Bill Bauer

On 9/9/2020 at 12:24 PM, DRW50 said:

Good find. 

 

He makes sense, and I think they did tease a death story for Rick around 1974 or 1975. It's not as if P&G had any issue with killing off legacy kids - ATWT Lisa's son was killed around this time.

I was just reading the history of the show around that time and I came across this:

"At Ed's urging, Holly and little Freddie went on a picnic. The outing ended when Freddie's clothes caught fire. Afterward, Leslie insisted that Holly never care for her son again unless Ed was present. Then Mike took Freddie, who was both his nephew and his stepson, on a canoe trip. During the trip, Freddie was washed downstream. The frightened boy was rescued by a mountain man and suffered from a brief bout with amnesia." 

Sounds like at least one writer had fantasies of offing the kid. LOL. 

1 hour ago, Soaplovers said:

I wonder if he interjects on purpose or he's one of those people that can't read a room?  If there is silence, I can see him interjecting...but a lot of the time..he will do it when the conversation is flowing.

 

Thank gosh Colleen came in..and took over asking questions because it seemed to be more natural for her to ask them because she knew all three well.  And losing a child and going through a divorce...I think these reunions have been a godsend for Colleen...so I welcome her coming on and talking a lot.

I really feel for Colleen. I wish I could give her a hug. 

12 hours ago, Mitch said:

And we were getting a great Patricia Bruder behind the scenes story of her surprised they were going with a 20 something screwing a 16 year old... and Alan comes in and tells us who she is on the show..we know Alan, and Melanie just told us but it stopped the flow...he did that in the Eileen Fulton part where it was just them talking about her and it was cool and natural and he inserts himself.  He must be a real pain in the ass at a party. Ohh..oh, remember I am here!!!

I think he'd like to think he's one of the stars and that people are interested in his stories. You are right in that he kills the flow of interesting conversation and revelation by interjecting irrelevant stories about himself. When he does that, people immediately clam up and there's an awkward silence. 

This was a good one but I still find Alan insufferable. 

MS and KMH's portrayals of Emily were so different, the writing for the character was so different and the actresses look so different that I don't even consider it the same character even though I know it's obviously supposed to be. 

Very cool. Thanks again, Paul. That's the first time I've ever seen a mention of the storyline of Torchy having acid thrown in her face. I was unaware of the storyline until I received an episode where it is featured because it's not mentioned in any of the history books. I finally see it mentioned! The farther you go back into the story, the more things get omitted or distorted. 

33 minutes ago, Paul Raven said:

 T HE GUIDING LIGHT" is the light of tolerance. It is the light that guides the life of Dr. John Ruthledge, a minister of the gospel. With the cosmopolitan community of Five Points as its locale, "The Guiding Light" traces through the dramatic and spiritual histories of a group of distinctly varied character-types. Cynics and saints, aggressors and mediators, soul-builders and soul-destroyers— these are only a few of the strange array of human types which are shepherded by Dr.  Rutledge. His profound sympathy,sound philosophy and reassuring voice assert themselves for good in all the conflicts of life in Five Points.

 

Another important character is Ellis Smith ("Mr. Nobody from Nowhere"), a strange mixture of cynic and sentimentalist who, though disillusioned with nearly everything about him, has a deeply generous spirit for those who are penetrating enough to see. "The Guiding Light," with its dramatic spiritual theme, ranks as one of the most popular serials on the air, The writer is the prolific Chicago authoress, Ima Phillips. "The Guiding Light" may be heard Monday through Friday over an NBC net at 3:45 p.m. EST, 2:45 p.m. CST 1:45 p.m. MST, 12:45 p.m. PST.

