"Batman: The Animated Series" crew members release "Superman: Doomsday"

With Bruce W. Timm doing the writing and producing, and Andrea Romano doing the casting and voice direction, the new "Superman: Doomsday" film due out this fall is bound to look and feel (and sound) a lot like our beloved "Batman: The Animated Series."

Releasing on September 18 and retailing for $19.98, the DVD is based on DC Comics' graphic novel "The Death of Superman," where Superman dies saving the world from Doomsday. The 70 minutes of extras will include a feature with Timm on how the characters are developed, from initial concept to final animation. "Superman: Doomsday," the movie itself, is 75 minutes long.

And those who attend the Comic-Con International in San Diego will get a major bonus -- the film will be shown as the big event for Thursday, July 26. The film's creators will join in a panel discussion with the screening. Comic-Con International did an interview with Timm, which you can read at their website.

By the way, Paul Dini, another one of creative geniuses behind "Batman: TAS," will be a guest at the San Diego con, which runs July 26-29 at the San Diego Convention Center.

Meanwhile, read more about "Superman: Doomsday," which will feature the voices of Adam Baldwin and Anne Heche, in the official press release at TVShowsonDVD.com.

BRBTV birthdays for June

- Robin Mattson, the second and perhaps liveliest Gina DeMott-Capwell-And-On-And-On on "Santa Barbara," turns 51 on June 1.
- David Haskell, the long-suffering Nick Hartley on "SB," was born on June 4, 1948 and died on August 30, 2000.
- Colleen Camp, the original Kristin Shepard on "Dallas," who also turned up as Bonnie Lane in the "Dukes of Hazzard" episode "Trouble at Cooter's," turns 54 on June 7.
- Alexis Smith, such a scene-eater as Lady Jessica Montford on "Dallas," was born on June 8, 1921 and died on the day after her birthday, 1993.
- Andrew Stevens, that young upstart Casey Denault on "Dallas," turns 52 on June 10.
- Adrienne Barbeau, the sultry voice of Catwoman on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 62 on June 11.
- Jenilee Harrison, the slightly ditzy Jamie Ewing on "Dallas," turns 47 on June 12.
- Waylon Jennings, our "Dukes of Hazzard" balladeer, was born on June 15, 1937 and died on February 13, 2002.
- Eileen Davidson, the last Kelly Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 48 on June 15.
- Aron Kincaid, the creepy Killer Croc on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 67 on June 15.
- Joan Van Ark, Lucy's mom Valene Ewing on "Dallas" and its spinoff "Knots Landing," turns 64 on June 16.
- Nedra Volz, our bright and feisty Miz Tisdale on "Dukes," was born on June 18, 1908 and died on January 20, 2003.
- Leigh McCloskey, who is a BRBTV triple-shot as Mitch Cooper on "Dallas" and both Zack Kelton and Ethan Asher on "Santa Barbara," turns 52 on June 21.
- Paula Irvine, who played the second Lilly Light Blake on "SB," was born the same year as BRB and turns 39 on June 22.
- Ted Shackelford, who was Gary Ewing on "Dallas" and its spinoff, "Knots Landing," turns 61 on June 23.
- Pamela Bellwood, whom we saw flip that lightswitch on "Dynasty" more times than we care to count, turns 56 on June 26.

Happy birthday to all!!

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Former "Dynasty" diva Joan Collins joins the catfighting cast of the British soap opera "Footballers Wive$" for its fifth and final season; the show has its season premiere next Wednesday, June 6, at 8 p.m. on BBC America.

Another BRBTV News Blog Blip: As long as we're talking "Dynasty" ... former series writer Frank Furino, who also did work on "The Colbys" and "Dallas," reminisces a little on his TV-writing days, including a scene from "Dynasty," for The (Palm Springs, Calif.) Desert Sun.

At long last ... "Dynasty," Season 2

It's lovely, isn't it? The cover for the second-season DVD release of "Dynasty"? Especially since we've waited so long to see it!

August 14 is the date to write on your calendar so you can run down to your favorite dealer in DVDs, or you can pre-order it through Amazon. This six-disc set comes from Paramount Home Video; 20th Century Fox (better known to the world as "Fox," of course) released the first season in April 2005.

Gretchen Wyler: An appreciation

She was Pam Ewing's patient physician on "Dallas," with a first name that could stop traffic: Dr. Conrad, or Dagmara, as her friends no doubt called her. She also was the tough female presider, Judge Larson, when Cruz Castillo stood trial for the murder of Eleanor Norris / Elena Nikolas on "Santa Barbara."

With lots of TV credits dating back to the '50s, she certainly was one of those faces that you swear you've seen a hundred times, though there was no one role that really eclipsed the others.

Born Gretchen Winnecke in Oklahoma in 1932, Gretchen Wyler studied ballet and did some Broadway dancing early in her career. She continued on in Broadway for years but also began a decades-long career in television. With her trademark blond hair, she did guest stints on great classic TV like "Charlie's Angels," "Hart to Hart" and "Benson." She was Libby Carnes on CBS' "Falcon Crest." Wyler was also an avid fighter for animal rights and had several pets of her own.

