7 minutes ago, dc11786 said:

I am pretty positive it is Ray and Arlene Slater in the shower. The dude definitely is Lloyd Battista and the actress playing Arlene seemed to dye her hair a lot in those last few years. That final puffy dark hair look at the end is a lot. 

Thanks again, @dc11786!

For sure, if LOL had managed to stave off cancellation at least for a little while longer, CBS would have pressured Cathy Abbi/Ann Marcus for more action-oriented storylines similar to the ones that had been successful on GH.  Already, you can see with the disco set how LOL, like every other soap on the air at that time, was courting the GH audience.  A star-crossed romance between a skinny white boy with a frizzy perm and a flaxen-haired, chubby-cheeked girl ten years his junior was sure to follow.

And I can just imagine uninitiated viewers tuning in for the first time after watching those promos, thinking they are going to watch another Y&R and getting BAMBI FACES LIFE instead, lol.

When did NBC shop this show?   Mid 60s?

Wonder what they would have done with it.  They haven’t had a good track record with keeping shows 

It might have worked well airing after Another World 

NBC considered airing this show in the 1960s?   I never knew that.   I do remember, though, that NBC had rights to the show after CBS cancelled it.   (And, I am thinking that American Home Products re-purchased it from CBS).

 

I think that CBS should have hired Harding Lemay to write the show after he left the shows on NBC.  He could have used the same practice of hiring many theatre performers to appear as characters on the show and kept the veterans who, in his opinion, were great.

On 7/31/2022 at 11:32 AM, Paul Raven said:

In 1965 when CBS was thinking of adding All My Children at 12pm (sponsored by Proctor and Gamble) that would have displaced Love of Life to 11.30 am.

American Home Products which sponsored LOL ,were not happy and pressured CBS not to add AMC.

Meanwhile NBC stepped in and offered AHP the 12 pm slot for LOL.

CBS backed down and LOL stayed at midday.

So there was a possible scenario where Love of Life on NBC would be competing with All My Children on CBS.

 

The conversation regarding Jean Holloway's run led me down a rabbit hole. I pulled together some summaries from Lynda Hirsch and Jon-Michael Reed's columns as well as adding some clarifying relationship details to try and make sense of the final years of LOL. I will break the summaries down into three parts:

(a) January-May, 1978: we are in the thick of Gabrielle Upton's two year run. This material is not very strong. I am not sure I'd say it was as bad as Jean Holloway's run, but it is a very forgettable run of episodes highlighted by a lot of bad tropes such as a dying husband trying to pair his wife with his friend, a frontburner couple's main source of conflict coming from an offscreen former romantic interest, and a series of forgettable characters introduced by Upton in the previous year. 

(b) June-September, 1978: this is Upton's last stand and seems to be an improvement on a lot of her previous run. Maybe the goodwill on my part stems from it being sandwiched between two forgettable periods, but Upton shows some real promise here, but it may have just been a case of too little, too late.

(c) October-December, 1978: This is the transition period. In either September or October, Cathy Abbi is installed as producer with Jean Holloway joining in either late October or early November. November sees the departure of a slew of characters (probably close to ten) with several new charactes introduced in December as Jean Holloway´s story starts to materialize. 

For the sake of phone users, I´ll put it as a spoiler hoping that makes it easier to manage. If it isn´t helpful, I can always reformat.

Spoiler

January 1978

 

January 2-6, 1978: Mia Marriott felt encouraged by her lover Ben Harper’s attention thinking he had moved on from his ex-wife, Betsy Crawford. This hope was shattered when  Betsy calls Ben from London resulting in Mia realizing Ben is still in love with Betsy. Lawyer Dory Patton hopes to use hypnosis on her client,  Arlene Lovette, to learn what happened the night Ian Russell fell down the elevator shaft and died. Dory hopes this will exonerate Arlene, who is on trial for Ian's murder.  In the meantime, Arlene was moved to a high-security prison. Bruce Sterling continues to conceal blood ailment from his wife Vanessa Sterling. Worried about his condition, Bruce couldn’t make love to Van. Meanwhile, Vanessa hoped her friend and neighbor Dr. Andrew Marriott and Meg Hart, Van's sister, would become a twosome after Meg corralled Andrew into a date.. Rick Latimer tells his wife Cal Latimer he wants to have a baby by her. Cal isn't as excited as her husband about the prospect.  

