Motor City Mania: Jonathan Frakes

"I was in an episode of 'The Dukes,' you know," Jonathan Frakes told his rep/escort as he approached the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club display at this past weekend's event in the Motor City and leaned in to a table to check out the memorabilia. Yesssireee, Mr. Frakes -- how could we forget? You were that darling Jamie Lee Hogg, nephew to Boss and fiance to none other than Daisy Duke, in the episode "Mrs. Daisy Hogg." And such a young'un you were!

Nowadays, Frakes is much more refined than a Hogg would be, with a seasoning of gray in his hair, no doubt caused by all those Klingon and Borg attacks on the U.S.S. Enterprise of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." And this Number One is tall and imposing in real life, not smaller in person like so many TV stars!

Frakes signed autographs at the con next to his beautiful wife of many years, Genie Francis of ABC's "General Hospital," who has even done a guest spin with him on shows such as "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" of the '90s and the "North and South" miniseries of the '80s (thanks for the gracious smile when you walked by BRB's table, Ms. Francis!). Frakes took the time to come over to the "Dukes" display and reminisce a little, sign and pose.

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK

Motor City Mania: Richard Anderson

To us "Dynasty" fans, Richard Anderson was Buck Fallmont, the long-suffering and rather homophobic father of Bart Fallmont and Clay Fallmont. But now, years later, confusion with that "MacGyver"/"Stargate SG-1" guy aside, when you think Richard Anderson, you think Bionic. Keeping Steve Austin and Jaime Sommers "running" smoothly, so to speak, is what this classic actor is best known for.

Looking about as tan as his "Dynasty" costar George Hamilton, and speaking much more softly than you would imagine, Anderson took the time to chat with BRBTV at his table at the Motor City Comic Con. And what did we talk about? That new "Bionic Woman" series NBC is rolling out in the fall, of course! Anderson told BRBTV that he will not be appearing in the new series. "Were you offered a role?" we asked. Anderson smiled.

"Lindsay and I decided we're going to pass on that one," he said, referring to his "Bionic Woman" costar Lindsay Wagner. He's read the script for the new series, however, and he told us he does think they have a good thing going with it. "It's a good story," he affirmed. "They should do well."

Anderson has kept up with both Wagner and Lee Majors over the years. He shared with us that Majors will call him now and then, joking on the other end of the line that "This is Steve." Majors, who has reprised his "Six Million Dollar" schtick in a TV commercial ("beep-beep-beep-beep-beep ...."), as well as on the Sci Fi series "Jake 2.0," was actually planning to do a commercial at one time with Anderson, where both men would be their "Bionic" selves.

Signing full-color glossies at his table -- accompanied by Kenner's 12-inch Oscar Goldman doll from the '70s (which BRB owns, as well, along with Jaime, Steve and the more-obscure FemBot!) -- Anderson might not have been wearing that trademark checker-plaid jacket, but he's certainly still Bionic after all these years.

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK

BRBTV News Blog Blip: While we're roamin' around in the "Dynasty" world, we'll tell ya about a new interview with Jack Coleman, our own second Steven Carrington who's enjoying new career success on NBC's "Heroes." Read it at 411mania.com.

Motor City Mania: An overview

Wowzers ... BRBTV is coming up for air after three solid days of fun at the Motor City Comic Con in sunny (though at times brisk) Novi, Michigan. What a great show, and a great time, chatting with folks from all over the place. Thanks to all those who came by BRB's table and opened up some great geek vortexes with chatter about classic television and modern television and just all kinds of television. It was like heaven for BRB!

Special thanks to the celebrities who came by the "Dukes of Hazzard" museum and car display and posed and chatted. You'll see some of their photos below and more later this week, including the culmination on Friday, with the "BRBTV Most Congenial in Show" Award. (He's a classic TV guy you'll certainly know!)

Thanks, also, to the two big, adorable teddy bears at HeroesTV.com who had the sheer audacity to ask just what special ability Cooter would have if he were on NBC's "Heroes"! (Do you know? We had to say he'd be able to "fix" mechanical things like little Micah does.) Check out the blogs of these guys, who go by the handles Strongbad and Jotham Knight.

And many thanks, as always, to Paul and Cheryl Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club, as well as all their Duke cousins -- Mike the "Knight Rider" Maniac, Jason the Duke of Duke, Cousin Don and his Hazzard County cop car, Doug of the "Mad Max"-mobile. It was fun to hang, as per usual!

Now ... on to some photos ... Stay tuned all week for special Motor City Mania reports ...

One of the Hazzard County sheriff cars is brought in on Friday.

BRB's display included first and second editions of the print version of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!", as well as e-book versions on CD.

