie gang and their timeless teen exploits! If you're interested in getting your hands on a bundle of the comics, contact your local comic shop (and if you don't know where that is, find one at http://www.comicshoplocator.com/ or call (888) COMIC BOOK / (888) 266-4226).

Matthew Lawrence taking on big-screen thrillers this year

To the rest of the world he may be one of the Lawrence brothers (sibling of Joey Lawrence) and star of the sitcom "Boy Meets World." To us, though, he's the original Danny Carrington of "Dynasty." It was his very first role, back in 1984-85. Now, he's got three projects going for this year, including a Halloween thriller.

In "Trick or Treat," he plays Brock Anderson. The plotline from the IMDb: "On Halloween, a teenage boy who is grounded and forced to babysit his brother and sister discovers, along with his siblings, that his house is haunted." The film also features Robert Carradine and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

In "Hunter's Moon," more of a sci-fi thriller, Lawrence is Lance. "'Hunter's Moon' tells the story of four young couples drawn to the remote dunes for off-roading in their extreme machines. But the outing turns into a night of terror when they are attacked by the Catcher, a skilled and brutal hunter of human specimens for alien science," the IMDb says.

And in the thriller "Mary Worth," Lawrence is on board to play Garret. Keri Lynn Pratt plays the title role in this horror flick about the "Bloody Mary" / dark bathroom / mirror legend (if you don't know, don't ask!).

Besides "Boy Meets World," Lawrence has kept up the acting gigs over the years, on stuff like "CSI: Miami" and "Boston Public." He even played the younger version of his brother Joey on Joey's sitcom "Blossom."

"Laugh with a Legend," Larry Hagman

Besides appearing in a series of episodes in the upcoming season of f/X's "Nip/Tuck" series, Larry Hagman, the unstoppable J.R. Ewing of "Dallas," is keeping up personal appearances.

On Saturday, August 26, he'll be at the Casa Mañana Theatre in Fort Worth, Texas, for "Laugh With a Texas Legend: An Evening With Larry Hagman." He will narrate a multimedia presentation of slides, film clips and outtakes from his career, heavy on the "Dallas," of course. Tickets go on sale August 4 at $100 each, which includes the 8:30 p.m. show and the post-show party. If you want to start early with cocktails and a Texas-themed dinner (beginning at 6:30 p.m.), tickets are $350 per person, or tables are $3,000-$25,000. (Wowzers -- they do things big in Texas, ya know.) Call (817) 332-2272 or visit www.casamanana.org. All proceeds benefit Casa Mañana's arts education and outreach programs.

A few days later, on Tuesday, August 29, he's off to Little Rock, Ark., to speak at the Amazing Spirit Awards Luncheon. Thank goodness, no slowin' down for that legend ...

See a clip of John Allen Nelson in "Vanished"

As the BRBTV News Blog reported earlier this year, our own John Allen Nelson, the original Warren Lockridge of "Santa Barbara," is returning to series television this fall. He'll star in Fox's new drama "Vanished." Thanks to Brandon at the M80 teams for passing along this viral video, showing Nelson in action, playing Jeffrey Collins, a Georgia congressman, in the series ...

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- James Best, our own Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 80 tomorrow, July 26.
- Keenan Wynn, the second Digger Barnes on "Dallas," was born on July 27, 1916 and died on October 14, 1986.
- Sasha Mitchell, another "Dallas" alum as long-lost Ewing son James Beaumont, turns 39 on Thursday, July 27.
- Lloyd Bochner, who was Cecil Colby on "Dynasty," was born on July 29, 1924 and died on October 29, 2005.

Coming out in Archie Comics this week ...

