Lee 1 at the Indy Auto Show, a photo report

The very first General Lee of "The Dukes of Hazzard," originally dubbed Lee 1 and lovingly restored (see the November 3 and 13 posts of the BRBTV News Blog), has now closed his first official appearance since his November 11 unveiling in Covington, Georgia. BRBTV offers you a little glimpse of Lee 1's two-day stint at the Indianapolis Auto Show, beginning with the fine shot above of lovely Katelynn, named "Little Miss Lee 1" during the Lee 1 Family Christmas at The Ram restaurant on Thursday ...

Marvin, the owner of the car (though he'll be quick to tell you that the car is owned by the fans!), takes a peek under the hood.

Special display banners tell the history and facts about this famous car.

Photos by Billie Rae Bates

BRBTV birthdays this week

- Dane Witherspoon, who originated the role of Joe Perkins on "Santa Barbara," turns 49 today, December 27.
- Terri Garber, who was the feisty Leslie Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 46 tomorrow, December 28.
- Barbara Carrera, who played the evil Angelica Nero on "Dallas," turns 55 on New Year's Eve, December 31.

Happy birthday to all!

Have you seen John O'Hurley's new book?

Long before he did "Seinfeld" or that whole "Dancing With the Stars" thing, John O'Hurley was Stephen Slade on "Santa Barbara." Smooth and confident, he was a delight. Now, O'Hurley is an author, releasing the book "It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump: And Other Life Lessons I Learned from Dogs" just last month.

“Dogs, after all, have pure hearts, trusting natures, a zest for living, noble characters, and an ability to take things in stride,” O’Hurley explains in the book’s introduction. “They can be counted on, and are pleasant companions. They know what’s important, always. How many humans do you know about which you could say the same?”

The book had a quite-nice sales ranking of 251 on Amazon at BRBTV's weekend check. It's also available on audio CD.

And by the way, did you know that O'Hurley was married to his "SB" costar Eva LaRue (who played Margot Collins, and also popped up on "Dallas" as a character named DeeDee) for a couple years in the 1990s? LaRue went on, of course, to marry another of their "SB" costars, John Callahan (Craig Hunt -- who was part of the Stephen Slade storyline). Talk about a small world -- er, we mean, small set!

In the spirit of Christmas ...

OK, we weren't planning to post on Christmas Day, but we just got this update from Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club, about "Honest John" Ledbetter, aka Jack Gordon (see the December 1 post of the BRBTV News Blog) ...

"I hate to bring this up today," Harrington says, "but Jack is NOT LOOKING VERY GOOD, so please just take a few minutes and be kind to a great man, some of us on here have met Jack this past August, and he is a very nice person."

Paul is asking for your notes to Jack, wishing him a Merry Christmas or just saying hello and that you're thinking of him. Send your greeting to Paul at cdndukes@mnsi.net. Paul is going to print off all of our greetings and give them to Jack. So hurry and send yours along! BRBTV did this morning! And you can keep updated on Jack's progress at his fan club page: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/Honest_John_Ledbetter_Fan_Club/

Paul also sent along this updated photo from his weekend visit with Jack, when he gave him a copy of BRBTV's "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!", among other things. Thanks, Paul, for keeping us updated, and the thoughts, prayers, and best wishes of BRBTV are with Mr. Gordon, for strength and for a speedy recovery ...

Photo courtesy of Paul Harrington

And from the BRBTV News Blog . . .

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ultimate Dynasty site gets a snazzy redesign

For "Dynasty" fans familiar with the Ultimate Dynasty site, it's been a long wait, a wait relegated to just the message board of the site while the other pages were redesigned. The wait was a couple of years, truth be told. But now, at last, the redesign is complete, and the site is looking better than ever.

You'll see a sprinkling of news on the home page, features on the 2006 reunion movie and the current "Legends" show of the TV series' two leading ladies. The site, which turned five years old this past June, has complete bios on all the stars, as well as info on the production crew and episodes synopses and other goodies. The full-color photos are nice and lush, and be sure to check out the well-regarded "Dynasty" family tree.

Congratulations to Goran Markovic for his hard work with the site! Now "Dynasty" fans have both Ultimate Dynasty and nicely designed ShoulderPads.net to hang out at. (And if you have another "Dynasty"-related fan site you'd like to tell us about, post it to the comments forum, or send an email to dynasty@brbtv.com!)

Tom Sarmento plans August stunt show

Tom Sarmento is well-known in the "Dukes of Hazzard" world as the lead mechanic for the show when it originally filmed and aired on CBS. He also worked on shows like "B.J. and the Bear" and "The Rockford Files." Plus, he's worked as a stunt guy. These days, Sarmento has a "Dukes" presence on the web, along with the likes of "Dukes" stunt men Corey Eubanks, Al Wyatt Jr. and Gary Baxley, in the Hazzzard County Stunt Team.

This week, Sarmento has let fans know that he's been talking to the folks at Tennessee's Bristol Motor Speedway (onetime site of DukesFest) concerning hosting a stunt show there in August 2007. The speedway has been a "Dukes" fan favorite.

Sarmento is gauging interest in the show, reportedly slated at this point for the first weekend in August. He wants to hear from owners of General Lees on if they'd like to attend, and what their preferences are for a show like this. You can weigh in by emailing wayne@bristolmotorspeedway.com.

"I think we can make this show a success," Sarmento says in a post at the Confederate General Lee Fan Club message board. "I hope all of you have a great Christmas and a safe NEW YEAR!"

The Hazzard County Stunt Team is also planning an event in Brunswick, Georgia, by the way -- in March 2007. Stay tuned for details about that, their website says.

BRBTV birthdays this week

- Brad Pitt, who was a very youthful Randy, boyfriend to Charlie, in one of his very first roles, on "Dallas," turned 43 on Monday, December 18.
- Karen Moncrieff, who played Cassandra Benedict on "Santa Barbara," turns 43 today, December 20.
- Jared Martin, our own Dusty Farlow of "Dallas," turns 63 tomorrow, December 21.
- John Callahan, who was Craig Hunt on "SB," turns 53 on Saturday, December 23.
- Susan Lucci, the evil Hillary Taylor in the latter years of "Dallas," has a birthday on Saturday, December 23, as well, turning 60 (although one of our sources says 58).

Happy birthday to all!

Betty and Veronica have a new look

Win a copy of the sixth-season "Dallas" DVD

The Ultimate Dallas website is offering a special opportunity for fans: a chance to win a copy of the next season of "Dallas" to be released on DVD, Season 6. This next DVD set is officially released on January 30, 2007, and includes juicy stuff like J.R. being removed by the rest of the family from his leadership of Ewing Oil, even while jockeying for a look-see at daddy Jock's will, and actually talking Sue Ellen into remarrying him!

For a chance to win a copy of the DVD from the Ultimate Dallas website, go to http://www.ultimatedallas.com/dvd/win.html. You can also win more "Dallas" prizes from the website's forum at http://www.oilbaronsclub.com.

"Have a fantastic Christmas," the website's editorial team says to fans, "and we would like to thank you for your continual dedication to 'Dallas.'"

Jack Coleman's new show gets some Golden Globe attention

"Heroes," the new NBC series featuring our own Jack Coleman (second Steven Carrington of "Dynasty"), has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for best drama series. Coleman's co-star on the show, Masi Oka (BRBTV's own favorite on the series -- he very-innocently devours every scene he's in!) has been nominated for best supporting actor.

There are other connections to BRBTV shows in the Golden nominations:

- Brad Pitt, who was Charlie's bad-guy boyfriend Randy on "Dallas," stars in "Babel," up for best motion picture. Pitt is nominated for best supporting actor for "Babel."
- Another best-picture nominee, "The Queen," stars James Cromwell, our own Gerald Kane of "Dallas."

The Hollywood Reporter has your full list of nominees here.

Check out JETT's MySpace page

JETT, aka Jeff, is a diehard "Dukes" fan who lives in New York. The BRBTV News Blog showed you his own beautiful, blazin' orange beauty of a General Lee in the March 17 post, and it's also featured in the second edition of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" Now, JETT has a MySpace page (just like John Schneider and Catherine Bach, don't ya know), and as you can imagine, it's all about "The Dukes" ...

http://www.myspace.com/jettspage

JETT can even be seen in the opening scenes of Schneider's new movie, "Collier and Co." He's one of the guys placin' bets at the bar when J.R. is getting ready to drag-race. Fun!

"Dallas" stars will head off to a French hoedown

Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Charlene Tilton and Steve Kanaly, five megawatt "Dallas" stars, will appear at a country-music festival in France next year. It all happens in July, and you can learn more (if you read French!) and see a photo of the five-some at:
http://www.country-musique.com/ The event, the Mirande Country Music Festival, is billed as the largest such fest in Europe.

