It would be enough for our friends at CMT -- who showed the great wisdom to bring "The Dukes of Hazzard" back to the airwaves a few months back -- to just offer up a "Dukes" marathon. But then those programming experts had to go and throw in a "Dallas" marathon, too -- proving that as a cable network, they definitely get the BRBTV stamp of approval!
"Yee-haw! CMT loves all you die-hard Dukes fans!" their social media rep emailed the other day. Yea, Chris, we believe you. Because CMT is rolling out the marathon today, starting at 1:30 p.m. Eastern and running until 3 a.m. So grab that jug of moonshine and ring in the new year right!
THEN ... (and especially for the many "Dukes" fans we've met over the years who crossed over into the "Dallas" realm, sticking around another hour when the show originally aired on Friday nights on CBS in the '80s) catch the "Dallas" marathon, beginning tomorrow at 2 p.m. Eastern and running until 3 a.m. (We think you can successfully give a "yee-haw!" to that one, too.)
"To add to the excitement," Chris at CMT says, "we are giving away a special guitar autographed by John Schneider!" You can enter to win on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheDukesRideAgain?v=app_28134323652.
And check out CMT's official Dukes Ride Again Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/TheDukesRideAgain
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Lane Davies talks about his work on "The Bay"
OutTakes host Laurie Baker just did a fresh interview this evening with Lane Davies, our own Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara," on BlogTalkRadio. In the chat, Davies talked about his new gig on the brand-new web soap "The Bay," as well as how he first met Gregori J. Martin, producer of the series, which is now in its 10th webisode.
"I was actually hooked up with Gregori by a reporter," Davies said, explaining that he received a call on his cell during a show night at last summer's Tennessee Shakespeare Festival (see our BRBTV glimpse of the fest in the July 21, 2009 post). "She told me a bit about Gregori and what was involved. ... I thought, this sounds like a fun thing. So there we are."
So what's happening with Det. Mackenzie Johnson, the "Bay" character that Davies is taking over from former fellow "SB" cast member John Callahan? "I can't reveal too much, it being a soap, without spoiling some stuff. Suffice it to say, he's sorta tied in, in several ways, with several storylines, and being a cop gives him opportunity to throw his weight around."
Though the series also includes another former "SB" cast member, Nicolas Coster (Lionel Lockridge), Davies said he hasn't shared any scenes with him yet. He is intrigued, however, with this whole web soap thing, seeing it as a sign of changing times.
"I think it's clear to anybody that's really paying attention that there is a conversion on the way between the web and television. ... It's all going to be one giant entertainment information world. Your television will just be a giant computer, as they are now, for all practical purposes. It will no longer simply be cable and network. ... The future of television is converging with the Internet. It's a much more cost-effective way to get a show off the ground."
How does the experience compare to the regular soaps in which he spent so many years? "It's way more like shooting an independent film," he said. "For one thing, we're not shooting nearly as much material in one day. We're shooting single camera as opposed to multiple cameras."
The Southern Davies says the commute to California for shooting hasn't been that bad. "Now that both boys are in college, I'll be spending a little more time on the West Coast anyway."
Great -- more time there. But how about more time in these little episodes we get only once a week? Well, the cast and crew of "The Bay," he said, agree that more material needs to be posted. "There was a time when people would go to the movies on Saturday afternoon and see an installment of 'Superman.' ... You'd have to wait a week to see what happened, and it kept people going to theaters." But fret not -- there will come a time soon, as more money comes in for the show, Davies said, when more episodes will be posted per week.
Davies also reminisced, with the help of submitted fan questions, about his days on "SB." BRBTV's bud Tracy, in Davies' hometown of Dalton, Georgia, asked how much of his witty banter with the Julia Wainwright character was ad-libbed.
"We rarely improvised once the cameras started to roll," he said, "but we were given a fair amount of freedom with tweaking scripts. ... We sorta knew the characters better than they did, because we'd been playing them so long. ... I was always inserting Shakespeare and other literary references."
Speaking of Shakespeare, what's coming up for Davies in this summer's festival in Tennessee?
"I will direct 'The Comedy of Errors.' I probably won't be in it, because it just sorta exhausts me too much to do both. Unless it's a role I've done before, I'm very shy about directing myself."
Hear the whole interview, now archived, at BlogTalkRadio. The next episode of "The Bay," meanwhile, will be posted on Thursday, January 13.
"I was actually hooked up with Gregori by a reporter," Davies said, explaining that he received a call on his cell during a show night at last summer's Tennessee Shakespeare Festival (see our BRBTV glimpse of the fest in the July 21, 2009 post). "She told me a bit about Gregori and what was involved. ... I thought, this sounds like a fun thing. So there we are."
So what's happening with Det. Mackenzie Johnson, the "Bay" character that Davies is taking over from former fellow "SB" cast member John Callahan? "I can't reveal too much, it being a soap, without spoiling some stuff. Suffice it to say, he's sorta tied in, in several ways, with several storylines, and being a cop gives him opportunity to throw his weight around."
Though the series also includes another former "SB" cast member, Nicolas Coster (Lionel Lockridge), Davies said he hasn't shared any scenes with him yet. He is intrigued, however, with this whole web soap thing, seeing it as a sign of changing times.
"I think it's clear to anybody that's really paying attention that there is a conversion on the way between the web and television. ... It's all going to be one giant entertainment information world. Your television will just be a giant computer, as they are now, for all practical purposes. It will no longer simply be cable and network. ... The future of television is converging with the Internet. It's a much more cost-effective way to get a show off the ground."
How does the experience compare to the regular soaps in which he spent so many years? "It's way more like shooting an independent film," he said. "For one thing, we're not shooting nearly as much material in one day. We're shooting single camera as opposed to multiple cameras."
The Southern Davies says the commute to California for shooting hasn't been that bad. "Now that both boys are in college, I'll be spending a little more time on the West Coast anyway."
Great -- more time there. But how about more time in these little episodes we get only once a week? Well, the cast and crew of "The Bay," he said, agree that more material needs to be posted. "There was a time when people would go to the movies on Saturday afternoon and see an installment of 'Superman.' ... You'd have to wait a week to see what happened, and it kept people going to theaters." But fret not -- there will come a time soon, as more money comes in for the show, Davies said, when more episodes will be posted per week.
Davies also reminisced, with the help of submitted fan questions, about his days on "SB." BRBTV's bud Tracy, in Davies' hometown of Dalton, Georgia, asked how much of his witty banter with the Julia Wainwright character was ad-libbed.
"We rarely improvised once the cameras started to roll," he said, "but we were given a fair amount of freedom with tweaking scripts. ... We sorta knew the characters better than they did, because we'd been playing them so long. ... I was always inserting Shakespeare and other literary references."
Speaking of Shakespeare, what's coming up for Davies in this summer's festival in Tennessee?
"I will direct 'The Comedy of Errors.' I probably won't be in it, because it just sorta exhausts me too much to do both. Unless it's a role I've done before, I'm very shy about directing myself."
Hear the whole interview, now archived, at BlogTalkRadio. The next episode of "The Bay," meanwhile, will be posted on Thursday, January 13.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Update on the Archie's Weird Mysteries compilation paperback
Mr. Paul Castiglia has updated BRBTV on the trade paperback compilation of the Archie's Weird Mysteries comic book series, which we told you about on December 9.
"I have some additional details on the stories that will be inside," he says. "Among them will be the 'Scream' parody from issue #2, the Bigfoot ('Sam Squatch' story), the intergalactic baseball game story and some Scarlett material. There should be some others as well, space permitting."
Castiglia blogged about it all at his Scared Silly blog, where you'll also see some fab art of the Scooby-Doo crossover (the characters match, in a truly uncanny way!).
"I have some additional details on the stories that will be inside," he says. "Among them will be the 'Scream' parody from issue #2, the Bigfoot ('Sam Squatch' story), the intergalactic baseball game story and some Scarlett material. There should be some others as well, space permitting."
Castiglia blogged about it all at his Scared Silly blog, where you'll also see some fab art of the Scooby-Doo crossover (the characters match, in a truly uncanny way!).
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Archie's Weird Mysteries gets compilation paperback
http://www.amazon.com/Archies-Mysteries-Archie-Friends-All-Stars/dp/1879794748/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291558314&sr=1-8
Castiglia tells us he doesn't know yet exactly what stories the book will include, but we'll be waiting with baited breath ... werewolf bait, perhaps ... or maybe vampire ...
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
BRBTV birthdays for December
- Forry Smith, the dashing Reese Walker on "SB," turns 58 on December 1.
- Charlene Tilton, little Lucy Ewing of "Dallas," turns 52 on December 1, though reports sometimes conflict on her age.
- Nicolas Coster, the unforgettable Lionel Lockridge on "SB," as well as Lyle Sloan and Joe Morris on "Dallas," and even Ezra Bushmaster in "The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood" TV movie, turns 77 on December 3.
- Morgan Brittany, who also was unforgettable as the Bobby-stalking Katherine Wentworth on "Dallas," and who played Mary Lou Pringle on a 1980 episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Hazzardville Horror," celebrates her birthday on December 5, this year turning 59.
- Gunnar Hellström, who not only played Rolf Brundin on "Dallas" but also directed some episodes, was born on December 6, 1928 and died on November 28, 2001.
- Tom Fuccello, who was Sen. Dave Culver on "Dallas," was born on December 11, 1936, and died on August 16, 1993.
- Sheree J. Wilson, our own April Stevens Ewing of "Dallas," is the same age as our little Lucy (apparently!), turning 52 on December 12.
- Thaao Penghlis, who was Dr. Micah De Angelis in the tail-end of the run of "Santa Barbara," turns 65 on December 15.
- Helen Slater, who voiced Talia on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 47 on December 15.
- Christopher Cazenove, rugged and angry bro to Blake Carrington as Ben Carrington on "Dynasty," was born on December 17, 1943 and died on April 7, 2010.
- Brad Pitt, who was a very youthful Randy, boyfriend to Charlie, in one of his very first roles, on "Dallas," turns 47 on December 18.
- Karen Moncrieff, who played Cassandra Benedict on "Santa Barbara," turns 47 on December 20.
- Jared Martin, our own Dusty Farlow of "Dallas," turns 69 on December 21, according to the IMDb, although sources are conflicting.
- John Callahan, who was Craig Hunt on "SB," turns 57 on December 23.
- Susan Lucci, the evil Hillary Taylor in the latter years of "Dallas," has a birthday on Saturday, December 23, as well, turning 64.
- Dane Witherspoon, who originated the role of Joe Perkins on "Santa Barbara," turns 53 on December 27.
- Terri Garber, who was the feisty Leslie Carrington on "Dynasty," as well as Suzanne Collier on "SB," turns 50 on December 28.
- Barbara Carrera, who played the evil Angelica Nero on "Dallas," turns 65 on New Year's Eve, December 31, although sources have conflicted on that one, too!
Happy birthday to all, whatever age ya are!!!!!
- Charlene Tilton, little Lucy Ewing of "Dallas," turns 52 on December 1, though reports sometimes conflict on her age.
- Nicolas Coster, the unforgettable Lionel Lockridge on "SB," as well as Lyle Sloan and Joe Morris on "Dallas," and even Ezra Bushmaster in "The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood" TV movie, turns 77 on December 3.
- Morgan Brittany, who also was unforgettable as the Bobby-stalking Katherine Wentworth on "Dallas," and who played Mary Lou Pringle on a 1980 episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Hazzardville Horror," celebrates her birthday on December 5, this year turning 59.
- Gunnar Hellström, who not only played Rolf Brundin on "Dallas" but also directed some episodes, was born on December 6, 1928 and died on November 28, 2001.
- Tom Fuccello, who was Sen. Dave Culver on "Dallas," was born on December 11, 1936, and died on August 16, 1993.
- Sheree J. Wilson, our own April Stevens Ewing of "Dallas," is the same age as our little Lucy (apparently!), turning 52 on December 12.
