edgeofnight

Laurie Kennedy briefly played Phoebe in 1972.

I have wonderful news for all longtime Edge fans. For those of us, who had the pleasure of seeing the Whitney storyline (1970-71), we saw, what was, probably, the best storyline in Edge's history and a crown jewel for our revered headwriter, Henry Slesar.

I have been invited to the site where the on-location shoots took place, to see the 'Tower' where Keith Whitney (Bruce Martin) pushed his uncle, Dr. Charles Weldon (David Hooks), off the roof, and where, later, Keith stumbled down the spiral staircase to his death.

The general manager is as equally excited as I am. It has been my dream to see this beautiful property. I also have the script for the December 3, 1971 episode that saw the climax to this riveting storyline.

This has been on my 'bucket list,' and now, more than 40 years later, I will get to see where it all happened, under the guidance of directors John Sedwick and Allan Fristoe. I have also been blessed to hear from Keith/Jonah (Bruce Martin) and Tiffany (Lucy Martin)

I will be going down sometime during the week of July 16. I will keep you posted.

Hey, longtime Edge fans, I have good news for you. First of all, Bruce Martin (Keith Whitney/Jonah Lockwood) has sent me photos on my Facebook page of THE tower where Keith threw his uncle, Dr. Charles Weldon, over the top, and where Keith later met his own demise.

It's on the grounds of a beautiful country club in the Pocono Mountain area. www.lordsvalleycountryclub.org

Second piece of good news -- The webmaster for The Edge of Night Homepage is in the process of doing a new one...you can find it at

http://edgehomepage.com

Re: Ed Kemmer (District Attorney Dick Martin)

I had the pleasure of speaking with Fran Sharon Kemmer, the widow of Ed Kemmer. The two, as you may know, met when they were both on 'The Edge of Night.' They were married on the show, but Malcolm was cheating on Cookie with Eve Morris (Constance Ford -- just before she joined Another World). When Malcolm told Eve that he was ending their affair and going back to Cookie, Eve stabbed him in the back, killing him. Cookie was tried for his murder. In real life, Fran and Ed were married in June of 1969. I remember buying a baby book and sending it to Fran when she was expecting her first baby.

Well, I had the pleasure of speaking with Fran Kemmer on the phone this morning. I had sent her the transcript of my chapter in 'Survival of Soap Opera: Transformations for a New Media Era,' in which I share my memories of 'The Edge of Night.' I mentioned in my chapter the sheer volume of dialogue that a soap actor must memorize on a daily basis, compared to a movie star who may take an entire day's worth of shooting just to film two or three pages of dialogue. Well, Fran said that she had a story that would perfectly fit into what I was referring to. Fran told me that when she was expecting her third baby, she and Ed were in a cab rushing to the hospital, but mother nature had other ideas, and it fell upon the former Buzz Corry of 'Space Patrol' to deliver his third bundle of joy in the middle of Fifth Avenue. After dropping off mother and baby to the hospital, Ed then went immediately to the ATWT studio to do a then LIVE broadcast in which he had to memorize and deliver some 32 pages of dialogue. Later on, Fran asked Ed how he could possibly do so given the circumstances. He responded by saying that he was on a 'natural high' and he gave a flawless performance as District Attorney Dick Martin that day.

What a beautifully written synopsis, CarlD2. It made for a delightful read while I am recuperating from my latest surgery. Where would we all be without your insight?

Wonderful picture of Joel Crothers...it is such a tragedy that he was taken from us far too soon. We all miss him.

Well, after meeting Frances Sternhagen the other day at the Jose ferrer First Day of Issue ceremony in NYC, I couldn't resist writing to Gary Sandy and telling him the scene that has been permanently implanted in my brain...the scene in which Ma Reddin held her son (Gary Sandy) at bay with a pitchfork.

My remarks at Linda Cook's memorial service this afternoon.

I am a Presidential Historian. Looking at Linda's birth and death dates on the cover of today's program, I see that Linda was born on June 8, 1948, the anniversary of President Andrew Jackson's death in 1845, and Linda left us on April 12, the day in 1945 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt died. Both Linda and FDR were 63 years old at the time of their deaths and had battled serious illnesses for over 20 years. I sure hope that Linda is having a good time conversing with these presidents.

I also find it very appropriate that today, April 28, is the chosen day for Linda's Memorial service, because, as our history books will tell you, today is President James Monroe's birthday (in 1758). His administration from 1817 - 1825 is known as 'The Era of Good Feelings.' It is obvious, by listening to Linda's two sisters and brother that whoever encountered Linda was always left with good feelings. She exuded it, in abundance.

My second passions in life have been 'As the World Turns' and 'The Edge of Night,' both of which premiered on the CBS television network on April 2, 1956, three weeks before I was born. They hold the distinctions of not having been the first 30 minut daytime dramas, but also the last to go from being broadcast 'live' to tape. 'Edge' was moved to the ABC television network on December 1, 1975, when ATWT was expanded to an hour. Linda remained with the show until 1977, when her character was written out.

Sadly, 'Edge' ended it's 28 1/2 year run on December 28, 1984. But, her character of Laurie Ann was such a pivotal role in the history of the show, that she was the only actress tobe invited back to reprise her role during the show's final week. I was one of only two fans invited to the show's final taping.

I find it only fitting and proper to attend Linda, our beloved Laurie Ann Karr's, memorial service because nearly 40 years ago, I attended her TV step-grandfather Walter Greaza (who played Winston Grimsley)'s funeral, as well. I have come full circle. Through her character, I had the older sister I never had.

