An update on James Best's "Shrews" project

What's better than writing and shooting a sequel to a delightful B movie you made decades ago? Recruiting a bunch of your friends to star in it!

We reported in our January 17, 2010 post about James Best's upcoming sequel to the 1959 film, "The Killer Shrews." The movie now has an official website to keep you updated on its progress: http://killershrewsmovie.com/. Fans of "The Dukes of Hazzard" will be delighted to know that they'll see not only the aforementioned Rosco P. Coltrane in the film, but also Bo Duke (John Schneider), Cletus Hogg (Rick Hurst), and Burl Tolliver of the "Dukes" episode "The Rustlers" (Mel Tillis).

In the film, Best will reprise his character from the 1959 movie, Captain Thorne Sherman. Hurst, appropriately enough, plays the captain's first mate. Schneider is a "two-fisted animal expert" and part of a reality TV show film crew that enlists the captain to take them to a deserted island where they'll no doubt encounter (da-da-DUN!) ... the Killer Shrews!

Shooting is set to begin in L.A. in the next few months.

Turner issues official release on new "Dallas" project

Oh, we've been geekin' out for weeks -- months, perhaps -- in anticipation of TNT's new "Dallas" project, set to begin shooting this spring. Today the Turner Newsroom churned out a new official press release for the updated series featuring our beloved Southfork clan:

http://news.turner.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=5543

Not only did the news break the other day of Jordana Brewster as a love interest of our two main boys, John Ross and Christopher, but this official news also includes the casting of Josh Henderson of "Desperate Housewives" as John Ross. We also have heard the rumor that hunky Justin Hartley was being considered for either John Ross or Christopher (such timing, since his "Smallville" will wrap its final season just as this one starts filming).

Announcing the Kindle version of "Destination: Dallas"

Ya know, the books of the BRBTV fact book series all started out in electronic format, several years ago, presenting all the fun facts about these classic shows you adore in colorful, printable, portable, navigatable (is that a word?) Adobe PDF format. Then one by one, the e-books were parlayed into print form, except for Book 4, "Send Me to Santa Barbara."

Well, now BRBTV is pleased to announce the first Kindle version of a BRBTV fact book ... "Destination: Dallas." The huge volume contains every bit of content from the hefty 314-page print version -- even the photos! In fact, if your Kindle or other mobile reading device supports color, that's how you'll see the photos!

The Kindle version also reflects some special 2011 updates for the book, such as that fun photo we took of Greg Evigan and our bud Will Rodgers at the 2009 Professional Stuntman Invitational, some thoughts from Signy Coleman on her "Dallas" episode, and an acknowledgment of the new 2011 TNT "Dallas" project.

Saddle yourself up to the Kindle "Destination: Dallas" at the book's new product page.

Of course, there's another BRBTV product line that's been available on Kindle for a year, the BRBTV Report series, shorter, snappier feature stories and episode guides focusing on animated shows such as "Archie's Weird Mysteries" and "Batman: The Animated Series."

A "Dynasty" prequel movie? Sounds like crazy-cool fun!

Thanks to Dennis at the "Dynasty" Facebook group, as well as the Plastic Retro Blog and Coming Soon (have we forgotten anybody?) for the heads-up on this one ...

A "Dynasty" feature film is being planned, and the movie will reportedly take a prequel approach -- focusing on the Carringtons and Colbys in the '60s, which is decades before their lives were chronicled in the '80s classic primetime soap. Creators Richard and Esther Shapiro are citing another one of BRBTV's absolute fave shows, AMC's "Mad Men," as their inspiration. We couldn't be more delighted, and we love this fresh new idea!

"We’re going to do a lot of coloring outside the lines," Richard Shapiro says. "The movie will be the old 'Dynasty,' of course, but with horns."

Great! Sounds like it won't be the truly dreadful comedy / parody approach of so many other feature-film remakes of classic properties.

The film could go into production next year.

Blog brings you news on Joan Collins

We reported a while back that Joan Collins -- the "Dynasty" diva Alexis Carrington-Colby-And-On-And-On -- has just launched a Twitter account. Well, you've got another option to stay in tune with what Collins has going on -- a blog.

From links to mainstream media reports on her latest stage performances to tidbits on upcoming TV appearances and more, the Joan Collins Official News blog is your round-up of our British babe's comings and goings.