 

January 9-13, 1978: Cal Latimer tells her husband Rick Latimer she doesn’t want to have a baby with him right now. This resulted in an argument between the two. Michael Blake admitted to Cal that it’s the memory of his mother, Marla, who fooled around behind his father’s back, that causes his hostility towards loose-living women. Meg Hart admits she is romantically interested in Dr. Andrew Marriott, who she has been pursuing. Ben Harper is upset when he learns his publisher, Jay Edmonton, is a friend of Mia’s, the woman he has been sharing his bed with. Ben tries to destroy manuscript, which details his marriage to his ex-wife Betsy. When Mia saves it from the fire, she and Ben kiss passionately. Ben's mother, Meg, is furious to discover Mia is acting as Ben's agent and plans to bring an end to the business relationship between her son and Mia. Dory Patton suggested that hypnosis might be used on her client Arlene Lovett to get details of Ian’s murder night.

 

January 16-20, 1978: Rick Latimer tells his mother-in-law, Meg Hart, that  he is unhappy about his wife Cal Aleata Latimer’s decision not to have a baby. After Meg finishes speaking with Rick, Meg speaks wiht her daughter Cal about the matter and encouraged Cal to pursue a career. In prison, Arlene Lovette considers giving the baby she’s carrying to adoption agency. Arlene's lawyer, Dory Patton, learned about Arlene’s pregnancy and convinced her to undergo hypnosis. Following court proceedins, Charles Lamont is given legal custody of Charles, Jr, the son of his late wife Felicia Lamont and his firend Eduardo Aleata. Also, Charles insisted that Johnny Prentiss, his grandson, live with him rather than the Sterlings. Mia Marriott believed Ben Harper loved her after he tended her burned finger. Later, Ben learns Betsy went to Switzerland with Eliot Lang, Betsy's new beau. This leads to Ben and his girlfriend Mia Marriott making love. 

 

January 23-27, 1978: The district attorney agrees with Dr. Tom Crawford's suspicions that the late Ian Russell was reaching for ulcer medication when he stumbled and fell down elevator shaft the night he died. Under hypnosis, Arlene Lovette, accused of murdering Ian, remembered that Ian suffered an attack and had fallen down the elevator shaft, just as Tom had suspected. Exonerated and released from prison, Arlene Lovette tells her love interest Tom she is pregnant; Tom knows he is not the father. Charles Lamont gives baby Charlie back to Eddie Aleata, the boy's biological father. Rick and Cal Latimer agree to work out their differences leading Cal to say she will give Rick a child. Vanessa Sterling finds a book on sexual dysfunction in her husband Bruce Sterling’s attache case. Mia Marriott lit her lover Ben Harper’s fires,  but she admitted to Andrew that Ben treats her hot and cold. 

 

January 30 - February 3, 1978: Arlene Lovette feels her engagement to Dr. Tom Crawford is in jeopardy after she admitted Ian Russell fathered her unborn child. Tom lost his marriage urge when he learned about Arlene’s pregnancy. Dr. Andrew Marriott warns Ben Harper that Mia Marriott, Ben's lover and Andrew's ex-wife, is fragile emotionally having previously suffered from a bout of depression. Andrew suspects his friend Bruce Sterling is hiding a medical condition. Bruce tells Andrew he is suffering from a terminal form of anemia.  Elsewhere, Eddie Aleata grew attracted to attorney Dory Patton. Thanks to Charles Lamont, Eddie was able to adopt his own son, Charlie Lamont, Jr., while Mary Jane Owens, Charlie's nanny, got a job at the hospital’s children’s ward.Mary Jane admits to Lynn Henderson she is in Rosehill to find her former fiancé. 

 

February 1978

 

February 6-10, 1978: Dr. Tom Crawford vetoes his fiancee Arlene Lovette’s plan to put her baby up for adoption. Tom insists he still wants to marry her. Vanessa Sterling fears her husband Bruce Sterling is growing tired of their marriage.Dr.  Andrew Marriott warns his friend Bruce he must tell Van of his terminal illness or he (Andrew) will. Meg Hart learned that Bruce and Van are having sexual problems and taunted her sister Van. Rick and Cal Latimer plan second honeymoon in Paris. Mary Jane Owens places classified ad informing Michael Blake, her former love, she is in Rosehill. Eddie Aleata takes baby Charlie Lamont home. Dory Patton was reluctant to become further involved with Eddie. Ben Harper teased his lover Mia Marriott about her jealousy. Mia admits to her estranged husband Andrew she loves Ben. 