Michael Silberkleit talks about Archie's 65th anniversary

Happy Anniversary, Archie!

Archie Andrews and his Riverdale pals were "born" in December 1941, so this month is the official 65th anniversary, but Archie Comics has chosen to make the anniversary a yearlong celebration for 2007. Michael Silberkleit, son of one of the Archie founders, Louis Silberkleit, discussed the anniversary and more in an interview on the Comic Zone of World Talk Radio.

In the report, Silberkleit alludes to the long-awaited "Archie" movie as a possibility for 2007 (it was put on the back burner a few years ago for the "Josie and the Pussycats" movie). He also talks about his early days at Archie Comics, starting work for his dad in the lower levels of the company and learning all the different facets of the business.

"When the comics industry started, all the publishers were very friendly," Silberkleit says of his early days in the biz, when he knew the folks at DC, Marvel and the like. "They were fierce competitors, but they were also good friends." Times have changed substantially since then, he says.

He discusses why Archie Comics has stayed afloat all these years, while other comics (even Disney titles) have come and gone. "Archie is something kids look up to, as a role model," he says.

On the controversial topic of longtime Archie artist Dan DeCarlo, now deceased, who worked on several key Archie characters including the aforementioned Josie and BRBTV's fave, redhead Cheryl Blossom, Silberkleit is mostly mum, but does say: "He probably was the finest cartoonist / illustrator of women that ever walked on the face of this earth. He was a great artist, wonderful talent. And a nice guy. ... He had a great style, that has never been emulated since."

Some (eastern) Indian characters are coming to the Archies realm, as well as a reality TV show and more partnering with the singing duo "The Veronicas." Listen to the whole interview at: http://www.worldtalkradio.com/archive.asp?aid=8554

BRBTV birthdays this week

- Sheree J. Wilson, our own April Stevens Ewing of "Dallas," turns 48 tomorrow, December 12.
- Thaao Penghlis, who was Dr. Micah De Angelis in the tail-end of the run of "Santa Barbara," turns 61 on Friday, December 15.
- Christopher Cazenove, rugged and angry bro to Blake Carrington as Ben Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 61, also, but on Sunday, December 17.

Happy birthday to each!

Meet Lee 1 -- and the family -- in Indianapolis this month

Yes, that's right: Lee 1, the car that started this whole crazy General Lee thing, has booked its first official appearance since its November 11 unveiling in Covington. (And hey, since BRBTV has become friends with the car's owner, we heckin'-better start referring to the car in the proper way -- "him," not "it"!!!)

The Indianapolis Auto Show is the event that will kick off the beloved vehicle's two-year tour, leading up to "his" official 30th anniversary in 2008. Along with that, Lee 1's owner (though he will be quick to insist that you, the fans, are the real owners of the fiery-orange beauty) has something special planned. You are all invited to ...


THE LEE 1 FAMILY CHRISTMAS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DATE: December 28, 2006
TIME: 1-3 p.m.
PLACE: The Ram Restaurant, 140 S. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, Indiana; parking garage upstairs for a fee
SERVICE: It will be a sit-down lunch, where you will be able to order from menu and pay for own meal (for more info about the restaurant, check out www.theram.com)
FEATURES: There will be entertainment during the mealtime, along with the presentation of these members of the Lee 1 Family:
- "Little Miss Lee 1" 2007
- "Miss Lee 1" 2007
- "Mama Lee," the family disciplinarian
- President of the Lee 1 Family
- Curator for Lee 1
- Achiever for Lee 1 pictures and information
- Press agent for Lee 1 events
Special guests also will be recognized.

"Lee 1 has been given a place of distinct honor in this year's Indianapolis Auto Show," says the owner of Lee 1. "Never before has the auto show been able to make a special place in their event for such a special automobile. The sponsors of this event are excited to have Lee 1 join them to help showcase the restoration of an American icon."

Lee 1 will appear just inside the entrance of the auto show, at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome at 100 S. Capital in downtown Indianapolis, an easy walk from The Ram Restaurant. Display dates are December 28 and 29. The Lee 1 Family Christmas will include a special showing of Lee 1 after 3:15 p.m. on December 28.

The admission for the auto show is $6 for adults, with children under 12 admitted free, and active members of the military, police and fire departments admitted free. To learn more about the show, visit www.indyautoshow.com.

Everyone is invited to the Lee 1 Family Christmas! This is a special opportunity for our more-Northern-based "Dukes" fans who might not have been able to make it to some of the Southern-based events such as the unveiling in Covington.

Team Lee 1 would like to get an idea of how many folks are coming, so please RSVP to GenLeeOne@aol.com.

Jack Coleman keeps up with his "Dynasty" family

Jack Coleman, our second Steven Carrington of "Dynasty," keeps in touch with Emma Samms (his on-screen sis as the second Fallon Carrington), Gordon Thomson (his on-screen bro, Adam Carrington) and John James (his on-screen bro-in-law, Jeff Colby) these days. That's one of the things he told TV Guide in a recent interview. The chatter, promoting Coleman's current juicy role on NBC's primetime drama hit "Heroes," touched on the actor's "Dynasty" days, too.

"It was quite daring at that time," Coleman says of Steven, whose homosexuality was key to quite a few storylines on the show. "I think the only other gay character in a series was Billy Crystal on 'Soap.'" (Our other Steven, Al Corley, noted that same thing in the "Dynasty Reunion" special earlier this year.) "But [Steven] was so timid by today's standards, especially looking at what's on cable, with 'The L Word'" (on which the first Fallon, Pamela Sue Martin, has appeared, BRBTV notes), "'Queer as Folk' and shows like that. 'Dynasty' now seems unbelievably quaint."

You can read the whole interview at http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting={301DC1FF-48F6-4260-8270-86D9F52B2E0A}. It's got some great insight into "Heroes," if you're a fan, as BRBTV is.

Meanwhile, rumors of the long-awaited (and increasingly fought for) second-season DVD release of "Dynasty" are swirling ... TVShowsonDVD added some fuel to the fire recently. Stay tuned ...

Coming up in Archie Comics ...

ARCHIE #572
“The Fast Track to Success”: Move over, Danica Patrick – you’ve got nothing on Betty Cooper and Indianapolis has nothing on the Riverdale 500! Mr. Lodge is the proud sponsor of one of the swiftest motor sports teams around, but his pride runs out of gas when one of his rivals lures away his top driver and pit crew! Not to worry though – Betty Cooper has offered to get behind the wheel, with Archie and the gang as her makeshift pit crew! Does Betty have what it takes to out-race the overconfident male drivers? Rev up your engines for action and excitement in this fast-paced tale! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand January 26, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #232
The adventures of America 's favorite teen continue with 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 February 16, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #176
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 January 26, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

BETTY #162
“Tearjerker”: Deeply affected by a sad video she watched, Betty can’t help but reminded of it - especially every time Archie says something to her! Now Archie can only wonder, “what have I done wrong?” SCRIPT: Bill Golliher. ART: Stan Goldberg. “Really Special”: In this poignant tale, a pair of glamorous gloves from Betty’s grandmother makes Mr. Cooper realize what a special young lady his daughter has grown to be. SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg. “Hot & Cold”: Betty gives the first big chill an icy reception! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand February 2, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #224
“Best Friends”: Can it be true… is Veronica really moving out of Riverdale? Apparently so, but she just can’t shake the memories of all the good times she had with Betty, Archie and the rest of the gang. Will Veronica find a way to make her father change his mind about the move? SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz. “Kissing Up”: So how good are the boys of Riverdale High when it comes to kissing. Betty & Veronica aim to compare notes… even if that means staying up all night and getting no sleep at all on their “sleepover!” SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale newsstand February 16, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.


BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #172
Bright and brassy, bold and beautiful, blonde and brunette -- teen dream queens Betty & Veronica romp through this collection of new stories and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand February 9, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #149
What's better than a digest full of those teen dream queens Betty & Veronica? A double digest full of them! Featuring 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 February 23, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD #179
“Picture Perfect”: When a local magazine does a photo feature on Pop Tate’s burgers, Pop hires a “food stylist” to make sure the pictures look good enough to eat! “Word-Play”: Jughead comes up with the sound effect to end all sound effects; now he just needs to figure out what makes that sound! “Sweets to the Sweet”: Jughead figures out a new way to get eats: remind all the girls he knows how tough it is to keep their figures so they give their food to him! SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman. ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale newsstand February 16, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #17
“New Super Kid in Town”: When a new reality show seeking real-life “super heroes” hits Riverdale, Chuck and Jughead rise to the challenge, creating super-heroic secret identities for themselves! Along the way, we meet a plethora of hero-obsessed contestants… and one new kid who wants nothing to do with any of it. Could it be the mild-mannered newcomer secretly IS a real-life hero? You won’t want to miss the high-flying answer! SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz. PLUS: Other new and classic tales by various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand February 2, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #128
Its double-decker sandwiches and double-trouble as the irrepressible Jughead tilts the laugh-o-meter in this uproarious collection of new stories and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand February 9, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.


