Paul Raven

Dark Mansions was a primetime soap pilot.Originally Loretta Young was announced as star,but for whatever reason,she dropped out and Joan Fontaine too her place. It was not picked up and aired over summer, as aTV movie. From IMDB The opening credits leave no doubt "Dark Mansions" is patterned after "Dark Shadows" - but, surprisingly, "Mansions" isn't like the successful supernatural-dominated "Shadows" of 1967-1970. Instead, it revisits the show as it played out during the more lackluster years of 1966 and 1971. This show has the Gothic tone of writer Art Wallace's original concept, which producer Dan Curtis steered the show back toward, in 1971. Taking the vampires, werewolves, and witches out of "Shadows" proved to be fatal, so "Mansions" may seem like puzzling pilot. But, it's also a shadowy version of the then successful "Falcon Crest" (actor David Selby did "Crest" and "Shadows"; writer Robert McCullough did "Crest" and "Mansions"). So, "Mansions" begins with star Linda Purl (as Shellane Victor) arriving as an authoress, to work on the biography of reclusive matriarch Joan Fontaine (as Margaret Drake). The character's name "Shellane Victor" is likely an homage to original "Shadows" protagonist "Victoria", who was originally named "Sheila". Like legendary golden-aged actresses Joan Bennett ("Shadows") and Jane Wyman ("Mansions"), Joan Fontaine assumes the role of a wealthy family matriarch. Note, Jean Simmons fit the bill in the 1991 run of "Dark Shadows", which makes it a Joan/Jane/Joan/Jean quartet. (Play other name games at home). Anyway, Ms. Purl is the spitting image of the dead "Yvette" (rhymes with "Josette"), who plunged to her death over the seaside cliffs, where the two "Drake" family mansions rest (but not in peace). The mystery of what really happened to "Yvette" is the ABC-TV movie pilot's main storyline. Widower Michael York (as Jason Drake) is also Fontaine's favorite son, and a potential romantic interest for Purl. Other family members (and suspects) include: Mr. York's bratty blonde daughter Nicollette Sheridan (as Banda Drake), his bratty blonde son Grant Aleksander (as Nick Drake), adopted "old house" castaway Paul Shenar (as Phillip Drake), his sexy wife Lois Chiles (as Jessica Drake), their blind clairvoyant daughter Melissa Sue Anderson (as Noelle Drake ), and hot-blooded son Yves André Martin (as Cody Drake). Blue-collared Steve Inwood (as Jerry Mills) and Raymond St. Jacques (as Davis) are significant outsiders. There are too many characters, and too much back-story, in "Dark Mansions" - although, admittedly, it all would have served a TV series well (had this "pilot" sold). The locations, sets, and overall setting is beautifully done; and, as photographed by Paul Lohmann and directed by Jerry London, they are the film's greatest strength. The cliff-side dwelling is how the original "Dark Shadows" might have looked, with a bigger budget. Watch for especially representative scenes as characters walk along the cliffs, with waves crashing in the background. And, if the house looks like "Collinwood", it's because it is the house (Greystone) picked to serve as "Collinwood" for both the 1991 and 2004 versions of "Dark Shadows".

ABC 1981 2 hr TV Movie pilot 'Golden Gate' Set in San Francisco, telling the story of the Kingsleys, an influential Nob Hill family involved in publishing. Jordan, estranged son, returns after 8 years to save family newspaper 'San Francisco Bulletin'. Financial ruin threatens the family after stroke suffered by publisher and patriach Thomas. Cast Jordan... Perry King Jane, his mother... Jean Simmons Thomas his father... Richard Kiley Natalie his sister ...Mary Crosby Johnny, Jordan's son ...Eric Copeland Karen, the Kingsley maid... Melanie Griffith Claire McCartney, works at the paper, wants Jordan as her husband... Cheryl Paris Richard Byrne, attorney for the paper... Peter Donat Guest cast Candy Martin ...Robynn Douglas Monty Sagar... John Saxon Bess McCartney...Maggie Blye Frank Nightingale...Tim Thomerson Harry Stillwell...Jason Evers Producer...Lin Bolen Wrriter...Stirling Silliphant

Reading another synopsis on Wikipedia, it cites 2 instances where Susan is pregnant and loses Dan's baby. One is around 66/67 when Dan and Susan have been secretly married and the other in 69/70 when Dan and Susan have an argument over divorcing and she falls and loses the baby.

