See My Lee! Another U.K. edition!

Oh, we just love this ... Mr. Stephen Gallantree, who, like Mr. Lee Duke (!) featured last Friday, lives in the U.K. and contacted Year One here in the States for help with his own General Lee, sent us these marvelous photos ...

As you can see, they offer a nice glimpse of both "before" and "after" ...

Photos courtesy of Stephen Gallantree

Tracy Scoggins' new "Babylon 5" movie releases

We reported in the November 10, 2006 post of the BRBTV News Blog that Tracy Scoggins -- our own Monica Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys" as well as Anita Smithfield of "Dallas" and that feisty blonde cop on "The Dukes of Hazzard" -- was working on a new "Babylon 5" movie. Now that movie has a release date for DVD: July 31. And Scoggins even gets a nice shot on the DVD's cover, which you can check out at the WB page for the release.

"Babylon 5: The Lost Tales" concerns a series of events set after the TV show. "Sheridan prepares for a fateful Babylon 5 reunion that could prevent Earth's impending doom ... if he will also compromise his core principles," the promo says. "Meanwhile, commander Lochley confronts an unexpected interloper on the way station -- a being whose presence makes the B5 freeport the crossroads between heaven and hell." Bruce Boxleitner stars with Scoggins, who reprises her role as Elizabeth Lochley. The DVD's extras include director J. Michael Straczynski's diary of the film's production.

Hair Dare Dukes Days offer a star-car paradise

Plans are shaping up for this year's Hair Dare Dukes Days in Ontario, sponsored by the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club and benefiting the Canadian Cancer Society, as mentioned previously here in this very blog ...

One big part of the show, which is the fifth annual event and which has expanded to two days this year, is the star-car quotient. It's big, if the below list is any indication!

C'mon out on August 10-12, and you'll not only meet Byron "Coy Duke" Cherry, Christopher "Vance Duke" Mayer, Don Pedro "Sheriff Little" Colley, BRB herself and Paul Casey, Vegas (and DukesFest) performer extraordinnaire, but you'll also meet the following ...

**At least 15 General Lees!**
3 Hazzard County Sheriff cars from the series
Hazzard County Sheriff car from the 2005 movie
Hazzard County Sheriff boat
Daisy Duke "Dixie" Jeep
"Carnival of Thrills" two-part episode car
Chickasaw County Sheriff car
Double Zero Mustang
The Colonel car
"Dukes of Hazzard" memorabilia museum
K.I.T.T. car from "Knight Rider"
Batman boat from '60s series
"Lost in Space" robot
"Starsky & Hutch" Torino
"A-Team" van
"Mad Max" Falcon
"Blues"-mobile
"Smokey and the Bandit" Trans Am

And can we just note that a good share of these cars are owned by chicks! Yeee-haaaa!

Have you picked up that extra memory card for your camera yet?

Fredric Lehne: "Claire" and more

So ... whatever happened to ... that guy who played Eddie Cronin on "Dallas"? You know, mid-'80s? Lucy's buddy while she was working at the restaurant? Well, Fredric Lehne hasn't dropped off the radar, that's for sure. He's peppered his resume with all kinds of good TV in the years since he left "Dallas": "Wiseguy," "Matlock," "Babylon 5," "CSI," "Touched By An Angel" and much more. Now, Lehne is working on a couple new projects, one of which you'll see on your small screen in August.

"Claire" stars the trimming-down Valerie Bertinelli, no doubt riding the wave of her weight-loss campaign with Kirstie Alley. "When her neighbors are suddenly murdered, Claire Bannion (Bertinelli), a widowed mother with a unique psychic gift, must assist the police in locating the killer," says the press materials from the Hallmark Channel, where the movie will air on Saturday, August 11. "As the pressure intensifies to find the murderer before new victims are claimed, it is those closest to Claire who are in the most danger -- and under the most scrutiny." Lehne plays the character of David.

Lehne then takes a scholarly turn in "Apology," a tale of coed Sophie Hoffkind, who's "in search of her sexual identity," and who "spins into crisis after she sleeps with her professor and he unexpectedly dies the morning after," the IMDb says. Lehne portrays Professor Michael Slateman. The drama, from Longtale Films, is written and directed by Leah Yananton and is classified as in postproduction.

Also this year, Lehne has had a recurring role as a janitor and demon (!) on the CW's creepfest "Supernatural."

Photo: Kevin Lynch/© 2007 Crown Media; courtesy of the Hallmark Channel

See My Lee!