Felix Silla, who played the alien visitor in the "Dukes" episode "Strange Visitor to Hazzard," stopped by the display to pose for photos.

The "Dukes" museum display includes props used in the original series.

Matthew Atherton, aka "Feedback" of "Who Wants to Be a Superhero," came in at the end of the day Friday and was only too happy to get in character at the General Lee. He told BRBTV that the Sci Fi Saturday-night movie featuring him was filmed in Bulgaria in October and will be airing in July. But as far as the title of the film ... his cute little smiling lips were sealed.

A couple cars from the "Mad Max" movies, including this black beauty moving into position on Friday, attracted a lot of attention during the three days.

What's a comic con without Herbie the Love Bug, anyhow?

Photos by Billie Rae Bates; copy to your own website with credit, if you like. If you are interested in higher-resolution copies, email us.

On the road to the Motor City ...

Well, the weekend is upon us, and so is the Motor City Comic Con in sunny Novi, Michigan! The show starts at 1:30 p.m. today and runs all weekend for three solid days of fun.

http://www.motorcitycomiccon.com/motor_city_comic_con/index.html
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007705170422 http://www.greatstufftodo.com/eventdetail.asp?eid=34575&sid=405987

Join us at the display of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club, where you'll see the General Lee, two different Hazzard County police cars (one from the series and one from the 2005 movie), a trailer full of cool memorabilia including actual props used in the original series, and great "Dukes" stuff for sale.

BRB will be there signing copies of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" Both the first and second editions of the book will be available, as well as the PDF e-book on CD.

And ... next week you'll see five days of fun reports from the con, chatting with (and photographing) classic TV stars you know and love!

So if you're in Metro Detroit this weekend or can be, come hang with us at the show ...

John Saxon: "God's Ears," "The Mercy Man"

OK, we said last week that we were going to bring you a little more info on what the stars of "Dynasty" have going on right now for projects, and the name today is Mr. John Saxon, so sleek as Rashid Ahmed, keeping Alexis guessing, dare we say!

"God's Ears" is a film classified as in production and scheduled for release this year. Saxon plays Lee Robinson in the film, written and directed by Michael Worth. The plotline from the IMDb: "Noah Connelly is a boxer with a tireless opponent: autism. When he meets a dancer named Alexia, he finds himself climbing out of his 'silent ring' to take on the fight of the real world as the two lovers challenge the giant hurtle between them." Worth plays the title role of Noah.

"The Mercy Man" is in postproduction. Written and directed by Rider McDowell, it's being touted as the first major film series to feature a Hispanic-American hero. It's based on the bestselling novel and comic book about a Puerto-Rican American NYPD undercover cop, Willy Diaz. He's a 30-year-old, handsome and street smart cop who tracks down a copycat serial killer terrorizing New York City. Saxon portrays Father McMurray. Learn more in this ComicBookMovie.com story.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Visit AvatarSpiritMedia.net to read an interview with Andrea Romano, voice director of "Batman: The Animated Series."

A "Dallas" reunion ... for the most part

If you've been following Justin Lee Collins’ show "Bring Back Dallas" special, you know that the U.K. TV star has been busy tracking down stars of our beloved primetime soap. He has succeeded with Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Charlene Tilton, Ken Kercheval, Mary Crosby and Susan Howard, according to The Sun. He has not succeeded with Victoria Principal.

“We were warned to steer well clear of Victoria as she said she would definitely not be doing a reunion,” Collins says.

Collins even found the little tyke who played baby Christopher. His "Dallas" special airs on May 27.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Tim Matheson's voice sounds awfully familiar to us fans of "Batman: The Animated Series." He voiced D.A. Gil Mason, and he was Michael Vreeland in "The New Batman Adventures," as well as Max Lord on "Justice League." Now he's got a role in "The World According to Barnes," a new pilot in development for the CW's new fall season.

Coming up in Archie Comics in June ...

ARCHIE #576
"Arch and Crafts": A lanyard making contest at the camp where Archie and his friends are counselors not only brings back memories of a mystery Archie faced as a young camper, but leads to its solution! SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Stan Goldberg. "The Fame Game": When a beach movie production comes to Riverdale, the teens are called into service as extras, stand-ins and comic relief with a capital Jughead! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. "The Wrong Goodbye": Archie finally gets an invite to Veronica's beach retreat, but with the send-off Betty gives him he might never arrive! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand June 26, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #180
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 July 3, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

BETTY #166
"Buried Treasure": Betty laments having to put off the beach until her room is clean, but changes her tune when her cleaning takes her down memory lane. SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg. "Tired but True!": An afternoon "relaxing" at the beach has Betty all tuckered out! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg. "The Fantasy": Betty imagines what life would be like in Veronica's designer shoes. SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand July 3, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25