Re Robert J Shaw He was headwriter on Love of Life from 67-69 Somerset 74 - 75 w Winifred Wolfe Search for Tomorrow 77- 78 General Hospital 1981 w Leah Laiman, Thom Racina I recall a Thom Racina interview where he said Shaw was there in name only, collecting a paycheck. As for his talk of working on Love of Life in the 70's, there is no record of this. Following Labine/Mayer, Margaret De Priest and Paul and Margaret Scheider are listed before Gabrielle Upton. Maybe he was a consultant? His New York Times obit was full of innacuracies: The Mary Stuart story about mastectomies. That he created Luke and Laura That he wrote the 'Who Shot JR?' Maybe sloppy fact checking or Shaw told those stories in the first place... His story for Jo on SFT was the Greg Hartford romance which was quickly dropped when Henry Slesar took over.

Amy was the daughter of Jay and Natalie. Lucy was another character altogether.

Just quickly ffed through. Some observations The sets and lighting look much improved from the 1979 Soap Classic eps. Shorter scenes, more characters and movement throughout the episode. Not sure about Larry B's choice to play blind as having a stoop and staring into people's chests. Would a person who had only been blind a short time develop that habit? The tripping on the stairs looked a little clunky. Way too many new women on the show, most of whom didn't hang around long. This was Mary Ellis Bunim EP? Who was writing at that time?

Early 1983 #1 - General Hospital (9.1 - 31%) #2 - All My Children (8.9 - 31%) #3 - The Young & the Restless (8.3 - 33%) #4 - As the World Turns (8.1 - 28%) #5 - One Life to Live (7.6 - 28%) #6 - Guiding Light (7.5 - 25%) #7 - Capitol (6.1 - 23%) #8 - Days of our Lives (5.3 - 18%) #9 - Ryan's Hope (5.1 - 20%) #10 - Another World (4.6 - 17%) #11 - The Edge of Night (3.5 - 11%) #12 - Search for Tomorrow (2.5 - 10%)

Reading old synopses, it seems that Peggy was first interested in Mark Henderson,when he came to town. Lorie was still reeling from the fact she lost Brad to Leslie. When Lorie hooked up with Mark, Peggy was upset with her sister. Mark was impotent because his first wife died on their wedding night(!). Jill dated a guy named Brent in 1973. Lorie definitely had a connection to Philip Chancellor. How did that come about? It seems to be the only connection between the Brooks and Chancellors. It is mentioned that Brad and Leslie visited his parents.Was this seen on air, or just referred to?

I don't believe that Robert Shaw wrote Search for 5 years. The thing with a lot of these headwriters is that they wrote maybe a maximum of 2-3 years (often less) on a particular show, which in itself is obviously no easy task, but doesn't really test their abilities to plot and plan longterm. That is why Bill Bell, Irna Phillips and Agnes Nixon rank as first tier because they wrote for many years and kept their shows on track for that time.

The Diana B beauty range is still around. She has awebsite and the products seem to be doing OK. She uses the Y&R logo in her signature.

Alan and Monica were wed in June 78. Tracy, Lila and Edward arrived for the ceremony. Alan had an old fiancee Grace Dobson hanging around during this time.

For whatever reasons, over the years Van did not have children. Was she unable? Bruce's 2 children Alan and Barbara were like children to Van,but the decision was made to drop them and never bring them back. Their presence would have obviously provided story for Van and grandchildren etc. It's always puzzling looking over past shows to wonder why some decisions were made. Van took in a young girl Lynn in the mid 70's but again she was dropped and never returned.

Actually Xmas 1973. Jennifer and Bob were married Summer 72. I think this was after Tom and Carol who wed July 72.

So Helen Trent was on radio the same time Jo was going through her traumas on Search For Tomorrow on TV. Wonder how many long time listeners defected to TV?

Emily was born April 72. That was a long time after Dan and Susan were married.late 67 or early 68. Susan was busy in 72.She divorced Dan, gave birth to Emmily and married Bruce Baxter.

The party would have been held April/May 81. Helen would have left by then? I don't believe Judge Lowell was seen any later than 1979. Did Tudi Wiggins appear on ATWT?

But did Brock know Amanda was pregnant at the time? Brock by nature was more suited to support as he was this very moral, spirtual guy who wouldn't lie, keep secrets etc that most characters indulge in to keep the plot moving. I suppose Bill Bell could have brought on some wayward female for Brock to fall in love with and set on the straight and narrow, but he obviously didn't see Brock that way and maybe didn't have room on the canvas to devote too much to Brock. When the show went to an hour,Brock/Julia were being set up as a couple but then Brock left (Was that Beau's choice?) I think him calling Kay 'duchess' was a loving term, tempered with a little edge.