This is what we could call the U.K. version of our occasional feature "See My Lee!" on the BRBTV News Blog, our glimpse at just who out there owns a General Lee replica or actual Lee used in "The Dukes of Hazzard." Today we've got a fine replica from across the pond ...

Now hold onto your Cooter-cap, 'cuz not only is this Lee owner's last name really "Duke," but his first name is actually Lee! Holy "01"! There's just something so poetic about that. Mr. Duke -- who could also be called the Duke of Duke, our buddy and tipster Chad notes -- got some help from Year One over here in the States with this blazin' orange beauty, to make, as he puts it, his "childhood dream come true."

It's a big news week in "The Dukes" world, meanwhile. Renee of the All-John blog passes along the news that John Schneider will be starring in "Give My Regards to Broadway: Television Legends in an Evening of Song," an upcoming benefit concert for Reprise! Broadway's Best. Playbill.com reports that the show will be performed on July 21 at the Brentwood Theatre in West Los Angeles. Our own Bo Duke is in fine company (so to speak): fellow fabbo classic TV stars Pam Dawber, Florence Henderson, Ken Howard (one of our "Dynasty" alums), Shirley Jones, Michele Lee, Hal Linden, Peter Marshall, Jean Smart and Dick Van Dyke (and hey, we'd go just to see Mr. Van Dyke -- he rocks). Snag your own tickets at http://www.reprise.org/.

Meanwhile, in Wopat's world, our our Luke Duke has a new role, himself. Tom Wopat has joined the cast of Broadway's "A Catered Affair," BroadwayWorld.com reports. He will "create the role of Tom Hurley, father-of-the-bride in this musical set in 1953 Bronx centered on a family wedding," the site says. The show will open next spring.

Watch the BRBTV News Blog next week for another "See My Lee!" from across the pond! It's a contagion! (And hey, what a great thing to catch!)

Betty and Veronica swap suits and start a trend

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

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

Victoria Principal takes your questions, and a little Bat-fun ...

Anything you've always wanted to know about Pammie but were afraid to ask? The Ultimate Dallas site is doing an interview with Victoria Principal, which will be posted this weekend. Submit your questions for Principal at this link:
http://www.ultimatedallas.com/victoriaprincipal

Meanwhile, we simply cannot resist passing along a fun link when we find one -- especially one that's a little Batty. Now c'mon, be honest: What Batfan out there in the Batworld has not had a Batman-themed birthday cake at some point in their lives? Heck, we've had three or four over the years, mixed in there with Wonder Woman, Strawberry Shortcake and that fabulous King Kong-themed birthday back in 1977 ...
http://tomztoyz.blogspot.com/2007/06/batman-birthday-cake-photo-animated.html

Audrey Landers gets her own "Burn Notice," and it's a good thing!

The cast for USA's new series "Burn Notice" already looked great -- the always-delightful Bruce Campbell of all of our favorite Sam Raimi projects, Gabrielle Anwar, Sharon Gless -- but now Audrey Landers has tipped off BRBTV that she will be part of the cast, too!

Our own Afton Cooper of "Dallas," as well as a couple different characters on "The Dukes of Hazzard," Landers checked in with BRBTV yesterday. "They are introducing the character, Veronica, a little at a time, starting at the end of July," she told us of "Burn Notice," which premieres this Thursday.

Right now, USA is just promoting the four core characters on its official website for the show, which centers around an FBI agent, Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen, who gets "burned," or fired from his post. The episode that Landers referenced, airing at the end of the July, is called "Family Business," according to the USA site. Hmmm ....

BRBTV News Blog Blip: And while we're talking "Dallas," the Edmonton (Canada) Sun offers a little tidbit quote on John Travolta and his view of the big-budget remake of the show.

CMT gets "Addicted to the Dukes," Wopat talks "Chicago"

First off for the week on the BRBTV News Blog, we're going to pass along to you an email we got from CMT over the weekend:

Watch Born Country:
"Addicted to The Dukes of Hazzard" on CMT
Friday, July 13 @ 11 p.m. ET / 10 p.m. CT

OK, we didn't quite replicate the flamin'-red, mile-high lettering, which was nothing but fun, but you still get the message ...

