Remember on "All in the Family" when Edith got that mink? And it had to go to the cleaners (cue Mr. Jefferson!)? Well, David Pollock remembers it, because he wrote it! Pollock also wrote for other classic TV shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "M*A*S*H." Comedy writing is his specialty, and he also has a new book out about the comedy team Bob and Ray. Pollock talked with Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV at last weekend's Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con in Maryland, just as things were winding down a bit on the last day of this fun show ...
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con: Jon Provost
For his role on the classic TV series "Lassie," actor Jon Provost had to establish a rapport with this lovable collie off-screen as well as on-screen. In the midst of his seven-year run on the show -- where he started at the tender age of 7 -- he established more than that, however. He established a sort of a calling that would stay with him for decades. Provost talked to Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV at this past weekend's Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con about not only his time on "Lassie," but the special visits he made to hospitalized children, and the important work he does with animals to this very day.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con serves up some classic TV fun
It was our first time at this past weekend's Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con in Hunt Valley, Maryland, and we had a lot of fun. Not only did we behold some fabulous stars of classic television, but we got to indulge our love for some terrific TV toys of the 1970s and '80s, as well ...
It was a Bionic reunion as Lindsay Wagner, above, star of "The Bionic Woman," appeared, as well as Lee Majors of "The Six Million Dollar Man" and their costar Richard Anderson, below, with his manager.
Action figure cosplay? Believe it! This couple did a dynamite redeaux of the Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman 12-inch figures of the 1970s by Kenner (see the real things in the first season of the Terrific TV Toys series, by the way!). And wow, yes, there were action figures for "The Love Boat." Seriously ..
"The Dukes of Hazzard," Donny and Marie Osmond's variety show, "Charlie's Angels," "Mork and Mindy" and more ... We saw all kinds of tempting TV toys!!!!
Stay tuned, because we're bringing you four great interviews from the event in the coming days ...
It was a Bionic reunion as Lindsay Wagner, above, star of "The Bionic Woman," appeared, as well as Lee Majors of "The Six Million Dollar Man" and their costar Richard Anderson, below, with his manager.
Action figure cosplay? Believe it! This couple did a dynamite redeaux of the Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman 12-inch figures of the 1970s by Kenner (see the real things in the first season of the Terrific TV Toys series, by the way!). And wow, yes, there were action figures for "The Love Boat." Seriously ..
"The Dukes of Hazzard," Donny and Marie Osmond's variety show, "Charlie's Angels," "Mork and Mindy" and more ... We saw all kinds of tempting TV toys!!!!
Stay tuned, because we're bringing you four great interviews from the event in the coming days ...
Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand
Monday, September 14, 2015
TV-themed goodies get us ready for the holiday season ... but just not quite yet
I know, I know -- how frustrating is it to see Christmas stuff in the stores in September? We don't like it much either. We like to hang onto summer in September, embrace our pumpkin spice lattes and Batgirl costume only in October, love Thanksgiving in November, THEN (and only then) enjoy the Christmas season. Still, we couldn't help but snap photos of what we saw in the Hallmark store over this past weekend. So many fun Christmas tree ornaments related to beloved classic TV shows, from the Six Million Dollar Man to the Muppets and Mork from Ork and more ...
Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand
Tuesday, September 01, 2015
"Dukes of Hazzard" creator Gy Waldron weighs in on the Confederate flag
Much has been said in recent months about the Confederate flag that sits atop the General Lee car on "The Dukes of Hazzard." We were delighted, however, to read these words from Gy Waldron, the creator of the beloved 1980s TV series. Mr. Waldron is kind enough to let us reprint them here ...
Waldron is still at his writing craft, by the way. He has written a book, a romantic thriller called "Twist of Time." See GyWaldron.com to learn more.
......................................
My grandfather, Franklin, of whom Uncle Jesse was based, said, “Never debate with one whom you must first educate; you’ll both lose.”
The discussion about the Confederate flag is impassioned and acrimonious, and I don’t want to heighten the tension or offend, defend, preach or justify.
Waldron is still at his writing craft, by the way. He has written a book, a romantic thriller called "Twist of Time." See GyWaldron.com to learn more.
......................................
The General Lee
My grandfather, Franklin, of whom Uncle Jesse was based, said, “Never debate with one whom you must first educate; you’ll both lose.”
The discussion about the Confederate flag is impassioned and acrimonious, and I don’t want to heighten the tension or offend, defend, preach or justify.
Growing up in the South, I had an experience with the Confederate flag
that perhaps those who reside outside the South may not understand.
Family, friends, neighbors and local business owners had no attachment
to racism or white supremacy, but many – most – did fly the flag from
their porches. Seeing the flag flying was ordinary and uneventful yet
seeped in culture. It represented not slavery nor racism, but Southern
heritage—much like sweet tea, cobbler, playing country music on the back
porch, or multiple dialects. It was unique to its setting, found almost
everywhere, and most definitely not a symbol of racism.