- Thaao Penghlis, who was Dr. Micah De Angelis in the tail-end of the run of "Santa Barbara," turns 65 on December 15.
- Helen Slater, who voiced Talia on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 47 on December 15.
- Christopher Cazenove, rugged and angry bro to Blake Carrington as Ben Carrington on "Dynasty," was born on December 17, 1943 and died on April 7, 2010.
- Brad Pitt, who was a very youthful Randy, boyfriend to Charlie, in one of his very first roles, on "Dallas," turns 47 on December 18.
- Karen Moncrieff, who played Cassandra Benedict on "Santa Barbara," turns 47 on December 20.
- Jared Martin, our own Dusty Farlow of "Dallas," turns 69 on December 21, according to the IMDb, although sources are conflicting.
- John Callahan, who was Craig Hunt on "SB," turns 57 on December 23.
- Susan Lucci, the evil Hillary Taylor in the latter years of "Dallas," has a birthday on Saturday, December 23, as well, turning 64.
- Dane Witherspoon, who originated the role of Joe Perkins on "Santa Barbara," turns 53 on December 27.
- Terri Garber, who was the feisty Leslie Carrington on "Dynasty," as well as Suzanne Collier on "SB," turns 50 on December 28.
- Barbara Carrera, who played the evil Angelica Nero on "Dallas," turns 65 on New Year's Eve, December 31, although sources have conflicted on that one, too!
Happy birthday to all, whatever age ya are!!!!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Spotted: Jordan Charney
His screen time is brief in the episode we saw, but it's not hard to spot the distinguished veteran actor Jordan Charney as Judge Donald Karan in "Law & Order." It was a recurring role for Charney over a 14-year stretch of the popular crime drama, actually.
Years after he terrorized Robin Wright's poor Kelly Capwell on "Santa Barbara," he's fuller of cheek and highly appropriate as the cranky judge on "L&O." In this particular episode, 2005's "Life Line," he hears the case of a penitent perp who cuts a deal to get his son out of prison. (The perp, by the way, is William Sadler, whom we recall very fondly as the sheriff on "Roswell.")
Charney, who is a BRBTV triple-shot as Lt. Sutton on the earliest "Dallas" and Bill Cochran on "Dynasty" in addition to the evil Dr. Renfro on "SB," has also done guest appearances on the other two "Law & Order" shows, "Criminal Intent" (sharing time with Vincent D'onofrio -- yummy!) and "Special Victims Unit."
Years after he terrorized Robin Wright's poor Kelly Capwell on "Santa Barbara," he's fuller of cheek and highly appropriate as the cranky judge on "L&O." In this particular episode, 2005's "Life Line," he hears the case of a penitent perp who cuts a deal to get his son out of prison. (The perp, by the way, is William Sadler, whom we recall very fondly as the sheriff on "Roswell.")
Charney, who is a BRBTV triple-shot as Lt. Sutton on the earliest "Dallas" and Bill Cochran on "Dynasty" in addition to the evil Dr. Renfro on "SB," has also done guest appearances on the other two "Law & Order" shows, "Criminal Intent" (sharing time with Vincent D'onofrio -- yummy!) and "Special Victims Unit."
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Spotted: Jared Martin
As soap opera ploys go, Jared Martin made good use of the ole return-from-the-dead routine on "Dallas." On "Wonder Woman," however, Martin got to play out a different soapy twist -- the long-lost twin.
Well, OK, truth be told, the two characters he played on the two-parter, "Phantom of the Roller Coaster," weren't actually twins. They were two years apart (just to extend that "two" thing a little further!). But they looked just alike, except for the scarring brother David Gurney suffered from a napalm blast in Vietnam. With that disfigurement, and a limp, Martin differentiated David from little bro Leon, as if the latter's moustache and tie-clashing polyester suits weren't enough. The two are partners in the Fun Universe amusement park, which sees mystery and sabotage as part of this September 1979 "Wonder Woman" outing, just two months before Martin made his first appearance as Dusty Farlow on "Dallas."
Read the whole story at the IMDb, where you'll find meaty BRBTV synopses for this and all the other "Wonder Woman" episodes.
Well, OK, truth be told, the two characters he played on the two-parter, "Phantom of the Roller Coaster," weren't actually twins. They were two years apart (just to extend that "two" thing a little further!). But they looked just alike, except for the scarring brother David Gurney suffered from a napalm blast in Vietnam. With that disfigurement, and a limp, Martin differentiated David from little bro Leon, as if the latter's moustache and tie-clashing polyester suits weren't enough. The two are partners in the Fun Universe amusement park, which sees mystery and sabotage as part of this September 1979 "Wonder Woman" outing, just two months before Martin made his first appearance as Dusty Farlow on "Dallas."
Read the whole story at the IMDb, where you'll find meaty BRBTV synopses for this and all the other "Wonder Woman" episodes.
Monday, November 01, 2010
BRBTV birthdays for November
- Timothy Patrick Murphy, who was Mickey Trotter on "Dallas," was born on November 3, 1959 and died December 6, 1988.
- Kate Reid, who was Mickey's mom Lil on "Dallas," was born on November 4, 1930 and died March 27, 1993.
- Deborah Rennard, our own Sly Lovegren on "Dallas," turns 51 on November 4.
- Todd McKee, our own original Ted Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 47 on November 7.
- Russell Johnson, who is a BRBTV triple-shot for playing Sheriff Wyatt Mansfield on "Dallas," Earl Thompson on "Dynasty" and the third Roger Wainwright (Julia's dad) on "SB," turns 86 on November 10.
- Jack Scalia, the mysterious Nicholas Pearce / Joey Lombardi on "Dallas," has a birthday on November 10, as well, turning 60.
- Vincent Irizarry, a bigtime soaper who was Scott Clark on "SB," turns 51 on November 12.
- Dack Rambo, the hunky Jack Ewing of "Dallas," was born on November 13, 1941 and died on March 21, 1994.
- Tracy Scoggins, our Monica Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," as well as Anita Smithfield on "Dallas: War of the Ewings," turns 57 on November 13.
- Edward Asner, the voice of Roland Daggett in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 81 on November 15.
- Tricia Cast, who was Christy Duvall on "Santa Barbara," turns 42 on November 16.
- George O. Petrie, who played Harv Smithfield on "Dallas," was born on November 16, 1912 and died November 16, 1997.
- Brandon Call, the third Brandon DeMott Capwell on "SB," who was also notable as J.T. Lambert on ABC's sitcom "Step By Step" (side-by-side with Sasha Mitchell and Patrick Duffy of "Dallas"), as well as Hobie Buchanon in the syndicated "Baywatch," turns a so-young 34 on November 17.
- Rock Hudson, who played Daniel Reece on "Dynasty," was born on November 17, 1925 and died on October 2, 1985.
- Linda Evans, Hudson's on-screen love interest for a time, as Krystle on "Dynasty," turns 68 on November 18.
- Jocelyn Brando, who was John Ross' nanny Mrs. Reeves on "Dallas," was born on November 18, 1919 and died November 27, 2005.
- Joseph Campanella, a true classic actor who is a BRBTV triple-shot for his roles as mobster Joseph Lombardi Sr. on "Dallas" and Hutch Corrigan on "The Colbys," as well as Dr. Matthew Thorne on "Batman: TAS," turns 83 on November 21.
- Deborah Shelton, the stunning Mandy Winger on "Dallas," turns 62 on November 21.
- Maxwell Caulfield, our own Miles Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," turns 51 on November 23.
- Michael Brainard, our final Ted Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 45 on November 23.
- Roscoe Born, our "SB" evil-twin actor as Robert Barr and Quinn Armitage, turns 60 on November 24.
- Howard Duff, who was Sen. Henry Harrison O'Dell on "Dallas," then Paul Galveston on the spinoff, "Knots Landing," was born on November 24, 1913 and died July 8, 1990.
- And ... sigh ... one of BRBTV's very favorite actors ... the wonderful, the great, the accomplished, the amazing (!) Ricardo Montalban, who was Zach Powers on "The Colbys" among so many other things, was born on November 25, 1920, and died on January 14, 2009.
- Marcy Walker, our own Eden Capwell of "SB" who since has settled into work for God's Kingdom, turns 49 on November 26.
- Joshua Harris, our darling little Christopher Ewing of "Dallas," is a big boy now, turning 32 on November 27.
- Stephen Elliott, who was Scotty Demarest on "Dallas," was born on November 27, 1918 and died May 21, 2005.
- Sherilyn Wolter, the evil Elena Nikolas / Capwell on "SB," has a birthday on November 30, turning 59.
- Efrem Zimbalist Jr., who voiced Alfred the butler in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 92 on November 30.
- Kevin Conroy, who voiced Batman in "Batman: The Animated Series" and all the other series that spun off from it, as well as playing Bart Fallmont on "Dynasty," turns 55 on November 30.
Happy birthday to all!
- Kate Reid, who was Mickey's mom Lil on "Dallas," was born on November 4, 1930 and died March 27, 1993.
- Deborah Rennard, our own Sly Lovegren on "Dallas," turns 51 on November 4.
- Todd McKee, our own original Ted Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 47 on November 7.
- Russell Johnson, who is a BRBTV triple-shot for playing Sheriff Wyatt Mansfield on "Dallas," Earl Thompson on "Dynasty" and the third Roger Wainwright (Julia's dad) on "SB," turns 86 on November 10.
- Jack Scalia, the mysterious Nicholas Pearce / Joey Lombardi on "Dallas," has a birthday on November 10, as well, turning 60.
- Vincent Irizarry, a bigtime soaper who was Scott Clark on "SB," turns 51 on November 12.
- Dack Rambo, the hunky Jack Ewing of "Dallas," was born on November 13, 1941 and died on March 21, 1994.
- Tracy Scoggins, our Monica Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," as well as Anita Smithfield on "Dallas: War of the Ewings," turns 57 on November 13.
- Edward Asner, the voice of Roland Daggett in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 81 on November 15.
- Tricia Cast, who was Christy Duvall on "Santa Barbara," turns 42 on November 16.
- George O. Petrie, who played Harv Smithfield on "Dallas," was born on November 16, 1912 and died November 16, 1997.
- Brandon Call, the third Brandon DeMott Capwell on "SB," who was also notable as J.T. Lambert on ABC's sitcom "Step By Step" (side-by-side with Sasha Mitchell and Patrick Duffy of "Dallas"), as well as Hobie Buchanon in the syndicated "Baywatch," turns a so-young 34 on November 17.
- Rock Hudson, who played Daniel Reece on "Dynasty," was born on November 17, 1925 and died on October 2, 1985.
- Linda Evans, Hudson's on-screen love interest for a time, as Krystle on "Dynasty," turns 68 on November 18.
- Jocelyn Brando, who was John Ross' nanny Mrs. Reeves on "Dallas," was born on November 18, 1919 and died November 27, 2005.
- Joseph Campanella, a true classic actor who is a BRBTV triple-shot for his roles as mobster Joseph Lombardi Sr. on "Dallas" and Hutch Corrigan on "The Colbys," as well as Dr. Matthew Thorne on "Batman: TAS," turns 83 on November 21.
- Deborah Shelton, the stunning Mandy Winger on "Dallas," turns 62 on November 21.
- Maxwell Caulfield, our own Miles Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," turns 51 on November 23.
- Michael Brainard, our final Ted Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 45 on November 23.
- Roscoe Born, our "SB" evil-twin actor as Robert Barr and Quinn Armitage, turns 60 on November 24.
- Howard Duff, who was Sen. Henry Harrison O'Dell on "Dallas," then Paul Galveston on the spinoff, "Knots Landing," was born on November 24, 1913 and died July 8, 1990.
- And ... sigh ... one of BRBTV's very favorite actors ... the wonderful, the great, the accomplished, the amazing (!) Ricardo Montalban, who was Zach Powers on "The Colbys" among so many other things, was born on November 25, 1920, and died on January 14, 2009.
- Marcy Walker, our own Eden Capwell of "SB" who since has settled into work for God's Kingdom, turns 49 on November 26.