Nana Visitor talks about her time on "Trek"

To us fans of the "Dynasty" offshoot "The Colbys," she was Georgina Sinclair, the beautiful ballerina who viciously vied for the attentions Bliss Colby's hunky ballet suitor. To the rest of the world, though, Nana Visitor is known as Kira Nerys of the "Star Trek" offshoot "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." A new interview with the star includes her reminiscing about her time at the space station. Check it out at StarTrek.com.

A fresh talk with Victoria Principal, and don't count Larry Hagman out for TNT's "Dallas" pilot

DallasFanzine.com has just posted an interview with Victoria Principal -- our beloved Pammy Ewing of our just-as-beloved "Dallas." You can listen to the audio or read the interview transcript at the site, as well as offer your comments in the box below.

Thanks, also, to Dallas Fanzine for keeping us up-to-date on their Facebook page on the latest busy-buzz surrounding the highly anticipated "Dallas" pilot from cable network TNT. Discussion has been bouncing here and there in the past few weeks as to whether or not Larry Hagman -- the kingpin of the show! -- would be involved. At the heart of the matter seems to be the cash. But now EW reports that the ole J.R. is not down for the count and is willing to make it happen.

John Schneider hits the con circuit hard this year

Thanks to Phyllis once again for the round-up on the 2011 appearance schedule for John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard." First off, he will be meeting fans and signing autographs at the O'Reilly World of Wheels Auto Show in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this weekend.
For more information go to http://www.worldofwheels.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=59.

January 21 and 22
John Schneider and Tom Wopat in concert together
Avalon Theatre
Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Tickets available at 1-877-833-3110 or at http://www.ticketmaster.ca/John-Schneider-tickets/artist/732925

January 29 and 30
Canton Hot Rod & Custom Bike Show in Canton, Ohio
http://www.cantonhotrodshow.com/carshow.nxg

February 11-13
O'Reilly World of Wheels in Birmingham, AL
http://www.worldofwheels.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=74

March 18-20
Toronto Comic Con in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
http://www.wizardworld.com/home-toronto.html

March 26-27
Mega Con in Orlando, Florida
http://www.megaconvention.com/view/mediaguests/

April 29, 30, May 1
Anaheim Comic Con in Anaheim, California
http://www.wizardworld.com/home-anaheim.html

May 21-22
Big Apple Comic Con Spring Edition in New York, N.Y.
http://www.wizardworld.com/home-newyork.html

June 17-19
Philadelphia Comic Con in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
http://www.wizardworld.com/home-pa.html

Welcome back, Christopher Mayer!

We love how the Hollywood Show churns out the great classic TV stars a few times a year, but we love even more that on the guest list this time around, for February, is somebody we've dearly wanted to talk to for a long time ... Mr. Christopher Mayer, aka Vance Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and T.J. Daniels of "Santa Barbara."

Hollywood Show
February 12-13
Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center
2500 North Hollywood Way
Burbank, California 91505

Mayer joins his "Dukes" castmate Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry for the event. And while Cherry has been enjoying a pretty rich "Dukes" experience the past few years, with appearances a'plenty, Mayer has been flying below the radar. We're hoping this is a sign of things to come, however -- he's got a whole world of "Dukes" fans who are anxious to meet him. Cherry, who has maintained a friendship with Mayer over the years since their time on "The Dukes" in the mid-'80s, can tell him all about it -- fans have embraced him like crazy at the "Dukes" events and at his other, more mainstream appearances. In fact, it was Cherry who brought the news to fans the other day of his teaming up with Mayer at the Hollywood Show, and BRBTV talked with Byron one-on-one about it. He tells us he's still confirming the details of this February appearance, but that for fans who can't make it to the show, don't worry: Byron will have Chris sign items for you.

"Let everyone know that they can send anything they want signed by Coy and Vance to me," Cherry tells BRBTV. "I will personally take the items to the show and have Vance Duke sign each item."

The cost is $15 per item, a pretty good price for these shows, plus return postage to you. Send payment, as well as your item to be signed, or your request for signatures on one of the 8-by-10 glossy photos Cherry typically takes to these shows, to him at this address:

Byron Cherry, aka Coy Duke
2230 Monaco Drive
Oxnard, CA 93035

For questions to Byron, visit him at his Facebook page or email CoyDuke@myway.com. 