Archie & Friends #102
In “Paparazzi Problem,” Archie icon Katy Keene spirits off to a secluded seaside town, hoping to relax and avoid the press… but even there, tabloid shutterbugs lurk! In an effort to go unrecognized, she changes from one outfit to the next, but instead of providing cover it turns into a fashion show on the go! SCRIPT: Andrew Pepoy. ART: John Workman. In "My Fair Archie," the Archies get a gig at a large amusement park, and that's not the only thing that's large! It seems someone in a giant gorilla suit is following them, and it's not too long before the pseudo simian is scaling the park's mega-coaster in an effort to rescue the musical teens! Just who is beneath that monkey mask? SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale at the newsstand July 25
32-page, full-color comic, $2.25 US.

Archie Digest #227
In “Dancing With Famous People,” when a famous television dance competition comes to Riverdale, everyone’s favorite teens are paired with celebrities and hoof it up over the airwaves! The competition soon turns out to be less about dancing, and as always, more about love triangles, as Archie is paired with a gorgeous teen starlet Lindesy Lowman! In turn, will Betty & Veronica end up dancing with famous hot hunks? SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz. PLUS: A selection of classic tales by various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale at the newsstand July 25
Full-color digest format, $2.49 US.

Classic stars take on Hallmark mysteries

The Hallmark Channel loves to play the mystery game, but during the month of August, they're really pouring on those mystery movies, offering a week of "Perry Mason," a week of "McBride," a week of "Mystery Woman" (one of BRBTV's absolute favorites) and a week of "Jane Doe." Pay attention, because there are several stars of the BRBTV shows in the offerings ...

- Sydney Penny, our own B.J. Walker of the latter years of "Santa Barbara," plays Daphne Blake (no, this isn't Scooby-Doo) in "McBride: The Doctor Is Out, Really Out," which airs Tuesday, August 8. This more-modern take on the classic "McBride" stars John Larroquette (shown here).
- Linda Gray, the "Dallas" powerhouse of Sue Ellen Ewing, is Victoria Sawyer in "McBride: It's Murder, Madam," which airs Wednesday, August 9.
- Jack Scalia, the hunky Nicholas Pearce of "Dallas," shows up as Marty Caine in "McBride: Anybody Here Murder Marty?" airing Thursday, August 10.
- Sheree J. Wilson, another "Dallas" alum as April Stevens, is Jody Fiske in "Mystery Woman: Game Time," showing Wednesday, August 16.
- Ed Marinaro, Cray Boyd of "Dynasty," plays Vincent Colabella in "Jane Doe: 'Til Death Do Us Part," Wednesday, August 23.

Photo courtesy of Hallmark Channel

Priscilla Presley launches bed-linen line

Elvis' wife and our own Jenna Wade of "Dallas" has a new business venture these days: a range of exclusive luxury linens and homewares.

BRBTV has inquired further ... Samantha Mast of Rogers and Cowan, Presley's rep, tells us, "Priscilla partnered with Australian entrepreneur and designer Bruno Schiavi to create and co-design a range of exclusive luxury linens. The collection, labeled 'The Priscilla Presley Collection,' has launched in Australia (Meyers Stores) and the U.K. (Harrod’s and House of Fraser Stores) and will launch this October in Canada." Presley visited some Harrod's and House of Fraser sites in April for the linen launch.

Presley also has been working on a special stage production called "Burning Love," though not much has happened with it thus far. "Ms. Presley is in the very preliminary stages of production on the play, and it is too early to say when it will launch," Mast says.

Presley's official website, www.priscillapresley.com, says, "'Burning Love' (a working title) is a live musical event based on Priscilla Beaulieu Presley’s life. This musical, written by Stan Zimmerman and Jim Berg, will take the audience on an emotional ride in this fun and upbeat biographical journey through the romance of Elvis and Priscilla. The music will feature new songs written especially for the show as well as popular tunes from the period. 'Burning Love' is currently in development and will be staged in 2006."

Schneider, Wopat talk about "First Time" tonight

"Some of the most celebrated stars of television, music and movies take a deeply personal look back at the gigs that changed their lives in 'My First Time,' a new original series from TVLand ..."

