Another World Discussion Thread

[SteveFrame]

I have to totally disagree about the fact some call Doug & Julie daytime's first supercouple. Even Wikipedia says they are. That is a total falsehood.

I think the term supercouple is applied way too superficially these days, but soaps had several couples that would qualify as supercouples long before Doug & Julie

Jeff & Penny Baker on As The World Turns have to be in terms of popularity and pop culture daytime's first supercouple. Their wedding was one of the first big rating events in daytime. and his death caused such an uproar that CBS had to bring extra staff in just to answer the phones from angry fans.

Steve & Alice from Another World predated Doug & Julie by several years too. They became daytime icons.

Even Joanne Tate and Sam Reynolds could be regarded in popularity as a supercouple. Jo had been in a successful pairing already but when they paired her with Sam Reynolds they became icons for awhile.

Even on Days, Bill Horton & Laura Spencer predated Doug & Julie and early on they were more popular than Doug & Julie. Edward Mallory & Susan Flannery often beat Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth in the polls in the early 70's.

There were many popular couples back then such as Steve & Carolee on The Doctors; Mark & Laura on Love Is A Many Splendored Thing; Mike & Leslie on Guiding Light; and a few others who got close to super couple status, but I don't think they did. But even those predated Doug & Julie.

[jay!]

One wants to get technical, Rhett and Scarlet might be the first supercouple, or even Adam and Eve. I think the reason Doug and Julie get the credit as first is because they had the most notoriety and publicity. None of the afore-mentioned made the cover of Time. No one really knew what a soapcouple was until they came along.

[SteveFrame]

I totally disagree about the publicity. If you go there George Reinholt & Jacqueline Courtney got more publicity and notoriety than Bill Hayes & Susan Seaforth did. They were the first to make the talk show rounds.

rosemary Prinz even by herself was the first. She was the first soap star to get to record her own music album based on her popularity. Followed by Eileen Fulton who was asked to do the same.

Then Prinz was the first to be asked to work on other shows outside of daytime due to her popularity.

Reinholt & Courtney were the most popular stars of the early 70's and late 60's - far more popular than Hayes & Seaforth. And had far more notoriety outside of daytime too.

I am one of Doug & Julie's biggest fans but I lived the early 70's and I remember the talk shows like Mike Douglas and Dinah.

I remember even reading back then that Time had a hard time deciding who to put on the cover - the Hayes or Reinholt/Courtney. I think if they had still been on Another World they would probably have been the cover - since the story was about soaps in general and not just about Doug & Julie. There were a couple of other stars at the time who were considered too, but I can't remember all of them now.

And as to the Rhett/Scarlet comment - if we were talking about fiction or with Adam/Eve if we were talking aobut real life - that might be relevant. But when we are talking the first supercouple in daytime soap operas, I don't see the relevance at all.

[jay!]

Sorry, just my opinion. You seem to be an expert.

[Sylph]

Has anyone seen the interview Harding Lemay gave to PBS in 1981?

[TC]

Seen it, can't recount a word of it.

I should add, I was about 12 or 13 at the time and just starting to get interested in film. Ira Cirker's comments as a director made more sense to me then, but I can't even remember those.

[Sylph]

Does anyone happen to have The Wall Street Journal's article about Iris bugging Eliot's hotel suite? That was in, what, 1974?

[AMCHistory]

In the end, what happened to John and Sharlene Hudson? Were they together again?

[Tishy]

My favorite is the Who shot Jake storyline. Hands down.

And then any other scene with Jake in it. By far Jake is my favorite male character of all time.

[cbsrocks1958]

My Favorite Couple of All Time! Carl and Rachel Hutchins/Charles Keating and Victoria Wyndham! Here is a pictorial tribute. Thank You All!

[RiffRaffGroupie]

Another World is supposedly going to start being run on hulu.com beginning with the last episdoe Soapnet aired:

Daytime Confidential: Another World Is Back

[Paul Raven]

A SOD synopsis from July 76

Carol is tired of Willis's habit of keeping her in the dark. She wants to know who "O. Springer" is that she was told to rent a suite for. She takes herself over to the hotel and walks in on Olive, who is scantily attired. Willis is in the bedroom. Carol immediately assumes the worst and storms out. When Willis talks to her later that afternoon, he finally has to admit that Olive is Ray's wife. He explains his plan to Carol and all is forgiven.

Beatrice may not be aware of it, but she's fast becoming as painful to listen to as Liz. She disapproves of Alice going to the office all day. She disapproves of Molly looking after Sally. She disapproves of Rachel working at the studio and of Ray avoiding Olive and just about anything that is contrary to the old world morality. Jim advises Beatrice to be a bit more liberal in her thinking; but Bea is hard pressed to change.