We're hoping this won't be the only show these two Duke boys do together. Look, also, for a fresh BRBTV interview with Mayer in the weeks to come.

Chris, now is a great time to step back into the limelight. We can't wait to see ya.

CMT rolls out the "Dukes" and "Dallas" episodes in fab form this weekend

It would be enough for our friends at CMT -- who showed the great wisdom to bring "The Dukes of Hazzard" back to the airwaves a few months back -- to just offer up a "Dukes" marathon. But then those programming experts had to go and throw in a "Dallas" marathon, too -- proving that as a cable network, they definitely get the BRBTV stamp of approval!

"Yee-haw! CMT loves all you die-hard Dukes fans!" their social media rep emailed the other day. Yea, Chris, we believe you. Because CMT is rolling out the marathon today, starting at 1:30 p.m. Eastern and running until 3 a.m. So grab that jug of moonshine and ring in the new year right!

THEN ... (and especially for the many "Dukes" fans we've met over the years who crossed over into the "Dallas" realm, sticking around another hour when the show originally aired on Friday nights on CBS in the '80s) catch the "Dallas" marathon, beginning tomorrow at 2 p.m. Eastern and running until 3 a.m. (We think you can successfully give a "yee-haw!" to that one, too.)

"To add to the excitement," Chris at CMT says, "we are giving away a special guitar autographed by John Schneider!" You can enter to win on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheDukesRideAgain?v=app_28134323652.

And check out CMT's official Dukes Ride Again Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/TheDukesRideAgain

Lane Davies talks about his work on "The Bay"

OutTakes host Laurie Baker just did a fresh interview this evening with Lane Davies, our own Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara," on BlogTalkRadio. In the chat, Davies talked about his new gig on the brand-new web soap "The Bay," as well as how he first met Gregori J. Martin, producer of the series, which is now in its 10th webisode.

"I was actually hooked up with Gregori by a reporter," Davies said, explaining that he received a call on his cell during a show night at last summer's Tennessee Shakespeare Festival (see our BRBTV glimpse of the fest in the July 21, 2009 post). "She told me a bit about Gregori and what was involved. ... I thought, this sounds like a fun thing. So there we are."

So what's happening with Det. Mackenzie Johnson, the "Bay" character that Davies is taking over from former fellow "SB" cast member John Callahan? "I can't reveal too much, it being a soap, without spoiling some stuff. Suffice it to say, he's sorta tied in, in several ways, with several storylines, and being a cop gives him opportunity to throw his weight around."

Though the series also includes another former "SB" cast member, Nicolas Coster (Lionel Lockridge), Davies said he hasn't shared any scenes with him yet. He is intrigued, however, with this whole web soap thing, seeing it as a sign of changing times.

"I think it's clear to anybody that's really paying attention that there is a conversion on the way between the web and television. ... It's all going to be one giant entertainment information world. Your television will just be a giant computer, as they are now, for all practical purposes. It will no longer simply be cable and network. ... The future of television is converging with the Internet. It's a much more cost-effective way to get a show off the ground."

How does the experience compare to the regular soaps in which he spent so many years? "It's way more like shooting an independent film," he said. "For one thing, we're not shooting nearly as much material in one day. We're shooting single camera as opposed to multiple cameras."

The Southern Davies says the commute to California for shooting hasn't been that bad. "Now that both boys are in college, I'll be spending a little more time on the West Coast anyway."

Great -- more time there. But how about more time in these little episodes we get only once a week? Well, the cast and crew of "The Bay," he said, agree that more material needs to be posted. "There was a time when people would go to the movies on Saturday afternoon and see an installment of 'Superman.' ... You'd have to wait a week to see what happened, and it kept people going to theaters." But fret not -- there will come a time soon, as more money comes in for the show, Davies said, when more episodes will be posted per week.

Davies also reminisced, with the help of submitted fan questions, about his days on "SB." BRBTV's bud Tracy, in Davies' hometown of Dalton, Georgia, asked how much of his witty banter with the Julia Wainwright character was ad-libbed.

"We rarely improvised once the cameras started to roll," he said, "but we were given a fair amount of freedom with tweaking scripts. ... We sorta knew the characters better than they did, because we'd been playing them so long. ... I was always inserting Shakespeare and other literary references."

Speaking of Shakespeare, what's coming up for Davies in this summer's festival in Tennessee?