 

DR.JOHN RUTHLEDGE {played by Arthur Peterson) Is the kind of minIster that people prefer as a leader and an associate. He's a man with a strong and definite philosophy of life, both this life and the next. He's a  believer In justice and a superb example of tolerance. He translates Into human and social action every word of the Spirit In which he believes. Dr. Ruthledge has that rare virtue, even among understanding people, of being able to guide not only the simple in heart but also those who have become bitter through oversophlstication. He's s man among ministers and men

 

 

 THE REVEREND TOM BANNION (played by Frank Behrens) is Dr. Ruthledge's recently appointed assistant in his church in Five Points. At first there were differences of opinion between Dr. Ruthledge and the Rev. Bannnion. However, the latter has come around to Or. Ruthledge's way of thinking on most points, and they are now In complete agreement. A romance is rapldly.growing up between the Rev. Bannlon and Dr. Ruthledge's daughter, Mary. Their relationship, however, cannot seem to reiease itseif from the shadow of the man whom Mary first loved and cannot forget, Ned Holden

 

NED HOLDEN {played by Ed Prentiss) was reared 'from childhood by Dr. Ruthledge when the boy was deserted by his mother. Deeply in iove with Mary Ruthledge, Ned suddenly encountered a spiritual crisis which caused him to break down completely. He left and married Torchy Reynolds, but returning to Five Points he realized that it Is still Mary he really loves.

 

MARY  RUTHLEDGE (played by Sarah Jane Wells) has all the deep humanity and understanding of her father, but there are times when even these traits seem to be of no avail in helping her. Despite her admiration for the Rev. Bannlon, life has somehow narrowed Its scope for her. She cannot seem to forget that she and Ned Hoiden were once In love

 

TORCHY REYNOLDS (played by Gladys Keen ) is slowly coming to the  realization that Ned Rolden did not marry her for iove, even ihough his conscious intentions may have been sincere and honest. She Is beginning to understand that he married her because, on that bitter. wretched night on the San Francisco waterfront when he first ran into her, she gave him the kindness and comfort which those who have been beaten themseives know best how to give. Torchy Is convinced that Ned, however loyal he may be. stifl loves Mary Ruthledge and cannot put her out of his life

 

ROSE KRANSKY (played by Ruth Bailey) is the prototype of the career girl of the twentieth century, who is so Intent on being a complete Individual dependent upon no one that she falls Into trouble through her own deficiency. She doesn't understand people because she prefers to stand alone, and that lack of understanding brings about her downfall. She was tricked into an affair by the book-publisher, Cunningham. Now. bearing Ellis Smith's name but calling herseif Miss Smith, she has put her baby Into a nursery as if freeing herself of a fetter to Strike out again—alone as before

 

MRS - KRANSKY (played by Mlgnon Schrelber ) lost her husband through death. Another shock is the spiritual waywardness of her daughter. Rose, whose headstrong Independence has led her astray. Mrs. Kransky Is, however, one of those rare persons of the old school whose strong faith keeps alive in her the feeling that "someday Rose will find herself." She lives In that hope

 

FREDRIKA LANG (played by Margaret Fuller) is the mystery woman who came to Five Points unknown to anyone except Dr. Ruthledge. When It was discovered that she was the mother who had deserted Ned Holden years ago because her husband was a convict and she did not want the boy disgraced, Ned was so upset he left town. When he returned, he was still bitter.

 

FORT PEARSON, announcer for "The Guiding Light," came Into radio as a singing announcer. He was born In Chattanooga, Tenn.. and when only two yeors old moved with his parents stlli further south to Mississippi. He held singingand-announclng jobs at various point In the South, then came to N8C In 1935. He is married: his favorite hobbles are yachting and fishing

Thanks, Paul. So great! Still ambiguity on whether Rose and Ellis were really married. LOL. Yes, as vetsoapfan mentioned above, we would all be grateful for anything you're willing to share! 

1 hour ago, Paul Raven said:

Bill, so glad you are enjoying my posts. Seems you are a Guiding Light afficionado but would you be interested in articles about other radio soaps?

The Guiding Light and One Man's Family are my favorite radio shows. Anything about those two shows would be appreciated. Especially, as you've noted, The Guiding Light. Thanks. 

9 hours ago, Paul Raven said:

From late 1938

The first show we saw was "The Guiding Light" which according to latest surveys is the most popular serial in the country! Authoress Irna Phillips certainly knows how to make the women of this country swarm to their radios. She has three script -shows on the air and all of them are up among the "Big Ten." (Other two are "The Woman in White" and "Road of Life.") Miss Phillips must certainly be the cause of plenty of stacked -up dishes and late dinners for husbands in this country.