Iris, having convinced New York lawyer, Keith Morrison, to handle her case, has begun to ingratiate herself. She's managed to get Keith to take her to a party Mac is having at his New York townhouse. Mac is furious when he sees her, but in order not to embarrass Keith, allows her to stay. When Rachel calls to speak to Mac, Iris answers and tells her Mac is giving a party for Pat. This is not true, but Rachel believes it and this adds to the uncomfortable feeling running between her and Mac.

Liz is contemplating joining her friend Helen at her villa in Italy but doesn't want to leaver her family "at a time like this." Liz is afraid that in her absence the family will be torn asunder never again to regain a sensible foothold in life. There's Alice at the office, Russ and Sharlene, Marianne and Molly and Daryll and Dennis and Jamie and on and on and on. So many people whose happiness depends (she thinks) on Liz. Can she really go? "Please," answers Russ to her query, "please go!" Perhaps with Liz gone, some people will be able to breathe a little more freely.

"O. Springer" Uncovered

Angie rushes over to Alice's house (Russ and Sharlene are staying there while Alice and Sally are in Chadwell) to tell Sharlene some very interesting news. Angie has found out about Willis and "O. Springer." Angie tells Sharlene that the person Willis brought to Bay City from California is O. Springer, better known as Mrs. Raymond Gordon!! Sharlene realizes that Alice must be told. Is Willis finally about to get what he deserves??

Mac and Rachel Falling Apart?

Mac came home earlier than expected, and Rachel was at Ken's studio. Mac went to the studio to pick her up and their reunion was a happy one until they began to argue (what else?) about Rachel's sculpting. Mac stormed off in a huff and Rachel remained at the studio, banging and clanging away her frustration on her newest piece of work. Because of the argument, Rachel was not able to thank Mac for the gift he sent her via Pat (he's left New York to go to Chadwell and Pat came directly to Bay City). Nor was she able to tell Mac of all the times she'd tried to call him.

Clarice is extremely concerned about Iris's trip to New York. Scott and Mac's attempts to assure her are in vain. Iris has gone, ostensibly, to get a separation (no divorce) from Robert, but she's terrified Clarice into thinking otherwise.

Angie and Sharlene have become regular little detectives where Willis is concerned. They're discussing "O. Springer" from California, and the florist bill Angie has proving Willis sent her flowers, when Carol walks in. Sharlene nervously tries to hide it, but Carol sees her doing so. Carol joins them for lunch where Angie and Sharlene begin to quiz her on "O. Springer." Carol is wary of her answers and realizes that Willis is about to be found out.

Later that afternoon, Sharlene stops by Carol's office to pick Molly up (Molly and Daryll had lunch together). Carol has sent them home and when Sharlene comes, she invites her in for a talk. Sharlene (at Carol's suggestion), uses the phone in the next room to call Russ, and Carol finds the florist bill and realizes what Sharlene and Angie know, and will probably tell!

Olive succeeded in keeping Ray in Bay City, while Alice, Sally and Willis went to Chadwell. Ray and Olive have dinner and argue. Ray tells Olive to return to California before he's provoked into taking custody of the boys and getting rid of her. Olive furiously calls Willis in Chadwell.

Carol tells Willis that Angie and Sharlene have the florist bill and Willis calls Sharlene. He once again frightens her enough to keep her quiet. She tears up the florist bill -- the proof she had that linked Willis to "O. Springer." She stares off into space, probably wondering if she will ever be out from under Willis's thumb.

The Rift Grows Wider

Mac was called back to New York unexpectedly and hoped that Rachel would join him. He was looking forward to taking the opportunity to have a second honeymoon. Rachel declined the offer. She claimed that she could not leave her work. Mac can not help but remember Iris's insinuations to him about Rachel and Ken when he was in New York. All her hints that Rachel and Ken were having an affair are beginning to take their toll. Mac storms out saying he was foolish to ever think Rachel would want to go with him. Careful Rachel -- you may be losing your husband!!

Olive Wins Again

Ray was to join Mac on Mac's unexpected return trip to New York, and had made very plan to, until he told Olive. Olive immediately assumed Ray was going to Chadwell, and threatened to harass Mac and Alice if Ray didn't stay in Bay City and take her to dinner. Ray, once again, succumbs to Olive's threats and demands.

When Iris arrived home from New York unexpectedly, she brought with her, her old friend (and mother of Carol Lamonte), Theresa Lamonte. Theresa brought along her dog, Muggsy. How that Theresa is out of the sanitarium, she will be spending some time with Iris.

Angie is surprised to learn from Sharlene that she decided not to pursue their investigation of "O. Springer." In fact, she's completely bewildered. Angie tells Ada and Gil about her suspicions regarding "O. Springer" and Willis. Gil offers to help Angie (unofficially), in any way he can.