That's the tagline for TVLand's new series, "My First Time," a look at stars and how they started out. Up tonight is an episode called "Action Heroes," and it features John Schneider and Tom Wopat of "The Dukes of Hazzard." The episode airs at 10 p.m. EST on TVLand.

Schneider tells the rather famous story of his "Dukes" audition: "I showed up with a Bud Man T-shirt -- torn up; it was a workout shirt -- and a six-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer ... I was 18 years old; I told 'em I was 24, because that's what they were looking for. I told 'em I was from Snellville, Georgia" (pronouncing the name of the Atlanta suburb as "Snail-ville," of course) "because that's what they were looking for." Ben Jones also comments for the episode (on just how handsome Schneider is).

You can watch the preview from http://www.tvland.com/originals/myfirsttime/.

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- Diahann Carroll, the songstress who vexed Alexis as Dominique Devereaux on "Dynasty," turned 71 yesterday, July 17.
- Audrey Landers, who was Afton Cooper on "Dallas" and a couple roles on "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 47 today, July 18, 1959.
- Paul Burke, the second C.C. Capwell of "Santa Barbara," turns 80 on Friday, July 21.
- Lenore Kasdorf, the lovely Caroline Wilson on "SB," turns 58 on Sunday, July 23.

Happy birthday to all!

Coming up for the Archies this fall ...

Last week, we announced a new addition to the BRBTV family: the Archies, and specifically the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" animated TV series of 1999-2000. As past of all that, the age-old and beloved Archies have become part of the coverage area of the BRBTV News Blog. Let's jump right into that coverage this week as we take a look at what's coming up in Archie Comics this fall ...





Archie #570
“The City Library”: Archie and his friends visit the famous Salt Lake City library, and the popular “Night Flight” comic book store inside! Along the way, they meet comic shop owner Mimi Cruz, library director Nancy Tessman and other real life folks who teach them the importance of literature and all the arts in their state-of-the-art, multimedia facility! “To Act or Not to Act”: When the lead actor in the school play falls ill, both Reggie and Archie claim to be the best actor for the part. To determine who the best actor really is, the drama teacher gives them a tough acting assignment: each must act like the other! Will the curtain fall before our hams even reach the stage? SCRIPTS: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand October 24, 2006
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US

Archie’s Double Digest #174
Double your pages, double your Archie and double your fun in this double digest full of new stories and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand October 31, 2006
Full color digest format
$3.69 US

Betty #160
“Spreading the Word”: In an effort to improve attendance for their girl’s basketball team games, Betty and her teammates appeal to their girl-crazy and snack-crazy boyfriends to show up! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. “Construction Dysfunction”: Determined not to be upstaged by the neighbor, Betty’s dad decides to do some home improvement repairs himself… even if he’ll need to hire a real handyman to fix his work later! SCRIPT: Bill Golliher. ART: Stan Goldberg. “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”: Betty is determined not to obsess over “what’s his name,” no matter how many things remind her of him! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand November 7, 2006
Full color digest format
$2.49 US

Betty & Veronica Spectacular #76
“Jingle’s Jangled!”: Betty and Veronica are smitten by the new hunk at school… just wait until they find out it’s really Jingles, Santa’s now ex-elf in disguise! Jingles hopes to get a taste of Archie’s life, but soon realizes the snow isn’t always whiter on the other side of the sleigh! SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. “Present Tense”: When Betty and Veronica spot Archie picking up a giant self-portrait at the photo shop, each thinks it’s their Christmas gift! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand November 14, 2006
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US

Betty & Veronica Digest #170
Bright and brassy, bold and beautiful, blonde and brunette-- teen dream queens Betty & Veronica romp through this collection of new stories and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand November 14, 2006
Full color digest format
$2.49 US