'

February 13-17, 1978: Under pressure from his friend Dr. Andrew Marriott, Bruce Sterling tells his wife Vanessa Sterling he is suffering from a terminal illness. As Arlene Lovett and Tom Crawford prepared for the Friday wedding, Ray Slater noted that Tom’s running scared. On the day she is to marry Tom, Arlene asks Ray to take her out of town. Rick and Cal Latimer enjoy their second honeymoon in Paris, while Cal's mother Meg Hart moped. Mary Jane Owens posted a newspaper notice that she’s in town and looking for Michael Blake. 

 

February 20-24, 1978: Mia Marriott decides to end affair with Ben Harper. She tells him to find another publisher for his finished novel. Having run away from Tom Crawford, Arlene Lovett goes off with Ray Slater. Confessing her love for her, Ray asks to be Arlene's husband, if in name only. Ray tells Arlene he can accept Ian's child. Arlene and Ray take out marriage license. Eddie Aleata has christening for his and the late Felicia Lamont’s baby, Charlie Aleata. Bruce Sterling wants his friend Dr. Andrew Marriott to prepare Bruce's wife Van Sterling for loneliness when he (Bruce) is gone. Vanessa tried to act brave in the face of impending widowhood. Meg Hart taunted Michael Blake about her daughter Cal Aleata Latimer, the woman Michael loves, and then Meg pointed out Mary Jane Owens is mad for him. Mia Marriott plotted to get Ben Harper to pay more attention by returning his manuscript.

 

February 27 - March 3, 1978: Arlene Lovett marries Ray Slater. At Ray's request, Arlene agrees to let everyone think her unborn baby is his, not Ian Russell’s. Carrie Johnson was stunned to learn that her daughter Arlene and Ray were married in name only. Arlene beseeched Carrie to help convince Tom that her baby is Ray’s, not Ian’s. At the christening, Eddie names the baby Charles and asks Charles Lamont to be the godfather. Meeting Michael Blake, Mary Jane Owens (who he knows and loved as Janie) tells him she has something important to reveal. Ben Harper is jubilant over finishing his novel and wishes he could take a copy to England and give it to his ex-wife Betsy Crawford Harper. Bruce Sterling considered matching his pal Dr. Andrew Marriott with his wife Vanessa Sterling so she won’t be alone when Bruce dies. 

 

March 1978

 

March 6-10, 1978: Mary Jane Owens reveals to Michael Blake she left him only because cancer forced her to have a  partial hysterectomy leaving her unable to have children. Afterwards, Mary Jane tells Michael she still loves him and hopes to resume their relationship. After reliving the past eight years apart, Mike and Mary become engaged. Husband and wife Ray and Arlene Slater take an apartment with separate bedrooms. Bambi Brester was shocked that Ray married Arlene.Mia Marriott and Ben Harper, her lover, plan a New York trip to see book publisher Jay Edmonston, to discuss revisions for Ben's upcoming novel. Bruce Sterling feels his friend Dr. Andrew Marriott would be the perfect man for his wife Van Sterling after he (Bruce) is dead. Charles Lamont huffed at Bruce’s matchmaking for Andrew and Van. Eddie Aleata wants to get to know Dorrie Patton better.  Cal and Rick Latimer returned to Rosehill; Cal still is not pregnant. Dr. Tom Crawford took a powder. 

 

March 13-17, 1978: Charles Lamont realizes Michael Blake is not as happy about marrying Mary Jane Owens as he should be.  Cal Aleata Latimer learned that Michael and Mary didn’t break their engagement. Dr. Tom Crawford returned to discover that Arlene and Ray Slater are living together. Dr. Joe Cusack concerned over his colleague Tom’s state of mind since Arlene called off their wedding. Glad he married to Arlene, Ray Slater still wishes she were more excited about the expected baby. Ray told Bambi Brewster that Arlene’s baby is his. Arlene couldn’t get her ex Tom out of her system. After Bruce Sterling takes off,  Dr. Andrew Marriott and Van Sterling find him at bar, in drunken rage. Van insisted she doesn’t want any other man but Bruce.