Almost immediately upon returning home, Iris went over to Mac's office. She did not find Mac there, but she did find Pat and Clarice, and for her, it was just as well. Iris implied to Clarice that she'd gone to New York to take Clarice's baby away form her. Iris also said that her lawyer is working on a way for her to "get even" with all the residents of Bay City who have attempted to malign her good name. Pat throws Iris out of the office, but Clarice is petrified with fear.

Alice, Sally, and Jamie have all returned from Chadwell, leaving Willis behind. Angie comes over to Alice's house, determined to tell Alice what she believes to be the truth, about Willis. However, Willis has again warned Sharlene to keep out of his life. Sharlene, under the threat of exposure by Willis, convinces Angie to say nothing.

Ray Caught in a Lie

Ray was to have joined Sharlene, Russ, Sally, and Alice in a welcome home dinner, but didn't because of Olive. Instead of telling Alice the truth about canceling his date with her, he lied. So when Ray and his wife, Olive, showed up at Tall Boys, for the dinner Ray told Alice he couldn't have with her; Alice is too upset to eat and leaves the restaurant. Olive is very smug about succeeding in upsetting Alice.

Ray later visits Alice, to apologize for his lies. After talking to her father, Alice has determined to fight for the man she loves. She tells Ray that his idea of "protecting her," is not what she needs. All she needs is to know that he loves her. Ray and Alice decide to fight Olive together.

When Mac returns to Bay City from New York, he goes directly to the complex and doesn't even call Rachel to tell her that he's back. The only way Rachel finds out about Mac's return, is with the entry of her unexpected house guest, Keith Morrison. Rachel is further infuriated when Pat calls to give her Mac's instructions for a party in Keith's honor!! Rachel suppresses her anger until Mac comes home. They start to talk and their conversation turns into an argument. Mac tells Rachel that she's neglecting those who love her, even Iris said so! Rachel becomes so furious that she leaves, and returns to Ken's studio. Ada, aware of the continuing feud between Mac and Rachel, goes to the studio and begs Rachel to return home. Rachel reluctantly agrees.

...And the Fight Goes On

Keith Morrison, the guest of honor, arrives at Mac's house with his escort for the evening: Iris! Iris's insinuations about Ken and Rachel fall on angry ears: Rachel's! The night continues, but the frivolity of the evening is dampened for Rachel because of Iris's attendance. Mac finally orders Iris out of his house. Iris complies, but not before talking to Clarice, and threatening her with a lawsuit. Clarice leaves the party in a dither, and returns home to pack her bags. She is leaving town!

Sharlene goes to Willis's home with tears in her eyes, and begs him not to ruin her future with Russ. Willis, aware of the trouble Sharlene can cause him, agrees to "lay off" if she'll leave town. How far will Willis be able to push Sharlene before she cracks?

A Romance for Brooks?

Brooks, the Cory chauffeur, seems to be developing an affection for Beatrice. Rocky has picked up on Brooks's new interest, and seeks to bring Brooks and Beatrice together. Beatrice politely declines a dinner invitation from Rocky and Brooks, to join Rocky, Louise, and Brooks for dinner. However, when Beatrice's plans for dinner with Jim are suddenly cancelled, she agrees to dine with Brooks, Rocky, and Louise. Beatrice has made Brooks a very happy man.

Alice calls a meeting between Ray, John, Jim, her father, Willis, and Carol, in order that she and Ray might be brought up-to-date on the Jamison-Pratt High-Rise, and the Pendleton Project. Willis made sure that Olive made sure that Ray could not attend. Ray's absence disturbs Alice, and Willis takes the opportunity to malign Ray's personal and professional integrity. Alice refuses to listen to Willis's insinuations.

Iris came home and found Molly and Dennis in an embrace. She ordered Molly out of her home. Dennis was so upset that the next morning he went to Mac and Rachel's, and asked to stay with them. Iris barged into the Cory home and demanded the return of her son. With Rachel there, Iris accused her of stealing Dennis from her, and Mac ordered Iris out of his home. Mac is already furious with Iris for forcing Clarice out of town, and vows to never again allow her to hard Clarice or anyone else. Iris may have gone the final step in the breech between her and her father!!

[Queen]

What did fans think of Beverlee McKinsey and Victoria Wyndham as rivals Iris and Rachel in their scenes together? Did they bring out the best in each other?

[Paul Raven]

I think most fans and critics relished the Iris/Rachel scenes.

There is at let one on YouTube to see for yourself.

Beverlee and Victoria both won SOD Soapy awards in 78 so both were very popular at that time.

[KPfeiffer]

HI! My first post and it is for my first soap. I was a kid and would run home from elementary school to watch the trial of Missy Palmer Fargo being defended by her real love Bill Matthews for "killing" Danny Fargo LOL (We're talking 60's here). The next romance to hook me was Alice Matthews and Steve Frame with Rachael (Robin Strasser) trying to ruin that even though she was married to Russ Matthews....good times!

Loved this show and hated to see it canceled.