PALS-N-GAL’S DOUBLE DIGEST #108
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 February 9, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #82
“Salem Returns”: As Sabrina continues her “magic free” life (see last issue), her aunts are more and more concerned. They can’t figure out why Sabrina would want to deny her special gift. When all seems lost, Salem concocts a scheme that may force Sabrina to return to magic... which would be bad news for Harvey , who is really enjoying how care-free Sabrina has become! SCRIPT AND ART: Tania del Rio .
On sale newsstand February 9, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Just one BRBTV birthday this week ...

Morgan Brittany, who was unforgettable as the Bobby-stalking Katherine Wentworth on "Dallas," and who also played Mary Lou Pringle on a 1980 episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Hazzardville Horror," celebrates a birthday today. She turns 55.

As the BRBTV News Blog reported on January 18, Brittany has a new movie project, "Americanizing Shelley," scheduled for 2007 release.

Happy birthday!

Art Hindle in new movie

He's kept up some pretty steady work in recent years, and now the man who played the slimy Jeff Farraday on "Dallas" has a new movie project.

Art Hindle shares the screen with Michael Clarke Duncan, Eric Roberts and Ned Bellamy in "One Way," which just had its debut at the Hollywood Film Festival. The film is directed and written by Reto Salimbeni. Lauren Lee Smith of the syndicated "Mutant X" also stars.

The plotline from the IMDb: "To cover up his infidelities and protect his upcoming marriage, a star advertiser helps free an accused rapist by giving a false alibi and suffers the brutal revenge of the victim." The Hollywood Reporter has a little more on the film: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3iJGWuO/AiedgQITBB8A1Dvw==?imw=Y.

You can also see Hindle, by the way, in the holiday movie "Fallen Angel," which airs on Sunday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 20 on the Hallmark Channel. The 2003 TV movie also stars Gary Sinise and Joely Richardson.

"Honest John" Ledbetter could use your well wishes

In the pilot episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," a certain Rosco P. Coltrane was running for re-election for his cushy and highly corrupt post as sheriff. And he was running against a certain "Honest John" Ledbetter.

Jack Gordon is the man who brought Honest John Ledbetter to life. He went on to star in movies such as 1981's "Jaws of Satan" (with a very young Christina Applegate of "Married, With Children," no less), and even shared the screen in 1978 with his "Dukes" costar Sonny Shroyer in "They Went That-A-Way & That-A-Way."

Well, Jack's health has been suffering, of late. He recently returned from a weeklong stay at the hospital, reports Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club.

"I will mention that I have known Jack since November 1997; he has really changed my life, and my outlook on the 'Dukes of Hazzard' TV show," Paul says. "He has been to all four of our Hair Dare Dukes Days for cancer research. He even went with us to the very first DukesFest 2001, down in Sperryville, Virginia."

Photo courtesy of Paul Harrington
Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club, center, with Byron "Coy Duke" Cherry and Jack Gordon, who played Honest John Ledbetter in "The Dukes."

Paul goes on: "He is an incredible person, and I have been honoured to have been blessed with his friendship. Jack has told me some great stories about the first few episodes of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' TV show."

Paul urges us to send our well wishes to Jack. "I am asking for everyone's prayers for Jack as his health is not the good, actually, it is very poor. I guess what I'm asking for, maybe some get-well cards, maybe Christmas cards, anything to cheer Jack up, and make him feel he is still thought of."

And if the "Dukes" fans are anything, it's a family, right? (Paul says prayers are already working; Jack was showing improvement when he returned from the hospital.)

"So, please, a simple card, maybe a short note on the card, or even a letter. That would be the greatest gift we could all give Jack right now, I really appreciate everyone's effort in this matter. Jack turns 80 years old in January."

Cards and letters can be sent to:

JACK GORDON
c/o Paul Harrington
2274 County Road #31, RR#1
Ruscom Station, Ontario, Canada, N0R1RO

BRBTV thanks you, as well!

Coming up in Archies: Veronica as Santa's helper

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #16
FEATURING ANOTHER FRESH APPEARANCE FROM MR. WEATHERBEE’S CUTTING EDGE NIECE, DOUBLE W!
“Instant Chemistry”: Unaware that her uncle, Principal Weatherbee, continues to scare away all potential suitors, WW remains baffled as to why she can’t get a date. Throwing herself into her eclectic interests to take her mind off her situation, she soon learns Dilton is as interested in computers, entomology and chemistry as she is … and the key word is “chemistry”! It’s a match made in microchips, but can it last? SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand December 5, 2006
Full-color digest format, $2.49 U.S.

VERONICA #176
“Shopping 101”: Budget cuts force Riverdale High to subsidize by leasing and selling school property to all of Veronica’s favorite stores!
“Santa’s Little Helper”: Veronica secretly takes a “Santa’s helper” position to be closer to department store Santa Archie … who, unbeknownst to Veronica, has left early for the day! “You’re Cooked!”: Betty and Veronica decide to bake this year’s Christmas tree ornaments. Can they keep Jughead from “un-decorating” the tree? SCRIPTS AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand December 5, 2006
32-page, full-color comic, $2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE #571
“Christmas Toy Story”: While playing Santa, Archie learns of a child’s wish to get an ultra-rare, super-expensive collectible toy for Christmas ... a toy so rare, it would take a miracle! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
“The Spoiler”: Jinx Malloy is back … and strangely, this time he’s brought nothing but good luck for Archie and Jughead! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
“A Really Special Gift”: Archie has just the cure for Betty’s holiday blues ... and it’s more than money can buy! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand December 12, 2006
32-page, full-color comic, $2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #175
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 December 12, 2006
Full-color digest format, $3.69 U.S.

Joseph Campanella has two movies on deck

He shared the small screen with Barbara Stanwyck on "The Colbys," playing the rugged cowboy boyfriend Hutch Corrigan to her Connie Colby. On "Dallas," he was mobster Joseph Lombardi Sr., father figure to Joey Lombardi / Nicholas Pearce. Now, Joseph Campanella, a longtime star whose career spans 50 years and includes "Gunsmoke," "Night Gallery," "Route 66" and even "Melrose Place," shows no signs of slowing down. He's got a couple film projects on the way.

The first, completed and awaiting distribution, is "For Heaven's Sake." He plays a character named Donald Meeks in the film, directed by actor Nathanial Christian and written by Ann Marcus. Florence Henderson also stars in that one. You can catch some shots of the film from its IMDb page.

Next, it's "The Dukes" (no, not them Dukes!), scheduled for release next year and also starring Chazz Palminteri and Peter Bogdanovich. Campanella plays Giovanni Zorro in the film, about a "doo wop" group. The plot line from the IMDb: "A heist movie set to '50s rock and roll. The Dukes, a doo wop group, were on top of the world when they were 17, but now in 2005 they struggle to help their friends and family while holding on to the dreams of the past as they are forced to reinvent themselves in a new age." Robert Davi directed and wrote this one, which is classified as in postproduction. (We've gotta note, also, that Campanella's costar, Chazz Palminteri, also shared the screen with him in the "Dallas" episode "He-e-e-re's Papa.")

As an added interesting note, Campanella also narrates a film about God's mercy for the Catholic Church: Check it out at http://www.marianland.com/marian05.html.

BRBTV birthdays this week

We've got lotsa "Santa Barbara" goin' on in this week's birthday roundup ...

- Joshua Harris, our darling little Christopher Ewing of "Dallas," is a big boy now, turning 28 yesterday, November 27.
- Gina Gallego, one of the Santana Andrades on "SB" (third or fourth or 85th or something -- who could keep track?), turns 47 on Thursday, November 30.
- Sherilyn Wolter, the evil Elena Nikolas / Capwell on "SB," has a birthday on Thursday, as well, turning 45.
- Forry Smith, the dashing Reese Walker on "SB," will turn 54 on Friday, December 1.
- Charlene Tilton, little Lucy Ewing of "Dallas," turns 48 on Friday, December 1.
- Nicolas Coster, the unforgettable Lionel Lockridge on "SB," turns 72 on Sunday, December 3.

Happy birthday to all!

John Novak will appear on "Smallville"

Fans of "The Dukes of Hazzard" know the CW's "Smallville" as the most recent TV show John Schneider (aka, Bo Duke) has starred on. Well, "Santa Barbara" fans take note and tune in, especially if you're a fan of the wily district attorney, Keith Timmons: John Novak, who took over the Keith role in later years, will star in the Thursday, December 7 episode of the popular show about the young Clark Kent.