 

But back to "Guiding Light." The episode we witnessed had poor old Mr. Abe Kransky in bed with a very bad cold and a sinister cough. Murray Forbes sat coughing at a table some ten feet from the mike, to obtain this effect. Mr. Kransky was all wrought up because his daughter, Rose, is living as the wife of a Christian, Ellis Smith, played by Ray Johnson. Rose is ill and her husband comes a -calling on the in-laws. He knows that Rose would like to- see her parents. Mrs. Kransky (Mignon Schreiber) is inclined to forgive her daughter, but the old man raspingly proclaims that as far as he's concerned, Rose is dead. The episode ends with Mr. Kransky tottering back to bed and Mr. Smith solicitously advising Mrs. Kransky to get a doctor for her husband. Next week, "East Lynne." I'm sorry, I mean "Backstage Wife." I've treated all this in a light vein, but seriously, there's some very fine acting in the show. You've all heard Murray Forbes and Mignon Schreiber on the air. They were paired in "The Hoofinghams" as well as in "The Foxes of Flatbush." Ray Johnson is one of Chicago's finest actors. He has appeared twice in Vallee sketches, once in "Steel" and later with Paul Lukas in "Test Flight." They all do a splendid job in "The Guiding Light."

Thank you, Paul. I love your posts. This one is fascinating and a little strange. First of all, it's strange that they would refer to Ellis as a Christian. He was an atheist. It's also strange that they said Ellis and Rose were married. According to all the reference material I've read, he offered to marry her when she got pregnant by Charles Cunningham but they never married. It says "living as the wife" so perhaps they just said they were married. Although I've never read anything that even hinted at them pretending to be married either. Everything I've read, and the material in my collection, all indicates that he just offered to marry her but she refused. The only thing that seems accurate for sure is that Abe had influenza. He died from it. Then again, as I've pointed out before, I don't know which is the most accurate--these articles printed at the time or the recounting of today's history books. 

25 minutes ago, jam6242 said:

I found this item from 1974.  Makes me think Gary Hannoch is the child actor in the Charita story.  Is this Gary between Mart and Charita, lol?

 

 

Yes, that's him and he seems to be having a temper tantrum in that photo so that could be the smoking gun. LOL. Good find indeed! 

Who is that very 70s-looking kid on the far left? Would that be TJ Werner? 

27 minutes ago, vetsoapfan said:

 

I hate unsolved mysteries, LOL.

If I had to place a bet, I would say it was probably Gary Hannoch. Courtney seemed to regret saying the name. I think she didn't want to call out a certain actor so she might have acted like she wasn't sure. She and PS both kind of seemed like they regretted bringing the story up. 

1 hour ago, vetsoapfan said:

 

Are we sure that the story about Charita's comment  was supposed to be about a child performer from the 1970s? I wondered if they were referring to actor Damion Scheffer, who played the unbearable Jonathan Brooks in the early 1980s. By Scheller's own admission years later, he was miserable as a kid.

It sounded like it was before PS came on the show and so it wouldn't be Damion Scheffer. They also seemed to indicate it was Freddy Bauer although, as I said before, it could have been Billy Fletcher. I don't know any other little boys that were on the show until Phillip Spaulding came on board. Courtney remembered it first as Freddy but then wasn't sure. Who knows? 

22 minutes ago, Neil Johnson said:

Is anyone here familiar with GL, when it was still located in Selby Flats?  It seems so unusual for a such a traditional soap opera to be located in Southern California.  Does anyone remember if the locale was used or discussed much?  For example, the weather, or other unique aspects of living in Southern California??   I'm thinking of NBC's Santa Barbara, which never let the viewers forget its location -- through dialogue, set architecture, etc. -- meaning the locale was really featured as an important part of the show.  Was it the same on Guiding Light?  Was the California location important and noticeable?   

Very much so. They made a lot of use of the location being on the coast. People falling off cliffs, fog, foghorn sound effects, etc. The night Meta shot Ted, they played it up being very foggy. They had Meta wandering around in a literal fog while she was in a mental fog with the foghorn sounding in the background. In fact, when she shoots him, the last thing you hear in the episode is the foghorn sounding. It's pretty haunting. One family lived at a place right on the coast called "Land's End". They also played up the Hollywood aspect with several of the characters being in show business. Selby Flats was a modest part of town but the more ambitious characters strived to live in Beverly Hills. 