- Joshua Harris, our darling little Christopher Ewing of "Dallas," is a big boy now, turning 32 on November 27.
- Stephen Elliott, who was Scotty Demarest on "Dallas," was born on November 27, 1918 and died May 21, 2005.
- Sherilyn Wolter, the evil Elena Nikolas / Capwell on "SB," has a birthday on November 30, turning 59.
- Efrem Zimbalist Jr., who voiced Alfred the butler in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 92 on November 30.
- Kevin Conroy, who voiced Batman in "Batman: The Animated Series" and all the other series that spun off from it, as well as playing Bart Fallmont on "Dynasty," turns 55 on November 30.
Happy birthday to all!
Friday, October 22, 2010
TGIF Toys: Nipping at his heels, indeed
Leave it to the hunky Nightwing to keep that rascally Harley Quinn in order; if only her hyenas would stop nipping at the heels! In the late 1990s, with the evolution of "Batman: The Animated Series" into "The New Batman Adventures," Hasbro released a set of 12-inch high figures / dolls:
Nightwing, Harley Quinn, Batgirl, Batman and Joker (who came with a bazooka!).
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Spotted: Kerry Sherman and Russell Johnson
We have to admit -- we recognized her smile immediately, though her hair was a bit fluffier and her voice a little higher and sweeter. Six years before she came to "Santa Barbara" as big sis Amy Perkins, Kerry Sherman guested on an episode of the classic "Wonder Woman." All decked out in blousey attire befitting the '70s (a peasantlike top that's back around now, for sure), Sherman plays a con in the episode, titled "Disco Devil." She lures a hapless victim to a mysterious mirrored room at the disco, then later pulls the old broken-down-car routine on another (in a hot floral dress).
That would be enough, certainly, but then up pops Russell Johnson in the episode, as well. In addition to being the "Gilligan's Island" castaway BRBTV would most like to be stranded with, Johnson was Sheriff Wyatt Mansfield on "Dallas," Earl Thompson on "Dynasty," and Roger Wainwright on "SB." Here, he has brief airtime as a nicely uniformed colonel at a military facility researching nuclear equipment.
See it for yourself at the WB, and read the BRBTV synopsis to this and the other "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.
That would be enough, certainly, but then up pops Russell Johnson in the episode, as well. In addition to being the "Gilligan's Island" castaway BRBTV would most like to be stranded with, Johnson was Sheriff Wyatt Mansfield on "Dallas," Earl Thompson on "Dynasty," and Roger Wainwright on "SB." Here, he has brief airtime as a nicely uniformed colonel at a military facility researching nuclear equipment.
See it for yourself at the WB, and read the BRBTV synopsis to this and the other "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.
Friday, October 15, 2010
TGIF Toys: Sighted at the Mattel booth ...
... at Comic-Con International in San Diego a few months back, a glorious assortment of new DC heroes figures coming out, including this array of Bat-themed goodies and other finery. Bring it on!
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Spotted: Dack Rambo
He doesn't seem much younger, because he was still quite hunky on "Dallas," but it's definitely a different spin for Dack Rambo. Composed, learned gentleman in a silver suit. A tough military leader at the same time. He travels to Earth and enlists the aid of a special friend as he tracks down a notorious band of aliens he's been fighting elsewhere in space.
The show is "Wonder Woman," more specifically the December 1977 two-parter, "Mind Stealers from Outer Space." A decade or so before he landed in Dallas as long-lost Ewing cousin Jack, Rambo portrayed Andros, a highly evolved friend to our Amazon princess. Together they work to take down the alien threat, and at the end Andros even tries to woo Wonder Woman to more stellar aspirations.
See it for yourself at the WB, and catch the full BRBTV synopsis of this and other "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.
The show is "Wonder Woman," more specifically the December 1977 two-parter, "Mind Stealers from Outer Space." A decade or so before he landed in Dallas as long-lost Ewing cousin Jack, Rambo portrayed Andros, a highly evolved friend to our Amazon princess. Together they work to take down the alien threat, and at the end Andros even tries to woo Wonder Woman to more stellar aspirations.
See it for yourself at the WB, and catch the full BRBTV synopsis of this and other "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.
Friday, October 08, 2010
TGIF Toys: Don't you dare oversleep!
"Gotham City is in trouble! Call for Batman!" That's what this supercool alarm clock says when the alarm deploys (and if you're not that patient, you can just hit the deploy button on the left!). Made in this 1993 by Top Banana, this clock will surely keep you safe at night.
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Monday, October 04, 2010
BRBTV birthdays for October
- Alan Rachins, memorable as the wound-up Temple Fugate / Clock King on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 68 on October 3.
- Jack Wagner, who was our final Warren Lockridge on "Santa Barbara," along with a host of other soap opera roles in the '80s and '90s, turns 51 on October 3.
- Christopher Stone, who was Dave Stratton on "Dallas," was born on October 4, 1942, and died on October 20, 1995.
- Charlton Heston, our giant Jason Colby on "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," was born on October 4, 1923, and died on April 5, 2008.
- Christopher Norris, who was the demented Laura Asher on "SB," will turn 57 on October 7.
- John O’Hurley, who was the second Stephen Slade on "Santa Barbara" and so many other things over the years, including a fabulous "Seinfeld" role and that "Dancing With the Stars" gig, turns 56 on October 9.
- J. Eddie Peck, who's a BRBTV double-shot with his roles on our two primetime biggies, Tommy McKay on "Dallas" and Roger Grimes on "Dynasty," turns 52 on October 10.
- Jim McMullan, who was Sen. Andrew Dowling on "Dallas," turns 74 on October 13.
- Greg Evigan, who was Willie Gust on "Dallas" but is better known for "B.J. and the Bear," turns 57 on October 14.
- Arleen Sorkin, the unforgettable voice of Harley Quinn on "Batman: The Animated Series," as well as the person who inspired the character, turns 54 on October 14.
- Barry Corbin, who was the stalwart Sheriff Fenton Washburn on "Dallas," as well as Pullman in the 2005 "Dukes of Hazzard" movie, turns 70 on October 16.
- John Anderson, who was Kimberly Cryder's father Dr. Styles on "Dallas," was born on October 20, 1922, and died on August 7, 1992.
- John Zaremba, who played Dr. Harlan Danvers on "Dallas," was born on October 22, 1908, and died on December 15, 1986.
- Wolf Muser, who was the sinister Marcello Armonti on "Santa Barbara," terrorizing C.C. Capwell for his supposed wrongs in the second World War, turns 60 on October 23.
- Scott Jaeck, another "SB" alum as Cain Garver who was spotted more recently as a hired gun on Fox's "Prison Boys" (er, we mean "Prison Break"), turns 56 on October 29.
- The talented and well-regarded (and ever patient) Barbara Bel Geddes, who for so many years portrayed Miss Ellie Ewing on "Dallas," was born on Halloween in 1922 in New York City. She died on August 8, 2005, of lung cancer.
Happy birthday to all!
- Jack Wagner, who was our final Warren Lockridge on "Santa Barbara," along with a host of other soap opera roles in the '80s and '90s, turns 51 on October 3.
- Christopher Stone, who was Dave Stratton on "Dallas," was born on October 4, 1942, and died on October 20, 1995.
- Charlton Heston, our giant Jason Colby on "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," was born on October 4, 1923, and died on April 5, 2008.
- Christopher Norris, who was the demented Laura Asher on "SB," will turn 57 on October 7.
- John O’Hurley, who was the second Stephen Slade on "Santa Barbara" and so many other things over the years, including a fabulous "Seinfeld" role and that "Dancing With the Stars" gig, turns 56 on October 9.
- J. Eddie Peck, who's a BRBTV double-shot with his roles on our two primetime biggies, Tommy McKay on "Dallas" and Roger Grimes on "Dynasty," turns 52 on October 10.
- Jim McMullan, who was Sen. Andrew Dowling on "Dallas," turns 74 on October 13.
- Greg Evigan, who was Willie Gust on "Dallas" but is better known for "B.J. and the Bear," turns 57 on October 14.
- Arleen Sorkin, the unforgettable voice of Harley Quinn on "Batman: The Animated Series," as well as the person who inspired the character, turns 54 on October 14.
- Barry Corbin, who was the stalwart Sheriff Fenton Washburn on "Dallas," as well as Pullman in the 2005 "Dukes of Hazzard" movie, turns 70 on October 16.
- John Anderson, who was Kimberly Cryder's father Dr. Styles on "Dallas," was born on October 20, 1922, and died on August 7, 1992.
- John Zaremba, who played Dr. Harlan Danvers on "Dallas," was born on October 22, 1908, and died on December 15, 1986.
- Wolf Muser, who was the sinister Marcello Armonti on "Santa Barbara," terrorizing C.C. Capwell for his supposed wrongs in the second World War, turns 60 on October 23.
- Scott Jaeck, another "SB" alum as Cain Garver who was spotted more recently as a hired gun on Fox's "Prison Boys" (er, we mean "Prison Break"), turns 56 on October 29.
- The talented and well-regarded (and ever patient) Barbara Bel Geddes, who for so many years portrayed Miss Ellie Ewing on "Dallas," was born on Halloween in 1922 in New York City. She died on August 8, 2005, of lung cancer.
Happy birthday to all!
Friday, October 01, 2010
TGIF Toys: Burger-dog
To promote the release of the “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island” video in 1998 (the first of a
successful string of straight-to-video Scooby movies), Wendy’s featured a set of Kids’ Meal toys, including this guy. His pull-string is a little pulled out, these days (sorry -- the toys at the BRBTV headquarters get played-with; we're not familiar with the term "mint in box"!), but he's still shiny and snappy. And the movie that goes with 'im isn't bad, either.
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Spotted: Carmen Zapata
Boy ... we tell our friends that when we're watching the classic '70s "Wonder Woman" episodes on DVD we're as happy as a pig in slop ... and that might paint an unsavory picture -- but it's true!!!! We're just that happy to see Lynda Carter in those precious, precious episodes, most of which we haven't seen since they originally aired.
We're also happy to see so many great BRBTV stars surfacing in these eps, which we've been reporting on in recent months here on the BRBTV News Blog. This time around it's the lovely, and oh-so dignified, Carmen Zapata, who portrayed Cruz Castillo's mom Carmen Castillo on our beloved "Santa Barbara." Zapata, losing none of her dignity, for sure, pops up in the third season "Wonder Woman" episode titled "The Richest Man in the World," which debuted on February 19, 1979, just six years before Zapata came to "SB" to keep her son in line.
Donning a double strand of white pearls and a tasteful black dress, Zapata portrays a prime minister in this installment. She makes a big purchase for her country (being the powerful chick she is): a missile scrambler nicknamed "Missy." But Missy is quickly kidnapped, so to speak, and it's up to Diana Prince and her alter ego to unravel this mystery.
See the BRBTV synopsis for this and the other "WW" episodes at the IMDb.
We're also happy to see so many great BRBTV stars surfacing in these eps, which we've been reporting on in recent months here on the BRBTV News Blog. This time around it's the lovely, and oh-so dignified, Carmen Zapata, who portrayed Cruz Castillo's mom Carmen Castillo on our beloved "Santa Barbara." Zapata, losing none of her dignity, for sure, pops up in the third season "Wonder Woman" episode titled "The Richest Man in the World," which debuted on February 19, 1979, just six years before Zapata came to "SB" to keep her son in line.
Donning a double strand of white pearls and a tasteful black dress, Zapata portrays a prime minister in this installment. She makes a big purchase for her country (being the powerful chick she is): a missile scrambler nicknamed "Missy." But Missy is quickly kidnapped, so to speak, and it's up to Diana Prince and her alter ego to unravel this mystery.
See the BRBTV synopsis for this and the other "WW" episodes at the IMDb.
Friday, September 24, 2010
TGIF Toys: Candy not included! At least not anymore!