Novak will play a character named Jed McNally, neighbor to Clark in Smallville. In the episode, called "Subterranean," Clark learns that McNally is holding migrant laborers captive and forcing them to work on his farm. Clark decides to solve the problem (as he so often does -- no cape and tights yet, but this guy's a real hero). Caroline Dries wrote the episode, which was directed by Rick Rosenthal.

It's fun to see Novak playing slimy and evil again. He also appeared in a 2005 episode of "Smallville," by the way, playing a Metropolis University football coach. Currently, he's working on the TV movie "Last Chance Cafe," also starring Kevin Sorbo of "Hercules" fame.

Meet Archies artist Craig Boldman at Mid-Ohio-Con

The Mid-Ohio-Con is a great tradition in the comics world, and one where BRBTV has met some cool folks over the years. It's also Ohio's largest and longest-running comic book and pop-culture collectors show. It runs this weekend, November 25 and 26, at the Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High Street, Columbus. (And Columbus has a nice downtown area to walk around in after the show, by the way!)

One of the guests at this year's Mid-Ohio-Con is Archie Comics' artist Craig Boldman, who will be at booth #414, the National Cartoonists Society booth, where he will be keeping company with a number of fine cartoonists from the fields of syndicated strips, editorial cartoons and book illustration. Boldman, known for his work on the character Jughead, will have 250 Jughead comics to sign and hand out to Jughead fans, and he says he is looking forward to meeting Archie Comics readers.

On Sunday at 1 p.m., he will be moderating the National Cartoonists Society panel in room B. Founded in 1946, the venerable professional cartoonist organization has a thriving chapter in the Great Lakes region. Meet a bunch of its members who do syndicated strips, editorial cartoons, comics, books, advertising and more. Find out what they're up to and what the organization is all about. On the docket: Tony Cochran (Agnes), Roy Doty (Wordless Workshop, recipient of NCS Illustrator of the Year Award for 2006), Steve Boreman (Little Dog Lost, launching in 2007), Terri Libenson (Pajama Diaries), Jeff Stahler (editorial cartoonist, Columbus Dispatch), Matt Feazell (Disney Adventures), and Daryll Collins (Sports Illustrated for Kids).

For more information about the Mid-Ohio-Con, call (614) 431-3600, or visit the official website. Meanwhile, coming up next week in Archie Comics ...

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #105
“Beaches, Bikinis & Backstabbing”: You might be wondering how Katy can frolic on the beach in the middle of winter… it’s because she’s in the middle of a working vacation in sunny Central America ! Things soon go from sweet to sour when spoiled supermodel Mischa Mucha joins the photo shoot. Can Katy de-claw her catty co-star? SCRIPT AND ART: Andrew Pepoy.
“Zen & the Art of Getting to Class”: From being chauffeured to different parts of the building to buying into mystical mumbo-jumbo, Archie is willing to try anything to make it to class on time! SCRIPT: Scott Cunningham. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand November 29, 2006
32-page, full-color comic, $2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #147
What's better than a digest full of those teen dream queens Betty & Veronica? A double digest full of them! Featuring 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 November 29, 2006
Full-color digest format, $3.69 U.S.

For your Thanksgiving viewing pleasure

OK, the TV is on NBC's coverage of the Macy's parade, there's a truly dreadful cup of coffee in front of us, and before we start digging through the Christmas decorations here at BRBTV headquarters (and before we start thinking about whipping up that batch of Beagle Baileys -- email if you want the recipe!), there's just a couple fun things we've got to share with ya ...

Not into the Thanksgiving Day parades? (And hey, we can't find a broadcast of the Dee-troit parade from way down here in Georgia, anyhow!) Well, right now on the Hallmark Channel, you can see one of our BRBTV stars, Rosemary Forsyth (who was the original Sophia Capwell on "Santa Barbara"), in "A Time to Remember." At 1 p.m. EST today, Hallmark shows "The Reading Room," starring Joanna Cassidy, who was the intriguing Sally Bullock on "Dallas." Then, at 3 p.m., it's "Our House," featuring Ellen Geer (Dr. Anita Krane on "Dallas," Dorothy on "SB" and a brief uncredited role on the pilot of "Dynasty") and Greg Evigan (Willie Gust on "Dallas"). This evening at 9, it's Shannon Wilcox, memorable as the crazy Anita who taunts J.R. in the asylum in later "Dallas," in "A Boyfriend for Christmas."

At 10 a.m. on TCM, you can see Janis Paige, our second Minx Lockridge on "SB," in her younger years on "Please Don't Eat the Daisies." At noon on FMC, catch Barbara Eden, who graced "Dallas" in the later years as LeeAnn de la Vega, in "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea." At the same time on TCM, it's "The Glass Bottom Boat" featuring the aforementioned Ellen Geer. Fun!

(And hey, this weekend, be sure to catch John Schneider, our own Bo Duke, in "Felicity: An American Girl Adventure," Saturday at 5 p.m. on Hallmark.)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, from BRBTV ...

BRBTV birthdays this week

We've got a heapin' helpin' of BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- Joseph Campanella, a true classic actor who is a BRBTV double-shot for his roles as mobster Joseph Lombardi Sr. on "Dallas" and Hutch Corrigan on "The Colbys," turned 73 yesterday, November 21.
- Deborah Shelton, the stunning Mandy Winger on "Dallas," turned 54 yesterday, November 21.
- Maxwell Caulfield, our own Miles Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," turns 47 tomorrow, November 23.
- Michael Brainard, our final Ted Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 41 tomorrow, November 23.
- Roscoe Born, our "SB" evil-twin actor as Robert Barr and Quinn Armitage, turns 56 on Friday, November 24.
- 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, will turn 86 on Saturday, November 25.
- Marcy Walker, our own Eden Capwell of "SB" who since has settled into work for God's Kingdom, turns 45 on Sunday, November 26.

Happy birthday to all!

Newspaper profiles avid "Dukes" fan

Dustin Edsall of Muskegon, Michigan, is a diehard, lifelong "Dukes of Hazzard" fan, and he sent BRBTV this photo and newspaper clipping to prove it! The 28-year-old was just profiled by the Muskegon Chronicle for his love of "The Dukes." The daily newspaper did a nice writeup and photos of Dustin, touching on the "Roads Back to Hazzard" tour he attended in the Covington / Conyers / Oxford areas of Georgia back in March (organized by the Hazzard County Car Club -- see the March 4, 7 and 8 posts of the BRBTV News Blog). The paper also mentioned the November 11, 2003 jump of the General Lee in Conyers for the show's 25th anniversary, running a photo from Dustin of the jump.

The clipping above ran a week ago Saturday, the date of the 28th anniversary of the very first jump of the very first General Lee for the show, and the date that Lee 1 was unveiling in downtown Covington. Thanks, Dustin, for passing along this clip, and for sharing the love of "The Dukes" ...

Tom Wopat sets some January tour dates

We've been doin' a lot of "The Dukes" here on the BRBTV News Blog lately, because there's a lot of "The Dukes" to be done! Today, we're hittin' on some new tour dates for our good-ole-boy songster, Mr. Tom Wopat, who even flexed his vocal cords a time or two during his run as Luke Duke ...

- On January 5-8, 2007, Wopat will appear at the Metropolitan Room in New York City.

- On January 9-13, he'll travel to the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. He'll be part of the Royal Room's 2007 Cabaret season, which will also include Diahann Carroll of "Dynasty."

- Then, on January 21, he will be at the Arts Presenters Conference at the Hilton Hotel back in New York City. This one features multiple acts, each performing a 20-minute set.

Coming up tomorrow ... a special glimpse at a hard-core "Dukes" fan in Michigan ...

Check out the Covington "Dukes" Fan Club

There's a new "Dukes" club in town, and when we say "in town," we mean THE town ... beautiful Covington, Georgia, the birthplace of "The Dukes of Hazzard."

Chad Fullerton, an avid "Dukes" fan since he was just a little tyke watching the original airings on CBS Friday nights, has formed the Covington, Georgia "Dukes of Hazzard" Fan Club. That's him, in this photo, beholdin' his very first General Lee (he told BRBTV it wasn't the greatest replica in the world -- but he was still excited!). His dad, another avid "Dukes" fan, Jim Fullerton, is the shadow who's taking the shot!



Chad has been working with Rose King and Albert Landis to get the website for the Covington club up and running, and the team has been taking fan club signups at "Dukes" events such as last weekend's unveiling of the lovely Lee 1. Now, next Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, the Covington, Georgia "Dukes of Hazzard" Fan Club will have a raffle drawing for a cool "Dukes" model car. It will be held on the historic square in -- you guessed it -- Covington.


Check out the website, and you can sign up to join the club, watch for future events, see photos from past events or just chat. And if you want to know more about the club, contact Chad, Rose or Albert. Best wishes to the club! Yeeeeeee-haaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Cheryl Blossom returns to the Archies pages

OK, BRBTV hasn't been buying that many Archie Comics since the disappearance of the vivacious redhead Cheryl Blossom (sorry, Mr. Silberkleit!), so imagine our excitement when we get the latest news release from Archie, announcing an upcoming issue featuring our favorite fiery femme ...