Holiday Fun Digest #11
Tis the season to be jolly as Archie and his friends celebrate in true holiday style! Archie and crew have long displayed their holiday spirit, and now through the magic of the digest series, many of the Christmas classics of old are re-presented along with new yuletide tales. It’s a stocking-full of good holiday cheer you won’t want to miss! “Holiday Rush”: Betty and Veronica lament the fact that the stores seem to rush the holiday months before it hits…until Mr. Lodge gives them some early Christmas gifts! “Gift Horse Laugh”: Reggie gets a nice holiday bonus at his job and the gang suspects he’s going to spend it all on himself. Or will the holiday spirit dictate otherwise? “Gift Exchange”: Chuck and Moose are having a hard time figuring out what to get their girlfriends for Christmas, until they make suggestions for each other’s girls! SCRIPTS: Mike Pellowski. ART: Tim Kennedy. PLUS: Class yuletide tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale newsstand November 14, 2006
Full color digest format
$2.49 US

Jughead #177
“The Yes Man”: Tired of giving Archie good advice only to have Archie ignore it, Jughead starts to blindly agree with his pal’s harebrained schemes. Before the night is through, ‘ol carrot top will face the wrath of both Veronica and a mighty Moose clone! “Judge Jughead”: In trouble for eating in class one too many times, Mr. Weatherbee decides Jughead needs to learn a real lesson about grievances… and appoints him as judge of his new grievance court! “The Beat Goes On”: Jughead and a pair of drumsticks make for quite a rhythm, but the faculty isn’t tapping their toes! SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman. ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale newsstand October 24, 2006
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US

Jughead & Friends Digest #15
"Souphead Du Jour": Jughead usually has all the answers, but when the question is how to keep his cousin Souphead from being bored, desperate measures are called for… like introducing Souphead to the even brattier kid-next-door! SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand November 7, 2006
Full color digest format
$2.49 US

Jughead’s Double Digest #126
It’s double-decker sandwiches and double-trouble as the irrepressible Jughead tilts the laugh-o-meter in this uproarious collection of new stories and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand November 7, 2006
Full color digest format
$3.69 US

Pals-N-Gal’s Double Digest #107
The spotlight is on the wonderful cast of Archie supporting characters, in this double digest featuring new stories and classic tales. SCRIPT & ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand November 7, 2006
Full color digest format
$3.69 US

Tales From Riverdale Digest #15
“Shock ‘n Roll”: The Archies are back, and determined to win the “American Icon” talent contest. Unfortunately, their rivals Ray and the Ray-vons are determined to stop them using any dirty tricks necessary. But could their scheme backfire and cause the Archies to unintentionally create a brand-new dance craze?! Check out the musical mayhem for yourself! SCRIPT AND ART: Tim Kennedy. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand October 24, 2006
Full color digest format
$2.49 US

Veronica #175
"The Doghouse": It’s no longer enough to keep up with the Jones’s… now the rich have to keep up with their doghouses, too, as Veronica’s rival flaunts her dog’s designer doghouse! Can Veronica outdo her rival with her own custom-made canine castle? SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. “Face in the Crowd”: Veronica does such a good job on her essay that the teacher insists she read it at the big class assembly. To keep from freezing with fright, Veronica decides to focus on a friendly face in the crowd, but what if the owner of that face (Archie) doesn’t show up? SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand October 31, 2006
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US

Jack Scalia: Name that pic!

It's been a bit of a "Dallas" week here at the BRBTV News Blog, so let's continue right along on that theme, shall we? There's not much BRBTV loves more -- when we're not indulging in one of those bad Lifetime movies about somebody-stealing-her-baby-or-getting-amnesia-or-somesuch -- than indulging in one of the rather dreadful, homemade Sci Fi original movies at 9 p.m. every Saturday. From "Frankenfish" to Mansquito," we're positively hooked. But now, a special treat -- one of our BRBTV stars, in a brand-new Sci Fi original.

