James talks about film, Caulfield hits the British stage

Thanks to the Ultimate Dynasty site for the tipoff on a couple news nuggets ... The BRBTV News Blog has told you about John James' new movie project, "Illegal Aliens," for which he also has a hand behind the scenes, as executive producer. ET Online recently quoted our own Jeff Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys" talking about the film and the fact that the show must go on, beyond the death of the film's star, Anna Nicole Smith:

"At first sight, 'Illegal Aliens' appears to be just another low-budget sci-fi comedy poking fun at Hollywood’s big-budget flicks." he said. "Now with the passing of its star, you’ll find it replete with metaphors of her life. Anna invested in the production for her and her son and was involved in the creative aspects, adding numerous elements and rewrites for her character."

The film was released on DVD in May.

James' onscreen Colby rival, meanwhile, is taking to the stage in Britain. He's taken over the role of Billy Flynn in "Chicago," making his British stage debut. The show runs through the end of this month.

This isn't Caulfield's overall stage debut, though; he's done some roles on this side of the pond. And he's Scottish-born, by the way. Read a Q&A session with him at Theatre.com.

Read more about his role in "Chicago" at these links (and see cute photos):
http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/10795
http://www.theatre.com/story/id/3007396
http://broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=18538

"Dukes" museum is progressing

Like a blazin'-orange beacon shining in the sun, in a few years this "Dukes of Hazzard" museum will be leading "Dukes" fans from all over to a great assortment of memorabilia. Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club has been working on the building for his museum for a few years already, and he offers us this update on his progress. As these photos show, it is, indeed, coming along!

"Lance and I were outside most of today and painted the south wall of the building," he reported yesterday. "It does look a lot better, ORANGE than the rustic look, lol."

The building, at Paul's home in Ruscom Station, Ontario, is 56 feet long and 40 feet wide, with walls that are 20 feet high. The roof peaks are over 27 feet. "I hope by August, the east wall will be completed," he notes.

Photos courtesy of Paul Harrington

Yeeeeee-haaaaaaaaaaaaa!

More on Richard Eden's movie projects ...

Last week we told you about two new movie roles for Richard Eden, our own Brick Wallace of "Santa Barbara," one of which has him writing and producing ... Well, BRBTV caught up with Eden via phone from his West Coast home over the weekend, and he was able to tell us some more ...

“It’s loosely based on some real facts of a story that happened in northern California," Eden says of "The Intervention." "It’s a supernatural thriller. It’s in the editing stage right now and going into the final editing for the next few weeks. It will be out there sometime in the next three or four months. It’s going to be submitted to the Sundance Film Festival.”

He estimates Halloween-time for the release of the film, which he worked on with his wife of 17 years, Shannon Hile. “That’s her company.” He also jokes, “And I was directed by my wife in this film – can you imagine? I don’t know how we made it through. It was almost a blood bath, but we made it through.”

On the second film project we reported on last week: “'Disappearing in America' just happens to be a film that I’m acting in. It’s still in postproduction. I imagine it’s probably going to be hitting the film festivals. Mark Pellegrino, who played in the film 'Capote,' it’s him and me in this film. It’s very much an independent film. I play a guy who tries to help and harbor ex-IRA soldiers in America. It’s sort of a witness protection program, an organization that protects IRA soldiers. One guy they try to help out, it doesn’t work out well for him.”

Eden also tells us about a third current project, the film "Callback," which he describes as a “dark comedy about a B-movie actor who’s trying to get a callback for a bad horror film. He starts acting out the role.” You can see the trailer for the film, featuring a frenzied and looking-great Richard Eden, at the film's official site.

So what's in the near future for Eden? “I’ve been more behind-the-scenes recently," he says. "I’ve been more or less involved in the independent film world. I’ve made myself available. I like to see new filmmakers hopefully benefit from somebody who’s committed to the project and experienced. I’ve sorta loaned out my services. Now that I’ve been doing the generous route, I think I’ll go back to television and film.”

Look for more from this interview with Richard Eden in an upcoming update of BRBTV's reference book, "Send Me to Santa Barbara."

George Kennedy: "The Man Who Came Back"

George Kennedy certainly is "The Man Who Came Back," and we're glad he did. This legendary actor, who posted decades of great work before hitting the Weststar boardroom as Carter McKay on "Dallas," doesn't show any signs of retirement, does he?

Now he takes on a tale of murder and revenge that also stars Billy Zane, Armand Assante (meow!) and Sean Young. In postproduction as of this week, "The Man Who Came Back" is written and directed by Glen Pitre with some help from Chuck Walker. It comes from Gudegast Braeden Productions (and is also starring and produced by Eric Braeden, another legendary actor best known as Victor Newman on CBS' "The Young and the Restless" -- Gudegast is his birth last name, and Gudegast Braeden is also a producer in the film). The movie was filming in Brackettville and Montgomery, Texas.

Kennedy plays Judge Duke in this western, which focuses on a labor strike in 1870. It's scheduled for release next year.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Tap on over to the Hallmark Channel home page to see our boy John Schneider of "The Dukes of Hazzard" at work in his latest film, "You've Got a Friend," which premieres tomorrow (see our April 19 post for more on that). Renee of the All-John blog also tells us that Schneider has an interview in this week's TV Guide regarding the film. A new script for all FOUR Duke boys? Hmm ... very interesting ...