 

March 20-24, 1978: Dr. Andrew Marriott brought Bruce Sterling home to his wife Van Sterling after Bruce went on a drinking spree Later, .Bruce is rushed to hospital when red streaks are found on his arm. Andrew and Dr. Joe Cusack are worried that Bruce’s disease is growing worse because bruises indicated advanced hemorrhaging. Andrew was warned by Meg Hart, who has developed romantic feelings towards him, about staying clear of Meg's sister, Vanessa Sterling. Meg also intimated to her daughter Cal Aleata Latimer that she (Cal) cares more for Michael than she realizes. Meanwhile, Arlene Slater warns her mother Carrie Johnson she will never forgive her unborn child for making her give up Dr. Tom Crawford or forget that it is Ian Russell’s offspring. Arlene tells Tom she is expecting Ray’s baby. Ben Harper signed a contract for his book, but the business trip with Mia Marriott didn’t go as well as she’s hoped since he still loves Betsy, his ex-wife. Receiving advance on his book, Ben checks airfares to London to see Betsy and their daughter, Suzanne. When Ben doesn’t take her declaration of love seriously, Mia  hides her anger by saying she will be a friend anyway. 

 

March 27-31, 1978: Bruce Sterling becomes critical with septicemia. Coming out of shock, Bruce asks Dr. Andrew Marriott to take care of Van Sterling, Bruce's wife, and eventually marry her. Mary Jane Owens and Mike Blake set a June wedding date. Mary noticed Michael’s uneasiness around Cal Latimer.  Arlene Slater arranges for her husband Ray Slater to get a job at Beaver Ridge, an establishment Arlene owns shares in due to the death of her former lover Ian Russell. Ray nixed Dr. Tom’ Crawfords suggestion of an annulment from Arlene.  While Ray is trying to help a drunken Tom get his balance, Tom slugs him unconscious. Mia Marriott proposed that Ben Harper find his ex-wife Betsy after he apologized for hurting Mia. 

 

April 1978

 

April 3-7, 1978: Mary Jane Owens tells Bruce Sterling that she had cancer and was given short time to live five years ago. Bruce recovered temporarily and decided to take a positive outlook. Meg Hart taunted her daughter Cal Latimer by arranging an engagement party for Mary Jane and Michael Blake, who has expressed feelings for Cal. Mike incensed when Mary Jane agrees to let Meg throw the engagement party for her and Mike. Mary Jane picked up the fact that Michael’s uneasy around Cal after he vehemently nixed living near the Latimers after the nuptials. Betsy Crawford wrote to inform friends in Rosehill that she married a man in Europe, Eliot Lang. Ben Harper flies to England, unaware that Betsy has remarried. Ray Slater informs his wife Arlene that her former fiance Dr. Tom Crawford slugged him because he wants Ray to get annulment. Arlene reassures Ray she intends to stay with him. Tom was temporarily suspended after an arrest for being drunk and disorderly that preceded a fistfight with Ray. 

 

April 10-14, 1978: Ben Harper nixed his plans to see his ex-wife Betsy in London when he decided he loves Mia Marriott. He embarks on a return to Rosehill. On way to airport, Mia’s car goes over cliff. In coma for days, when Mia does come to, she doesn’t wish to see anyone. Dr. Andrew Marriott, Mia's estranged husband, fretted it might have been a suicide attempt and blamed Ben for Mia’s critical condition. Arlene Slater tells Ben she has no plans to care for baby that she is currently carrying.  Dory Patton realized Tom has been hitting the bottle and offered her help. Eddie Aleata warns Dory, his girlfriend, to stay away from Dr. Tom Crawford and his drinking problems..  

 

April 17-21, 1978: Mia Marriott refuses to see Ben Harper, her current love, or Dr. Andrew Marriot, her estranged husband.  Ben admitted his love to an unconscious Mia. She began healing, but she feared he’s only concerned for her because Betsy has remarried.  Andrew lamented to Vanessa Sterling, his friend and unrequited crush, that he feels responsible for failing Mia just as he failed his sons. Bruce Sterling informs Charles Lamont, his friend and neighbor, he intends to continue bringing Andrew and Van together. Dr. Andrew Marriott fantasizes about a life with Van Sterling. Mary Jane Owens realizes Michael Blake, her fiance, loves Cal Latimer, a married woman. Arlene Slater goes to visit Dr. Tom Crawford and finds Dory Patton at his apartment and Tom in drunken stupor.  Eddie Aleata and Arlene were jealous to learn that Dory’s helping Tom sober up. 