BETTY & VERONICA #228
"Whatever Suits Her": Accidentally swapping bikini tops and bottoms in the store's dressing room leads Betty & Veronica to start a mismatched bathing suit trend! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz. "A Fair with Flair": The Riverdale street fair has lots of bargains… and shoppers who are "priceless!" SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz. "Identity Crisis": Betty and Veronica decide to swap roles, but how long can Veronica "rough it?" SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale newsstand July 10, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #176
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 July 17, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

JUGHEAD #182
"Chompin' Champion": It's a story so big… about a burger-eating contest so huge… and an appetite so humungous… that it takes half an issue to tell the titanic, tasty tale! Don't miss a single bite of this delicious delicacy! SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale newsstand July 3, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #21
"Jughead Jones, the People's Friend": An attempt to clear his debt with Pop Tate finds Jughead inadvertently spearheading a campaign of charitable giving in Riverdale! SCRIPT AND ART: Pat Kennedy. PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand July 10, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #132
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 July 17, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

PALS-N-GAL'S DOUBLE DIGEST #113
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 July 10, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #86
"Greener Pastures": Sabrina is dismayed when Harvey prepares to visit his grandparents' farm for the summer and pushy Hemlock asserts herself in the Four Blades movement. Her dismay soon turns to delight when she's invited along to the farm, but is she prepared for the revelation that awaits her there? It's more magical romance and intrigue as only Sabrina can deliver! SCRIPT AND ART: Tania del Rio.
On sale newsstand July 17, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #21
"Out-Raj-ous Behavior": Archie's new friend Raj is an aspiring-Spielberg, complete with poseable models that he films for his special effects epics! SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz. PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand June 26, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

VERONICA #181
"Stop the Press": When the editor of the school paper learns Marcy is Veronica's cousin, she decides to use Marcy for the ultimate scoop. Just wait until this calculating journalist learns there's nothing like a Veronica besmirched! SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand July 17, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

In development: Bridgette Wilson-Sampras in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith"

You remember the lovely, young and blonde Bridgette Wilson (who married a certain megawatt tennis star to become Bridgette Wilson-Sampras) on "Santa Barbara." She carried the role of Lisa Fenimore with aplomb. Now, Wilson-Sampras is working on a pilot for ABC's 2007-2008 season.

"Mr. & Mrs. Smith" is a "sexy, fun, escapist series is highlighted by witty banter, amazing stunts and stunning special effects," says ABC's press materials. "John and Jane Smith are living undercover as an ordinary professional couple in the suburbs, where no one suspects that they each work as gadget-wielding super-spies for top secret intelligence firms. For security reasons, John and Jane can never truly confide in one another. But what their relationship lacks in communication, it makes up for in intensity. Because when you're not sure if your partner will survive the next day, each moment is that much more passionate."

Wilson-Sampras is Ann Burr Clevenger, while Jordana Brewster has the role of Mrs. (Jane) Smith and Martin Henderson is Mr. (John) Smith. The show is, of course, based on the film starring Angelina Jolie and "Dallas" alum Brad Pitt.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Tim Daly, known to us in the "Batman: The Animated Series" world as the voice of Clark Kent / Superman, will star in the new "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff "Private Practice" next season. Daly will portray the character of Pete.

Another BRBTV News Blog Blip: BRBTV raises a salute to Calvin Lockhart, who died a few weeks back in Nassau, Bahamas, the Chamba Notes blog reports. Lockhart portrayed Jonathan Lake on "Dynasty," the guy who had the major thing-and-a-half for our songstress Dominique Devereaux.

Robin Wright Penn is a "Kelly" once again

There's something about that name, isn't there? Kelly .... Say it with us ... Kell-y ... It's such a lovely name, and it certainly matched the loveliness of Robin Wright Penn -- back when she was simply Robin Wright -- in the mid-1980s, when she portrayed Kelly Capwell on "Santa Barbara."

Now Penn has a new Kelly character in the works, and for this project she shares the big screen with Hollywood giants like Robert DeNiro and Bruce Willis. She also shares the action with her real-life husband, Sean Penn, who plays himself in the film. Hmmm ... sounds interesting!

"What Just Happened?", an adaptation of Art Linson’s memoir, is the story of two weeks in the life of a fading Hollywood producer (De Niro) who's having a rough time trying to get his new picture made, according to its IMDb page. It's filming right now at California and Connecticut locations, and it comes from director Barry Levinson. Grant Wilfley is handling the casting.

Willis also plays himself in the film, and Robin Wright Penn's role of Kelly is the ex-wife of DeNiro's filmmaker character, Ben. John Turturro and Stanley Tucci are also part of the cast.