Whitman's did such a fine thing when they laid out these "surprise tins" in 1997, celebrating the success of "Batman: The Animated Series." There were several different designs, more than the "five" mentioned on the back of this one (especially since the five designs shown don't include the one on the front!). And inside each one? Yummy chocolates!!!! Oooh, we liked that part! Whitman's ranks high in our book, especially with the line of stuffed and small plastic figure Snoopys they still do at Valentine's Day and such, accompanied by a yummy four-pack of chocolates.
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Catch the sights and sounds of Hair Dare Dukes Days 2010 at BRBTV's YouTube channel
You know, we really should've started doing this whole video thing years ago -- it's so much easier! In events past, we've brought you coverage on this news blog with photos and quotes and notes. Now, we can just link to the videos on YouTube and let our subjects do the talking -- no wading through our notebooks or processing a bunch of photos! Meow!
At any rate, BRBTV had a delightful time at this past weekend's Hair Dare Dukes Days, the eighth annual benefit event from Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club president Paul Harrington. In two cool, cool days in Comber, Ontario (yes, they thought BRB was crazy for wearin' her dazyduks!) this event served up cars and stars in the name of "The Dukes of Hazzard." It also raised scholarship funds for a student surviving cancer.
Some of the moments you'll see in this new set of three videos on BRBTV's YouTube channel:
- A chat with the owners of the "00" Mustang and the "Twilight" movie replica pickup truck.
- A few words from the amazing Zealand, a dear friend of BRBTV who travels to North America from New Zealand every year for a "Dukes" event.
- Paul Harrington getting his hair cut by Don Pedro Colley, Sheriff Little of "The Dukes of Hazzard." Paul raised $1,010 in pledges for this "hair dare," while Glenn Call of Massachusetts raised $700.
- Billie Rae Bates trying her hand at the smack-a-wreck (yes, you're allowed to laugh), as well as signing the inside of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard traveling museum trailer.
At any rate, BRBTV had a delightful time at this past weekend's Hair Dare Dukes Days, the eighth annual benefit event from Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club president Paul Harrington. In two cool, cool days in Comber, Ontario (yes, they thought BRB was crazy for wearin' her dazyduks!) this event served up cars and stars in the name of "The Dukes of Hazzard." It also raised scholarship funds for a student surviving cancer.
Some of the moments you'll see in this new set of three videos on BRBTV's YouTube channel:
- A chat with the owners of the "00" Mustang and the "Twilight" movie replica pickup truck.
- A few words from the amazing Zealand, a dear friend of BRBTV who travels to North America from New Zealand every year for a "Dukes" event.
- Paul Harrington getting his hair cut by Don Pedro Colley, Sheriff Little of "The Dukes of Hazzard." Paul raised $1,010 in pledges for this "hair dare," while Glenn Call of Massachusetts raised $700.
- Billie Rae Bates trying her hand at the smack-a-wreck (yes, you're allowed to laugh), as well as signing the inside of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard traveling museum trailer.
Friday, September 17, 2010
TGIF Toys: We see why you have to look away, Batsy ...
We're quite sure the folks who are making all these Mego repros are trying to kill us. It was bad enough we had to brave the sheer terror that was the Comic-Con International crowd in San Diego a couple months back, but then we had to lay our eyes on a heart-attack-worthy display like this, at the Mattel booth. A new Wonder Woman figure, and such a departure from the original Mego figure of the '70s!
With vinyl boots, an incredible head of styled hair, a separate lasso, tiara and bracelets, and her "flesh" showing amid her fabric costume (rather than a whole painted body stocking like the original -- which we'll always treasure, mind you!), this WW is amazing. She was enough to make the Batman Mego repro, just a few inches away, cower in weakness (a sentiment not shared by Two-Face, however!). The Amazon Princess is part of Wave 3 of Mattel's Retro-Action DC Superheroes release.
After we beheld this astonishing site -- all eight, glorious inches of her, coming to a store near you soon -- we tripped over the Diamond Select Toys display at the con and spied the Nurse Chapel figure of the "Star Trek" original series line. Aye-yi-yi -- double coronary!!!! We must have it! Even though her stockings are inaccurate! (Flesh-colored rather than black as on the show.) THEN ... as if that wasn't enough torture, right next to her was the green Orion slave girl Vina of the original "Trek" pilot "The Cage"! Barefoot and beautiful! Arriving winter 2011! Ack!
Sorry to carry on so, but we recall how the girls weren't given the same play as the boys in the original Mego run! So off to the stores (on or offline) we'll go ...
Oh, the pain! Oh, the agony!
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wear your love for Sue Ellen on your chest
J.R. loved Sue Ellen. At least for a little while. And then again, and then not again. And then there was Cliff Barnes and Dusty Farlow, followed by Clint Ogden. The much-younger Peter Richards, her son’s camp counselor. Nicholas Pearce. Screenwriter Don Lockwood, who helped her make that tell-all movie about bad ole J.R. Heck, there are a lot of folks who could be wearin' this nifty T-shirt and proclaiming their love for Sue Ellen Ewing of "Dallas."
Linda Gray offers your chance to own one, via LindaGray.com, in black or white, for $21.95 plus shipping.
Better than an obscure vintage eBay find, we reckon.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Spotted: Henry Darrow
Subtract a decade or so from Cruz Castillo's father, and you have a much younger man. Indeed, Henry Darrow is dashing and handsome as a ruthless information broker in the second-season "Wonder Woman" episode "I Do, I Do," years before his spin as Rafael Castillo on our beloved "Santa Barbara."
Clad in '70s suits that veer to the tasteful side (believe it), he tries to pry secrets out of the all-too-suspecting Diana Prince, who is posing as the wife of a powerful presidential adviser. No-go on that -- she's just too wise for him. He also tries to dispatch with another smart would-be victim via a dangerously trained horse named Satan. Ouch. He's just an all-around bad guy! Good thing he showed his kinder, gentler side when he became Grandpa to Chip and Adriana!
See Darrow in the November 1977 episode at the WB, and look for full BRBTV synopses of the "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.
Clad in '70s suits that veer to the tasteful side (believe it), he tries to pry secrets out of the all-too-suspecting Diana Prince, who is posing as the wife of a powerful presidential adviser. No-go on that -- she's just too wise for him. He also tries to dispatch with another smart would-be victim via a dangerously trained horse named Satan. Ouch. He's just an all-around bad guy! Good thing he showed his kinder, gentler side when he became Grandpa to Chip and Adriana!
See Darrow in the November 1977 episode at the WB, and look for full BRBTV synopses of the "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.
Friday, September 10, 2010
TGIF Toys: Get your shark repellant ready!
Oh, those boys and their toys ... And sometimes big boys have some pretty big toys! Two particular big boys that BRBTV knows jointly owned this fab Batboat a few years back, and they displayed it at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi, Michigan in 2006. That's a particularly good Batman and Robin aboard, too!
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Hollywood Show serves up the delectable classic TV stars again
Last year we reported on the bevy of BRBTV-related stars appearing at the Hollywood Show in Burbank, California. Get ready for the next round (ding, ding), because next month it all gets served up nice and hot on the West Coast:
- Barbara Eden, the lovely LeeAnn de la Vega of "Dallas"
- John Schneider, the so-fast-we-can't-keep-up Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard"
- Ali MacGraw, about the only character we'd rather not remember from "Dynasty," Lady Ashley Mitchell
- Christopher Norris, the continually distraught Laura Asher of "Santa Barbara"
To see the rest of the guest list for this October 8-10 event, visit the event site, http://www.hollywoodshow.com/.
- Barbara Eden, the lovely LeeAnn de la Vega of "Dallas"
- John Schneider, the so-fast-we-can't-keep-up Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard"
- Ali MacGraw, about the only character we'd rather not remember from "Dynasty," Lady Ashley Mitchell
- Christopher Norris, the continually distraught Laura Asher of "Santa Barbara"
To see the rest of the guest list for this October 8-10 event, visit the event site, http://www.hollywoodshow.com/.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Knight Rider Fest videos now posted on BRBTV's YouTube channel
At last year's Knight Rider Festival in Las Vegas -- the first ever -- you heard Dennis Braid talk about first building the KITT car with custom-car king George Barris, and Rebecca Holden talk about what made her character on the show, April, a role model. Oh, you mean you didn't? Well, you can now, because BRBTV has posted its own videos from the 2009 fest at its YouTube channel.
You'll catch some great insight from the cast and crew members of the classic series from the panel discussions on the Saturday of the event, as well as autograph-signings, a chat with a couple replica car owners, "Knight Rider" 2009 reboot series star Justin Bruening, and even BRB taking a spin in a slot machine contest on this thoroughly vintage Fremont Strip of Sin City! Check it out.
You'll catch some great insight from the cast and crew members of the classic series from the panel discussions on the Saturday of the event, as well as autograph-signings, a chat with a couple replica car owners, "Knight Rider" 2009 reboot series star Justin Bruening, and even BRB taking a spin in a slot machine contest on this thoroughly vintage Fremont Strip of Sin City! Check it out.
Friday, September 03, 2010
TGIF Toys: Canine cutie
In June, we showed you a 1980 stuffed Scoob. Well, this little sweetie was produced by Applause in the late ‘90s to hop onto the bean-bag toy craze. He's floppy and oh-so sweet.
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
BRBTV birthdays for September
- Leonard Katzman, the mastermind behind the Ewings of "Dallas," was born on September 2, 1927 and died on September 5, 1996.
- Annabel Schofield, who played Laurel Ellis on "Dallas," turns 47 on September 4.
- Roberta Weiss / Bizeau, the too-hot-to-handle Flame Beaufort of "Santa Barbara," turns 52 (bet she still looks beautiful!) on September 5.
- Sarah Cunningham, our stalwart Maggie Monahan on "Dallas," was born on September 8, 1918 and died on March 24, 1986.
- Tom Wopat, our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 59 on September 9.
- Constance Marie, who played Nikki Alvarez on "SB," has a birthday on September 9, as well, turning 45.
- Linda Gray, the unforgettable Sue Ellen Ewing of "Dallas," turns a still-lovely 70 on September 12.
- Mary Crosby, Gray's on-screen baby sister Kristin Shepard, turns 51 on September 14.
- Michael Reaves, writer for "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 60 on September 14.
- Henry Darrow, a BRBTV quadruple-shot who played Cruz Castillo's father Rafael on "Santa Barbara," showed up on an episode of "Dynasty" and the "Dukes of Hazzard" spinoff "Enos," and portrayed Garcia on "Dallas" in 1983, turns 77 on September 15.
- Janis Paige, the lovely second Minx Lockridge on "SB," turns 88 on September 16.
- Kimberly McArthur, who was the second Kelly Capwell on "SB," turns 48 on September 16.
- Morgan Woodward, who was Punk Anderson on "Dallas" and also made a couple guest appearances on "The Dukes of Hazzard" (including one that was a tribute to his appearance in the classic film "Cool Hand Luke"), has a birthday on September 16, as well, turning 85.
- Shalane McCall, our young Charlie Wade on "Dallas," is our final September 16 birthday, remaining so young at just 38.
- Roddy McDowall, who voiced Dr. Jervis Tetch / the Mad Hatter on "Batman: The Animated Series," was born on September 17, 1928 and died on October 3, 1998.
- Ross Kettle, the quite European Jeffrey Conrad on "Santa Barbara," turns 49 on September 19.
- Paul Williams, who voiced Penguin on "Batman: The Animated Series" and "The New Batman Adventures," turns 70 on September 19.
- Don Starr, our own Jordan Lee of "Dallas," was born on September 20, 1917 and died on July 11, 1995.
- The unstoppable Larry Hagman, who was, of course, the unstoppable J.R. Ewing on "Dallas," turns 79 on September 21.
- Catherine Oxenberg, who played long-lost daughter Amanda Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 49 on September 22.
- Martha Scott, memorable as Patricia Shepard on "Dallas," was born on September 22, 1912 and died on May 28, 2003.
- Heather Locklear, our own Sammy Jo of "Dynasty," who voiced the character Lisa on the "Batman: The Animated Series" episode "Prophecy of Doom," turns 49 on September 25.