 

April 24-28, 1978: Arlene Slater gave birth to a baby whom her husband Ray Slater named April Joy Slater, even though Arlene didn’t want the baby in the same room. Taking Mia Marriott home from hospital, Ben Harper confesses his love and asks to move in with her. Mia’s divorce from her estranged husband Dr. Andrew Marriott is finalized.  Andrew learns about Ben moving in with Mia. Andrew avoided socializing with Bruce and Van, once Andrew realized he loves Van. Later, he daydreamed about a life with Van. During Michael Blake and Mary Jane Owens' engagement part, Michael confesses to Cal Latimer that he loves her. Rick Latimer, Cal's husband, catches Mike embracing her.  Dory Patton realized it’s more than concern she feels for Dr. Tom Crawford.

 

May 1978

 

May 1-5, 1978: Cal Latimer resisted Michael Blake’s advances, but Rick Latimer, Cal's husband, kicked them both out after finding them together, even though Cal professed innocence. Afterwards, Cal took refuge in the home of her aunt and uncle, Vanessa and Bruce Sterling, once she explained what had happened with herself, Michael, and Rick. Lynn Henderson, the Sterlings' ward, blamed Cal for Michael’s break up from Mary Jane Owens, Lynn's friend. Also, Lynn thought she might have a chance with Ben Harper. Arlene Slater warns Carrie Johnson, Arlene's mother, if she (Arlene) is ever left alone with April Joy, it will be the last time. Dory Patton’s daughter, Kirstin, reveals Bob Patton, Kirstin's father, was an alcoholic and that is why Dory is concerned for Dr. Tom Crawford, who has a drinking problem. Kirstin also didn't appreciate Eddie Aleata's presence. Meg Hart tells her mother Sarah Dale Caldwell that Dr. Andrew Marriott loves Van Sterling, Sarah's other daughter. Also, Meg taunted Andrew that he’s using her (Meg) to cover up his interest in Van.  

 

May 8-12, 1978: Bruce Sterling is regretting he threw his wife Van and his pal Dr. Andrew Marriott together. Meg Hart tells her brother-in-law Bruce she knows about his sexual problem. Also, Meg warned Bruce that Andrew had fallen in love with Van. Andrew unresponsive to Meg’s flirting. Van was pleased that Meg admitted being hooked on Andrew. Dr. Tom Crawford accused Ray Slater of marrying Arlene in order to welch off her Beaver Ridge inheritance. Tom informs Ray he plans to marry Arlene. Dory Patton lets her rinabtuc partner Eddie Aleata know her late husband Bob Patton was an alcoholic.  Mia Marriott feared that Betsy Crawford Lang’s possible return would reunite Betsy and Ben Harper, Mia's paramour.

 

May 15-19, 1978: Mary Jane Owens gives Michae Blake his engagement ring back, and considers leaving Rosehill. Michael learned Cal and Rick Latimer weren’t living together. Rick tells Mike to stay away from Rick's wife, Cal. Lynn Henderson and Cal Latimer mended fences after Lynn previously blamed Cal for Mary Jane and Michael's break up. Arlene Slater confides to Wendy Hayes she still loves Dr. Tom Crawford despite being married to Ray Slater. Eddie Aleata is interested in Dory Patton, but is also upset by her interest in Tom. Arlene laid into Dory about Dory's attempts to move in on Tom. Ben Harper's probationary period is up. Kids at gym lose lease. Realizing Bruce Sterling tried to match him with Bruce's wife Van, Dr. Andrew Marriott continues to feel uncomfortable in their presence. 

 

May 22-26, 1978: Cal Latimer and Lynn Henderson went to the lake cabin. Before departing, Cal wrote her husband Rick Latimer a  love letter but her mother Meg Hart intercepted it and readdressed it to Michael Blake, who was the cause of the tension in Cal and Rick's marriage. Mike goes to lake house where he learns letter was written for Rick, not him. Leaving house, Michael is stopped by old man, who says his grandson Ronnie is out in boat on stormy lake. Michael tries to rescue him, but his own boat founders. Also at the lake house,  Rick and Cal reunite. Charles Lamont asks Mary Jane Owens to stay in Rosehill until his birthday in August. With Dr. Tom Crawford’s drinking problem solved, Dory Patton feels he doesn’t need her any longer. Dory panicked when Tom and Dr. Andrew Marriott discovered that Kirsten Patton, Dory's daughter, may have cardiac condition. Andrew insisted on avoiding Van Sterling after learning that her husband Bruce Sterling told Van about Bruce's plan for Van and Andrew to get together after Bruce's impending death.