Catch a photo from the film at the New York Post, and learn a little more about it here:
http://www.totalfilm.com/movie_news/robert_de_niro_asks_what_just_happened
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00001947.html
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2005/10/deals_lindsay_l.html

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Click on over to SoundMojo.com to see some interesting work by Kevin Altieri, known to us as one of the creative genuises of "Batman: The Animated Series." Altieri directed this animated Pearl Jam video.

"Dynasty" star roundup: They've got it goin' on!

Ahhhhh, to stay working, in this ever-changing, ever-fallen world ...

The BRBTV News Blog does a check-in with some of our faves from "Dynasty," and the gigs they've got going on now. Of course, we all know about our handsome second Steven Carrington, Jack Coleman, and his great role on NBC's "Heroes," so we'll move right along to the others:

Gordon Thomson: Our dashing and dastardly Adam Carrington played Larry Sugarman in the comedy film "Little Miss Sunshine." the story of a family desperately trying to get their little girl into a beauty pageant.

Catherine Oxenberg: Our original Amanda Carrington is Leandra Thames on My Network TV's "Watch Over Me," which also stars her hubby, Casper Van Dien. The hourlong drama airs weekdays at 9 p.m. EST.

Diahann Carroll: The lovely Dominique Devereaux has a recurring role as Jane Burke on ABC's smash hit "Grey's Anatomy," airing Sundays at 10 p.m. EST.

Terri Garber: Our former Leslie Carrington continues to play Iris Dumbrowski on "As the World Turns," every weekday at 2 p.m. on CBS.

Bill Campbell: The actor who played Luke Fuller has been portraying Wayne Callison on CBS' Thursday-night "Shark."

Tracy Scoggins: Monica Colby is working on a new "Babylon 5" project, "Babylon 5: The Lost Tales -- Voices in the Dark."

Joel Fabiani: That enigmatic King Galen of Moldavia has reprised his 1999 role as Barry Shire on ABC's "All My Children," 2 p.m. weekdays.

Ken Howard has all kinds of movies and stuff coming out of his ears; see our April 11 post.

And as a side note, Ed Marinaro, our own Cray Boyd, has unfortunately canceled his appearance at this month's Motor City Comic Con. He'll be on location filming a movie, so watch for more info on that.

That's a general rundown; watch for more details on a couple additional "Dynasty" stars in the next week or two ...

The Archies go camping, and Betty and Veronica "Talk Tiki"

From Archie Comics

MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- Ah, summer! Free time, warm weather, and outdoor activities ... and no better time for Archie Comics! For decades, Archie Comics have made their way into countless summer campers’ backpacks … and for decades, the writers and artists at Archie have provided readers with stories of Archie and his friends’ adventures at summer camp!

Now, some of the best of these stories are collected in a special 5 by 7½-inch edition. Will Betty and Veronica win the hearts of the cute guys they meet at camp? Will Archie lead his friends down the wrong trail again? Will camp tuition rise to keep up with Jughead’s appetite? Find out in ...

ARCHIE’S CAMP TALES #1
Shipping May 23
112-page, full-color paperback
$7.49

Elsewhere in Archie Comics ...

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #78
"Let's Talk Tiki": An Hawaiian themed party—and the new hunk in town who's invited to it—inspires Betty and Veronica to compete in the food, decoration and of course, hula dancing departments! SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand May 22, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #20
"Model Citizen": When talent scouts from a trendy modeling agency visit Riverdale, Veronica does all she can to get their attention. As usual, she has some tough competition… no, not Betty, not Cheryl but none other than that rascal Reggie! Will their pretend poise prove to be no match for their massive egos? SCRIPT AND ART: Tim Kennedy. PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand May 22, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

Stella moves up, and Luke Wilson fears "Dallas" is "done"

We told you about the voting for Stella Parton as "female pioneer" in the 2007 Fan Appreciation Awards for Agape Fest on January 31. Now Ms. Parton, known to us in the "Dukes of Hazzard" world as that cute little blond police officer (sorta) in the episode "Deputy Dukes," has made it to the top five in the voting.

Follow this link to cast your vote:
http://www.kingcountryagapefest.com/vote.html

You have until May 15 to show your support for Stella! The Agape Fest happens at the end of this month in Hughes Springs, Texas.

On the "Dallas" movie front: Star Luke Wilson seems to be sounding the death knell for the big-screen remake of our beloved '80s TV show, where he was cast as Bobby Ewing. "I think it was the big budget and the cast that complicated matters," Wilson is quoted as saying on ContactMusic.com. "It just got too complicated. If they could get it up and running again, great, but it seems to have run its course for the moment." The last we knew, the film was slated to star John Travolta as J.R. Ewing, though this story seems to dispute that!