23 hours ago, Chris 2 said:

Anne Heche acting weird is about as uncommon as the sun coming up in the morning. Remember her other personality, Celestia?

I get the feeling hanging out with Anne Heche over a few martinis would be either the greatest experience ever or a living hell. I doubt it would be anything in between. 

19 hours ago, Paul Raven said:

Top Day Shows "Integrated" By Author July 1944

Marking another step toward welding "The Guiding Light," "Today's Children" and "Woman in White" more closely into a single presentation, Ed Prentiss, popular network announcer and actor, has been installed as master of ceremonies of the dramatic portion of the General Mills Hour (NBC, five -a -week, 1 p. m.). Presentation of an m.c. to air -boss the serials follows the recent inauguration of a new drama device by Irna Phillips, author of the three programs, in which characters from one show are moved through one or both of the other broadcasts. Prentiss' narrations are blended into the format of the 45- minute period as a dramatic bridge between the respective serials.

 

Franklyn MacCormack continues as narrator -m.c. of "Hymns of All Churches," which fills the fourth portion of the hour, 11 a. m., Tuesdays through Fridays, on WOW.

 

Miss Phillips points out the m.c. was added "to give the listener an enlarged perspective into the dramas and their characters." She adds that the narrator also opens the way to another programming technique under contemplation in which each of the three shows will he scheduled for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on plot development, rather than the traditional 15 minutes. The conjunction of several basic facts conspire to make this situation unique. There is only one author for the three dramas, one sponsor, one producing unit and one network involved. Besides that, all three plots are contemporary, urban portraits. Experiments In bringing the technique into full play, the prolific authoress pointed out that she has experimented with the character transfer to a small degree during past years.

 

Miss Phillips also noted that one of her first major experiments was attempted in 1938, when, in terminating "Today's Children," she had the cast tune in a radio serial titled "Woman in White," the program's successor, in a script that called for the participation of both casts. "I think there are at least two good reasons why the same persons should be heard in more than one program," she said. "In the first place, each of us, as individuals, lives much more than 15 minutes a day. And so it seems logical that we should get more than a quarter -hour glimpse into the daily lives of radio characters. "Secondly, I believe that listener interest will be enhanced if the audience can hear its favorite artists in more than one program."

 

The innovation in serial- casting already is under way. Listeners to "The Guiding Light" and "Today's Children" are well acquainted with the character of Pete Manno, portrayed by Michael Romano, not only a real life lawyer, but also an attorney in the serials. Dr. Paul Burton (Ken Griffin), leading character in the forthcoming "Woman in White" serial, already has made his appearance in "The Guiding Light," and other characters slated to make the rounds of the serials in the near future are Mrs. O'Hearn (Helen Behmillor) and Dr. Jonathan McNeill (Sidney Breese) in "The Guiding Light" and "Woman in White," and Dr. Richard Gaylord (John Barclay), who will appear in all three serials from time to time. 

Thanks for that, Paul. If you'll notice in my episodes above, I have episodes that feature Peter Manno, Dr. Jonathan McNeill and Reverend Gaylord. Also, Ed Prentiss is the MC to several of the episodes. 

19 hours ago, Soapsuds said:

Yup, even Charita wasn't fond of him. 

This was before Simon joined GL. It was a story told to him and his wife Courtney. The whole cast I believe was involved in the discussion and Peter wasn't there yet.

Yeah, this was one of those legendary stories that they were recounting. PS wasn't there when it happened. They were just talking about Charita Bauer and he brought up an old story about her. They were talking about a child actor. PS was talking about how everyone hated the child actor but you could tell Courtney was trying to be more diplomatic and said she didn't remember that part even though that was the point of the story. Although I'm surprised they would consider killing off Freddy Bauer. It might have been Billy Fletcher that they were talking about. That's the only other kid around that time, I think. You can see Gary Hannoch as Freddy Bauer in the Papa Bauer funeral episode even though he doesn't do anything but color in a coloring book. 