- Shell Danielson, who was the later Laken Lockridge on "Santa Barbara," also has a birthday on September 25, turning 48.
- Beth Toussaint, our own Tracy Lawton on "Dallas" who's married to Jack Coleman of "Dynasty," is yet another September 25 birthday, turning 48, as well.
- Bridgette Wilson, who was Lisa Fenimore on "SB," is our fourth birthday for September 25, turning such a young 37.
- Mark Hamill, the well-loved voice of the Joker in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 59 on September 25.
- Richard Herd, our own John Mackey of "Dallas," who also portrayed Jim Ellison in a 1986 episode of "Dynasty," turns 78 on September 26.
- A Martinez, who was Cruz Castillo on "SB," will turn 62 (can you believe it?) on September 27.
- Joel Fabiani, the dashing Alex Ward on "Dallas," turns 74 on September 28.
- Steve Forrest, who was Ben Stivers / Wes Parmalee on "Dallas," turns 86 on September 29.
- Ian McShane, the handsome Don Lockwood on "Dallas," was also born on September 29, turning 68 this year.
Happy birthday to all!
- Annabel Schofield, who played Laurel Ellis on "Dallas," turns 47 on September 4.
- Roberta Weiss / Bizeau, the too-hot-to-handle Flame Beaufort of "Santa Barbara," turns 52 (bet she still looks beautiful!) on September 5.
- Sarah Cunningham, our stalwart Maggie Monahan on "Dallas," was born on September 8, 1918 and died on March 24, 1986.
- Tom Wopat, our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 59 on September 9.
- Constance Marie, who played Nikki Alvarez on "SB," has a birthday on September 9, as well, turning 45.
- Linda Gray, the unforgettable Sue Ellen Ewing of "Dallas," turns a still-lovely 70 on September 12.
- Mary Crosby, Gray's on-screen baby sister Kristin Shepard, turns 51 on September 14.
- Michael Reaves, writer for "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 60 on September 14.
- Henry Darrow, a BRBTV quadruple-shot who played Cruz Castillo's father Rafael on "Santa Barbara," showed up on an episode of "Dynasty" and the "Dukes of Hazzard" spinoff "Enos," and portrayed Garcia on "Dallas" in 1983, turns 77 on September 15.
- Janis Paige, the lovely second Minx Lockridge on "SB," turns 88 on September 16.
- Kimberly McArthur, who was the second Kelly Capwell on "SB," turns 48 on September 16.
- Morgan Woodward, who was Punk Anderson on "Dallas" and also made a couple guest appearances on "The Dukes of Hazzard" (including one that was a tribute to his appearance in the classic film "Cool Hand Luke"), has a birthday on September 16, as well, turning 85.
- Shalane McCall, our young Charlie Wade on "Dallas," is our final September 16 birthday, remaining so young at just 38.
- Roddy McDowall, who voiced Dr. Jervis Tetch / the Mad Hatter on "Batman: The Animated Series," was born on September 17, 1928 and died on October 3, 1998.
- Ross Kettle, the quite European Jeffrey Conrad on "Santa Barbara," turns 49 on September 19.
- Paul Williams, who voiced Penguin on "Batman: The Animated Series" and "The New Batman Adventures," turns 70 on September 19.
- Don Starr, our own Jordan Lee of "Dallas," was born on September 20, 1917 and died on July 11, 1995.
- The unstoppable Larry Hagman, who was, of course, the unstoppable J.R. Ewing on "Dallas," turns 79 on September 21.
- Catherine Oxenberg, who played long-lost daughter Amanda Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 49 on September 22.
- Martha Scott, memorable as Patricia Shepard on "Dallas," was born on September 22, 1912 and died on May 28, 2003.
- Heather Locklear, our own Sammy Jo of "Dynasty," who voiced the character Lisa on the "Batman: The Animated Series" episode "Prophecy of Doom," turns 49 on September 25.
- Shell Danielson, who was the later Laken Lockridge on "Santa Barbara," also has a birthday on September 25, turning 48.
- Beth Toussaint, our own Tracy Lawton on "Dallas" who's married to Jack Coleman of "Dynasty," is yet another September 25 birthday, turning 48, as well.
- Bridgette Wilson, who was Lisa Fenimore on "SB," is our fourth birthday for September 25, turning such a young 37.
- Mark Hamill, the well-loved voice of the Joker in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 59 on September 25.
- Richard Herd, our own John Mackey of "Dallas," who also portrayed Jim Ellison in a 1986 episode of "Dynasty," turns 78 on September 26.
- A Martinez, who was Cruz Castillo on "SB," will turn 62 (can you believe it?) on September 27.
- Joel Fabiani, the dashing Alex Ward on "Dallas," turns 74 on September 28.
- Steve Forrest, who was Ben Stivers / Wes Parmalee on "Dallas," turns 86 on September 29.
- Ian McShane, the handsome Don Lockwood on "Dallas," was also born on September 29, turning 68 this year.
Happy birthday to all!
Monday, August 30, 2010
CMT welcomes back "The Dukes of Hazzard"
Oh, it's a very good sign, indeed, because us original fans of "The Dukes of Hazzard" -- you know, all of us who watched the show when it first aired on CBS from 1979 to 1985 -- know full-well that a whole new generation of "Dukes" fans was created when TNN, and then CMT, re-aired the show so many years later. (Two words: Dukesfest 2006!) Then, when it disappeared from the schedule ... Weeping and gnashing of teeth. And a sober dwindling of "Dukes" events around the country.
CMT is wisely bringing back "The Dukes," beginning with a marathon on the weekend after Labor Day. Beginning with many high-octane hours on September 10, 11 and 12, the show then restarts at the beginning, with the pilot episode "One Armed Bandits," at 7 p.m. Eastern, repeating at 11 p.m. Monday, September 13, continuing along at the same times that week.
See the episode lineup at CMT's site, and get ready to rev that hemi at 8 p.m. on Friday, September 10.
CMT is wisely bringing back "The Dukes," beginning with a marathon on the weekend after Labor Day. Beginning with many high-octane hours on September 10, 11 and 12, the show then restarts at the beginning, with the pilot episode "One Armed Bandits," at 7 p.m. Eastern, repeating at 11 p.m. Monday, September 13, continuing along at the same times that week.
See the episode lineup at CMT's site, and get ready to rev that hemi at 8 p.m. on Friday, September 10.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Catherine Bach, Ben Jones help "Rally for the Valley"
Two big "Dukes of Hazzard" stars, Ben (Cooter Davenport) Jones and Catherine (Daisy Duke) Bach, will be greeting fans and signing autographs as part of Nashville's Rally for the Valley event on Labor Day weekend.
Bach will be at Jones' Cooter's Place location in Nashville on Saturday, and Jones' Cooter's Garage Band will be part of the weekend's live entertainment. The event is a response to the May flooding affecting that Tennessee region.
Find out more about the benefit at the Cooter's Place website at http://www.cootersplace.com/calendar_events.asp.
Bach will be at Jones' Cooter's Place location in Nashville on Saturday, and Jones' Cooter's Garage Band will be part of the weekend's live entertainment. The event is a response to the May flooding affecting that Tennessee region.
Find out more about the benefit at the Cooter's Place website at http://www.cootersplace.com/calendar_events.asp.
Friday, August 27, 2010
TGIF Toys: Dominoed Daredoll
If you caught that reference in the headline, then perhaps you're a hard-core Batgirl fan from decades ago. And we're talking the pure, only Batgirl ... Ms. Barbara Gordon, sometime librarian, sometime Congresswoman, all-time heroine, who was courageous enough to beat down Killer Moth in her inaugural outing in the comics back in the late '60s. This beautiful, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain bust, part of a series of "Women of the DC Universe," is designed by chick comics artist Amanda Conner and sculpted by Jack Mathews. Ours is No. 1194 out of 5000, and was a gift from our buddy Mike in Detroit, a true friend. The sculpture comes from DC Direct, and the set also includes Hippolyta as Wonder Woman, Raven and Catwoman. And this Batgirl, perched at a Gotham gargoyle, doing the "Batusi"? More stunning than we can describe. Good thing a picture says a thousand words.
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Linda Gray is "Expecting Mary"
Linda Gray, our own Sue Ellen Ewing of "Dallas," has a new movie coming out this fall, "Expecting Mary."
In the film, written and directed by Dan Gordon, Gray shares the screen with a great cast: Elliott Gould, Cloris Leachman, Della Reese, Cybill Shepherd, Gene Simmons, Fred Willard. The movie, from WonderStar Productions, opens on September 10, her official website tells us, and has special screenings at select spots in the next few weeks, beginning tonight in New York City.
“Expecting Mary is the story of a young girl, who's had all the trappings of an upscale life," according to Gordon’s post at the IMDb page, "but it's only when she finds herself in a small New Mexico town, in a downtrodden trailer park, that she learns the real meaning of love, sacrifice and family.”
Gray plays a former Vegas showgirl “whose last gig was in New Mexico,” she told HollywoodNews.com. “She’s funny and pathetic – and still can be glamorous.”
See her in an interview for the film at MovieWeb.com.
In the film, written and directed by Dan Gordon, Gray shares the screen with a great cast: Elliott Gould, Cloris Leachman, Della Reese, Cybill Shepherd, Gene Simmons, Fred Willard. The movie, from WonderStar Productions, opens on September 10, her official website tells us, and has special screenings at select spots in the next few weeks, beginning tonight in New York City.
“Expecting Mary is the story of a young girl, who's had all the trappings of an upscale life," according to Gordon’s post at the IMDb page, "but it's only when she finds herself in a small New Mexico town, in a downtrodden trailer park, that she learns the real meaning of love, sacrifice and family.”
Gray plays a former Vegas showgirl “whose last gig was in New Mexico,” she told HollywoodNews.com. “She’s funny and pathetic – and still can be glamorous.”
See her in an interview for the film at MovieWeb.com.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Spotted: Nicolas Coster
"Don't bother me now, Henry," he emits with an aristocratic air as his very first line. No, this is not a '80s episode of our beloved soap "Santa Barbara"; it's a '70s episode of "Wonder Woman," featuring Nicolas Coster.
In this outing, he's Silas Lockhart, a man of darker, fluffier hair than our Lionel Lockridge, along with shaded spectacles -- and motives that are just as dark and shady. He's clearly the bad guy in this November 1978 story, a real estate developer in three-piece suits who kidnaps a specially trained dolphin to place an explosive on a crude-oil supertanker and cause an oil spill that will threaten coastal land (ya get all that?).
My, my, what an evil plot, Mr. Coster! We're thankful Lionel was much more cultured and far less crude!
Read more about the episode, called "The Deadly Dolpin," as well as the full BRBTV synopsis, at the IMDb.
And catch Coster, by the way, in an interview on BlogTalkRadio on his new role in this fall's web soap "The Bay." The delightful Coster chats about Facebook, "SB" and which of his castmates he keeps in contact with, his work with Lawrence Olivier, as well as the genesis of his involvement with this web series. "Gregori writes quickly and well," he comments about the creator of the "The Bay," Gregori J. Martin, who is crafting the show on a low budget without many retakes and cuts. "We're going to be a lot more close to a reality show than one would wish. But that provides some spark."
In this outing, he's Silas Lockhart, a man of darker, fluffier hair than our Lionel Lockridge, along with shaded spectacles -- and motives that are just as dark and shady. He's clearly the bad guy in this November 1978 story, a real estate developer in three-piece suits who kidnaps a specially trained dolphin to place an explosive on a crude-oil supertanker and cause an oil spill that will threaten coastal land (ya get all that?).
My, my, what an evil plot, Mr. Coster! We're thankful Lionel was much more cultured and far less crude!
Read more about the episode, called "The Deadly Dolpin," as well as the full BRBTV synopsis, at the IMDb.
And catch Coster, by the way, in an interview on BlogTalkRadio on his new role in this fall's web soap "The Bay." The delightful Coster chats about Facebook, "SB" and which of his castmates he keeps in contact with, his work with Lawrence Olivier, as well as the genesis of his involvement with this web series. "Gregori writes quickly and well," he comments about the creator of the "The Bay," Gregori J. Martin, who is crafting the show on a low budget without many retakes and cuts. "We're going to be a lot more close to a reality show than one would wish. But that provides some spark."