Meanwhile, in Gotham City: Paul Dini, so well-known in Bat-circles as one of the fantastic creative guys behind "Batman: The Animated Series," is the lead writer on a new project with DC Comics. "Countdown" is a comic-book series that DC is featuring to follow up its well-publicized "52" series. Dini carved out the story arc for all 52 issues of the series, which begins this week. (Does that mean Harley will be huge????) Read more in this Orange County Register story.

Deborah Shelton: "Surprise, Surprise"

It's no "Surprise, Surprise" that someone as beautiful as this former Miss USA can keep herself busy in the acting world years after her splash as J.R. Ewing's mistress Mandy Winger on "Dallas." And now Deborah Shelton has completed "Surprise, Surprise," a drama film written and directed by Jerry Turner.

"I play an aging movie star, and she's a real ballsy broad!" Shelton told Erik Bloom in an interview for her official website, DeborahShelton.net. "I haven't had a role that ballsy since I was kicking a** as a cyborg in 'Nemesis'!"

Shelton's character is named Junie Hannah. Learn a little more about the film here and at the SeaVue Films site.

Shelton also worked on the film "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" last year (with Tracy Scoggins of "The Colbys," as this blog reported back then) and has been doing commercial work and auditioning for other roles. The Norfolk, Virginia-born beauty has also been promoting the Entre Derm Skincare System, an anti-wrinkle product.

Hair Dare Dukes Day: an update

Have we mentioned that you should make your travel plans now to visit Ontario, Canada, in August? Sure we have! And we'll do it again! Right now, actually!

Here is the updated poster for the Hair Dare Dukes Day event on August 10-12, a great time for a great cause -- the Canadian Cancer Society and the good work they do to stop the pain and terror of cancer ...

Download it, print it, give some to your friends. The poster has been updated to reflect the loss of Jack Gordon, aka "Honest" John Ledbetter of "The Dukes of Hazzard" pilot, who had been scheduled to be a guest at the event. He will now be honored with a special memorial service. Also, Paul Casey, "Dukes" fan and Elvis extraordinnaire, has been added to the lineup. This is the good work of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club, and it's the fifth annual event for the cause.

The event is getting better and better all the time! Join us!

And can we just say ... 9.9 million dollars on John Schneider's General Lee, with five hours left to go today!!?!!?!? Holy-heckin'-cow!!!!!!!!!!!! John Schneider, you're sure gonna be able to make one GREAT sequel to "Collier & Co.: Hot Pursuit!"

BRBTV birthdays in May ...

- Melissa Gilbert, the "Little House on the Prairie" star who was the original voice of Barbara Gordon and Batgirl on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 43 on May 8.
- Jeanna Michaels, who was Lydia Saunders on "Santa Barbara" and secretary Connie on "Dallas," turns 51 on May 9.
- Denver Pyle, the venerable Uncle Jesse of "The Dukes of Hazzard," was born on May 11, 1920, and died on December 25, 1997.
- Karen Cellini, who took over the role of Amanda Carrington on "Dynasty," celebrates her 49th birthday on May 13.
- Nina Arvesen, "Santa Barbara"'s long-suffering Angela Raymond whom you kinda had to keep your eye on, turns 46 on May 16.
- Priscilla Pointer, who played Pam's mom Rebecca Wentworth on "Dallas," turns 83 on May 18.
- Richard Hatch, who put temptation in the face of Claudia Blaisdel as Dean Caldwell on "Dynasty," and also was a brief (original) Stephen Slade on "Santa Barbara," turns 62 on May 21.
- Priscilla Presley, the lovely (third and final) Jenna Wade on "Dallas," turns 62 on May 24.
- Barbara Stock, who was Liz Adams on "Dallas," turns 51 on May 26.
- Adrian Paul, who was Kolya (Nikolai) Rostov on "The Colbys," turns 48 on May 29.
- Ted McGinley, the handsome Clay Fallmont on "Dynasty," turns 49 on May 30.
- Omri Katz, the bright John Ross Ewing III on "Dallas," turns a young 31 on May 30.

Happy birthday to all!

Get your Archies on Free Comic Book Day on Saturday

Archie Comics creative folks will be making the rounds on Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 5, so get yourself to one of these locales to pick up your free copy ...