To have it placed on the roof of the General Lee was not politically profound; it defined the culture of Hazzard County, which had nothing to do with racial superiority. And while “Southern lifestyle” is entangled with controversial definitions, the one referred to here crosses racial lines—I shared this experience with black and white friends throughout my lifetime.
My family history is entangled; two brothers fought on opposite sides of the Civil War and my great, great grandfather, Anthony McGill, owned slaves. One year before the war started, McGill became a Baptist Abolitionist, and as such, no longer had slaves under the dictates of his faith. Two of the then former slaves moved north, while another two, a couple, chose to stay on the plantation with McGill. They were sharecroppers, the first in the county, and were buried in our family graveyard after a long life of farming with my family. Generations later, we were active in the Civil Rights movement.
None of this is to mark my place with a particular opinion. I’m laying out my experience, not for an expiation of wrongdoing, because I am not a racist; it is merely to establish discourse and personal clarity. I hope you’ll join me in conversation and help deepen my understanding of all angles and thoughts on the matter.
--Gy
To have it placed on the roof of the General Lee was not politically profound; it defined the culture of Hazzard County, which had nothing to do with racial superiority. And while “Southern lifestyle” is entangled with controversial definitions, the one referred to here crosses racial lines—I shared this experience with black and white friends throughout my lifetime.
My family history is entangled; two brothers fought on opposite sides of the Civil War and my great, great grandfather, Anthony McGill, owned slaves. One year before the war started, McGill became a Baptist Abolitionist, and as such, no longer had slaves under the dictates of his faith. Two of the then former slaves moved north, while another two, a couple, chose to stay on the plantation with McGill. They were sharecroppers, the first in the county, and were buried in our family graveyard after a long life of farming with my family. Generations later, we were active in the Civil Rights movement.
None of this is to mark my place with a particular opinion. I’m laying out my experience, not for an expiation of wrongdoing, because I am not a racist; it is merely to establish discourse and personal clarity. I hope you’ll join me in conversation and help deepen my understanding of all angles and thoughts on the matter.
--Gy
Friday, August 28, 2015
Terrific TV Toys on Wheels: KITT of "Knight Rider"
We have had a great time this week and last week showing you some Terrific TV Toys on Wheels, as a special set of episodes in our regular web series. For the fourth installment, we turn our attention to the classic '80s TV show "Knight Rider," starring David Hasselhoff. Little boys everywhere (including this author's cousin, Jimmy!) were once enthralled by Michael Knight and his talking car KITT, and perhaps still are, and in this episode, we talk to one of those boys all grown up: David of Clio, Michigan. David loves taking his KITT car to shows all across Michigan, like this one, the Cruisin' Hines show that happened last weekend in Metro Detroit. His KITT has a working dashboard full of gizmos and gadgets and a voice of KITT that just doesn't quit! Thanks so much, David, for taking the time to talk to BRBTV!
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Terrific TV Toys on Wheels: The General Lee
In the past week, the Terrific TV Toys series delivered up a couple great TV star cars: the Munsters Koach and the Batmobile. Well, now, how about a little "Dukes of Hazzard" action? In the newest episode, it's another great Terrific TV Toy on Wheels as we talk to Kevin of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, about his General Lee. He bought it from our buddy Billy in Tennesee, and it was bright and gleaming as it took in the fifth annual Cruisin' Hines event in Livonia, Michigan, this past weekend. Kevin even weighs in on that whole Confederate flag business as he tells us about some of the details of this car.
And then, who stops by, but President Abraham Lincoln? Or a guy who looks a whole lot like him?! Ron is from Livonia, and this is the second year in a row we saw him stop by the star cars and pose for pictures at Cruisin' Hines.
Finally, at the end of this episode, you will behold the beautiful array of "Dukes" cast and crew signatures Kevin has on the trunk lid of his General. He tells BRBTV he regrets not being able to have Christopher ("Vance Duke") Mayer sign the trunk, too, before the actor passed a few years ago. But it's a good collection, besides!
Stay tuned, because we've got one more TV star car to show ya this week ...
And then, who stops by, but President Abraham Lincoln? Or a guy who looks a whole lot like him?! Ron is from Livonia, and this is the second year in a row we saw him stop by the star cars and pose for pictures at Cruisin' Hines.
Finally, at the end of this episode, you will behold the beautiful array of "Dukes" cast and crew signatures Kevin has on the trunk lid of his General. He tells BRBTV he regrets not being able to have Christopher ("Vance Duke") Mayer sign the trunk, too, before the actor passed a few years ago. But it's a good collection, besides!
Stay tuned, because we've got one more TV star car to show ya this week ...