Quint's house was referred to as being on Thornway Rd.

Amy BW, are you perhaps thinking of Lynne Adams playing Jada's role of Amy on Secret Storm? When Jada wanted to play Amy again, Lynne was dropped so she reclaimed the role of Leslie,which caused Barbara Rodell to be canned from GL.

Bill Bell wrote in a specific way. Characters were not meeting up at the Allegro the way they do now at GCAC. Part of that is budgetary in that they have more standing sets now that are used more regularly, but as discussed with Nikki, characters just spent more time in specific sets. There were no workplaces in the 70's like GC Buzz, Jabot,police station etc If we saw an office at Prentiss Industries eg it was a rarity.

Jada played Susan Stewart on ATWT for a while.

Modern Romances 1956 Jan 2 ? by William Barrett Cast June Dayton, Dean Harens, Paul Lipson, Stuart Germaine, Coe Norton Jan 9 ? by Morton Wishengrad Cast Bert Freed Elizabeth Ross, Ross Martin, Jim Millhollin, Fred Eisley Jan 16 ? by Harry Junkin Cast Janey Riley, Phillip Pine, Phil Abbott, Arny Freeman Jan 23 ? by Sylvia Berger Cast Carol Bruce, Valerie Cossart, Nancy Devlin, Richard Kendrick, Statts Cotsworth, Mike Keene Jan 30 ? by Joe Bates Smith Cast Hildy Parks, John Shay, Edward Binns, Ann Loring, Stewart Bradley Feb 6 ? by Anne Howard Bailey Cast Roscoe Karns, Earl Hammond, Grace Kearney, Lauren Gilbert, Lisa Howard, Frank Overton Feb 13 ? Feb 20 ? by Harry W. Junkin Cast Anne Marie Gayer, Joe Mantell, Dortha Duckworth, Frederic Downs Feb 27 ? by Marie Bawer Cast Ronni Dengel, Richard Kendrick, Jay Meredith, Melville Ruick March 5 ? Cast Signe Hasso, Barbara Joy, Don Briggs.,Boris Apleton,Frank Behrens March 12 ? by William Kendall Clarke Cast Tom Middleton, Don Hastings, Mary Jackson, Fran Spanier, Ben Hammer; Dir - March 19 ? by Ann Howard Bailey Cast Augusta Dabney, Sally Kemp, John Shay, Court Benson March 26 ? by Marie Baumer Cast Neil Hamilton, Joe Maross, Jean Gillespie, Eric Sinclair April 2 ? by Elinor Lenz Cast Millette Alexander, Fred Beir, Stuart Ger- maine, Roy Fant April 9 ? by Anne Howard Bailey Cast Pat Hosley, Phil Tine, Pat sully, Robert Webber,, Phil Millhollin April 16 ? by Michelle Cousin Cast Jerome Cowan - Paul Lee Remick - Emily Brad Dillman - Cliff Joy Hodges - Laura A story about Emily's desire to marry Cliff -- over her father's objections. Emily calls Paul to announce that she and Cliff are married. Paul says that he cannot believe that his daughter hates him and is now married to a man he despises. Laura tries to comfort Paul and make him realize how selfish he is being with regard to Emily. Emily stops home on the way to California to say goodbye to Paul, prompting him to undergo a change of heart about her marriage to Cliff. April 23 ? by HarryJunkin Cast Audra Lindley, Neva Patterson,Edward Andrews, Robert Ellenstein,Edmon Ryan,Belle Flower April 30 ? by Grace Klein Cast Hildy Parks, Richard Kendrick, Lee Bergere, Arney Freeman, Patricia Shay May 7 ? by Joseph Cochran Cast Truman Smith, William Prince, Gloria Strook, Court Benson, Sid Raymond May 14 (0) William Shakespeare. (Adapted by) Anne Howard Bailey Cast Ross Martin, Valerie Bettis, Ralph Bunker, Boris Aplon, Jim Milhollin, Phil Kenneally, Ed Peck May 21 ? by Ben Radin Cast Kathleen Maguire, Pat Sales, Florence Weber, Frank Campanella, John Shay May 28 ? by Marie Baumer Cast Neil Hamilton, Humphrey Davis, Gene Sultan, Jan Miner, Clem Fowler June 4 ? byWilliam Kendall Clarke Cast Biff McGuire, Bob Webber, Janet