Friday, August 20, 2010
TGIF Toys: Count on them Duke boys
If you've read the BRBTV reference guide "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!", then you know this item -- and yes, it is a toy! -- was a gift to BRB from her dear pals at The Detroit News. It's a vintage treasure (circa 1981 or so, when "The Dukes of Hazzard" merchandise was riding high), found fresh and new in the box a couple decades after first hitting the store shelves. Of course, it works perfectly. Of course. And of course it's what balances the BRBTV checkbook every month! Unlike Boss Hogg, though, it keeps us on the straight and narrow.
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Thursday, August 19, 2010
"Santa Barbara" stars keep sudsing up the small screen
You can never say our '80s soap faves are all washed up -- they keep cleaning up on the new work right and left! In fact it seems a bit like revolving doors (sinks?), particularly where our beloved "Santa Barbara" is concerned. Here's a roundup of a few things going on lately ...
- Signy Coleman (Celeste DiNapoli) returned to her role as Hope on "The Young and the Restless" on Friday. Coleman had told BRBTV this was coming when we interviewed her last year, though the details hadn't been worked out yet and it was hush-hush.
- Kim Zimmer (Jodie Walker) returns to her role as Echo DiSavoy on "One Life to Live," with her first airdate on October 1, she reports on Facebook. SoapCentral has a little more on that.
- Robin Mattson (Gina DeMott Capwell etc.) joins her "SB" castmate Louise Sorel on "Days of Our Lives," as Lee beginning in October. See the news at Soaps.com.
- And October is a big month for "Days," because Gina Gallego (the third Santana Andrade) is back in the fray, too, taking over the role of Warden Smith in early October. (What a party with this powerful trio, who certainly had intersecting storylines on "SB"!) Soaps.com has the deal.
And of course, we've already reported how John Callahan (Craig Hunt), Lane Davies (original Mason Capwell) and Nicolas Coster (Lionel Lockridge) are part of this fall's new web soap "The Bay." As you eagerly anticipate that September 15 premiere, you can read some brand-new interviews with Davies at WeLoveSoaps here and here, and with Coster at BlogTalkRadio.
So if the movie screen is big, and the TV screen is small, what does that make the web screen???? Hmmmm ...
- Signy Coleman (Celeste DiNapoli) returned to her role as Hope on "The Young and the Restless" on Friday. Coleman had told BRBTV this was coming when we interviewed her last year, though the details hadn't been worked out yet and it was hush-hush.
- Kim Zimmer (Jodie Walker) returns to her role as Echo DiSavoy on "One Life to Live," with her first airdate on October 1, she reports on Facebook. SoapCentral has a little more on that.
- Robin Mattson (Gina DeMott Capwell etc.) joins her "SB" castmate Louise Sorel on "Days of Our Lives," as Lee beginning in October. See the news at Soaps.com.
- And October is a big month for "Days," because Gina Gallego (the third Santana Andrade) is back in the fray, too, taking over the role of Warden Smith in early October. (What a party with this powerful trio, who certainly had intersecting storylines on "SB"!) Soaps.com has the deal.
And of course, we've already reported how John Callahan (Craig Hunt), Lane Davies (original Mason Capwell) and Nicolas Coster (Lionel Lockridge) are part of this fall's new web soap "The Bay." As you eagerly anticipate that September 15 premiere, you can read some brand-new interviews with Davies at WeLoveSoaps here and here, and with Coster at BlogTalkRadio.
So if the movie screen is big, and the TV screen is small, what does that make the web screen???? Hmmmm ...
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Joan Collins spreads her wings and tweets
Look out, folks, she's armed with iPhone and she's rarin' to tell you all about hanging out at St. Tropez, rehearsing her one-woman show and more ... She's the unstoppable Joan Collins, known to us as the unstoppable Alexis Carrington Colby Whatever of "Dynasty," and she just opened up a Twitter account, joking about how she has now joined the rest of us in the 21st century (don't worry, Joan, some of haven't arrived yet). Follow her at http://www.twitter.com/joancollinsobe.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Spotted: Ted Shackelford and Joan Van Ark
When BRBTV interviewed Joan Van Ark for the "Destination: Dallas" reference guide, she mentioned starring with Ted Shackelford in a classic episode of "Wonder Woman." Indeed, the episode was "Time Bomb," first airing on November 10, 1978, about a year before Van Ark and Shackelford played Valene and Gary Ewing at Southfork Ranch, but just a couple months after Van Ark made her debut on "Dallas," playing opposite Dan Ackroyd at that point.
And just as Gary and Valene were sometimes on, sometimes off in "Dallas," this "Wonder Woman" episode starts them out as civil colleagues before things go bad. The time is November 2155. She's a historian, and he's a scientist. She decides she wants to get more hands-on knowledge of this highly intriguing 1970s era she's been studying through their time portal. She uses the portal to trip back to November 1978 and make her fortune via the rare energy source cabrium-90 (which looks amazingly like clear quartz!).
Shackelford's character Adam Clement (ironic, a bit, don'tcha think, given Valene's maiden name of Clements?) is right behind her, enlisting the aid of Diana Prince at the IADC to try to stop Van Ark's Cassandra from altering the future. This silver-suited (why do all the aliens wear silver suits on '70s television?) gentleman is a man of peace, like Gary Ewing, but with a much stronger stance. He also becomes quite smitten with Wonder Woman, as many male guest stars do! Since it's the second appearance on the series for Shackelford, we'll remind ya that he did the same thing in the other episode!
Van Ark, meanwhile, has the same sweet, honey-blond hair as Valene Ewing, but with a deliciously evil glint in her eye. She's in control every moment as she's blackmailing corporate execs and cutting deals -- why, J.R. would've been proud!
Enjoy the full BRBTV synopses of this and the other "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.
And just as Gary and Valene were sometimes on, sometimes off in "Dallas," this "Wonder Woman" episode starts them out as civil colleagues before things go bad. The time is November 2155. She's a historian, and he's a scientist. She decides she wants to get more hands-on knowledge of this highly intriguing 1970s era she's been studying through their time portal. She uses the portal to trip back to November 1978 and make her fortune via the rare energy source cabrium-90 (which looks amazingly like clear quartz!).
Shackelford's character Adam Clement (ironic, a bit, don'tcha think, given Valene's maiden name of Clements?) is right behind her, enlisting the aid of Diana Prince at the IADC to try to stop Van Ark's Cassandra from altering the future. This silver-suited (why do all the aliens wear silver suits on '70s television?) gentleman is a man of peace, like Gary Ewing, but with a much stronger stance. He also becomes quite smitten with Wonder Woman, as many male guest stars do! Since it's the second appearance on the series for Shackelford, we'll remind ya that he did the same thing in the other episode!
Van Ark, meanwhile, has the same sweet, honey-blond hair as Valene Ewing, but with a deliciously evil glint in her eye. She's in control every moment as she's blackmailing corporate execs and cutting deals -- why, J.R. would've been proud!
Enjoy the full BRBTV synopses of this and the other "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Golf with Bo Duke for a good cause
More John Schneider news already? Why, yes, as we've stated on this very blog, it's hard to keep up! This time our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard" is going golfing on September 26 in Ojai, California, for a good cause. The event benefits the Michael Bolton Charities, supporting children and women at risk of poverty, abuse, neglect, homelessness and domestic violence.
One lucky person can try out their 9-iron with Bo. The auction began on Friday and ends on August 30. Oh, and you get breakfast, lunch and some other stuff, too. If it matters.
Check it out at ClubCharity.com. High bid was fifteen-hundred smackers last time we looked ...
One lucky person can try out their 9-iron with Bo. The auction began on Friday and ends on August 30. Oh, and you get breakfast, lunch and some other stuff, too. If it matters.
Check it out at ClubCharity.com. High bid was fifteen-hundred smackers last time we looked ...
Friday, August 13, 2010
TGIF Toys: Have a bite with Bats
You don't have to be a kid to eat your cereal out of one of these fab Batbowls from "Batman: The Animated Series"! These Zak Designs dish sets are from 1993, 1997 and 1998 (the latter reflecting the evolution of the series into "The New Batman Adventures"). Yummy. And well-used!
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Spotted: Lee Bergere and Joel Fabiani
You wouldn't know him by sight, but you'd surely recognize his voice: Mr. Lee Bergere, our own Joseph Aynders, long-suffering Carrington butler on "Dynasty." And at the other end of the strings he's pulling, ironically: a rather-fit Joel Fabiani, his "Dynasty" castmate as King Galen of Moldavia, as well as Alex Ward of "Dallas" and a bunch of other soaps roles over the years! The two are embroiled in a plot to kill an industrialist, along with a government agent or two (and the industrialist, to take this scenario a little further, is George Chakiris, who portrayed Nicholas, nervous associate to Angelica Nero in the Dream Season of "Dallas").
The classic TV show we're talking about, of course, is "Wonder Woman," and the episode is the second season's "Death in Disguise."
Bergere and Fabiani surely are death in disguise, as if Bergere's dark hair and thick moustache aren't enough indication! Though he gets little screen time in this 1978 outing, as the powerful Marius he shows himself commanding and reserved, three years before assuming his subservient post at the Carrington mansion. For his part, Fabiani is calmer and less flamboyant than Galen as the infamous hitman Woodward Nightingale, supervisor to thugs! The two have an unholy alliance that is, of course, no match for Wonder Woman.
See it for yourself at the WB, and read BRBTV synopses for this and the other "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.
The classic TV show we're talking about, of course, is "Wonder Woman," and the episode is the second season's "Death in Disguise."
Bergere and Fabiani surely are death in disguise, as if Bergere's dark hair and thick moustache aren't enough indication! Though he gets little screen time in this 1978 outing, as the powerful Marius he shows himself commanding and reserved, three years before assuming his subservient post at the Carrington mansion. For his part, Fabiani is calmer and less flamboyant than Galen as the infamous hitman Woodward Nightingale, supervisor to thugs! The two have an unholy alliance that is, of course, no match for Wonder Woman.
See it for yourself at the WB, and read BRBTV synopses for this and the other "Wonder Woman" episodes at the IMDb.
Monday, August 09, 2010
John Schneider in concert fundraiser at the end of this month
Thanks once again to Phyllis of the John Schneider Unofficial Fan Club on Facebook for the tipoff on this one:
On August 28, former first lady Laura Bush will be the guest speaker for the Heritage Christian University's fundraiser at Marriott Shoals Hotel in Florence, Alabama. This event is going to include a concert by John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard." To order tickets go to http://www.hcu.edu/.
To read a little more about the event -- and see a photo of John-John that's just about big enough for us (almost, anyway) -- visit http://www.hcu.edu/events/heritage_event_with_laura_bush.
On August 28, former first lady Laura Bush will be the guest speaker for the Heritage Christian University's fundraiser at Marriott Shoals Hotel in Florence, Alabama. This event is going to include a concert by John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard." To order tickets go to http://www.hcu.edu/.
To read a little more about the event -- and see a photo of John-John that's just about big enough for us (almost, anyway) -- visit http://www.hcu.edu/events/heritage_event_with_laura_bush.
Friday, August 06, 2010
TGIF Toys: You light up my ... lunch?
A craft kit in the ‘90s, purchased by BRBTV through a school fundraiser, produced this Scooby-Doo switchplate, along with a cover for a double electrical outlet. Yes, it is a toy. So there.
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
More on Paul Dini's new show, "Tower Prep"
Last week, we gave you a few words from Paul Dini of our beloved "Batman: The Animated Series" on his newest TV project, a live-action series called "Tower Prep," set to begin on Cartoon Network this fall. Today, we've got a little more information on that show, which represents, as Dini explained during this Sunday, July 25 panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego, a new direction the network is taking with live-action.