Bob Bolling will be at Coliseum of Comics Orlando from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:
4722 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32839
(407) 240-7882
http://www.coliseumofcomics.com/

Scott Rosema will be at Langes Sports Connection and Comic Books:
1054 Sternberg Road
Muskegon, MI 49444
(231) 798-3097
http://www.langesports.com/

Fernando Ruiz will be at Dewey's Comic City from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.:
13 Park Avenue
Madison, NJ 07940
(973) 593-0042
www.deweyscomiccity.com

Dan Parent will be at Main Street Comics from noon to 4 p.m.:
157 Dolson Avenue
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 342-0458
http://www.mainstreetcomics.com/

Joe Staton will be at Jim Hanleys Universe:
4 West 33rd St.
New York, NY 10001
(212) 268-7088
http://www.jhuniverse.com/

Nelson Ribeiro will be at The Dragon's Den at 2 p.m. signing books and sketching and taking questions from the fans in a 4:30pm Q & A:
2600 South Rd.
Poughkeepsie Plaza Mall
Poughkeepsie NY, 12601
(845) 471-1401
http://www.dragonsdenhobbies.com/

Ian Flynn will be at Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find:
1957 East 7th Street
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 375-7462
http://www.heroesonline.com/

Jim Amash will be at Acme Comics:
2150 Lawndale Drive
Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 574-2263
http://www.acmecomics.com/

Bill Galvin will be at Night Flight Comics:
Library Square
210 East 400 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 532-1188
http://www.night-flight.com/

Betty & Veronica artist Steven Butler will be at 3 Alarm Comics for Free Comic Book Day. As a special treat, Scott Hoverman's 3 Alarm Comics will have free early copies of Betty & Veronica Double Digest #151 to give to fans. Steven Butler will be signing them for free, as well. This is the comic featuring the new look you have heard so much about. For more information, call (228) 392-9833.
3 Alarm Comics
15214 Menoyne Blvd
Biloxi , MS 39532


Here are the offerings for Free Comic Book Day:

LITTLE ARCHIE - FREE COMIC BOOK DAY SPECIAL!
“Legend of the Lost Lagoon.”
Little Archie, several campers and two counselors are boating on Loon Lake when they are suddenly caught in a dangerous storm. A golden owl, thought only to be a legend, directs them to the safety of a hidden tunnel that leads them to yet another legend, the Lost Lagoon.
STORY, ART and COVER: Bob Bolling.
On sale DCD May 5, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
FREE

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG - FREE COMIC BOOK DAY SPECIAL!
"Unburying the Hatchet"
What could be better than Dr. Eggman's killer robot, Metal Sonic? How about the real thing! What has turned Sonic against his friends in Knothole, and who among our heroes has to power to stop the true blue hero-gone-bad?
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn ART: Tracy Yardley! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks).
Fiercely free cover by Spaz!
On sale DCD May 5, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
FREE


Elsewhere in Archie Comics ...

VERONICA #180
“The Return of the Elevenaire!”: The mysterious stranger last seen in ARCHIE #545 and JUGHEAD #157 now pays Riverdale’s resident richest teen a visit. Ironic, since this stranger’s M.O. is handing out 11 dollars to other strangers, and the latest recipient is a millionaire. But when Veronica finds herself trapped at the bottom of a well, her newfound cash ends up being good fortune indeed! Find out how in this intriguing tale! SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Dan Parent.
“A Hair Affair”: Veronica’s bad hair day is so bad, it’s caused everyone else’s day to be bad, too! SCRIPT: Bill Golliher. ART: Dan Parent.
“An Old Story”: When the bookstore clerk gives Veronica a summary of a romantic story from the pirate days, the love triangle within is all too familiar! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand May 15, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

Ken Kercheval will appear in "White Christmas" production

Our own Cliff Barnes of "Dallas," Mr. Ken Kercheval, will be appearing in a production of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" this holiday season. He'll star with Lorna Luft in the stage production at the Edinburgh Playhouse in Scotland, the Edinburgh Evening News reports:

http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment.cfm?id=629442007

Kercheval will play the part of the General. The production begins in November. Did you know, by the way, that Kercheval is an avid glass collector? Check out this vintage link ...

http://www.crunruh.com/product/GCD198801

Roundup: Beyond gators, and channeling John Barrymore

- Didya see John Schneider chasin' down that big mean croc in "Lake Placid 2" on Saturday night? The Sci Fi Channel sure dishes 'em out on "the most dangerous night on television." We were delighted! Well, thanks to Renee at the All-John blog once again for passing along some fun tidbits. Here are two recent interviews with Schneider regarding his new affection for the sci-fi genre ...

http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=41262&type=0
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?id=41290

(Bidding heated up for Schneider's General Lee on eBay over the weekend, by the way! Check it out through the link in the Friday post.)

- "Channeling John Barrymore" ... We always knew he had it in him -- especially since, as this newspaper story asserts, art imitates life! Lane Davies, our beloved original Mason Capwell, of "Santa Barbara," opens his "I Hate Hamlet" at the Tennessee Repertory Theatre this week, and the Nashville Tennessean had something to say about it! Read more about it (and see a photo) here: http://www.rctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070429/ENTERTAINMENT05/704290324/1005/MTCN0303.