"I will direct 'The Comedy of Errors.' I probably won't be in it, because it just sorta exhausts me too much to do both. Unless it's a role I've done before, I'm very shy about directing myself."

Hear the whole interview, now archived, at BlogTalkRadio. The next episode of "The Bay," meanwhile, will be posted on Thursday, January 13.

Update on the Archie's Weird Mysteries compilation paperback

Mr. Paul Castiglia has updated BRBTV on the trade paperback compilation of the Archie's Weird Mysteries comic book series, which we told you about on December 9.

"I have some additional details on the stories that will be inside," he says. "Among them will be the 'Scream' parody from issue #2, the Bigfoot ('Sam Squatch' story), the intergalactic baseball game story and some Scarlett material. There should be some others as well, space permitting."

Castiglia blogged about it all at his Scared Silly blog, where you'll also see some fab art of the Scooby-Doo crossover (the characters match, in a truly uncanny way!).

Archie's Weird Mysteries gets compilation paperback

Many thanks to the author himself, Mr. Paul Castiglia, for the heads-up on this one:  Those juicy, spooky stories you loved in the Archie's Weird Mysteries comic book title, based, of course, on our beloved "Archie's Weird Mysteries" animated series, are going to be collected in a trade paperback. The 128-page volume doesn't release until August 2011, but you can sneak a peek here:

http://www.amazon.com/Archies-Mysteries-Archie-Friends-All-Stars/dp/1879794748/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291558314&sr=1-8

Castiglia tells us he doesn't know yet exactly what stories the book will include, but we'll be waiting with baited breath ... werewolf bait, perhaps ... or maybe vampire ...

BRBTV birthdays for December

- Forry Smith, the dashing Reese Walker on "SB," turns 58 on December 1.
- Charlene Tilton, little Lucy Ewing of "Dallas," turns 52 on December 1, though reports sometimes conflict on her age.
- Nicolas Coster, the unforgettable Lionel Lockridge on "SB," as well as Lyle Sloan and Joe Morris on "Dallas," and even Ezra Bushmaster in "The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood" TV movie, turns 77 on December 3.
- Morgan Brittany, who also was unforgettable as the Bobby-stalking Katherine Wentworth on "Dallas," and who played Mary Lou Pringle on a 1980 episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Hazzardville Horror," celebrates her birthday on December 5, this year turning 59.
- Gunnar Hellström, who not only played Rolf Brundin on "Dallas" but also directed some episodes, was born on December 6, 1928 and died on November 28, 2001.
- Tom Fuccello, who was Sen. Dave Culver on "Dallas," was born on December 11, 1936, and died on August 16, 1993.
- Sheree J. Wilson, our own April Stevens Ewing of "Dallas," is the same age as our little Lucy (apparently!), turning 52 on December 12.
- Thaao Penghlis, who was Dr. Micah De Angelis in the tail-end of the run of "Santa Barbara," turns 65 on December 15.
- Helen Slater, who voiced Talia on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 47 on December 15.
- Christopher Cazenove, rugged and angry bro to Blake Carrington as Ben Carrington on "Dynasty," was born on December 17, 1943 and died on April 7, 2010.
- Brad Pitt, who was a very youthful Randy, boyfriend to Charlie, in one of his very first roles, on "Dallas," turns 47 on December 18.
- Karen Moncrieff, who played Cassandra Benedict on "Santa Barbara," turns 47 on December 20.
- Jared Martin, our own Dusty Farlow of "Dallas," turns 69 on December 21, according to the IMDb, although sources are conflicting.
- John Callahan, who was Craig Hunt on "SB," turns 57 on December 23.
- Susan Lucci, the evil Hillary Taylor in the latter years of "Dallas," has a birthday on Saturday, December 23, as well, turning 64.
- Dane Witherspoon, who originated the role of Joe Perkins on "Santa Barbara," turns 53 on December 27.
- Terri Garber, who was the feisty Leslie Carrington on "Dynasty," as well as Suzanne Collier on "SB," turns 50 on December 28.
- Barbara Carrera, who played the evil Angelica Nero on "Dallas," turns 65 on New Year's Eve, December 31, although sources have conflicted on that one, too!

Happy birthday to all, whatever age ya are!!!!!