1 hour ago, robbwolff said:

 

No. They were referring to a child actor on the show back in the early 1980s. They didn't seem to recall who the actor was or which character he played. The decision was made to kill off the character but then the producer announced at a meeting that they had changed their minds. At that point, Charita turned to the person sitting next to her and said something like, "Well, he'll be dead in our hearts forever."

 

Peter Simon talked very glowingly of O'Leary.

I just watched the interview. It appears to be Gary Hannoch who they are referring to. He played Freddy Bauer from 1972 to 1976. 

1 hour ago, zanereed said:

As far as why Hulswit was not hired after Marland had moved to ATWT, I really don't know. As others have correctly noted here, he didn't give up acting at all. He was still active for years after the show let him go.

 

I have heard from a few people in the past that Hulswit became critical of Marland's writing once Marland took over as headwriter in 1980.  I'm not certain *what* the issues were, but Marland apparently became so fed up with it, he pressured the Executive Producer at that time, Allen M. Potter, to fire Hulswit and recast Ed. Potter was reluctant to do so, but finally gave in and terminated Hultwit in the summer of 1981.

 

 

Pure speculation but I wonder if it had something to do with Kelly popping up as Ed's godson and replacing him as the "stud" of the show? 

Although my personal favorite Ed was RG, I MUCH preferred MH over PS. RG's Ed was a smart-ass but he owned it. PS's Ed was kind of a passive-aggressive, smug smart-ass. MH was by far the most likable. I thought maybe he quit acting after GL and that's why he never came back but his list of credits go up to 1995. 

Here's a list of my collection of the radio version of The Guiding Light(1937-1952). This is mostly for you, Paul Raven and Dion. But it's really for anybody that might find this helpful in reconstructing the radio story timeline. It's an augmentation to the history books. 

-2/15/37. Reverend Ruthledge, Ellen, Ned and Mary discuss current events. Ned is jealous of the attention Ellis Smith is giving Mary.
-7/5/38. Reverend Ruthledge expresses his concern to Rose about her having an affair with a married man. Charles and Reverend Ruthledge discuss philosophy and Ned, who has run away from Five Points. 
-7/7/38. Ellis tries to dissuade Rose from continuing her affair with Charles. 
-7/11/38. Celeste is filing for a divorce from Charles and hires a detective to find out if he’s having an affair. Charles and Rose make plans for the evening unaware that they’re going to be followed. 

-7/15/40. Rose and Charles are having dinner together. The president of the publishing company is thinking about proposing. Mp3.

-7/17/40. Rev. Ruthledge talks with Ellis Smith who has been blinded in a fire. Rev. Ruthledge questions Ellis’ cynicism and challenges him to find his guiding light. Mp3.

-8/23/40. Charles Cunningham talks with Rose Kransky about their future together or lack of it. Mp3.

-2/26/41. Torchy visits Judy Shea, the woman who scarred her face, in jail. Mp3.
-6/10/41. On the day before Ned and Mary’s wedding, Myra (aka Torchy Reynolds) tells Martin Kane that she’s over Ned and interested in Ellis Smith. Martin is willing to wait until she’s sure. Mp3.

-10/41. Norma Greenman is neurotically jealous of Rose and Edward. Mp3. 

-10/22/41. Reverend Ruthledge talks with his secretary, Laura Martin, who is a kleptomaniac, about missing items. Ellen, the housekeeper, wants to leave the parsonage because she’s upset about Laura. Mp3.
-12/8/41. Jacob Kransky confides to his mother that he’s thinking of giving up his plans to become a lawyer. Rose comes home and is upset about something that happened at the Greenmans. Mp3.
-10/27/43. Greg Warner stops by Claire’s apartment and is surprised to see Tim there. The two have an awkward first meeting and size each other up. Mp3.

-10/28/43. Claire returns home after Tim has left. Greg expresses his jealousy to Claire. Greg tells Claire his wife is divorcing him but Claire says it’s too late. Greg wonders about baby Ricky. Mp3. 
-1/5/44. Tim visits Claire and Ricky in Claire’s apartment and they talk about Jonathan and Nina. Mp3.
-6/7/44. D-Day episode. Reverend Gaylord gives a sermon. Mp3.
-8/10/45. Angie and Peter make small talk at breakfast. Peter has decided to confess all, even if he is disbarred. Mp3.