You can learn more about her life at her official website. Gretchen Wyler died on Sunday, May 27, in her Camarillo, Calif., home of breast cancer, the UPI reports. She was 75.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: As if the "Dallas" big-screen remake hasn't had enough sputters and stalls, now the director, Gurinder Chadha, is taking a break off the project for her pregnancy. DailyIndia.com reported yesterday that Chadha is about a month from giving birth.

A Martinez is "Born in the USA"

He may be a veteran of drama such as "L.A. Law" and the Hallmark movie "Desolation Canyon," but we know that A Martinez's TV roots are rather sudsy. He was, of course, our longtime Cruz Castillo on "Santa Barbara," and he did a stint on ABC's "General Hospital" years later. Now, Martinez is suiting up for a new soapy turn for next year's TV season.

"Born in the USA" is being called "an atypically structured half-hour soap intended for primetime," about the lives of blue-collar families in Philadelphia. The show is being produced for Fox's lineup and comes from 19 Entertainment, the company that brought us "American Idol." (One of the show's other stars, Lisa Tucker, is a former "AE" contestant.)

Though the show is classified as in production, the pilot has not officially been ordered yet, according to Variety.com.

Coming up in Archie Comics ...

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #179
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 May 29, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

ARCHIE #575
"Bee on the Lookout": After a whole school year of run-ins with one another, Archie and Mr. Weatherbee decide to start the summer vacation with a restful day at the beach… each with the mistaken notion that the other will never be there! SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Stan Goldberg. "Summer Musings": An internship at the local newspaper has Archie fearing he'll be cooped up inside all summer, but a surprise assignment puts him right where he longs to be! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. "Good Taste in Cars": Mr. Andrews's new hybrid SUV runs on recycled cooking oil… and soon all the neighborhood critters are running after it, entranced by the aroma! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand June 5, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #20
"The Summer Job": Jughead finds the perfect job for someone inclined to avoid work - he finds a job in which Hot Dog does all the work for him! SCRIPT: George Gladir. 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 5, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

Motor City Mania: And the award for the nicest celebrity goes to ...

... Mr. Michael Gross of the '80s sitcom "Family Ties," the "Tremors" movies and so much more! Mr. Gross was the absolute epitomy of friendliness to every soul he met at last weekend's Motor City Comic Con, stopping by other booths and tables to say hi and chat, smiling and complimenting BRB's "Dukes"-orange shirt and other all-around-good-guy stuff. He came to the "Dukes" display, chatted with Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club prez Paul Harrington, posed for photos and signed the "Dukes" museum trailer.

Gross' long TV career, by the way, includes voicework in the animated Batman universe; one of his roles was as Lloyd Ventris in the "See No Evil" episode of "Batman: The Animated Series."

There are certain kinds of people who seem to be made for show business because they're extremely good with people. Mr. Gross certainly valued each and every human being around him during the con, and for that, we bestow upon him the BRBTV award for "Most Congenial in Show" for the 2007 Motor City Comic Con.

Top two photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK
Bottom photo courtesy of Paul Harrington

Motor City Mania: "Star Trekkin' ... across the universe ...

... on the Starship Enterprise, under Captain Kirk!" Or Captain Picard! Or Sisko, or Janeway, or Archer! ... Oooooh, there was a lot to love at last weekend's Motor City Comic Con, if you're a "Star Trek" fan. The Starfleet contingent was out in full force, along the far wall of the convention hall.

Grace Lee Whitney and BarBara Luna of the original series (Yeoman Janice Rand and the enticing and manipulative Lt. Marlena Moreau of the standout "Mirror Mirror" episode, respectively). (Luna, by the way, chatted with BRBTV about her time as Carmen Esperanza on "Dallas" -- look for more on that soon.) Jonathan Frakes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," covered on this blog yesterday. Nana Visitor, Kira Norys of "Deep Space Nine," was scheduled to attend but couldn't make it. Robert Picardo (the holographic doctor) and Ethan Phillips (Neelix) of "Voyager." And sitting at adjoining tables, Connor Trinneer (Tucker / Trip) and Dominic Keating (Malcolm Reed) of "Enterprise," which BRBTV is just loving rewatching on Sci Fi on Mondays 7-11 p.m.


BRBTV got to chat for a moment with Dominic, who's cuter than cute can be. (See his "other good side" in the photo below!) We mentioned how his character and Trinneer's character seemed to have such a good rapport on the show. "Do the two of you keep in touch?" we asked. He nodded and said (with his elegant British accent) they live right next door to each other. "But now he has a kid, so I don't see him as much," he said. Keating, by the way, is appearing in the new movie version of "Beowulf" with Robin Wright Penn, our own original Kelly Capwell of "Santa Barbara."

Robert Picardo was one of the celebs who was kind enough to come over to the "Dukes of Hazzard" museum display and pose for photos with us all. Though you might not recognize Ethan Phillips (who also came over) in real life, without all his Neelix facial prosthetics, the handsome mug of our good holographic doc is simply unmistakable.

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV and Cheryl Harrington (photo of BRB and Picardo)
Copying with credit is OK

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