Friday, August 21, 2015
Terrific TV Toys on Wheels: Munsters Koach
Whew, it's been a busy week on the BRBTV News Blog, and we're glad it's Friday! Let's celebrate with another great Terrific TV Toy for grown-ups, shall we?
At last weekend's Woodward Dream Cruise, the Munsters Koach replica that calls Metro Detroit home was on a mission. It desired a particular signature on its dash, and the particular person to provide that signature was appearing at the Dream Cruise, most specifically near Nine Mile and Woodward at the Ferndale stretch of the cruise. That particular person was Butch Patrick, aka Eddie Munster of classic TV's "The Munsters."
Patrick owns his own Munsters Koach replica, actually, but don't be confused. The Koach you see moving along Woodward Avenue in the latest installment of the Terrific TV Toys series is the former, and the Koach you see sitting next to Patrick's signing table is the latter. Oh, and then there's a fab reproduction of Grandpa's Dragula car from "The Munsters," to boot. That's Patrick's too. It makes for a fine display at events like this!
This is the second episode in our special Terrific TV Toys on Wheels series -- look for more in the coming weeks and months.
At last weekend's Woodward Dream Cruise, the Munsters Koach replica that calls Metro Detroit home was on a mission. It desired a particular signature on its dash, and the particular person to provide that signature was appearing at the Dream Cruise, most specifically near Nine Mile and Woodward at the Ferndale stretch of the cruise. That particular person was Butch Patrick, aka Eddie Munster of classic TV's "The Munsters."
Patrick owns his own Munsters Koach replica, actually, but don't be confused. The Koach you see moving along Woodward Avenue in the latest installment of the Terrific TV Toys series is the former, and the Koach you see sitting next to Patrick's signing table is the latter. Oh, and then there's a fab reproduction of Grandpa's Dragula car from "The Munsters," to boot. That's Patrick's too. It makes for a fine display at events like this!
This is the second episode in our special Terrific TV Toys on Wheels series -- look for more in the coming weeks and months.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Woodward Dream Cruise: The Red Baron shows up, but Snoopy's nowhere in sight
The Red Baron, of course, is a real historical figure, Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen, respected by comrades and enemies alike for his piloting prowess for Germany during World War I. But c'mon ... can you look at this thing of beauty from last weekend's Woodward Dream Cruise and not think of Snoopy???
The owner is from St. Clair Shores, The Detroit News reported, and the plane (a red tri-plane, like the Red Baron actually flew) runs on a lawnmower engine. The propeller is powered separately by a battery. It may not fly, but it did drive down Woodward Avenue, at about 10 miles an hour, as you'll see in this video.
(We came thiiiiiiiiisssss close to making this into a Terrific TV Toys on Wheels episode, since Snoopy did battle the Red Baron in that creepy-cool fantasy sequence in 1966's "It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," the third Peanuts TV special and the second one to be holiday-themed. But that's a bit of a loose connection, right? Hmmm ...)
BRBTV votes this one best in show for the Woodward Dream Cruise!!!! But hang on, we've got one more great vehicle to show you from the cruise (actually, three, if you really think about it), coming up for the next episode of Terrific TV Toys on Wheels. And this one has a definite classic TV connection!
The owner is from St. Clair Shores, The Detroit News reported, and the plane (a red tri-plane, like the Red Baron actually flew) runs on a lawnmower engine. The propeller is powered separately by a battery. It may not fly, but it did drive down Woodward Avenue, at about 10 miles an hour, as you'll see in this video.
(We came thiiiiiiiiisssss close to making this into a Terrific TV Toys on Wheels episode, since Snoopy did battle the Red Baron in that creepy-cool fantasy sequence in 1966's "It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," the third Peanuts TV special and the second one to be holiday-themed. But that's a bit of a loose connection, right? Hmmm ...)
BRBTV votes this one best in show for the Woodward Dream Cruise!!!! But hang on, we've got one more great vehicle to show you from the cruise (actually, three, if you really think about it), coming up for the next episode of Terrific TV Toys on Wheels. And this one has a definite classic TV connection!
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Rest in peace, Yvonne Craig, who blazed a beautiful Bat-trail for many other females
CNN's report calls her a "pioneer of female superheroes" and even mentions our fair "Superchicks" Lynda Carter and Joanna Cameron in the first breath. Indeed, Yvonne Craig was the first real live-action TV superheroine, before the Wonder Woman and Isis of the 1970s, as she donned that lovely purple and yellow Batgirl costume for the 1960s "Batman" series. But more than that, she showed true girl power, and she was a wonderful role model for little girls everywhere.
This author first interviewed Ms. Craig back in the late 1990s for a story for The Detroit News in advance of her appearance at the Motor City Comic Con. She returned to the con over the years, like this appearance in May 2012, when I got to see her again and chat with her -- and buy her book, which is a wonderful examination of early Hollywood. This actress lived those years before she ever did "Batman" or "Star Trek," and had great stories to tell.
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