-1947. 1 episode. The introduction of Charlotte Wilson. Mp3.

-1947. 5 minutes. Charlotte has a singing audition. Mp3. 

-8/14/47. A sermon for the new school year. Mp3. 
-9/25/47. Dr. Jonathan McNeill and Rev. Matthews discuss the car crash that left Frank Collins paralyzed and killed Betty and Michael Collins. Rev. Matthews visits Julie in her hospital room and reminds her that she had planned to leave Frank and the kids to remarry Ray Brandon. He then tells Julie that Frank will be an invalid for life. Mp3.  

-9/47. Julie is distraught over the death of Michael and Betty. Rev. Thomas Andrews tries to get her to pull herself together for the sake of paralyzed Frank. Mp3. 
-10/13/47. Martin McClain is upset that his daughter Susan has started seeing Roger Collins, the son of Ray Brandon who had tried to kill him. 
-12/23/47. The police are suspicious that Frank Collins’ death isn’t an accident. Martin and Julie are worried because Roger and Susan are missing.

-6/14/48. As Sid and Charlotte get ready for their trip to San Francisco, Charlotte tells Sid she suspects Ray is lying to her. Ray secretly goes to Trail’s End and Roger tells him about Julie’s strange behavior. He thinks she’s suicidal and doesn’t know she is faking her blindness. Mp3.
-9/49 Non-broadcast farewell tribute to Irna Phillips as production moves 
to NYC. Mp3.
-9/18/49. Charlotte has a breakdown after a visit from Meta. Meta has gotten custody of Chuckie and Ray and Charlotte are moving. Mp3.

-1/10/50. Ray sits alone in his house with his thoughts as Charlotte is in the hospital due to her barbiturate addiction.

-5/5/50. Bill is going to work for Ted. Bert bashes Meta to Trudy. Mp3. 

-6/5/50. Ted and Meta argue over parenting styles for Chuckie. Meta is upset that Ted wants Chuckie to take boxing lessons and is taking him on a camping trip.
-6/12/50 thru 3/13/51. 197 consecutive episodes. Episodes #791-988. Bill starts drinking and meets Gloria. Trudy and Meta fight over Ross. Chuckie dies. Meta shoots and kills Ted. Meta’s trial. Mp3.

In the latest episode I listened to, Ross ran off to San Francisco to avoid having to be a witness in Meta's trial. He told Trudy that he was going to "maybe" return to Selby Flats but, if he did, he would move to a different part of town. This sounds like his exit but I'll keep tuned and let you know. I do know that Mary is a VERY minor character in 1950/1951. I have almost a year's worth of episodes and she's only feature in maybe three episodes. So, she's ready to make an exit. Whether she does that with Ross or not, that's a different story. 

7 hours ago, Dion said:

 As Bill has mentioned, GL actually did move to Hollywood from 1947 until 1949.

 

I've read that they eloped, but I think you also could be right that they didn't marry; that 'elope' might mean in the sense that they sort of ran off together. Mary apparently later persuaded Ross to return to Selby Flats to testify at Meta's trial.

 

Yes the Bauers had been around for about a year when the show moved to New York and they were all recast except for Bill it seems. However I could be wrong, but I don't think Bert was introduced until around the time of the move. The original actress wasn't replaced by Charita Bauer until the following year.

Bert was introduced in 1948. Production moved to NYC in 1949 when Charita Bauer took over the role. 

3 hours ago, Paul Raven said:

Thanks for that detailed reply. I guess one reason for the decision to change the focus was that the move to NY meant that a lot of the actors would have to be recast so they decided to go with new characters.

You're welcome! I'm just happy to find someone who cares about the subject matter!  Actually, not as many characters were lost in the move from Los Angeles to New York City although most of the actors didn't make the move. Everybody was pretty much recast. The move from Chicago to Los Angeles, however, saw the mass exodus of characters. When production started up in Los Angeles, The Guiding Light was pretty much a new and different show. When production started up in New York City, it was pretty much the exact same show just with different voices (a new Papa, a new Bert, etc.). 

I'm surprised Marci Miller is back. Didn't she go on record saying she was pretty miserable working daytime and never wanted to do it again? Or something along those lines. 