Richard Eden tries his hand at screenwriting, producing

Well, here's a fresh face for the BRBTV News Blog ... Richard Eden, who was the stalwart Brick Wallace on "Santa Barbara," long-lost mystery child of Sophia Capwell and Lionel Lockridge. So what the heck is he up to, nowadays?

The Canadian-born Eden has two movie projects in the works, actually, both classified as in postproduction. One of Eden's current projects is one that he wrote and produced, as well. "The Intervention" is directed and co-written by Shannon Hile and is an independent horror flick. The plotline from the IMDb: "On September 17th 2002, eight people gathered north of Los Angeles for what began as a routine intervention. What unfolded in this isolated cabin is a story of rage, violence and insanity. The horrific events of this autumn evening were captured on film ... What actually happened still remains a mystery."

Eden plays Tom in the film. The name of the production company is Think Pictures, and the movie was filmed in L.A.

Eden's other current project, "Disappearing in America," is directed and written by Erik Rodgers. We haven't dug up much on this one, other than it has a plot involving the Irish Republican Army and also features Anna-Marie Wayne and Mark Pelligrino. The name of Eden's character is Mickey.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Canadian "Dallas" fans, rejoice! "Dallas" will return to the fall schedule of TV Land Canada, the CNW Group reports.

Archie's Steven Butler answers questions from fans

Betty & Veronica Double Digest #151 came out last month and issue #152 comes out this week. In between parts 1 and 2 of "Bad Boy Trouble," artist Steven Butler answered questions submitted directly from Archie Comics fans. The answers can be heard at www.archiecomics.com/interviews/interviews.html as part of the Archie Comics Podcast program.

Steven Butler is also doing a store signing on July 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Great Escape, 111 N. Gallatin Rd., #B, Madison, TN 37115; (615) 865-6008.

Several other creators behind the Archie legend are hitting the road to meet and greet fans ...

Jim Amash, Teresa R. Davidson, Ian Flynn, Tania del Rio and Tracy Yardley are headed to Heroes Con on June 15-17. Heroes Con is at 501 S. College St., Charlotte, NC.

Sabrina writer and artist Tania del Rio can be seen at the PARADISE TORONTO COMICON on June 8-10, 2007. It's at the Direct Energy Centre @ Exhibition Place Hall C, Toronto, Canada. She will be part of Women of Comics II, a two-day event. Sponsored by All New Comics Inc., WOC II is designed to showcase female talent and creativity in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, the symposium will feature signings, portfolio reviews, panel discussions, and direct interaction with the artists themselves.

del Rio will also attend SCHOOL GIRLS and MOBILE SUITS on September 28-30, 2007 at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), 2501 Stevens Ave., Minneapolis, MN. Tania will be teaching manga lessons.

Elsewhere in Archie Comics ...

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #152
THE SECOND PART OF A SPECIAL FOUR-ISSUE SAGA FEATURING RIVERDALE'S FAVORITE TEENS IN A WHOLE NEW LOOK! "Bad Boy Trouble Part 2": The story that has the news media abuzz continues in this issue! Wild Nick St. Clair is a motorcycle-riding bad boy who's stolen Veronica's heart, but not those of her friends. Is Nick the misunderstand romantic he's convinced Veronica he is, or really a wolf in a biker's clothing? Reaction to the Riverdale teens' makeover has been swift, with mentions on TV, in newspapers, and especially on the internet, raising anticipation levels for this epic to unprecedented heights! Don't miss the latest installment of this thrilling tale, drawn in an all-new realistic style that has everyone talking! SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan. ART: Steven Butler. 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 19, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #85
"Truth Be Told": When Sabrina rejoins the current Four Blades, is it out of genuine interest or merely a way to keep tabs on Shinji's mysterious new girlfriend, Hemlock? Further complicating matters, Sabrina and Harvey continue to grow closer as a couple, but can Sabrina ever really reveal her biggest secret to Harvey ? What would Harvey 's reaction be if she did? And is there any further fallout from last issue's surprising revelation about Bartholomew? Buckle your broom-belts, Sabrina fans… many magical answers await you this issue! SCRIPT AND ART: Tania del Rio .
On sale newsstand June 12, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

Colleen Camp: "Winter of Frozen Dreams"

We didn't get to know her very well, as her time in Kristin Shepard's shoes early in the run of "Dallas" was short-lived. But Colleen Camp has gone on to do a lot of other work over the years since that 1979 stint. Roles in the "Wayne's World," the "Clue" movie (based on the board game), "Murder, She Wrote," "Roseanne" and lots of other goodies mark her resume. Now, Camp has two movie projects in the works.

For "Winter of Frozen Dreams," Camp joins Keith Carradine and Thora Birch in the story of a University of Wisconsin science student (Birch) who also happens to be a killer. Camp's character is Mrs. Davies in the film, which reportedly wrapped filming in March in Schenectady, New York, and is due out next year. It's directed by Eric Mandelbaum and written by Michael Graf and Michael Caughill, from a book by Karl Harter.

The film, and book, are apparently based on a true-life criminal case. Read a little bit more about the movie at the New York Post.

Camp is also appearing in the film "Psych: 9," a mystery thriller directed by Andrew Shortell and written by Lawrence Robinson. The plotline from the IMDb: "Working alone at night in a recently closed hospital, an unstable woman (Sara Foster) witnesses events that may be connected to a string of murders." Cary Elwes of "The Princess Bride" also stars. Camp's character is named Beth.

Learn more about "Psych: 9," and see photos, at the film's website, www.psych9.com.

"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 ...