Moving right along, in "The Dukes of Hazzard" world, Tom Wopat, our boy Luke Duke, is quoted in yesterday's Orange County Register for his role in the musical "Chicago," which is playing there, at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

"I didn't really identify with this cynical type of musical," Wopat said. "It wasn't until I worked on it for a while that I really began to enjoy it." (One of the other actors who've tackled Wopat's role of Billy Flynn in "Chicago" is Greg Evigan, our own Willie Gust of "Dallas.")

Read more at the Orange County Register's site.

By the way, have you seen Warner Bros. official site for our beloved (classic) "Dukes"? It's reasonably snazz, with the video clip of the birth of the General Lee, and synopses and photo gallery. It branches off from the WB's official site for the "Dukes" in general.

Burnett and Conroy talk "Batman: The Animated Series" and more

With their appearances at the Florida SuperCon this weekend, Alan Burnett and Kevin Conroy of "Batman: The Animated Series" have been doing the interview circuit this past week. Newsarama, a comics-related website, did interviews with each of them.

In his interview, writer and producer Burnett talks about "The Batman" animated series currently airing on the CW, as well as its differences from our beloved "Batman: The Animated Series." He goes into a little bit of the history of when Jean MacCurdy at Warner Bros. Animation first asked him over to work on the '90s series.

"Jean knew I loved Batman and she was the one who brought me over just to toughen up the show, which we were being given the opportunity over at Fox," he says. "In fact, we were being given the opportunity to do a breakout show, one for much older kids. People forget we got an Emmy that year, in part because 'The Simpsons' said they wanted to be treated like a prime-time comedy. So all the stars aligned for us that year."

Read the whole interview with Alan Burnett at Newsarama: http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=117281

For his part, Kevin Conroy, the tough voice of Batman throughout "TAS" as well as "Justice League," "Superman" and "Batman Beyond," delves into some historical nuggets, as well. And BRBTV knows him just as well, actually, as Bart Fallmont on "Dynasty."

"You know, it’s the oddest thing," he says. "I graduated from Julliard. I’ve done a lot of work off-Broadway. I really have a strong base in classical and regional theater. Then I move out to L.A. to do a series, 'Dynasty.' So while I was there, I had a voiceover agent who said they were going to be casting for a new animated show, one about Batman. He thought I should give it a shot. ... I think it was the fact I was so naïve that got me the part. I went in with no pre-conceived ideas. I went in just as an actor."

Read Newsarama's interview with Conroy:
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=117640

And since we're talking "Batman: The Animated Series," we'll pass along a fun appreciation we found to the show:
http://www.syfyportal.com/news423783.html

Archies for July include special 65th anniversary digest issue

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


ARCHIE #577
"Record Breaker": Instead of pressing CD's, the Archies decide to sell downloadable files of their songs on the internet… which doesn't translate to much profit once the 3 purchased files are shared over and over again! SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Friendly Fire": Tired of the girls fighting over him, Archie decides giving up both Betty and Veronica will save their relationship.... but can it save Archie from the girls' wrath?! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. "Canoe Help Us?": Archie takes Veronica for a one-way canoe ride … unintentionally one-way, of course! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand August 7, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #111
"Making it Big": It's a sad song and a happy song for Riverdale's favorite garage band: sad when The Archies blow an audition to appear on national TV, and big time when they end up on TV anyway… courtesy of an unexpected voice from the past! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand July 24, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

ARCHIE DIGEST #236
A VERY SPECIAL ISSUE CELEBRATING ARCHIE COMICS' 65th ANNIVERSARY!
For 65 years Archie and his friends from Riverdale High have been delighting audiences of all ages. Now, in tribute to Archie's longevity, this special issue of ARCHIE DIGEST pays tribute to Archie's illustrious past by reprinting Archie's very first adventures from PEP COMICS #22 and ARCHIE COMICS #1! From Archie being a hapless showoff when Betty moves into town, to Archie being a tongue-tied, discombobulated wreck when Veronica moves into town, these early stories written by Vic Bloom and others reflect the free-wheeling fun of the popular screwball comedy movies of the day. Not to mention the charmingly exaggerated cartooning styles of Bob Montana and others so popular in the 1940s. As if that weren't enough, the original "funny animal" supporting features like Squoimy the Woim, Cubby the Bear and Bumbie the Bee-tective, from the legendary Joe Edwards are also included! If you've never seen Archie and his friends as they originally appeared, you're in for a treat with these milestone tales… as well as a brand new story created in homage to the gang – " When Archie Meets Archie": On the eve of his 65th anniversary, Archie Andrews meets… himself! At least, the version of himself that appeared in Archie's first story! After Archie gets used to calling his other self "Chic," he ends up meeting the vintage Jughead and Betty, too – also drawn 1940s style! The space-time continuum has never seen anything like this! SCRIPT: Fernando Ruiz. ART: Rex Lindsey. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand July 24, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #181
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 August 7, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