Mr. Jack Scalia, known to us as the mobbie Nicholas Pearce / Joey Lombardi on "Dallas," will star in the tentatively titled "Deadly Water." Now, we say tentatively, because Sci Fi is asking viewers to give the film a better name. The plotline that you can go on, as you're submitting your suggestions: "A marine archeologist and a sailor team up to search for a priceless ancient treasure, only to find themselves in danger from a giant squid that seems to be protecting the treasure, and a ruthless rival who wants the artifact for himself." Hmm ... we enjoy good calamari just as much as the next person, but ...

Scalia, who's front and center in the film, is joined by Victoria Pratt, the feral female of the syndicated drama "Mutant X." Charlie O'Connell of "Sliders" is thrown in for good measure.

To let your creative juices flow, visit http://www.scifi.com/namethatpic/.

Scalia has had no shortage of acting work over the years, since that whole nasty window incident with Sue Ellen. Notably, he appeared in Wes Craven's "Red Eye" last year.

Linda Gray in "Terms of Endearment"

Linda Gray, who certainly grew her character of Sue Ellen Ewing through the seasons of "Dallas," will star in a new stage production of Larry McMurtry's well-known book "Terms of Endearment" next year.

Gray will portray Aurora Greenway in the play, which revolves around the conflicted relationship of the selfish Aurora and her resolute daughter Emma. "Thrown into the mix are issues of marriage, children and illness, which serve to test the boundaries of love between mother and daughter," according to LindaGray.com. The role of Aurora earned Shirley MacLaine an Oscar in the 1983 film version of McMurtry's novel.

The show will be presented as a co-production between the Alley Theatre in Texas (where it will run March 30, 2007 through April 29, 2007) and Hartford Stage in Connecticut (where it will play May 24, 2007 through June 24, 2007). You can learn more, and find out about tickets for the Connecticut shows, at www.hartfordstage.org.

In other Linda Gray news, the actress is reportedly campaigning to get a role on ABC's "Desperate Housewives." The UltimateDallas.com website has set up a petition you can sign if you, too, believe that Gray should move into Wisteria Lane: http://www.ultimatedallas.com/news/lindahousewives.html

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

Just a couple for ya this week ...

- Ken Kercheval, our unforgettable Cliff Barnes of "Dallas," turns 71 on Saturday, July 15.
- Barbara Stanwyck, the legendary film star who was Constance Colby on "The Colbys," was born on July 16, 1907 and died on January 20, 1990.

Role of Lucy Ewing goes to a Cassidy

... And we mean that as in the luscious David Cassidy and Shaun Cassidy, who've logged quite a few performing hours over the years, since their heyday of the '70s. (Shaun has done some TV writing and producing as well.) Now David Cassidy's daughter will head to "Dallas" to play Lucy Ewing in the big-screen remake of our beloved '80s show.

Just shy of 20 years old (though older than Charlene Tilton was when she took on the role), Katie Cassidy even sings like her dad (she did a cover of one of his songs, as a matter of fact), but she's focused on acting for her career. She played Zoe on the WB's "7th Heaven," and just appeared in the film "When a Stranger Calls." The lovely blond is currently playing one of the Samanthas in the Adam Sandler film "Click."

To read more:
http://www.usmagazine.com/blog/2006/06/26/katie-cassidy-wins-trip-for-one-to-dallas/

Announcing ... the addition of the Archies!

Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica and gang have been favorites of BRB for many years. And now, with the publishing of the new BRBTV Report on the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" animated TV show, BRBTV happily welcomes the Archie Comics realm into its family of coverage.

Archie Andrews and his friends have been around for more than 60 years and have been a beloved American icon, holding fast to many good, honest values, as well as man good, honest fans! For decades, we've watched the often-awkward but always lovable Archie bumble his way into the hearts of girl-next-door Betty Cooper and self-involved-rich-chick Veronica Lodge. Their soda-built-for-three at Pop Tate's Chok'Lit Shoppe is the stuff of legends! And with the human eating machine Jughead Jones, the conceited prankster Reggie Mantle, big-lug Moose Mason, spindly Big Ethel and brainy Dilton Doiley, we've always had so much to enjoy in the Archies lore over the years. In 1999, DiC Entertainment released on PAX-TV the newest incarnation of Archies lore, the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" TV show. This animated series, following in a long line of Archie cartoons beginning in the 1960s, added a sort of "X-Files" slant to the teen gang. Each episode saw them investigating paranormal phenomena, with the fun tagline, "Things are getting weird in Riverdale."