Spotted: Jordan Charney

His screen time is brief in the episode we saw, but it's not hard to spot the distinguished veteran actor Jordan Charney as Judge Donald Karan in "Law & Order." It was a recurring role for Charney over a 14-year stretch of the popular crime drama, actually.

Years after he terrorized Robin Wright's poor Kelly Capwell on "Santa Barbara," he's fuller of cheek and highly appropriate as the cranky judge on "L&O." In this particular episode, 2005's "Life Line," he hears the case of a penitent perp who cuts a deal to get his son out of prison. (The perp, by the way, is William Sadler, whom we recall very fondly as the sheriff on "Roswell.")

Charney, who is a BRBTV triple-shot as Lt. Sutton on the earliest "Dallas" and Bill Cochran on "Dynasty" in addition to the evil Dr. Renfro on "SB," has also done guest appearances on the other two "Law & Order" shows, "Criminal Intent" (sharing time with Vincent D'onofrio -- yummy!) and "Special Victims Unit."

Spotted: Jared Martin

As soap opera ploys go, Jared Martin made good use of the ole return-from-the-dead routine on "Dallas." On "Wonder Woman," however, Martin got to play out a different soapy twist -- the long-lost twin.

Well, OK, truth be told, the two characters he played on the two-parter, "Phantom of the Roller Coaster," weren't actually twins. They were two years apart (just to extend that "two" thing a little further!). But they looked just alike, except for the scarring brother David Gurney suffered from a napalm blast in Vietnam. With that disfigurement, and a limp, Martin differentiated David from little bro Leon, as if the latter's moustache and tie-clashing polyester suits weren't enough. The two are partners in the Fun Universe amusement park, which sees mystery and sabotage as part of this September 1979 "Wonder Woman" outing, just two months before Martin made his first appearance as Dusty Farlow on "Dallas."

Read the whole story at the IMDb, where you'll find meaty BRBTV synopses for this and all the other "Wonder Woman" episodes.

BRBTV birthdays for November

- Timothy Patrick Murphy, who was Mickey Trotter on "Dallas," was born on November 3, 1959 and died December 6, 1988.
- Kate Reid, who was Mickey's mom Lil on "Dallas," was born on November 4, 1930 and died March 27, 1993.
- Deborah Rennard, our own Sly Lovegren on "Dallas," turns 51 on November 4.
- Todd McKee, our own original Ted Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 47 on November 7.
- Russell Johnson, who is a BRBTV triple-shot for playing Sheriff Wyatt Mansfield on "Dallas," Earl Thompson on "Dynasty" and the third Roger Wainwright (Julia's dad) on "SB," turns 86 on November 10.
- Jack Scalia, the mysterious Nicholas Pearce / Joey Lombardi on "Dallas," has a birthday on November 10, as well, turning 60.
- Vincent Irizarry, a bigtime soaper who was Scott Clark on "SB," turns 51 on November 12.
- Dack Rambo, the hunky Jack Ewing of "Dallas," was born on November 13, 1941 and died on March 21, 1994.
- Tracy Scoggins, our Monica Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," as well as Anita Smithfield on "Dallas: War of the Ewings," turns 57 on November 13.
- Edward Asner, the voice of Roland Daggett in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 81 on November 15.
- Tricia Cast, who was Christy Duvall on "Santa Barbara," turns 42 on November 16.
- George O. Petrie, who played Harv Smithfield on "Dallas," was born on November 16, 1912 and died November 16, 1997.
- Brandon Call, the third Brandon DeMott Capwell on "SB," who was also notable as J.T. Lambert on ABC's sitcom "Step By Step" (side-by-side with Sasha Mitchell and Patrick Duffy of "Dallas"), as well as Hobie Buchanon in the syndicated "Baywatch," turns a so-young 34 on November 17.
- Rock Hudson, who played Daniel Reece on "Dynasty," was born on November 17, 1925 and died on October 2, 1985.
- Linda Evans, Hudson's on-screen love interest for a time, as Krystle on "Dynasty," turns 68 on November 18.
- Jocelyn Brando, who was John Ross' nanny Mrs. Reeves on "Dallas," was born on November 18, 1919 and died November 27, 2005.
- Joseph Campanella, a true classic actor who is a BRBTV triple-shot for his roles as mobster Joseph Lombardi Sr. on "Dallas" and Hutch Corrigan on "The Colbys," as well as Dr. Matthew Thorne on "Batman: TAS," turns 83 on November 21.
- Deborah Shelton, the stunning Mandy Winger on "Dallas," turns 62 on November 21.
- Maxwell Caulfield, our own Miles Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," turns 51 on November 23.
- Michael Brainard, our final Ted Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 45 on November 23.
- Roscoe Born, our "SB" evil-twin actor as Robert Barr and Quinn Armitage, turns 60 on November 24.
- Howard Duff, who was Sen. Henry Harrison O'Dell on "Dallas," then Paul Galveston on the spinoff, "Knots Landing," was born on November 24, 1913 and died July 8, 1990.
- And ... sigh ... one of BRBTV's very favorite actors ... the wonderful, the great, the accomplished, the amazing (!) Ricardo Montalban, who was Zach Powers on "The Colbys" among so many other things, was born on November 25, 1920, and died on January 14, 2009.
- Marcy Walker, our own Eden Capwell of "SB" who since has settled into work for God's Kingdom, turns 49 on November 26.
- Joshua Harris, our darling little Christopher Ewing of "Dallas," is a big boy now, turning 32 on November 27.
- Stephen Elliott, who was Scotty Demarest on "Dallas," was born on November 27, 1918 and died May 21, 2005.
- Sherilyn Wolter, the evil Elena Nikolas / Capwell on "SB," has a birthday on November 30, turning 59.
- Efrem Zimbalist Jr., who voiced Alfred the butler in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 92 on November 30.
- Kevin Conroy, who voiced Batman in "Batman: The Animated Series" and all the other series that spun off from it, as well as playing Bart Fallmont on "Dynasty," turns 55 on November 30.