"Betty and Veronica will not be outdone," says the release for Betty & Veronica issue #225. "Not when the 'nemesis' in question is Cheryl Blossom! In 'Now for a Really Super Story, Cheryl has larceny on her mind – she’s determined to steal Archie away from his gal pals! What she didn’t count on is Betty and Veronica becoming super-heroic protectors of their man! Veronica dazzles as Pure Fashion Diva Supreme, endowed with the ability to use fashion as a weapon! Betty hits a homer as Pretty Game Star Deluxe, an athletic powerhouse using sports to win in the ultimate competition!" Great! Bring it on!

Also coming up in the Archies ...

ARCHIE DIGEST #230
The adventures of America's favorite teen continue with 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 November 21, 2006
Full-color digest format, $2.49 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #222
“Gift Exchange”: An argument over who will buy Archie an expensive MP3 player leaves Christmas fairy Sugar Plum teaching Betty and Veronica lessons about forgiveness and giving from the heart, not the wallet! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz. “Party Dogs”: You know Dancer, Prancer, Comet and Vixen… and now you’ll get to know Hot Dog and all his canine friends as Veronica throws a holiday party for the dogs! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz. “Trip Slip Up!”: A slip on the ice keeps Betty off the slopes, but lounging in the ski lodge with her cast and crutches sure attracts all the sympathetic… and cute… guys! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale newsstand November 21, 2006
32-page, full-color comic, $2.25 U.S.

BRBTV birthdays this week

- Dack Rambo, the hunky Jack Ewing of "Dallas," was born on November 13, 1941 and died of AIDS 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," turned 47 on Monday, November 13.
- Tricia Cast, who was Christy Duvall on "Santa Barbara," turns 38 tomorrow, November 16.
- 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 30 on Friday, November 17.
- Rock Hudson, who played Daniel Reece on "Dynasty," was born on November 17, 1925 and, like Dack Rambo, died of AIDS, on October 2, 1985.
- Linda Evans, Hudson's on-screen love interest for a time, as Krystle on "Dynasty," turns 66 on Saturday, November 18.

Deborah Tranelli: From Ewing Oil to the theater

For a decade she was Phyllis Wapner, secretary to Bobby Ewing, on "Dallas." Faithful and true, she served her boss with discretion and respect at the Ewing Oil offices. Since her "Dallas" days, however, Deborah Tranelli has been spending more time and energy on a longtime love: music. She's released an album, called "A Lot of Livin'," and she's got some shows going on, too.

"Right now, I’m working on two new musicals that are being developed," Tranelli tells BRBTV. "The one project is called ‘Friends Like These,’ and it’s kind of like a musical ‘Sex in the City,’ but not quite as racy. It’s very witty, sharp dialogue, but with the topics of a woman in New York. I play a daytime soap actress, sort of a Susan Lucci character. It’s probably going to begin in 2007. They’re looking for the money right now. Karen Mason is also in it. It’s just a four-person cast. We hope that we’ll get a production somewhere in New York, but they might develop it at a regional theater."

Sounds fun. Tranelli has had a lot of love for theater, particularly smaller theater. "Broadway is wonderful, and off-Broadway is," she says, "but there is some wonderful stuff coming out of regional theater. I’ve worked all over the country. There’s wonderful, healthy theater all over the place."

And looking to the more distant future? Tranelli says she has no immediate plans for a second album release, but ... "I’m hopefully going to be booking some concert work, probably for the 2007 season. … And I just finished doing a production of ‘The Full Monty.’ I was one of the wives (she laughs). I played Vicki."

"I’m always auditioning," she adds, "just like every other actor. You finish one thing, and you’re on to the next audition."

Sing on, Ms. Tranelli!

Lee 1: The unveiling!

Yowza ... we're finally comin' up for air; it's been a long weekend, to say the least. And the highlight, of course, was the unveiling of the newly restored first-ever General Lee car of the TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard," a car affectionately termed Lee 1.

It was enough to make you cry, seeing Lee 1 pull up in the historic square of Covington, Georgia, this past Saturday, with John Schneider -- the only "Dukes" star to ever drive the car -- behind the wheel. But when Schneider came outta that car (through the window!) wearing his trademark Bo Duke beige-yellowish shirt ... holy cow, I think I did start to cry! With his hair grown out a bit -- sooooooo Bo-esque -- Schneider climbed out and immediately started meeting and greeting and signing for the massive throng that was crowded around the gated-off and police-guarded alcove of the car, there across the street from Covington's famous courthouse. And he didn't stop. For hours. He kept signing and signing, determined to make the day of every fan who was there. He did make our day, for sure. Many fans drove a long way to see the historic Lee 1 unveiling and Schneider (BRBTV's buddy Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club and his crew -- son Lance and buds Mike and Jason -- drove all night from those northern regions, then turned right back around and drove back to get to work on Monday!). Schneider, gracious as always, coupled Friday and Saturday showings of his independent film "Collier and Co." with the Lee 1 unveiling.

But the event was, of course, all about the car (just like "The Dukes" was, don't we know!). This was the very first General Lee, the car that made the very first jump for the show, and though its life was short (the pilot episode, then an appearance as the wrecked Petty car a couple episodes later in "Repo Men"), it has been given new life now. The owner of Lee 1, who acquired the vehicle a couple years back, went to great expense to restore the car to the condition it was when it left the ramp at Oxford College on November 11, 1978, 28 years to the day before this Saturday's grand unveiling. And indeed, the car looked beyond beautiful, with as many parts still original as possible, its familiar orange-red exterior shimmering in the sparse sun of the afternoon (Schneider told fans that it was raining on that day of the 1978 jump, too!). For instance, the motor is the same, steering wheel, dash, even some of the grease and grime are still there from its 1978 high-point. A sticker from a California college is still on its windshield, a remnant from Warner Bros' purchase of the vehicle in 1978. It was truly a lovely sight to behold.

The car is now going to embark on a tour of the country for a couple years, leading up to its official 30th anniversary as the very first General Lee. The car's owner insists that he's not really the owner, that this blazin' orange beauty is really owned by the fans. "You just don't own an American icon," he told BRBTV.

Team Lee 1, as the restoration crew has been dubbed, put on a rockin'-great event for fans this past Saturday. And it's just always a fabbo time in the birthplace of "The Dukes," isn't it? Special thanks, also, to the brand-new Covington Dukes Fan Club (look for more on them later this week in the BRBTV News Blog), the Fullerton family (who are always a delight to chat with), and Dianne and Harold and the rest of the A Touch of Country shop crew for doing that great thing they always do.

To see some photos of the Lee 1 unveiling, check out the message boards at the Confederate General Lee Fan Club and the North American General Lee Fan Club.

Tracy Scoggins working on "Babylon 5"

Tracy Scoggins has no trouble keeping herself busy these days, years after we knew her as Monica Colby on "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," as Anita Smithfield on "Dallas: War of the Ewings," and as a lovely blonde cop in "The Dukes of Hazzard"! She appeared in the first episode of "Nip / Tuck" this season. Now, she's also working on the next installment of the popular "Babylon 5" universe.

Scoggins played Capt. Elizabeth Lochley in the original 1990s "Babylon 5" series, which also featured BRBTV stars such as Lenore Kasdorf (Caroline Wilson on "Santa Barbara") and Robin Sachs (our onetime Adam Carrington in the "Dynasty" reunion movie). The new "Babylon 5: The Lost Tales" film will play her character more prominently. The movie, also starring Bruce Boxleitner, is scheduled to start its shooting in Vancouver, B.C., on November 13 or 14, according to Vex.net. It will be released to DVD.

Big Apple Con rolls out the "Dukes," "SB" stars

All the geek-nerd-pocket-protector jokes aside, BRBTV just loves a good con -- you know? Ahhhh ... we hearken back to the day of covering them for the media ... sigh ....

Well, the Big Apple Con is really rolling out a good one next weekend. If you're in New York City or can be, it's a don't-miss situation. Not only will our own Daisy Duke, aka Catherine Bach of "The Dukes of Hazzard," be there, but some other goodies, as well.

Scroll through the list at www.bigapplecon.com and you'll also see two grande dames from "Santa Barbara": Louise Sorel, our unforgettable Augusta Lockridge, and Marj Dusay, our equally unforgettable second Pamela Conrad. (They're billed as "Star Trek" stars, ironically, and while BRBTV will always dearly love the original "Star Trek" series, their time on "SB" just far eclipses that!) Behold, also, John Wesley Shipp, who played Martin Ellis on "SB," and whom BRBTV got to touch base with at the Motor City Con in May (see our May 25 post).