BETTY #167
"Cloud 9": A kiss from Archie sends Betty afloat… literally… in this whimsical tale! SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Nothing to Do": Betty visits Veronica to fight the summer doldrums, and learns just how valuable having "down time" can be! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Falling Apart": With fall just around the corner, Betty laments the passing the summer… or does she? SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand August 7, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

BETTY & VERONICA #229
"Caved In": Veronica is mortified when Betty takes her cave exploring – until she sees the hunky tour guide! Surprises and dangers await in this thrilling tale!
"Childish Pursuits": The boys give Betty and Veronica a hard time over their fondness for the hot new anime series, "Fairy Princess Bluebell."
"Really Gifted": In this touching tale, the girls learn about a catalog where they can purchase clean water, food and other needs for those living in impoverished countries. SCRIPTS: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale newsstand August 14, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #153
PART THREE OF A SPECIAL FOUR-ISSUE SAGA FEATURING RIVERDALE'S FAVORITE TEENS IN A WHOLE NEW LOOK!
"Bad Boy Trouble Part 3": Months after Archie Comics announced an extreme makeover for their flagship characters, the buzz continues! At this year's second annual blockbuster New York City Comic-Con, both fans and media alike swarmed the Archie Comics booth hoping to learn more about this major event! Is wild man Nick St. Clair the misunderstand romantic he's convinced Veronica he is, or the wolf in biker's clothing that her friends think he is? All will be revealed in the pages of BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST, so be sure to reserve your copy of this much-anticipated issue, 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 July 24, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

JUGHEAD #183
"The Magic Touch": Jughead reveals his latest sweet skill – the ability to un-stuck/un-clog/un-jam anything with a well-placed…. well, see for yourself!
"The Ties that Bind": Jughead convinces Archie that time spent tying a tie is best spent bettering the world!
"Thrills & Spills": A slippery floor and a pot of beans – the typical recipe for an Archie pratfall, only you won't believe the pair that are falling this time! SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman. ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale newsstand July 31, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #22
"Mission Improbable": With Jughead helping his mother man their booth at the bake sale, do the delicious desserts stand a chance? That's a chance Jughead's Mom would rather not take, so when she has to leave her post, its maximum security lockdown for the cake Jug's had his eyes on. But with a little help from one of Dilton's inventions, Jughead just may take the cake… literally! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Bill Galvan. 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 August 14, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

PALS-N-GAL'S DOUBLE DIGEST #114
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 August 14, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #22
PART ONE OF A TANTALIZING TALE OF INTRIGUE!
"Civil Chores Part One": It's a story that may just set the teens of Riverdale asunder! Archie goes on strike to protest the many chores/low allowance imbalance, and finds he has a lot of allies prepared to join him in his cause. But when Jughead realizes a raise for Archie means more dates with the girls and less time to hang with him, he forms an uneasy alliance with Riverdale's sneakiest and shiftiest. Will these monetary politics prove to be a triumph or tribulation for Riverdale's teens? The first part of a two-part story to be continued next issue. 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 July 31, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

VERONICA #182
"The Dream Job(?)": Veronica gets a job interning at Trend Magazine for a very demanding boss reminiscent of a certain Prada-wearing film fatale! SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"Madame President": Veronica dreams about becoming President… until Betty fills her in on the facts behind her fantasy! SCRIPT: Barbara and Samantha Slate. ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand August 14, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

What's this? Fishing with Rosco?

Yes, you heard right, "Dukes of Hazzard" fans. Rosco P. Coltrane, aka James Best, is offering his time in a fishing vacation for "Dukes" fans at one of his favorite retreats in Ontario, Canada.

"The best fishing, the best view and the most relaxation available in all of Canada," Best's official site boasts of Dog Lake Resort. You can book your own spot in this special vacation time, coming up in just a few weeks, from July 22-30.

Dog Lake Resort's website reports that the beautiful oasis features walleye, small-mouth bass, northern lake trout, whitefish and splake -- along with wireless Internet (now that's a relief!). Their home page also features a nice shot of Best and his wife, Dorothy (is that a beagle she's holding? BRBTV loves beagles! And hey, while we're talkin' dogs, be sure to check out the video at Best's official site, shot at DukesFest, and see our buddy Rosco lovin' up to a Flash-like poochie).