Happy birthday to all!

TGIF Toys: Nipping at his heels, indeed

Leave it to the hunky Nightwing to keep that rascally Harley Quinn in order; if only her hyenas would stop nipping at the heels! In the late 1990s, with the evolution of "Batman: The Animated Series" into "The New Batman Adventures," Hasbro released a set of 12-inch high figures / dolls:
Nightwing, Harley Quinn, Batgirl, Batman and Joker (who came with a bazooka!).

Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Spotted: Kerry Sherman and Russell Johnson

We have to admit -- we recognized her smile immediately, though her hair was a bit fluffier and her voice a little higher and sweeter. Six years before she came to "Santa Barbara" as big sis Amy Perkins, Kerry Sherman guested on an episode of the classic "Wonder Woman." All decked out in blousey attire befitting the '70s (a peasantlike top that's back around now, for sure), Sherman plays a con in the episode, titled "Disco Devil." She lures a hapless victim to a mysterious mirrored room at the disco, then later pulls the old broken-down-car routine on another (in a hot floral dress).

That would be enough, certainly, but then up pops Russell Johnson in the episode, as well. In addition to being the "Gilligan's Island" castaway BRBTV would most like to be stranded with, Johnson was Sheriff Wyatt Mansfield on "Dallas," Earl Thompson on "Dynasty," and Roger Wainwright on "SB." Here, he has brief airtime as a nicely uniformed colonel at a military facility researching nuclear equipment.

See it for yourself at the WB, and read the BRBTV synopsis to this and the other "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.

TGIF Toys: Sighted at the Mattel booth ...

... at Comic-Con International in San Diego a few months back, a glorious assortment of new DC heroes figures coming out, including this array of Bat-themed goodies and other finery. Bring it on!


Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Spotted: Dack Rambo

He doesn't seem much younger, because he was still quite hunky on "Dallas," but it's definitely a different spin for Dack Rambo. Composed, learned gentleman in a silver suit. A tough military leader at the same time. He travels to Earth and enlists the aid of a special friend as he tracks down a notorious band of aliens he's been fighting elsewhere in space.

The show is "Wonder Woman," more specifically the December 1977 two-parter, "Mind Stealers from Outer Space." A decade or so before he landed in Dallas as long-lost Ewing cousin Jack, Rambo portrayed Andros, a highly evolved friend to our Amazon princess. Together they work to take down the alien threat, and at the end Andros even tries to woo Wonder Woman to more stellar aspirations.

See it for yourself at the WB, and catch the full BRBTV synopsis of this and other "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.

TGIF Toys: Don't you dare oversleep!