 

May 29 - June 2, 1978:  Rick Latimer attempts to rescue his romantic rival Mike Blake and Ronnie, a young kid, on the storm tossed lake. A report comes back that one of the three has died. Arriving at the lake, Cal Latimer discovers her husband Rick is safe, but Michael, her friend, has drowned. Cal and Rick blame her mother Meg Hart for Michael’s death because she sent him the letter that caused him to come to lake, and they decide to have nothing more to do with her. Kirsten Patton is unresponsive to her mother's beau Eddie Aleata’s friendship. Arlene Slater offers Ray Slater a chance to get out of marriage, but he says he’ll never want to leave her.  Ray rejected Bambi Brewster’s offer of a no-strings affair. Arlene warned Ray not to take their marriage to heart. 

 

8 hours ago, dc11786 said:

The conversation regarding Jean Holloway's run led me down a rabbit hole. I pulled together some summaries from Lynda Hirsch and Jon-Michael Reed's columns as well as adding some clarifying relationship details to try and make sense of the final years of LOL. I will break the summaries down into three parts:

(a) January-May, 1978: we are in the thick of Gabrielle Upton's two year run. This material is not very strong. I am not sure I'd say it was as bad as Jean Holloway's run, but it is a very forgettable run of episodes highlighted by a lot of bad tropes such as a dying husband trying to pair his wife with his friend, a frontburner couple's main source of conflict coming from an offscreen former romantic interest, and a series of forgettable characters introduced by Upton in the previous year. 

(b) June-September, 1978: this is Upton's last stand and seems to be an improvement on a lot of her previous run. Maybe the goodwill on my part stems from it being sandwiched between two forgettable periods, but Upton shows some real promise here, but it may have just been a case of too little, too late.

(c) October-December, 1978: This is the transition period. In either September or October, Cathy Abbi is installed as producer with Jean Holloway joining in either late October or early November. November sees the departure of a slew of characters (probably close to ten) with several new charactes introduced in December as Jean Holloway´s story starts to materialize. 

For the sake of phone users, I´ll put it as a spoiler hoping that makes it easier to manage. If it isn´t helpful, I can always reformat.

  Hide contents

January 1978

 

January 2-6, 1978: Mia Marriott felt encouraged by her lover Ben Harper’s attention thinking he had moved on from his ex-wife, Betsy Crawford. This hope was shattered when  Betsy calls Ben from London resulting in Mia realizing Ben is still in love with Betsy. Lawyer Dory Patton hopes to use hypnosis on her client,  Arlene Lovette, to learn what happened the night Ian Russell fell down the elevator shaft and died. Dory hopes this will exonerate Arlene, who is on trial for Ian's murder.  In the meantime, Arlene was moved to a high-security prison. Bruce Sterling continues to conceal blood ailment from his wife Vanessa Sterling. Worried about his condition, Bruce couldn’t make love to Van. Meanwhile, Vanessa hoped her friend and neighbor Dr. Andrew Marriott and Meg Hart, Van's sister, would become a twosome after Meg corralled Andrew into a date.. Rick Latimer tells his wife Cal Latimer he wants to have a baby by her. Cal isn't as excited as her husband about the prospect.  

 

January 9-13, 1978: Cal Latimer tells her husband Rick Latimer she doesn’t want to have a baby with him right now. This resulted in an argument between the two. Michael Blake admitted to Cal that it’s the memory of his mother, Marla, who fooled around behind his father’s back, that causes his hostility towards loose-living women. Meg Hart admits she is romantically interested in Dr. Andrew Marriott, who she has been pursuing. Ben Harper is upset when he learns his publisher, Jay Edmonton, is a friend of Mia’s, the woman he has been sharing his bed with. Ben tries to destroy manuscript, which details his marriage to his ex-wife Betsy. When Mia saves it from the fire, she and Ben kiss passionately. Ben's mother, Meg, is furious to discover Mia is acting as Ben's agent and plans to bring an end to the business relationship between her son and Mia. Dory Patton suggested that hypnosis might be used on her client Arlene Lovett to get details of Ian’s murder night.