14 hours ago, Paul Raven said:

Variety had a review upon the shows return on Mon 2 June 1947 after a 6 month hiatus and a move from NBC to CBS.

Dr Charles Matthews (Hugh Studebaker) was pastor of Church of Good Samaritan in Selby Flats , an underpriveleged area of LA.

The good doctor's philosophy of life was keynoted in the opening installment by a lamp of friendship delivered to him by a divinity student.

'It's the symbol of 'The Guiding Light' says Dr Matthews.Now I know what to say at the state prison.'

The next scene took place at the prison.

Art Glad was the writer.

I hope you got all your questions answered. Dion did a good job of recounting the history. Although I don't think Ross and Mary got married. Ross just moved off by himself. I'm not 100% sure about that. I'm currently relistening to those episodes (it's been a while since I listened to them) and I'm about to get to that part. I'll let you know. 

The above post clears up another bit of misinformation I read. I had always read that Ned Holden delivered the friendship lamp to Dr. Matthews but the article you posted said it was a divinity student (which Ned was not). Again, who knows for sure since we don't have that episode but I'm tempted to go with something that was published at the time. Yeah, Ray was in that prison Dr Matthews went to to speak and when he was released from prison shortly afterwards he became the central figure in the story (before Meta, and then the rest of the Bauers, were introduced). He was framed for the crime and was going to kill the guy who framed him but had the added soapy complication of the fact that his son started dating the guy he was going to kill's daughter. He pulled a gun on him but didn't go through with. Martin (the guy who framed him) later confessed on his deathbed. Ray had studied law while in prison and that's how came to be Meta's lawyer when she was on trial for murder. The mother of Ray's son, Julie,  had gotten remarried and had two kids with her new husband. At first Julie wouldn't let Ray see his son Roger but then, eventually, Julie wanted to get back with Ray. She was planning on leaving her husband Frank to pursue Ray when Frank and their two small children were in a car accident which killed the kids and left Frank paralyzed. Julie felt forced to stay with Frank and when his wheelchair slid on wet pavement and he went off a cliff, Julie confessed to killing him out of guilt. It was later ruled an accident. Ray's son Roger and Martin's daughter Susan got married and had a baby girl. Julie moved in with them and made their life hell, even faking blindness to garner sympathy. When Roger saw Julie standing at the edge of a cliff, he assumed she was suicidal because a blind woman would never get that close to the edge of a cliff (not realizing she could see). Julie was one of soap's first psycho bitches. There's a funny "fake episode" the cast made for Irna as production was moving to NYC where the actress introduced herself at the end as "Julie Collins: girl bitch". Anyway, the story of the Collins family, Ray and Charlotte and Roger and Susan was the focus of the show in 1947 and 1948. By the time the production moved from Los Angeles to New York City in 1949, the Bauers had become the main focus although Ray and Charlotte remained characters on the show until 1951. 

2 hours ago, dc11786 said:

I believe the switch in locations was due to Irna Phillips' lawsuit with the show's first producer or a writer who argued that they were co-creator and should get a share of the profits. Phillips lost her suit. I believe she relaunched the show because of the suit because now she owned the new version of "The Guiding Light" outright. I could be wrong. The show goes off the air in November and I don't think returns to air until the spring. When the show was relaunched, the story opened with Ray Brandon being released from jail and attempting to rebuild his life. I do think the Claire Lawrence story continued from one version of the show to the other. 

This sounds right, dc. I do know that the "new Guiding Light" started with the story of Ray Brandon. I also know that Jonathan and Claire were probably the only characters to survive the transition from the old Guiding Light to the new Guiding Light and the transition from Five Points to Selby Flats. Focus didn't stay on Jonathan and Claire for long, however. Although they remained characters, the story was more focused on Ray and his attempts to rebuild his life with Charlotte as well as his psycho ex-wife Julie and all the drama she brought to the table. Ray, Charlotte and Julie were the central characters in 1947 until Meta and all the Bauers took over the story in 1948. I read that she killed off the character of Reverend Ruthledge because the actor didn't want to continue in the role and she didn't want anybody else playing it. That sounds very Irnaesque but I wonder if she couldn't legally bring those characters into her "new Guiding Light".