"Gotham City is in trouble! Call for Batman!" That's what this supercool alarm clock says when the alarm deploys (and if you're not that patient, you can just hit the deploy button on the left!). Made in this 1993 by Top Banana, this clock will surely keep you safe at night.

Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

BRBTV birthdays for October

- Alan Rachins, memorable as the wound-up Temple Fugate / Clock King on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 68 on October 3.
- Jack Wagner, who was our final Warren Lockridge on "Santa Barbara," along with a host of other soap opera roles in the '80s and '90s, turns 51 on October 3.
- Christopher Stone, who was Dave Stratton on "Dallas," was born on October 4, 1942, and died on October 20, 1995.
- Charlton Heston, our giant Jason Colby on "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," was born on October 4, 1923, and died on April 5, 2008.
- Christopher Norris, who was the demented Laura Asher on "SB," will turn 57 on October 7.
- John O’Hurley, who was the second Stephen Slade on "Santa Barbara" and so many other things over the years, including a fabulous "Seinfeld" role and that "Dancing With the Stars" gig, turns 56 on October 9.
- J. Eddie Peck, who's a BRBTV double-shot with his roles on our two primetime biggies, Tommy McKay on "Dallas" and Roger Grimes on "Dynasty," turns 52 on October 10.
- Jim McMullan, who was Sen. Andrew Dowling on "Dallas," turns 74 on October 13.
- Greg Evigan, who was Willie Gust on "Dallas" but is better known for "B.J. and the Bear," turns 57 on October 14.
- Arleen Sorkin, the unforgettable voice of Harley Quinn on "Batman: The Animated Series," as well as the person who inspired the character, turns 54 on October 14.
- Barry Corbin, who was the stalwart Sheriff Fenton Washburn on "Dallas," as well as Pullman in the 2005 "Dukes of Hazzard" movie, turns 70 on October 16.
- John Anderson, who was Kimberly Cryder's father Dr. Styles on "Dallas," was born on October 20, 1922, and died on August 7, 1992.
- John Zaremba, who played Dr. Harlan Danvers on "Dallas," was born on October 22, 1908, and died on December 15, 1986.
- Wolf Muser, who was the sinister Marcello Armonti on "Santa Barbara," terrorizing C.C. Capwell for his supposed wrongs in the second World War, turns 60 on October 23.
- Scott Jaeck, another "SB" alum as Cain Garver who was spotted more recently as a hired gun on Fox's "Prison Boys" (er, we mean "Prison Break"), turns 56 on October 29.
- The talented and well-regarded (and ever patient) Barbara Bel Geddes, who for so many years portrayed Miss Ellie Ewing on "Dallas," was born on Halloween in 1922 in New York City. She died on August 8, 2005, of lung cancer.


Happy birthday to all!

TGIF Toys: Burger-dog

To promote the release of the “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island” video in 1998 (the first of a
successful string of straight-to-video Scooby movies), Wendy’s featured a set of Kids’ Meal toys, including this guy. His pull-string is a little pulled out, these days (sorry -- the toys at the BRBTV headquarters get played-with; we're not familiar with the term "mint in box"!), but he's still shiny and snappy. And the movie that goes with 'im isn't bad, either.




Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Spotted: Carmen Zapata

Boy ... we tell our friends that when we're watching the classic '70s "Wonder Woman" episodes on DVD we're as happy as a pig in slop ... and that might paint an unsavory picture -- but it's true!!!! We're just that happy to see Lynda Carter in those precious, precious episodes, most of which we haven't seen since they originally aired.

We're also happy to see so many great BRBTV stars surfacing in these eps, which we've been reporting on in recent months here on the BRBTV News Blog. This time around it's the lovely, and oh-so dignified, Carmen Zapata, who portrayed Cruz Castillo's mom Carmen Castillo on our beloved "Santa Barbara." Zapata, losing none of her dignity, for sure, pops up in the third season "Wonder Woman" episode titled "The Richest Man in the World," which debuted on February 19, 1979, just six years before Zapata came to "SB" to keep her son in line.

Donning a double strand of white pearls and a tasteful black dress, Zapata portrays a prime minister in this installment. She makes a big purchase for her country (being the powerful chick she is): a missile scrambler nicknamed "Missy." But Missy is quickly kidnapped, so to speak, and it's up to Diana Prince and her alter ego to unravel this mystery.

See the BRBTV synopsis for this and the other "WW" episodes at the IMDb.