DeGore, Bradford Dillman, Jeanne Williams June 11 Repeat of The Steady Man June 18 Repeat of Over The Fence June 25 Repeat of Nana Bishop's Daughter; July 2 ? by Mike Morris Cast Joe Maross, Sylvia Daneel, Jay Meredith July 9 I'll Never forget by Harry Junkin cast Muriel Kirkland, Staats Cosworth, Patricia Boswell, House Jameson July 16 Miss M.D. By Mathilde & Theodore Ferro Cast John D. Seymour, June Dayton, Ross Martin, Harry Worth July 23 Not So Smart by William Kendall Clark Cast Lori March, Coe Norton, Pat Mosley, Gene Peterson, Lawrence Weber July 30 info unavailable Aug 6 The Marriage by Harry W.Junkin Cast Kathleen Murray, Martin Neuman, Henrietta Moore, Kathryn Meskill Aug 13 Brave Decision by Anne Howard Bailey Cast Fran Carlon, Tom Middleton, Bert Freed, James Millhollin, Eric Sinclair Aug 20 The Snare by William Kendall Clarke Cast Daryl Grimes, Bob Ellenstein, House Jameson, Audra Lindley Aug 27 The Big Scoop by Anne Howard Bailey Cast Robert Webber, Kathleen Maguire, Harry Worth, Roy Fent, Belle Flower Sept 3 The Job by Harry W. Junkin Cast Valerie Cossart, Loretta Leversee, Don Fellows Sept 10 The Price Tag by William Kendall Clarke Cast Hildy Parks, Joe Maross, Lillian Schaaf, Earl Hammond, Loraine Grover Sept 17 The Joker by Michael Morris Cast David White, Larry Weber, Dina Merrill, John Seven Sept 24 Dear Mr. Dodd byElinor Lenz Cast Enid Markey, Sharon Follett, Harrison Dowd, Don Gordon, Mel Ruick Oct 1 The Transfusion byMichelle Cousin Cast Mary Fickett, Frank Schofield, Ross Martin, Joey Faye Oct 8 The Congressmans Lady by William Kendall Clarke Cast Phyllis Hill, House Jameson, Ed Peck Oct 15 Lost April by Michelle Cousins Cast Lin McCarthy, Loretta Daye, June Evert, Heywood Hale Broun Host Kathi Norris Oct 22 Benefit Performance by Elinor Lenz Cast Margaret Phillips, Betty Johnson, Lee Bergere, Coe Norton Oct 29 For Goodness Sake by Elinor Lenz Cast June Dayton,Stuart McIntosh, William Redfield, William Mason Nov 5 The Coins by Harry Junkin Cast David White, Hildy Parks, Elizabeth Dewing, Wiley Hancock, Sandy Kenyon Nov 12 No One Will Ever Know by Marie Baumer Cast Patricia Barry House Jameson, Don Fellows Nov 19 The Fourth Word by William Kendall Clarke Cast Kathleen Maguire, Larry Weber, Walter Brooke, John McGovern Nov 26 Suspicion by Harry W. Junkln Cast Augusta Dabney, Richard Kendrick, Margia Dean, James Millhollin, Jim Boles Dec 3 ? Dec 10 No Vacancy by William Kendall Clarke Cast Betty Buehler, Court Benson, Ben Hammer, Ross Martin, Phyllis Love Dec 17 Strictly Personal by Michelle Cousin Cast Phyllis Hill, Gloria Stroock, Don Briggs, Pamela Fltzmaurice Dec 24 The Teacher by Harry W. Junkln Cast Joanne Bayes, Mel Ruick, Gene Sultan, Robert Webber

When Robert left.Sam left on a trip and then was reported missing. They decided to recast and when that wasn't working out,Sam went crazy and was killed off. I'm sure fans of the couple weren't pleased with the resolution to that story. Later, Anthony George leaving forced the writers to kill him off. Had he not left, I wonder what story Jo and Tony would have had throughout the 70's?

Geoffrey Horne auditioned for Don Hughes in the mid 70s. Martin West got Don and a while later Geoffrey landed the role of Dr Jim Strassfield, which fizzled out. Don;t know if this has been mentioned but Wally Kurth tried out for Tad Martin on AMC when Michael E Knight was cast.

I think all the soaps went off the air in 67. Re runs of nightime shows were used. The Doctors aired episodes from the anthology days.