The Big Apple Con is at the Penn Plaza Paviliion, 401 Seventh Avenue at 33rd St. (across the street from Madison Square Garden) in New York. Dates are November 17-19 with the hours of Friday 1 to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $15.

We just love it when the holiday Archies issues arrive

Veronica #175
"The Doghouse": It’s no longer enough to keep up with the Jones’s… now the rich have to keep up with their doghouses, too, as Veronica’s rival flaunts her dog’s designer doghouse! Can Veronica outdo her rival with her own custom-made canine castle? SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. “Face in the Crowd”: Veronica does such a good job on her essay that the teacher insists she read it at the big class assembly. To keep from freezing with fright, Veronica decides to focus on a friendly face in the crowd, but what if the owner of that face (Archie) doesn’t show up? SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Dan Parent.
On sale now at newsstand.
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Betty #160
“Spreading the Word”: In an effort to improve attendance for their girl’s basketball team games, Betty and her teammates appeal to their girl-crazy and snack-crazy boyfriends to show up! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. “Construction Dysfunction”: Determined not to be upstaged by the neighbor, Betty’s dad decides to do some home improvement repairs himself… even if he’ll need to hire a real handyman to fix his work later! SCRIPT: Bill Golliher. ART: Stan Goldberg. “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”: Betty is determined not to obsess over “what’s his name,” no matter how many things remind her of him! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale now at newsstand.
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

Betty & Veronica Spectacular #76
“Jingle’s Jangled!”: Betty and Veronica are smitten by the new hunk at school… just wait until they find out it’s really Jingles, Santa’s now ex-elf in disguise! Jingles hopes to get a taste of Archie’s life, but soon realizes the snow isn’t always whiter on the other side of the sleigh! SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. “Present Tense”: When Betty and Veronica spot Archie picking up a giant self-portrait at the photo shop, each thinks it’s their Christmas gift! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand November 14, 2006
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Holiday Fun Digest #11
Tis the season to be jolly as Archie and his friends celebrate in true holiday style! Archie and crew have long displayed their holiday spirit, and now through the magic of the digest series, many of the Christmas classics of old are re-presented along with new yuletide tales. It’s a stocking-full of good holiday cheer you won’t want to miss! “Holiday Rush”: Betty and Veronica lament the fact that the stores seem to rush the holiday months before it hits…until Mr. Lodge gives them some early Christmas gifts! “Gift Horse Laugh”: Reggie gets a nice holiday bonus at his job and the gang suspects he’s going to spend it all on himself. Or will the holiday spirit dictate otherwise? “Gift Exchange”: Chuck and Moose are having a hard time figuring out what to get their girlfriends for Christmas, until they make suggestions for each other’s girls! SCRIPTS: Mike Pellowski. ART: Tim Kennedy. PLUS: Class yuletide tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale newsstand November 14, 2006
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

BRBTV birthdays this week

- Todd McKee, our own original Ted Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 43 today, 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 82 on Friday, November 10.
- Jack Scalia, the mysterious Nicholas Pearce / Joey Lombardi on "Dallas," has a birthday on Friday, as well, turning 55.
- Vincent Irizarry, a bigtime soaper who was Scott Clark on "SB," turns 47 on Sunday, November 12.

Happy birthday to all!

Watch Joan Collins do the splits!

Funny, how our eyes can still pop out of our heads when we read that a beloved star like Joan Collins can be 73 years old! Well, ABC News has checked in with our "Dynasty" diva Alexis Morell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan, and they reveal her age and quite a lot more ...

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Books/story?id=2602128&page=1

ABC offers you a five-minute video of their interview -- including our Joan doing the splits! Yikes! She does, indeed, travel well after so many years, certainly something to aspire to. The hook that ABC hangs this new interview on is Joan's new book, "The Art of Living Well," the latest in a long line of books, fiction and nonfiction, from the lady. The story includes an excerpt from the book.

"People are only young for a very short part of their lives," she tells the interviewer. Instruct us, Joan!

Are you coming to Covington to see Lee 1?

A week from tomorrow is a historic day in the beloved lore of "The Dukes of Hazzard." On that day, fans will get to see the restoration of the very first blazin' orange General Lee that ever took a jump in the name of "The Dukes." Lee 1, as it was labeled by the show's production team, and as it has come to be known by "Dukes" fans everywhere, will arrive into downtown Covington on Saturday, November 11, 2006, the actual 28th anniversary of the car's jump at Oxford College for the show's pilot episode.

The car's owner has chatted with BRBTV about his loving restoration of the vehicle since its recovering in a junkyard in Metro Atlanta a few years ago, where it had sat since its second appearance on the show, as the wrecked race car in the episode "Repo Men." Lee 1's new owner has taken great care in returning the 1969 Dodge Charger to its original condition -- but he's quick to clarify that it's the condition the car was in when it left the ramp at Oxford, not when it rolled off the assembly line. Many parts are original, believe it or not, having survived the jump. The car even still bears the same college sticker on the windshield it had when it was called into duty for the filming. Lee 1's owner has restored the car for the fans, he tells BRBTV, as he believes that car truly belongs to all of us who've watched and loved the show for nearly 30 years.

And who will be behind the wheel when Lee 1 enters the historic square in Covington and takes its place in front of the courthouse at 1 p.m. on that day? None other than John Schneider, our own Bo Duke, who is the only "Dukes" actor to have driven the vehicle.

Also in Covington, on Friday night, Schneider will give "Dukes" fans a special showing of his new film, "Collier and Co." To learn more about that, check out his website for the film.

In case you can't make the trip to Covington (birthplace of "The Dukes," for sure) we'll be postin' some good ole snapshots of the beautiful car on this very blog for you to behold ... But hope to see ya there!

J. Eddie Peck strikes "Mexican Gold"

It's about time for the BRBTV News Blog to check in with J. Eddie Peck, that handsome, hunky kind of actor who represents both of the primetime soaps of BRBTV: On "Dallas," he was the sinister, drug-addicted Tommy McKay, who terrorized April Stevens and Bobby Ewing. On "Dynasty," he was the also-sinister Roger Grimes of the Grimes murder case of the show's final season. Now Peck has a new project in the works, the film "Mexican Gold," directed and written by Chuck Walker.

The movie, which was filming this past summer, also stars the equally hunky Lorenzo Lamas of "Falcon Crest" fame. It's an 1873 period indie Western. You can see a couple shots from the film at star Samantha Lockwood's website.

Also this year, Peck has played the character Adam Baylin in the sci-fi series "Kyle XY." You can keep up with him at his official website, which has been under construction lately but still has contact info.

Just one BRBTV birthday this week: Barbara Bel Geddes

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 last year, on August 8, of lung cancer.

K Callan in Stephen Baldwin film

Hearing Jars of Clay sing the famed Christmas carol of the title might be enough in itself to make you want to see the short film "Midnight Clear," but for fans of "Dallas," there's another reason. K Callan, who played April Stevens' mom, Amy Stevens, stars with born-again Christian and former Hollywood heavy Stephen Baldwin of the Baldwin brothers. The story is written by Jerry Jenkins of "Left Behind" book fame, with his son Dallas Jenkins directing. (The younger Jenkins, by the way, also had a hand in the rather-nice "Though None Go With Me" Hallmark movie of earlier this year, starring Cheryl Ladd.)

Watch the trailer at http://www.midnightclearfilm.com.

By the way ... After seeing Baldwin at a celebrity film premiere on Ellis Island in summer 2000, BRBTV is very glad his life has turned to his direction. Check out his websites: www.stephenbaldwin.com and www.thelordslounge.com to see the crazy world he's created in serving the Lord.

Spotted: Deborah Rennard, our own Sly Lovegren of "Dallas," on the arm of her husband, writer / director / producer Paul Haggis, who's a new Hollywood heavy since the success of his films "Crash" and "Million Dollar Baby." Rennard and hubby were attending the Hollywood Film Festival Awards last week: http://www.hellomagazine.com/canada/2006/10/25/paul-haggis/.

It's Michael Silberkleit's turn to answer your Archie questions

Last week it was Archie Comics editor Victor Gorelick; this week ...

Have you ever want the chance to ask the publisher of Archie Comics a question? Now is your chance! As part of the celebration of Archie's 65th anniversary, Archie Comics Chairman and Co-Publisher Michael Silberkleit will answer 25 questions submitted by fans during the December Archie Comics PodCast. If there is something you always wanted to know about Archie or Archie Comics, send them an email, and your question may be selected to be included in this celebration: interviews@archiecomics.com

Hair Dare Dukes Day dates set for 2007

August 10-12 are the dates for next year's annual Hair Dare Dukes Day weekend, organized by Paul Harrington, president of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club. Mark your calendars and plan on making the trek up to the Great White North, because not only is this event packed with "Dukes of Hazzard" stars such as Byron Cherry and Christopher Mayer, but it benefits the cancer society, as well! Fun for a good cause -- now that's what we call a steal of a deal! (And that "Hair Dare" part? Well, now's the time to start those wheels a-turnin' and thinkin' creative-like as to what you're going to do -- cut your hair? Maybe some exotic color? We dare ya!)