BRBTV takes a close look at the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" TV show with its brand-new forum, the BRBTV Report. Not a book like the BRBTV reference book series, the BRBTV Report is a magazine-length feature story, journalistic in nature and complete with all sorts of fun facts about the show and its characters. "Archie's Weird Mysteries: A BRBTV Report" is the first of what will be a series of BRBTV Reports, debuting in the Amazon Shorts program.

BRBTV is happy to bring this fun feature to you, and we hope that this BRBTV Report, along with the Reports that follow, will help you enjoy even more what we believe are entertaining, valuable and worthwhile TV shows in our pop culture. We welcome your feedback, and even your own reminiscing about Archie and the gang(!), in the comments forum of this blog, or at BRB@brbtv.com.

Capwell butler defects to the Dark Side!

You could call the mannerly and quite British Ian Abercrombie a BRBTV triple-shot: Not only was he Phillip, upright butler in the Capwell household, in the early days of "Santa Barbara," but he also played several roles on "Dynasty" and its spinoff "The Colbys" over the seasons. And now? After scads of other TV credits in just about any kind of show you could name, Abercrombie is turning to .... (cue deathlike music) ... THE DARK SIDE!!!! (da-da-dun!!!!!!)

Abercrombie will star in a new "Star Wars" TV series this fall, now in development. He'll play that most notoriuous creature, Darth Sidious, otherwise known as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine when he's trying to pretend he's legit. It's a role that would seem to fit the stately actor physically, if not quite psychologically! The TV series, officially untitled at this point but focusing on the "Clone Wars" of "Star Wars" lore, is being produced by the Force's big guy, George Lucas. The plotline from the IMDb: "The Grand Army of the Republic, led by Yoda, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and other Jedi Knights, fights the New Droid Army of the Separatists." Wikipedia says, "According to official reports, the series will be set during the 19-year timespan between the films 'Revenge of the Sith' and 'A New Hope.' It will focus primarily on minor characters of the 'Star Wars' galaxy, rather than the main ones seen prominently in the films." Rock out, man! There's lots more about the series at http://www.starwarsepica.com.pe/tv.htm.

Abercrombie's list of work over the years is nothing short of impressive, by the way. Besides two movie projects this year (including David Lynch's latest -- we'll be waiting for that one with "bait on our breath," as BRB's friend Ralph used to say), Abercrombie also starred in the recently released "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties." He played true to butlerly form as Alfred Pennyworth on the WB's short-lived "Batman"-inspired drama, "Birds of Prey." He's appeared in a couple of the modern "Star Trek" series and had a recurring character on "Seinfeld."

Gordon Thomson on MyNetworkTV

Gordon Thomson, who is a BRBTV double-shot as Adam Carrington on "Dynasty" and the third and final Mason Capwell on "Santa Barbara," will be appearing on Fox's new alternative network this fall, MyNetworkTV. Thomson will star in a "telenovela" called "Act of Betrayal." The character he'll play, named Theodore, is a lot like Blake Carrington, he told USA Today.

MyNetworkTV, which you can find at http://www.mynetworktv.com, debuts on September 5 with two "bold" drama series. Earlier this spring, the network was busy signing affiliates across the country, in markets like St. Louis, Portland, Ore., and Kansas City. The network is planning 12 hours of original primetime programming.

Thomson's "Act of Betrayal" will also star Sean Young. It's plotline, from Zap2it.com: "Young will play a woman whose husband leaves her for another woman. Two decades later, she puts in motion a plan to bring him down by grooming her two sons to marry his daughters." Yummy ...