Meanwhile, Best's "Dukes" costar and on-screen deputy, Enos Strate, aka Sonny Shroyer, is reportedly back in front of the camera. Our buddy Chad says he spoke with Shroyer the other evening, and that he's currently in Dillard, Georgia, working on the film "Opening Day."

BRBTV News Blog Blip: One of the directors of "Santa Barbara," Bill Glen, has died at the age of 74. Read more at ContactMusic.com.

Wolf Muser gets "Branded"

On "Santa Barbara" he was the debonair and heavily accented Marcello Armonti, the man who took better care of Sophia Capwell Armonti than we first realized! And now Wolf Muser, this faithful protector-of-contessas, has a new movie project in the works.

"Branded" is classified as in production and will also feature Nick Mancuso. The name of Muser's character in the film is Targonsky. The movie, which comes from Galt Alliance Films, is written and directed by Justin B. Rhodes. Filming is in Orlando, Florida.

Muser, who has kept up some well-scattered TV guest appearances in recent years, popped up this year on "Boston Legal" and "Criminal Minds." A few years back, he played Ramon Veloso on ABC's "Alias."

"Dallas" on, Hurley still dancing, and more ...

Various bits and pieces from around the web ...

- ContactMusic.com is quoting John Travolta as determined to see this "Dallas" movie project up and running. "I'm meeting with a director I won't name and I think they (producers) want to start in the New Year," he says. OK, Mr. Travolta ... we'll stand by ....

- John O'Hurley, meanwhile, our dapper Stephen Slade of "Santa Barbara" who went on to bigger and better things on "Seinfeld" and "Dancing With the Stars," is releasing a DVD celebrating the latter. BuddyTV.com reports that the "Dancing" Season 1 runner-up is releasing an instructional dance DVD with his partner, Charlotte Jørgensen.

- In the "Batman: The Animated Series" world, artist, writer and producer Bruce Timm has done a new interview on his project "Superman: Doomsday." You can listen to the three parts of it at VoicesFromKrypton.com.

Jordan Charney in "Anamorph"

Jordan Charney is a very familiar face in the world of television, and he's also a BRBTV triple-shot: He was Lieutenant Sutton and Detective Rollins in the early days of "Dallas," he was Bill Cochran on "Dynasty" in 1988, and he terrorized Kelly Capwell in the psychiatric facility as Dr. Renfro on "Santa Barbara." He's just done a whole lot of television over the years, beginning in the 1950s, including a whole heckin' lot of soap credits. And hey, we just saw him on an episode of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" the other night.

These days, Charney's working on a new film project, "Anamorph," in which he's part of a very fine cast. Deborah Harry, for one -- that fabbo '70s pop-music star who's dabbled in quite a bit of acting over the years in-between sets with Blondie (she was certainly our "Candie's girl" way back when, in the shoe brand's first wave). Then there's Peter Stormare, so stunning as John Abruzzi in the first season of Fox's "Prison Boys" -- er, we mean, "Prison Break" (we cried when he died -- and why wouldn't we?). Add in some Willem Dafoe and hunky young Scott Speedman of "Underworld" and the WB's "Felicity," and you've got the makings for a great flick.

Written and directed by Henry Miller, this independent film was shooting last year in New York and is now classified as in postproduction, scheduled for release this year. The plotline from the IMDb: "A psychological thriller based on the concept of anamorphosis, a painting technique that manipulates the laws of perspective to create two competing images on a single canvas." Charney plays a review board chairman in the movie.

Miller co-wrote the script two and a half years ago while working as a security guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, according to the indieLONDON website.

Archie welcomes a 10-year-old writer

MAMARONECK, NY -- Samantha Slate is Archie Comics newest writer, and certainly its youngest, at only 10 years old! She will be co-writing “Madame President.” The fun-filled story will appear in the pages of Veronica #182. Veronica dreams about becoming president … until Betty fills her in on the facts behind her fantasy! Samantha's writing partner on this project is none other then Archie Comics veteran Barbara Slate; who also happens to be Samantha's mother. Veronica #182 features the art of Dan Parent and is on the newsstand August 14. It's a 32-page, full-color comic for $2.25.

Elsewhere in Archie Comics ...

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

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #21
“Out-Raj-ous Behavior”: Archie’s new friend Raj is an aspiring-Spielberg, complete with pose able 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

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

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.