 

January 16-20, 1978: Rick Latimer tells his mother-in-law, Meg Hart, that  he is unhappy about his wife Cal Aleata Latimer’s decision not to have a baby. After Meg finishes speaking with Rick, Meg speaks wiht her daughter Cal about the matter and encouraged Cal to pursue a career. In prison, Arlene Lovette considers giving the baby she’s carrying to adoption agency. Arlene's lawyer, Dory Patton, learned about Arlene’s pregnancy and convinced her to undergo hypnosis. Following court proceedins, Charles Lamont is given legal custody of Charles, Jr, the son of his late wife Felicia Lamont and his firend Eduardo Aleata. Also, Charles insisted that Johnny Prentiss, his grandson, live with him rather than the Sterlings. Mia Marriott believed Ben Harper loved her after he tended her burned finger. Later, Ben learns Betsy went to Switzerland with Eliot Lang, Betsy's new beau. This leads to Ben and his girlfriend Mia Marriott making love. 

 

January 23-27, 1978: The district attorney agrees with Dr. Tom Crawford's suspicions that the late Ian Russell was reaching for ulcer medication when he stumbled and fell down elevator shaft the night he died. Under hypnosis, Arlene Lovette, accused of murdering Ian, remembered that Ian suffered an attack and had fallen down the elevator shaft, just as Tom had suspected. Exonerated and released from prison, Arlene Lovette tells her love interest Tom she is pregnant; Tom knows he is not the father. Charles Lamont gives baby Charlie back to Eddie Aleata, the boy's biological father. Rick and Cal Latimer agree to work out their differences leading Cal to say she will give Rick a child. Vanessa Sterling finds a book on sexual dysfunction in her husband Bruce Sterling’s attache case. Mia Marriott lit her lover Ben Harper’s fires,  but she admitted to Andrew that Ben treats her hot and cold. 

 

January 30 - February 3, 1978: Arlene Lovette feels her engagement to Dr. Tom Crawford is in jeopardy after she admitted Ian Russell fathered her unborn child. Tom lost his marriage urge when he learned about Arlene’s pregnancy. Dr. Andrew Marriott warns Ben Harper that Mia Marriott, Ben's lover and Andrew's ex-wife, is fragile emotionally having previously suffered from a bout of depression. Andrew suspects his friend Bruce Sterling is hiding a medical condition. Bruce tells Andrew he is suffering from a terminal form of anemia.  Elsewhere, Eddie Aleata grew attracted to attorney Dory Patton. Thanks to Charles Lamont, Eddie was able to adopt his own son, Charlie Lamont, Jr., while Mary Jane Owens, Charlie's nanny, got a job at the hospital’s children’s ward.Mary Jane admits to Lynn Henderson she is in Rosehill to find her former fiancé. 

 

February 1978

 

February 6-10, 1978: Dr. Tom Crawford vetoes his fiancee Arlene Lovette’s plan to put her baby up for adoption. Tom insists he still wants to marry her. Vanessa Sterling fears her husband Bruce Sterling is growing tired of their marriage.Dr.  Andrew Marriott warns his friend Bruce he must tell Van of his terminal illness or he (Andrew) will. Meg Hart learned that Bruce and Van are having sexual problems and taunted her sister Van. Rick and Cal Latimer plan second honeymoon in Paris. Mary Jane Owens places classified ad informing Michael Blake, her former love, she is in Rosehill. Eddie Aleata takes baby Charlie Lamont home. Dory Patton was reluctant to become further involved with Eddie. Ben Harper teased his lover Mia Marriott about her jealousy. Mia admits to her estranged husband Andrew she loves Ben. 

'

February 13-17, 1978: Under pressure from his friend Dr. Andrew Marriott, Bruce Sterling tells his wife Vanessa Sterling he is suffering from a terminal illness. As Arlene Lovett and Tom Crawford prepared for the Friday wedding, Ray Slater noted that Tom’s running scared. On the day she is to marry Tom, Arlene asks Ray to take her out of town. Rick and Cal Latimer enjoy their second honeymoon in Paris, while Cal's mother Meg Hart moped. Mary Jane Owens posted a newspaper notice that she’s in town and looking for Michael Blake. 