For more information, keep your eye on www.CanadianDukes.com.

Al Corley produces 2007 movie

Its stars include Dennis Farina, Tea Leoni, Bill Pullman, Ben Kingsley and Luke Wilson, and it's scheduled for 2007 release. What is it? It's the latest film project of Al Corley, our own original Steven Carrington of "Dynasty."

Corley takes to behind the camera instead of in front of it, serving as producer for "You Kill Me." Producing is nothing new to him; he's been doing a lot of it since his "Dynasty" days, as has been reported here in the BRBTV News Blog.

The plotline of "You Kill Me," from the IMDb: "A hit-man trying to turn his life around gets a job in a mortuary, where he meets a woman who is a relative of one his hits." The movie, classified as a "mob comedy," is directed by John Dahl and was acquired last month by IFC Films. Corley is producing as part of Code Entertainment. There's a little more to learn at http://www.comingsoon.net/news/indietopnews.php?id=16558.

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- Wolf Muser, who was the sinister Marcello Armonti on "Santa Barbara," terrorizing C.C. Capwell for his supposed wrongs in the second World War, turned 56 on Monday, 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 52 on Sunday, October 29.

Happy birthday to both of our former "SB" stars ...

Archies editor Victor Gorelick answers your questions

In the continuing interview podcast program of Archie Comics, editor Victor Gorelick steps up to the microphone and takes a turn. The interview, split into five parts, covers comic collecting, working in the comics industry, and the Archie characters themselves. Check it out at:
http://www.archiecomics.com/interviews/interviews.html

Victor Gorelick is a 48-year veteran of the comic industry. He joined Archie Comics as an art assistant, and has served as production coordinator, art director and now as managing editor. Gorelick has done everything in comics, from writing to coloring, and everything in-between. He has worked closely with numerous companies designing various custom comic books. For example, he has overseen collaborations between Archie Comics and Kraft General Foods, Radio Shack and even the F.B.I.! He is a moving force on the Comic Magazine Association of America’s Code Authority Guidelines Committee, a member of the Board of Advisors of the Joe Kubert School where many of today’s comic artists first learned their craft, and he has taught cartooning as an instructor at the Kingsborough Community College in New York City.

Check out the cover of the next "Dallas" DVD

TVShowsonDVD.com has posted the cover of the next "Dallas" DVD release, Season 6, as well as an announcement that the DVD set will be released on January 30, 2007.

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=6482

Spotted: Michael Durrell, the charismatic actor who played Alex Nikolas on "Santa Barbara" (whom Lane Davies as Mason has said he really enjoyed working with), playing Gabrielle's lawyer on ABC's "Desperate Housewives" this past week. Durrell has also had 2006 screen credit in the TV movie, "Magma: Volcanic Disaster ," playing the president of the U.S.

Tom Wopat has a couple performance dates coming up

On November 14, Tom Wopat, our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," will be appearing in "Chicago the Musical" at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City. This is a special anniversary performance celebrating 10 years on Broadway and to help raise awareness and funds for Safe Horizon, the city's leading victim assistance organization. For tickets and sponsorship information, call (212) 577-7749.

Then, on January 9-13, 2007, Wopat will perform at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: He certainly didn't look happy to be there, but country-music legend Freddy Fender starred in a 1981 episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," oh-so-appropriately caught in Boss Hogg's celebrity speed trap (the episode was "Bye, Bye, Boss," if you're a-wonderin'). Fender has died of lung cancer at the age of 69. To read more, see http://www.elitestv.com/pub/2006/Oct/EEN4534be8ec7b7e.html.

Heather Locklear working on a couple 2007 projects

Heather Locklear has surely had one of the best careers of anyone who starred on "Dynasty." Powerhouse roles on Fox's "Melrose Place," ABC's "Spin City," even ABC's "Boston Legal" and others have kept her star high in the sky for decades. Now, besides working on the still-to-be-sold-and-scheduled TV series "Women of a Certain Age," in which Locklear headlines as a divorcee who begins a new life with two best friends, Locklear has a couple new movie projects in the works since we last checked in.

"Oranges" is a film set for 2007 release that has a great cast: Tom Arnold, Tom Sizemore, Jill Hennessy, Beverly D'Angelo, Marina Sirtis of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," even Orson Bean from our beloved 1990s "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" on CBS. "Oranges" also features Claire Yarlett, our own Bliss Colby of "The Colbys" -- now where has she been? The flick is being written and directed by Joseph Merhi, from a script that originated in 1990 but was on hold until last year, according to the IMDb.

You can see a photo of Locklear in her role as Irene on the resume page for cinematographer Ken Blakely:
http://www.cinematographers.nl/PaginasDoPh/blakey.htm

Locklear is also working on a new TV movie called "Angels Fall," currently filming in Canada. She plays a chef who "moves to a small town in Wyoming after her Boston restaurant is shut down because of a fatal shooting," according to the IMDb. Locklear's costar in that film, Gary Hudson, played Skip Maitland on "Dynasty" and showed up in an episode of "The Colbys," as well. (And he was Blackie Simpson on another BRBTV show, "Santa Barbara"!) Big-screen name Johnathon Schaech takes to the small screen for a supporting role.

The film is based on the book by Nora Roberts and will air on Lifetime on a Monday night in February, according to MovieWeb.com and ElitesTV.com.

Greg Evigan stars in Lifetime movie this weekend

Greg Evigan creeped us out as Willie Gust, the penny-ante con who charmed and kidnapped our poor little Lucy in the first season ("miniseries") of "Dallas." That was just before he made his name as Billie Joe McKay on NBC's "B.J. and the Bear." This hunky guy was once the "Bionic Boy" on ABC's "Six Million Dollar Man" / "Bionic Woman" tour de force -- can you believe it? (And one of these days we're going to rewatch all those old episodes and be just as happy as a pig in slop!!!! Plus, those "Bionic Boy" storylines also starred Kerry Sherman of "Santa Barbara" and Joan Van Ark of "Dallas" -- ooooh, we just love this whole classic TV thang!). He went on to play a dad in NBC's "My Two Dads," as well as starring in William Shatner's "TekWar" stuff of the 1990s and even a juicy role on Fox's "Melrose Place."

Well ... nowadays, Evigan has been guesting on the stockcar racing show "Racin' for a Livin," and he also stars in "My Silent Partner," airing this Saturday, October 21, on Lifetime, at 3 p.m.

The TV movie, directed by Ron Oliver, is about "a San Francisco policewoman (Joanna Going of the 1990 "Dark Shadows" remake) who accepts a favor from a local crime boss to counter a nasty child custody battle with her ex-husband, and finds herself dangerously entangled with the mob."

No BRBTV birthdays this week, by the way.

The Archies band returns in Tales From Riverdale

Archie #570
“The City Library”: Archie and his friends visit the famous Salt Lake City library, and the popular “Night Flight” comic book store inside! Along the way, they meet comic shop owner Mimi Cruz, library director Nancy Tessman and other real life folks who teach them the importance of literature and all the arts in their state-of-the-art, multimedia facility! “To Act or Not to Act”: When the lead actor in the school play falls ill, both Reggie and Archie claim to be the best actor for the part. To determine who the best actor really is, the drama teacher gives them a tough acting assignment: each must act like the other! Will the curtain fall before our hams even reach the stage? SCRIPTS: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand October 24, 2006
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Tales From Riverdale Digest #15
“Shock ‘n Roll”: The Archies are back, and determined to win the “American Icon” talent contest. Unfortunately, their rivals Ray and the Ray-vons are determined to stop them using any dirty tricks necessary. But could their scheme backfire and cause the Archies to unintentionally create a brand-new dance craze?! Check out the musical mayhem for yourself! SCRIPT AND ART: Tim Kennedy. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand October 24, 2006
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

Only John Travolta survives "Dallas" cast slash-and-burn

Variety Magazine has reported that the entire cast of the big-screen "Dallas" remake movie, set to begin filming this fall, has been let go, save one ... Mr. John Travolta, upon whom the whole film is pinned, evidently, anyway.

"Helmer Gurinder Chadha, who took over the reins in April, is still attached but will make her final decision as to whether she'll direct the pic when the new cast comes together," Variety's Nicole LaPorte reports. "Robert Harling's script may be tweaked, but a major overhaul is not planned.Luke Wilson, who was cast as Bobby Ewing, has a pay-or-play deal that's up in January but is no longer in the cast."