- Bruce Timm, one of the masterminds behind "Batman: The Animated Series," has a new DC Comics project in the works. This one is going to be a direct-to-DVD feature movie based on the trade paperback "The Death of Superman." (Timm, of course, worked on the "Superman" animated series as well.) Read more, and see a trailer, at GearCritech.com.

- Many of us could think of worse fates than looking like the amazing Heather Locklear! Check out this (Penn.) Times-Tribune story on one particular female who has to suffer this utter cruelty of resembling our own Sammy Jo of "Dynasty"!!!! http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18256906&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=15

"See My Lee": This one takes the cake!

Yowsa ... It's been a while since we revisited that BRBTV News Blog feature, "See My Lee," celebrating various fan-owned General Lees out there in the dusty backroads of "The Dukes of Hazzard" world. Well, trust us when we say, this Lee is special!

John Schneider's got at least one bidder who's interested in his very own Lee. And at a whopping half-a-million-dollar price tag, is that surprising? Well, maybe not ... Click on over to ...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge-Charger-Charger-R-T-The-General-Lee-by-Bo-Duke-himself-John-Schneider_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6199QQihZ015QQitemZ250108256198QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

... and you'll see the blazin' orange 1969 Dodge Charger of Bo Duke himself, using the seller's handle of "johnsebiz." Schneider has been an active eBay seller for two and a half years, but this particular auction lot tops 'em all ... Loaded with cast and crew autographs and featured on numerous TV specials, this Lee was built by Schneider himself. He completed it in December 1997 and has taken it racing now and then over the years, as you can well imagine!

But just who has that half-a-mill bid? Well, these days eBay keeps the bidder's identity private during an auction like this (remember the '90s on eBay, when it was so much more like the Wild, Wild West?), but he or she is a longtime eBayer, has sparkling feedback, does seem to have a thing f0r collectibles ... and is into crystal healing? Hmmm ...

(You've still got a whole week to get your bid in, by the way. And with the reserve not yet met, we're just a-wonderin' how high this thing will go.)

Do you have a Lee you'd like the world to see? Send us a photo at BRBTV@brbtv.com, and you might just see it here!

Meanwhile, in another sector of the all-powerful eBay, just for "Santa Barbara" fans:

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-Santa-Barbara-NBC-TV-SOAP-OPERA-t-shirt-emo-top_W0QQitemZ260112141894QQihZ016QQcategoryZ60379QQcmdZViewItem

A special T-shirt stating what we'd all rather be doing ... sigh ...

Archie creator appears at L.A. Festival of Books

From Archie Comics

MAMARONECK, N.Y. – Hi De Ho Comics will be sponsoring Archie Comic creator George Gladir at their booth at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books this weekend.

This 12th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is the country’s largest celebration of the written word. People who love books gather with people who love to write, publish and sell books. The event features 130,000 attendees, 400+ authors, 300+ exhibitors, 900+ volunteers, 97 author panels and six outdoor stages and two children’s areas. The event happens at the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, April 28 and 29.

Hi De Ho Comics & Books with Pictures has been in business since 1975, based in Santa Monica, California, and they are one of the premier providers of comic books, new and old, magazines, books, toys, posters, trading cards and fantasy items in the greater Los Angeles area.

For more info about the L.A. Festival of Books, check out Times.com/events, or call 1-800-LATIMES, ext 7BOOKS.

Elsewhere in Archie Comics ...

BETTY & VERONICA #226
“Where the Jobs Are”: A stroll through the high school’s job fair leads Betty and Veronica to daydream about glamorous jobs like being a secret agent, rock star or blogger. At least we know they’re qualified to be “creative writers!” SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz. “Personal Best”: The girl’s baseball team decides the best way to win this season is for each member to improve her specialties—so Betty & Midge work on their fielding, Ethel perfects her pitching, Nancy brings her batting average up… and Veronica handles cosmetic improvements! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Jeff Shultz. “Serious Business”: The line to wait for a famous author’s autograph is so long that Betty & Veronica have time to write their own books while they wait! SCRIPT: Barbara Slate. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale newsstand May 1, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #84
Batty wizard Bartholomew continues to tutor Sabrina with frustrating lessons that have little to do with magic. Despite her protests, Sabrina's aunts insist she continue with her lessons. Meanwhile, Sabrina receives an invitation from Llandra to Narayan's birthday party. Desiring to resurrect her friendship with Llandra, but feeling awkward about running into Shinji now that she's dating Harvey, Sabrina accepts the invite. But when Shinji arrives with a new girlfriend named Hemlock, it is Sabrina who feels awkward and hurt. Matters get worse when Sabrina learns what Shinji has in mind for Hemlock. As if all this intrigue weren't enough, it all ends with a startling revelation about Bartholomew! SCRIPT AND ART: Tania del Rio.
On sale newsstand May 1, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #109
IT’S MORE HIGH-FASHION FUN WITH TOP TEEN MODEL KATY KEENE!
“ America ’s New Best Model”: Call it “designer satire” when Katy takes on television model competitions! Katy of course is the nicest contestant on the reality series hosted by Tyrant Brinks… and that makes her a real winner, no matter how the judges vote! SCRIPT AND ART: Andrew Pepoy.
“The Perfect Birthday”: Archie decides to make his birthday last the whole day through with a full schedule of fun: arcade games with Jughead, tennis with Reggie, the movies with Betty, and a rock concert with Veronica. But will it be four chances for fun, or four chances for foul-ups? SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand May 8, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