In explaining the genesis of "Tower Prep," Dini said, "As time went on, and we did the development, we realized this needed some very special people to bring it to life, so Glen Morgan came on board, with his brother Darin from 'The X-Files,' and they have made the show their own, and made it unique and wonderful, and I couldn't be happier with the result."
Ryan Pinkston (Gabe Forrest):
"My ability is what we call high persuasion, which is a form of hypnotism, in a way. I think it's the ability kinda like, if it was at the X-Men level, like Xavier, it would be mind control, but at a grounded level. So it's basically, I use my voice and a little bit of eye contact there, and I can basically get anything I want."
Elise Gatien (C.J. -- in photo above):
"My ability is to read people, which would be very cool to have. I can pick up on little eye twitches, or the clench of the jaw, and know people's true intentions, what they're feeling."
Dyana Liu (Suki Sato -- in photo above):
"I have the power of mimickry, and that's both in voice and mannerisms and handwriting. It's pretty cool. I can hear someone or look at someone and kinda take on their persona, through the voice or other."
Drew Van Acker (Ian Archer):
"My character, Ian Archer, has what we call preflex. And the best way to really describe that would be a Spidey sense, if you guys are all familiar with Spider-Man. ... He can pretty much react and see things, briefly, a moment, split-seconds, before it actually happens."
The panelists clarified that these characters don't have "superpowers," but more so heightened abilities.
Van Acker shed a little more light on his character and the new place he's in: "Tower Prep is a place that I can't accept. I can't accept being there. I can't accept how I got there. I can't accept why I'm there."
Glen Morgan, also speaking at the panel, noted that there are 13 episodes in the first season of "Tower Prep." They were beginning to shoot the last first-season episode on Thursday of last week.
What is the tone of the series? an attendee asked. Definitely mystery, panelists said. But there is romance and comedy included, as well. Part of the mystery involves why all of these gifted students are at Tower Prep, where the headmaster seems intent to more closely examine and perhaps exploit their abilities.
Panel attendees also were lucky enough to receive the patch below ...
Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand
Sunday, August 01, 2010
BRBTV birthdays for August
- Joanna Cassidy, who played the smart and seductive Sally Bullock on "Dallas," voiced Maggie Sawyer in the animated "Superman" series, and even did a guest shot on the "Dukes of Hazzard" spinoff "Enos," starts off this round of birthdays -- she turns 65 on August 2.
- Lauren Tom, who voiced Dana Tan on "Batman Beyond," turns 49 on August 4.
- Louise Sorel, unforgettable as Augusta Lockridge on "Santa Barbara," turns 70 on August 6.
- John Glover, who voiced Edward Nygma / Riddler on "Batman: The Animated Series," and more recently as the amazing Lionel Lockridge on the CW's "Smallville," turns 66 on August 7.
- Paul Dini, writer for "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 53 on August 7.
- Sydney Penny, who played B.J. Walker on "Santa Barbara," turns 39 on August 7.
- Mel Tillis, who played Burl Tolliver on an episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," and also performed as himself on a different episode, turns 78 on August 8.
- Richard Anderson, whom we loved as Oscar Goldman on "Bionic Woman" but who also played Buck Fallmont on "Dynasty," turns 84 on August 8.
- Kate O’Mara, the Jackie Collins-type character of Caress Morrell, causing trouble for sis Alexis on "Dynasty," turns 71 on August 10.
- Will Friedle, the Batman of the future, Terry McGinnis, on "Batman Beyond," turns 34 on August 11.
- George Hamilton, who had a mean gleam as Joel Abrigore on "Dynasty," turns 71 on August 12.
- Jeff Altman, the wholly obnoxious Hughie Hogg on "The Dukes," turns 59 on August 13.
- E.J. André, co-star to Joanna Cassidy as the wizened Mr. Eugene Bullock on "Dallas," was born on August 14, 1908 and died on September 6, 1984.
- Glenn Corbett, the hunky Paul Morgan on "Dallas," was born on August 17, 1930 and died on January 16, 1993.
- Diana Muldaur, voice of Dr. Leslie Thompkins on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 72 on August 19.
- Ray Wise, who was Blair Sullivan, Lucy's contact in the modeling biz on "Dallas" and who more recently has starred as the devil on the CW's "Reaper," turns 63 on August 20.
- Barbara Eden, the delightful J.R. Ewing adversary of LeeAnn de la Vega on "Dallas," as well as Larry Hagman's previous costar on "I Dream of Jeannie," turns 76 on August 23.
- Frank Runyeon, who was Father Michael on "Santa Barbara," has a birthday on August 23, as well, turning 57.
- Mel Ferrer, who played Harrison Page on "Dallas," was born on August 25, 1917 and died on June 2, 2008.
- Wanda DeJesus, another "SB" star as one of the several Santana Andrades, turns 50 on August 26.
- John Allen Nelson, the original (and hottest) Warren Lockridge on "SB," turns 51 on August 28.
- Russell Curry, who was Lt. Victor Boswell on "SB," also has a birthday on August 28, turning 54.
- Emma Samms, the second Fallon on "Dynasty," turns 50 on August 28.
- Sonny Shroyer, our loving Enos Strate on "The Dukes of Hazzard," is our last BRBTV birthday for August 28, turning 75.
- Jim Davis, the legendary Jock Ewing of "Dallas," was born on August 29, 1909 and died on April 26, 1981.
- Ellen Geer, who is a BRBTV tripleshot as Dr. Anita Krane on "Dallas," Dorothy on "SB" and a brief stint in the pilot episode of "Dynasty," turns 69 on August 29 (and yes, she is the daughter of "Waltons" actor Will Geer).
- Don Pedro Colley, the stern Sheriff Little of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 72 on August 30.
- Ben Jones, the reliable ole Cooter on "The Dukes of Hazzard" and venerable host of the yearly DukesFest, turns 69 on August 31.
Happy birthday to all!
- Lauren Tom, who voiced Dana Tan on "Batman Beyond," turns 49 on August 4.
- Louise Sorel, unforgettable as Augusta Lockridge on "Santa Barbara," turns 70 on August 6.
- John Glover, who voiced Edward Nygma / Riddler on "Batman: The Animated Series," and more recently as the amazing Lionel Lockridge on the CW's "Smallville," turns 66 on August 7.
- Paul Dini, writer for "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 53 on August 7.
- Sydney Penny, who played B.J. Walker on "Santa Barbara," turns 39 on August 7.
- Mel Tillis, who played Burl Tolliver on an episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," and also performed as himself on a different episode, turns 78 on August 8.
- Richard Anderson, whom we loved as Oscar Goldman on "Bionic Woman" but who also played Buck Fallmont on "Dynasty," turns 84 on August 8.
- Kate O’Mara, the Jackie Collins-type character of Caress Morrell, causing trouble for sis Alexis on "Dynasty," turns 71 on August 10.
- Will Friedle, the Batman of the future, Terry McGinnis, on "Batman Beyond," turns 34 on August 11.
- George Hamilton, who had a mean gleam as Joel Abrigore on "Dynasty," turns 71 on August 12.
- Jeff Altman, the wholly obnoxious Hughie Hogg on "The Dukes," turns 59 on August 13.
- E.J. André, co-star to Joanna Cassidy as the wizened Mr. Eugene Bullock on "Dallas," was born on August 14, 1908 and died on September 6, 1984.
- Glenn Corbett, the hunky Paul Morgan on "Dallas," was born on August 17, 1930 and died on January 16, 1993.
- Diana Muldaur, voice of Dr. Leslie Thompkins on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 72 on August 19.
- Ray Wise, who was Blair Sullivan, Lucy's contact in the modeling biz on "Dallas" and who more recently has starred as the devil on the CW's "Reaper," turns 63 on August 20.
- Barbara Eden, the delightful J.R. Ewing adversary of LeeAnn de la Vega on "Dallas," as well as Larry Hagman's previous costar on "I Dream of Jeannie," turns 76 on August 23.
- Frank Runyeon, who was Father Michael on "Santa Barbara," has a birthday on August 23, as well, turning 57.
- Mel Ferrer, who played Harrison Page on "Dallas," was born on August 25, 1917 and died on June 2, 2008.
- Wanda DeJesus, another "SB" star as one of the several Santana Andrades, turns 50 on August 26.
- John Allen Nelson, the original (and hottest) Warren Lockridge on "SB," turns 51 on August 28.
- Russell Curry, who was Lt. Victor Boswell on "SB," also has a birthday on August 28, turning 54.
- Emma Samms, the second Fallon on "Dynasty," turns 50 on August 28.
- Sonny Shroyer, our loving Enos Strate on "The Dukes of Hazzard," is our last BRBTV birthday for August 28, turning 75.
- Jim Davis, the legendary Jock Ewing of "Dallas," was born on August 29, 1909 and died on April 26, 1981.
- Ellen Geer, who is a BRBTV tripleshot as Dr. Anita Krane on "Dallas," Dorothy on "SB" and a brief stint in the pilot episode of "Dynasty," turns 69 on August 29 (and yes, she is the daughter of "Waltons" actor Will Geer).
- Don Pedro Colley, the stern Sheriff Little of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 72 on August 30.
- Ben Jones, the reliable ole Cooter on "The Dukes of Hazzard" and venerable host of the yearly DukesFest, turns 69 on August 31.
Happy birthday to all!
Friday, July 30, 2010
TGIF Toys: A cuter Caped Crusader
OK, is it our imagination, or are those some bewitching eyes on our gal Barb here, otherwise so innocent and idealistic as she hops the streets of Gotham fighting crime as Batgirl? She does have the reputation of Batman to stand on, after all -- and here, she has a stuffed giant Bats to stand on, too! (Didya realize it?) This Batgirl figure is from the current line of DC Universe / Justice League Unlimited figure three-packs you'll find at your local Target. Our buddy Drew bought the threesome and let us lift just this one for a cool price (not that we have anything against Pengie). Her mold appears to be identical to the silver-clad (Walmart exclusive?) Batgirl we found a few years back (the hair is darker on that one -- auburn, shall we say?).
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Comic-Con: Paul Dini talks about "Tower Prep"
During a Sunday panel at the con, Dini talked about how this show, set at a prep school, came from his desire to "create shows that were compelling and fantastic that spoke to an audience in a way that hasn't been addressed before."
What was his inspiration? "I just looked back on my childhood and thought about incidences when I was a kid. I went to a prep school, and I went back to my feelings of what it was like at the time. For the first year, it was absolutely ghastly, and I thought, I'm going to use that someday."
Dini was joined by (from the right in the above photo, after moderator Harry Knowles and Dini) fellow series writer Glen Morgan for the panel, as well as actors Drew Van Acker (Ian Archer), Ryan Pinkston (Gabe Forrest), Elise Gatien (C.J.), and Dyana Liu (Suki Sato).
Do shows like "Tower Prep" mean Cartoon Network is moving away from cartoons, Dini was asked by a panel attendee. No, he said, the network is still buying lots of cartoons. They just discovered there's an audience for the live-action shows.
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Comic-Con: James Tucker has some new Batwork lined up
BRBTV continues some special coverage of the weekend's Comic-Con International in San Diego with James Tucker, whom we know for his work on "The New Batman Adventures" and "Batman Beyond." In an interview for the "Comics Continuum" TV show and accompanying website, Tucker spoke to BRB on Friday about his current work on the animated series "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" and what's coming up for him.
With "The Brave and the Bold" in its final 13 episodes this coming year, Tucker named two big DC characters that will be featured: Wonder Woman and Superman.
Tucker is working on a new Batman show, though it's in the early planning stage.
"There's not much to tell because I haven't figured it out yet," Tucker said, "but all I can say is it's going to be radically different from 'Batman: Brave and the Bold.' Of course, it'll appeal to Batman fans, and all I can say, is again, I think people should be able to trust me with the character, so have no fear, and we're working on it as we speak. We're trying to figure out what it is in detail, and once I know, I'll let everyone else know."