Filming is on hold, and the hope is to begin rolling in early 2007 with the new cast. Out of the picture are megawatt names such as Shirley MacLaine, who was set to play Miss Ellie, and it's all about the dollars, Variety says. "The new mission is to make 'Dallas' for a substantially lower price than its most recent $65 million budget by going out to thesps with lower quotes."

"Furthermore, Chadha, who replaced helmer Robert Luketic, was not happy with the cast, and focus group research concluded that J.R. was the only character auds felt strongly about."

Read the full story at http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117951834?categoryid=13&cs=1

John Forsythe announces he has cancer

It's heartbreaking, for sure, that "Dynasty" fans have seen John Forsythe looking so weak this past year. Now, our own Blake Carrington, also known so well as the voice of Charles Townsend in the 1970s "Charlie's Angels," has come forward and announced he has colon cancer.

The diagnosis was made a couple weeks ago for the 88-year-old star. He's being treated at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. His publicist says he's expected to make a full recovery.

If you want to read more, here are some links ...

http://www.etonline.com/celebrities/news/37447/index.html
http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,20227,00.html?fdnews
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/brief_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003252781

Watch for a "Dukes" museum in Canada

Paul Harrington is known in "Dukes of Hazzard" circles as a really big fan in the Great White North. He's the president of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club, as well as the Jerry Rushing Fan Club, and he and his General Lee, Hazzard County sheriff's cars and boat, and traveling "Dukes" museum are a fixture at "Dukes"-related events.

Well, Paul has been working on a permanent "Dukes of Hazzard" museum at his home in Ruscom Station, Ontario. He tells BRBTV that he expects to have it up and running in the summer of 2009. A couple weeks back, he wrote, "We dug the first hole in the ground to get the Dukes Musuem offically started. We will pour the cement maybe later today; it is a big hole in the ground to rest the two beams on that will hold the third story (a 20' wide by 40' long Dukes room)." Three levels? Wowzers.

Here is a photo of the property where the museum is being built. You can track the progress of the museum at Paul's website, http://www.canadiandukes.com/ourbuilding.html. And if you want to see a little of his display, check the May 24 post of this BRBTV News Blog.

Betty Cooper, female racecar driver!

MAMARONECK, NY – In the world of auto racing, nothing has been more exciting and inspiring than the rise of female racecar drivers. Fearlessly competing against their male counterparts, several female drivers have made their marks in this popular sport.

From pioneers like Janet Guthrie (the first woman to qualify and compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500) and Lyn St. James (the first woman to win the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year award), to today’s top female drivers like Sarah Fisher (the first woman to win pole position in a major North American open-wheel race) and the phenomenally popular Danica Patrick (the first female driver to lead the race at Indianapolis), female auto racers have captured the hearts and imaginations of the nation’s youth, especially young girls.

Longtime readers of Archie Comics know that ever-popular Betty Cooper is fearless in her own right. It’s only natural that her interests in sports in general and auto mechanics in particular would combine for the inevitable: Betty Cooper, racecar driver!

This January, in Archie #572, Betty gets a chance to rev her engine. In the story, “The Fast Track to Success,” Mr. Lodge is the proud sponsor of one of the swiftest motor sports teams around, but his pride runs out of gas when one of his rivals lures away his top driver and pit crew! Not to worry, though – Betty Cooper has offered to get behind the wheel, with Archie and the gang as her makeshift pit crew! Does Betty have what it takes to outrace the overconfident male drivers?

Archie #572
Ships January 3, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- 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, turned 50 yesterday, 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 48 today, October 10.
- Greg Evigan, who was Willie Gust on "Dallas" but is better known for "B.J. and the Bear" (and sorry, IMDb, his first name was spelled like BRB's own -- Billie -- on the side of his big rig on-screen, but hey, we're quite used to having that name mispelled!), turns 53 on Saturday, October 14.

Happy birthday to all!

Have you seen .... ?

... Robin Wright Penn of "Santa Barbara" starring with Jude Law and Juliette Binoche in "Breaking and Entering"? You can view trailers and images here:

http://www.worstpreviews.com/review.php?id=220
http://1.aamoviez.com/movies/Breaking_and_Entering

The career of our own beloved original Kelly Capwell just keeps going and going! As reported here in the BRBTV News Blog, she's got several more projects going on this year and next year.

... Stephanie Beacham of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys" in the British TV series "Bad Girls"? Beacham, our own Sable Colby, plays Phyllida Oswyn in the drama about the staff and inmates of a women's prison.

Splashin' out John Schneider's new film ...

Wow, this MySpace thing is really a contagion, isn't it? Even celebrities are making pages, and even celebrities who already have their own official websites are making pages ... Kinda makes ya just wanna hop on, ya know? At any rate, have you seen the MySpace page of John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard" who's been diligently working on his own film, soon to be released?

http://www.myspace.com/collier_and_co

(And hey, he may be a 46-year-old, male, married Aries to anyone out there who's been living in a cave, but to us, he's just fantastic!) Anyway, he's got a great list of bookings for the film, along with links, a clip from the movie, a list of friends that includes (of course) Tom Wopat and Catherine Bach and friend comments that roll into the ozone. Generating excitement? Yea, I'd say he is ...

Jack Coleman in "Beautiful Loser"

The BRBTV News Blog noted the spotting of Jack Coleman, our second Steven Carrington of "Dynasty" on the new NBC show "Heroes" (and what a sinister turn it is for our upright Steven). Well, Coleman's also working on a movie project this year, entitled "Beautiful Loser."

The movie, in which Coleman plays the character Jimmy, is written and directed by John Nolte. The plotline from the IMDb: "His parents named him Reginald Regineld. His friends call him "Ditto." At the age of eleven he decided he wasn't going to do anything with his life. And that was going pretty well until senior year when he saw Tracy. This wasn't so much love at first sight as much as it was "completely-head-over-heels-gonna-get-her-at-any-price-even-if-I-make-a-complete-fool-of-myself" love at first sight. And it would burn for decades. Whether she loved him or not."

Cynthia Gibb and William Katt also star. Check out the director's blog at http://beautifullosering.blogspot.com/.

Coming out in Archies next week ...

Archie Digest #229
The adventures of America 's favorite teen continue with 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 October 10, 2006
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

Betty & Veronica #221
“The Big Prize”: A Halloween costume contest judged by renowned luminaries from the fashion and entertainment worlds leads Veronica to more costume changes than a diva in concert! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz. “Career Daze”: Veronica gets a lesson in judging books by their covers when she realizes that the professional scientists and law enforcement agents at career day are as attractive as the super model! SCRIPT: Barbara Slate. “Code in the Head”: Betty has dropped what appears to be a mysterious code, and it’s got Veronica’s brain doing crazy, cryptic back flips! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale newsstand October 10, 2006
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- 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 47 today, October 3.
- Charlton Heston, our giant Jason Colby on "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," turns 83 tomorrow, October 4.
- Christopher Norris, who was the demented Laura Asher on "SB," will turn 53 on Saturday, October 7.

Happy birthday to all!

Watch the trailer for "The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning"

The trailer for the newest "The Dukes of Hazzard" movie is up and running (special thanks to Chad for the tipoff at the car show yesterday in the birthplace of the "Dukes," Covington, Georgia!). You can watch the trailer at the IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800328/trailers-screenplay-E28933-10-2

It looks like a rip-roaring good time, and of course, we're all hopin' it's an improvement over the 2005 big-screen installment. This one is due to the DVD shelves next spring. Willie Nelson as Uncle Jesse is the only one who reprises his role from the 2005 parody, and Daisy is lookin' a bit more like herself in this 2007 version, if we do say so ourselves (and soundin' more like herself, in that last scene of the trailer). And if you don't know it, this one is a "prequel" for our "Dukes" lore, the story of Bo and Luke when they first move to the Duke farm in Hazzard County. (And Flash is just a pup, from the looks of it! Roooowwwwllllffff!)

Patrick Duffy in new 2007 project, and Spotted: Jack Coleman

Our handsome Bobby Ewing of "Dallas," Mr. Patrick Duffy, is working on a new project for 2007. It's a comedy movie called "He's Such a Girl." The film also stars Alexandra Paul of 1990s "Baywatch" and Ed Begley Jr. Duffy plays the father of the title character. The movie is being directed by Sean Carr and written by Jimmy Gleacher, and it's classified as in postproduction.

Spotted: Meanwhile ... did you spot Jack Coleman the other night on the brand-spanking-new "Heroes" TV series on NBC? The show, a drama about normal people who discover they have abnormal powers, just premiered and is already generating some buzz. Coleman, our own second Steve Carrington of "Dynasty," popped up as the father of the teen cheerleader who is invulnerable to physical injury (her, not him). It is a rather sinister role for Coleman, horned-rim glasses and all, with some decidedly darker hair, as well. "Heroes" airs at 9 p.m. EST Mondays. And thank-you, evolving technology! -- you can watch the whole episode on NBC's website.