Recently, I have had the pleasure and honor to share my memories of 'The Edge of Night,' in a new book 'Survival of Soap Opera: Transformations for a New Media Era,' published by the University of Mississippi Press. Hardcover edition: Dec. 2010. Paperback edition: March 2012.

As the years passed, I rejoiced to see Linda continue in her successful daytime television career with her memorable stint as 'Egypt Jones' on ABC's 'Loving,' and as Lucy Hunter on ATWT in 1981 and as adoption agency rep Ann Reynolds in 2007 (who turned down Will and Jen's application to adopt a baby).

My sympathies go out to Linda's husband, siblings and to her extended circle of family and friends, at this sad time. Linda will always have a special place in my heart.

I had the delightful pleasure of meeting an ex-Secret Storm cast member yesterday...Frances Sternhagen, who played Jessie Reddin. Ms. Sternhagen shared her memories of the Oscar and Tony Award winning actor Jose Ferrer on the occasion of the US Postal Servie's 'First-Day-of-Issue' ceremony held at the prestigious Players' Club in NYC. Ferrer's widow extended me an invitation to the event as he was a longtime member of our Westchester community. Ms. Sternhagen's credits include stints on 'Another World' and 'Love of Life.'

What a beautiful thing to wake up to...many thanks for these clippings. Earlier this week, my wife and I were watching an old Perry Mason show in which Lori March was the defendant in the case. After discovering the body, Lori went out via a fire escape...something you would never expect Valeries Ames to do.

I had gotten during the middle of the night, and read about his death at 3am this morning. Very distressed and saddened to hear of his loss. Ironically, I had received my invitation to the annual DS Festival in yesterday's mail.

R.I.P. Linda Cook Mann...we were blessed to have your shining star among us.

Before hearing the devastating news about Linda Cook, earlier tday, I heard that a beloved member of the Edge cast has suffered a mild stroke. In the interest of protecting his/her privacy, I will not reveal the name, but my thoughts and prayers are going out to this much beloved Monticello-ite.

I remember getting an 8 x 10 black and white photo of Judson Laire...it was most unusual...he was in profile, looking out a curtained window.

Also wanted to give a shout to Bruce Martin...Happy Birthday! Those of us who were fortunate to have seen your magnificent dual performances of Keith Whitney and Jonah Lockwood will never forget you!

Again, thank you for this lovely article about Maeve. I don't recall having seen it.

But, I did want to give a shout out to the original Mike Karr - today - April 11, 2011 - is the centennial of John Larkin's birth (1912-1965). Larkin played Mike from 1956 - 1961.

A good friend of mine, Barbara Denise Files, has written her second book, which is entitled 'Ballet Secrets for Skaters.' I helped her write the book.

Many thanks for the wonderful article on Maeve. Some good news to share...I heard from Teal Ames (Sara Lane karr 1956-61). Teal said that she was being discharged from a rehab facility, today, April 4. But, then she wrote again, saying that she was home on Monday, which we all know to be Edge's anniversary! The Soap Gods heard my prayers!

Also, I am delighted to tell you that I received a phone call this morning from Fran Sharon, who played 'Cookie' Eileen Pollack Thomas Christopher on Edge from 1962 - 1972.

I wrote to Bennet Cooperman recently, but he never responded.

I have good news to share: A very good friend of mine is embarking on writing a book about Irene Dailey (Aunt Liz) and her brother Dan dailey.

Wonderful news to pass along to all of you! I have just received my complimentary paperback copy of the book 'Survival of Soap Opera: Transformations for a New Media Era,' published by the University of Mississippi Press. My chapter, the third chapter in the book, is entitled 'Memories of The Edge of Night.'

Mr. Martin is very open to hear from fans, but as per his request, which I perfectly understand and respect, he will not address any questions about his post-Edge personal life.

I can understand this from another perspective. Being a presidential historian, I have, over the years, been fortunate enough to make contact with some presidential children (who are now deceased), and I certainly understand their need for privacy.

I can tell you that the late Francis Grover Cleveland (1903-1995) was not only a fan of Edge, but a good friend of Maeve McGuire and her husband. He met her through Alice Hirson (Stephanie Martin) who was a friend of his daughter Marion.

Hello everybody! I'm thrilled, beyond words, to be able to tell you that I wrote and heard from Bruce Martin -- (Keith Whitney/Jonah Lockwood 1970-71). He is, truly, gratified to know how much he is fondly remembered 40 years after his time on the show. I told him that I had mentioned his storyline as one of the highlights of the show in my chapter 'Memories of The Edge of Night' in the book 'Survival of Soap Opera: Transformations for a New Media Era,' published by the Universiy of Mississippi Press, Dec 2010 (hardcover edition); March 2012 (paperback edition).

He also told me that he was selected to play a role on NBC-TV's 'Somerset,' following his stint on 'Edge,' but, sadly, it fell through, because he would AGAIN be playing the son of Lois Kibbee. The role eventually was played by Christopher Pennock.

He also told me that the Bruce Martin whose name we saw as 'Production Supervisor' on SFT and other shows was ANOTHER Bruce Martin. The two, eventually met, with the latter saying that he could not 'stop forwarding fan mail directed to 'our' Bruce.

Fantastic photos. Fantastic cast and show...there'll never be another one like it.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful article with us today -- which -- just so happens to be Maeve's alter-ego's hubby -- Adam Drake -- Donald May's birthday.

Loving the articles on LIASMST. If there was one scene that stands out in my mind, it was Bibi Besch (Iris) staring at the calendar on her make-up table...and figuring out that she may be pregnant (after being raped by Mark)