He continued, "It will be coming in on the coat-tails of the new Green Lantern series, so expect similarities between that and our show. It will be technically in the same vein as Green Lantern, meaning Green Lantern is CGI, this will probably be CGI."
Watch the interview clips at ComicsContinuum.com.
Photo copyright Comic Continuum
Monday, July 26, 2010
Comic-Con: John O'Hurley to do a voice on "Super Hero Squad Show"
John O'Hurley, our own Stephen Slade of "Santa Barbara," will do some voicework for the popular animated series "The Super Hero Squad Show" in the show's second season this coming year. O'Hurley was among the celebrity voices announced for the show's new episodes at Comic-Con International in San Diego over the weekend.
O'Hurley will voice a game-show character called Game Master. Though the actor is well-known for hosting "Family Feud," it really was his soaps work that got him this new gig. Marvel Animation exec Cort Lane told BRB, as she interviewed him for the "Comics Continuum" TV show and accompanying website on Friday, that it really was O'Hurley's work on "The Young and the Restless" that made an impression on him.
"The Super Hero Squad Show" airs on Cartoon Network.
O'Hurley will voice a game-show character called Game Master. Though the actor is well-known for hosting "Family Feud," it really was his soaps work that got him this new gig. Marvel Animation exec Cort Lane told BRB, as she interviewed him for the "Comics Continuum" TV show and accompanying website on Friday, that it really was O'Hurley's work on "The Young and the Restless" that made an impression on him.
"The Super Hero Squad Show" airs on Cartoon Network.
Friday, July 23, 2010
BONUS TGIF Toys: "Dynasty" Barbies!!!!
Ooooh, baby, we couldn't wait until next week's TGIF Toys feature for this one, because it's just too hot! They're delicious, they're delightful, they're our "Dynasty" dames -- a la Barbie! On display right now at the Mattel booth at Comic-Con International in San Diego are the Krystle Carrington and Alexis Colby Barbie dolls.
Dressed in "her signature white-sheath gown with bold shoulder pads," as the description says, Krystle Barbie surely shimmers. And, as her fine foil, the Alexis Barbie is fabulous in that familiar gold lame' gown with ruffled shoulders. Meow!!!
Can Pamela and Sue Ellen Ewing be far behind, Mattel?
Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand
TGIF Toys: Targeting "Dallas" fans ...
Here's a downright delicious collection: the "Dallas" card game we showed you a few weeks ago, a "Dallas" dart set (yea, he's the bulls-eye -- you woulda guessed it, wouldn'tcha?) and the prototypes of the 4-inch "Dallas" figures, sadly never released. All of this by our beloved Mego Corp., 1981. Can you believe buyers weren't interested in the figures, back then, during the show's heyday? Ooooooohhhhhhh ... we moan, we groan ... if they'd have only given us a chance ....
Photo courtesy of the Mego Museum; copy at your own risk
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Spotted: Roddy McDowall
Sans that "Apes" thing, Roddy McDowall tended to like those brainy roles. (Well, OK, Cornelius was a pretty smart ape.) And just as he was the highly intelligent and misunderstood Jervis Tetch, aka the Mad Hatter, on "Batman: The Animated Series," he was the highly intelligent and misunderstood physicist Arthur Chapman on the second-season "Wonder Woman" episode, "The Man Who Made Volcanoes."
With his white lab coat and big-ole glasses, McDowall is geeky before geeky was cool. He thinks he's working for world peace as he wields a weapon that wreaks destructive volcanoes across the globe. McDowall is composed and well-spoken, if a bit mad (!) in this 1977 role, 15 years before he voiced the Hatter.
See it for yourself at the WB, and enjoy a full BRBTV synopsis for this and the other "WW" episodes at the IMDb.
With his white lab coat and big-ole glasses, McDowall is geeky before geeky was cool. He thinks he's working for world peace as he wields a weapon that wreaks destructive volcanoes across the globe. McDowall is composed and well-spoken, if a bit mad (!) in this 1977 role, 15 years before he voiced the Hatter.
See it for yourself at the WB, and enjoy a full BRBTV synopsis for this and the other "WW" episodes at the IMDb.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The BRBTV Reports are now available on Kindle
A few years back, BRBTV hatched this hairbrained idea for a new product in its line, a shorter, snappier reference guide, something nice and quick and fun with basically a feature story and an episode guide, costing only a buck and taking a whole lot less time to put together than those blessed fact books.
Thus was born the BRBTV Report, and really the impetus for this new product was the invitation from Amazon to join its then-brand-new Amazon Shorts program. Published electronically only, and designed for the shorter form, the Amazon Shorts were the perfect vehicle for BRBTV guides to various animated series that might not warrant a whole book full of info. The Shorts program launched the first five BRBTV Reports, one by one, beginning with a guide to the 1999-2000 animated series "Archie's Weird Mysteries" in July 2006. Following six months of exclusivity, we released full-color, graphic-intense, PDF versions of each Short on BRBTV.com.
In May, Amazon discontinued its Shorts program, so BRBTV has converted the text of each BRBTV Report into a Kindle version, now available on Amazon. These text-only versions sell for a cool, low price -- that same buck! Alongside them, the same colorful PDF versions are still available at Reports.BRBTV.com.
We hope you enjoy them! And look for more BRBTV Reports and fact books on the horizon.
Thus was born the BRBTV Report, and really the impetus for this new product was the invitation from Amazon to join its then-brand-new Amazon Shorts program. Published electronically only, and designed for the shorter form, the Amazon Shorts were the perfect vehicle for BRBTV guides to various animated series that might not warrant a whole book full of info. The Shorts program launched the first five BRBTV Reports, one by one, beginning with a guide to the 1999-2000 animated series "Archie's Weird Mysteries" in July 2006. Following six months of exclusivity, we released full-color, graphic-intense, PDF versions of each Short on BRBTV.com.
In May, Amazon discontinued its Shorts program, so BRBTV has converted the text of each BRBTV Report into a Kindle version, now available on Amazon. These text-only versions sell for a cool, low price -- that same buck! Alongside them, the same colorful PDF versions are still available at Reports.BRBTV.com.
We hope you enjoy them! And look for more BRBTV Reports and fact books on the horizon.
Friday, July 16, 2010
TGIF Toys: Betting on a beautiful Betty
Ever go fishing in one of those arcade crane machines and pull out something as cute as this? Well, our friend Rob did a couple months ago. It's Betty Cooper of Archie Comics, part of a crane-toy set by KellyToy from 2005. She's quite a quality gal, with real denim jeans, canvas shoes (with cardboard inserts to give them their shape), a leatherlike belt with metallic belt buckle, and even "furry" hair that can just about be brushed! She surfaced in Metro Detroit, but no sign yet of her compatriots! We're anxiously awaiting, as our resident crane-machine champion digs in ...
Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Larry Hagman trades the oil wells for solar panels in new ad campaign
He's not a bad testament for solar energy -- he owns one of the largest U.S. residential solar panel systems, which has reduced his annual energy bill from five figures to two. Yes, this is oil baron J.R. Ewing of "Dallas" we're talking about, Mr. Larry Hagman, who now espouses the value of a renewable energy in a new TV ad for SolarWorld, maker of solar panels.
See Hagman's Ojai, Calif., solar-powered estate, Heaven, at his official website in a video narrated by the man himself.
Read more at OnTheRedCarpet.com, and catch some comments at OregonLive.com.
See Hagman's Ojai, Calif., solar-powered estate, Heaven, at his official website in a video narrated by the man himself.
Read more at OnTheRedCarpet.com, and catch some comments at OregonLive.com.
Stunt show videos posted at BRBTV YouTube channel
Didya miss Tom Sarmento of the Hazzard County Stunt Team jumping an A-Team van at the Professional Stuntman Invitational last summer? The BRBTV video of the stunt will put you right there in the stands, on the edge of your seat (well, OK, at least a little apprehensive -- though we all know Tom survived!).
BRBTV is going through the video archive and turning up some good stuff. Keep checking the YouTube channel ... we'll be adding more! Next up is a series of videos from the first-ever Knight Rider Fest in Las Vegas!
BRBTV is going through the video archive and turning up some good stuff. Keep checking the YouTube channel ... we'll be adding more! Next up is a series of videos from the first-ever Knight Rider Fest in Las Vegas!
Monday, July 12, 2010
"Dallas" stars have all kinds of 2010 projects going on
We're halfway through 2010, and the cast of our beloved "Dallas" is busy, busy, busy, lighting up our screens both big and small. Here's a rundown of who's doing what, and sometimes even when!
Patrick Duffy
That Bobby Ewing gets to reunite with his "Step By Step" castmate Christine Lakin in "You Again," due in September. Kristen Bell, Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis, and hot-girl-of-the-year Betty White are also in the cast.
Linda Gray
Our former Sue Ellen Ewing plays the title character's mother in "The Flight of the Swan," filming in Athens and scheduled for release in October.
Charlene Tilton
- "Cheerleader Camp" makes sense for our Lucy Ewing, since we seem to remember that whole cheerleader thing early on in the series. Tilton plays herself in this one.
- "Mean Parents Suck" has been kicking around for a while. In this one, Tilton plays a "drunken lush," according to the film's site.
Sheree J. Wilson
The former April Ewing takes on "The Gundown," along with William Shockley, we might add, whom we greatly miss since "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" went off the air.
Audrey Landers
Our own Afton Cooper is a nurse in "A Fonder Heart." The megawatt cast includes Daryl Hannah, Stockard Channing, James Brolin, Shelley Long, Louis Gossett Jr. and Rachel Hunter.
George Kennedy
That George Kennedy -- we're so glad he's still out there, making his way with the best of 'em. He stars in "Six Days in Paradise" with David Carradine.
Andrew Stevens
Our own Casey Denault is in producing mode these days, with "Unearthed" and "Breaking the Press."
Mary Crosby
That poor gal who'll always be remembered for shooting J.R. joins Noah Wyle in "Queen of the Lot."
Frederic Lehne
Our own Eddie Cronin stars in "Surviving Me."
Derek McGrath
The former Ozwald Valentine is featured in "Planting Season."
And the record for new work certainly goes to ...
Christopher Atkins ... wowzers ...
Patrick Duffy
That Bobby Ewing gets to reunite with his "Step By Step" castmate Christine Lakin in "You Again," due in September. Kristen Bell, Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis, and hot-girl-of-the-year Betty White are also in the cast.
Linda Gray
Our former Sue Ellen Ewing plays the title character's mother in "The Flight of the Swan," filming in Athens and scheduled for release in October.
Charlene Tilton
- "Cheerleader Camp" makes sense for our Lucy Ewing, since we seem to remember that whole cheerleader thing early on in the series. Tilton plays herself in this one.
- "Mean Parents Suck" has been kicking around for a while. In this one, Tilton plays a "drunken lush," according to the film's site.
Sheree J. Wilson
The former April Ewing takes on "The Gundown," along with William Shockley, we might add, whom we greatly miss since "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" went off the air.
Audrey Landers
Our own Afton Cooper is a nurse in "A Fonder Heart." The megawatt cast includes Daryl Hannah, Stockard Channing, James Brolin, Shelley Long, Louis Gossett Jr. and Rachel Hunter.
George Kennedy
That George Kennedy -- we're so glad he's still out there, making his way with the best of 'em. He stars in "Six Days in Paradise" with David Carradine.
Andrew Stevens
Our own Casey Denault is in producing mode these days, with "Unearthed" and "Breaking the Press."
Mary Crosby
That poor gal who'll always be remembered for shooting J.R. joins Noah Wyle in "Queen of the Lot."
Frederic Lehne
Our own Eddie Cronin stars in "Surviving Me."
Derek McGrath
The former Ozwald Valentine is featured in "Planting Season."
And the record for new work certainly goes to ...
Christopher Atkins ... wowzers ...
- The Hard Ride .... George Custer
- Gathering of Heroes: Legend of the Seven Swords .... Garrik Grayraven
- Amy .... Chris
- Serpent Rising .... Daniel Dodd
- Stained Glass Windows .... Detective Marshall
- Exodus Fall .... Wayne Minor