ARCHIE DIGEST #234
“Stacked Under Pressure!”: The Sport Stacking craze hits Riverdale as Archie and Reggie compete to determine who is superior in the increasingly popular sport of plastic cup stacking! SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz. PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand May 8, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

The voice of Batman appears at Florida Supercon

You could know Kevin Conroy as the longtime and highly commanding voice of Batman and Bruce Wayne in the "Batman: The Animated Series," "The New Batman Adventures," "Superman," "Batman Beyond" and "Justice League" series. Or you could know him as Bart Fallmont on "Dynasty." However you know him, Conroy will be appearing at the Florida SuperCon in June.

Conroy will be joined by Alan Burnett, writer and producer for the above-named animated series. They'll sign autographs, pose for pictures, greet fans, maybe do a panel discussion or two ... you know the drill. And with Conroy, your admission ticket to the show also gets you one free autograph from the legendary Bat-star.

It all happens June 22-24 at the Marriott North Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. See the website for more info: http://www.floridasupercon.com/

Fans of "Santa Barbara" -- John Wesley Shipp, known to us as tennis boy Martin Ellis, will also appear at the con.

Joan Van Ark appears in "Channels"

Joan Van Ark, our own Valene Ewing of "Dallas" and its spinoff "Knots Landing," is appearing in the new film "Channels," written, directed and also starring Nat Christian.

The romantic tale depicts a man living an empty life who finds new interest and purpose in a soap-opera star. Catch photos of Van Ark in her role of Megan Phillips (not the soap star!) at the film's IMDb page. Ed Asner also stars.

"Channels," shot on a low budget in just 18 days, wrapped last October. The film showed at the White Sands Film Festival in New Mexico in February, and you can learn more about it, as well as see the poster, at their site.

Have you seen Lesley-Anne Down and Stephanie Beacham in "Seven Days of Grace"?

A new independent film written by Lesley-Anne Down, who played Stephanie Rogers on "Dallas," as well as Nurse Ellena Corey on "Dynasty," also stars another BRBTV celeb, none other than Stephanie Beacham of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys."

You can check out the trailer for the film at Down's website. The film's page also features photos of Down and other stars in the film. Olivia Hussey and Ria Coyne are also part of the cast. The movie was directed by Down's husband, Don E. FauntLeRoy. It's about a woman who inherits her father's restaurant but then must go chasing after his secret rib recipe.

Bo takes on another gator!

Yes, we all remember that gator-wrestling scene in the "Treasure of Hazzard" episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard" (frighteningly real, all told). Well, that Bo is still protectin' folks from gators, all these years later. Thanks to Renee at the All-John blog for the tip-off on this fun link:

http://video.scifi.com/player/?id=91075

That's our boy Bo Duke -- John Schneider, just to continue the theme from these past couple days! -- laying waste to a killer gator in Sci Fi's new flick "Lake Placid 2." This will be part of the cable channel's Saturday-night creature feature ("the most dangerous night in television!") at 9 p.m. on April 28. The film also stars Cloris Leachman. We'll be there!

Schneider, by the way, has been making yet another horror film right here in Georgia, the All-John blog also reports. The film is called "Conjurer," and Schneider has been on location this month in West Georgia / Carrollton / Decatur. Learn more here:
http://wkng.com/home/dispnews.asp?PKey=6107
http://www.screenreport.com/in_production.html
http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?id=3550
http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?id=2980

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Check out The (Fort Myers) News-Press for another installment of the coverage of "Legends," starring our divas Linda Evans and Joan Collins of "Dynasty."

Here's a look at John Schneider in "You've Got a Friend"

Photos courtesy of the Hallmark Channel