 

February 20-24, 1978: Mia Marriott decides to end affair with Ben Harper. She tells him to find another publisher for his finished novel. Having run away from Tom Crawford, Arlene Lovett goes off with Ray Slater. Confessing her love for her, Ray asks to be Arlene's husband, if in name only. Ray tells Arlene he can accept Ian's child. Arlene and Ray take out marriage license. Eddie Aleata has christening for his and the late Felicia Lamont’s baby, Charlie Aleata. Bruce Sterling wants his friend Dr. Andrew Marriott to prepare Bruce's wife Van Sterling for loneliness when he (Bruce) is gone. Vanessa tried to act brave in the face of impending widowhood. Meg Hart taunted Michael Blake about her daughter Cal Aleata Latimer, the woman Michael loves, and then Meg pointed out Mary Jane Owens is mad for him. Mia Marriott plotted to get Ben Harper to pay more attention by returning his manuscript.

 

February 27 - March 3, 1978: Arlene Lovett marries Ray Slater. At Ray's request, Arlene agrees to let everyone think her unborn baby is his, not Ian Russell’s. Carrie Johnson was stunned to learn that her daughter Arlene and Ray were married in name only. Arlene beseeched Carrie to help convince Tom that her baby is Ray’s, not Ian’s. At the christening, Eddie names the baby Charles and asks Charles Lamont to be the godfather. Meeting Michael Blake, Mary Jane Owens (who he knows and loved as Janie) tells him she has something important to reveal. Ben Harper is jubilant over finishing his novel and wishes he could take a copy to England and give it to his ex-wife Betsy Crawford Harper. Bruce Sterling considered matching his pal Dr. Andrew Marriott with his wife Vanessa Sterling so she won’t be alone when Bruce dies. 

 

March 1978

 

March 6-10, 1978: Mary Jane Owens reveals to Michael Blake she left him only because cancer forced her to have a  partial hysterectomy leaving her unable to have children. Afterwards, Mary Jane tells Michael she still loves him and hopes to resume their relationship. After reliving the past eight years apart, Mike and Mary become engaged. Husband and wife Ray and Arlene Slater take an apartment with separate bedrooms. Bambi Brester was shocked that Ray married Arlene.Mia Marriott and Ben Harper, her lover, plan a New York trip to see book publisher Jay Edmonston, to discuss revisions for Ben's upcoming novel. Bruce Sterling feels his friend Dr. Andrew Marriott would be the perfect man for his wife Van Sterling after he (Bruce) is dead. Charles Lamont huffed at Bruce’s matchmaking for Andrew and Van. Eddie Aleata wants to get to know Dorrie Patton better.  Cal and Rick Latimer returned to Rosehill; Cal still is not pregnant. Dr. Tom Crawford took a powder. 

 

March 13-17, 1978: Charles Lamont realizes Michael Blake is not as happy about marrying Mary Jane Owens as he should be.  Cal Aleata Latimer learned that Michael and Mary didn’t break their engagement. Dr. Tom Crawford returned to discover that Arlene and Ray Slater are living together. Dr. Joe Cusack concerned over his colleague Tom’s state of mind since Arlene called off their wedding. Glad he married to Arlene, Ray Slater still wishes she were more excited about the expected baby. Ray told Bambi Brewster that Arlene’s baby is his. Arlene couldn’t get her ex Tom out of her system. After Bruce Sterling takes off,  Dr. Andrew Marriott and Van Sterling find him at bar, in drunken rage. Van insisted she doesn’t want any other man but Bruce.

 

March 20-24, 1978: Dr. Andrew Marriott brought Bruce Sterling home to his wife Van Sterling after Bruce went on a drinking spree Later, .Bruce is rushed to hospital when red streaks are found on his arm. Andrew and Dr. Joe Cusack are worried that Bruce’s disease is growing worse because bruises indicated advanced hemorrhaging. Andrew was warned by Meg Hart, who has developed romantic feelings towards him, about staying clear of Meg's sister, Vanessa Sterling. Meg also intimated to her daughter Cal Aleata Latimer that she (Cal) cares more for Michael than she realizes. Meanwhile, Arlene Slater warns her mother Carrie Johnson she will never forgive her unborn child for making her give up Dr. Tom Crawford or forget that it is Ian Russell’s offspring. Arlene tells Tom she is expecting Ray’s baby. Ben Harper signed a contract for his book, but the business trip with Mia Marriott didn’t go as well as she’s hoped since he still loves Betsy, his ex-wife. Receiving advance on his book, Ben checks airfares to London to see Betsy and their daughter, Suzanne. When Ben doesn’t take her declaration of love seriously, Mia  hides her anger by saying she will be a friend anyway. 

 

March 27-31, 1978: Bruce Sterling becomes critical with septicemia. Coming out of shock, Bruce asks Dr. Andrew Marriott to take care of Van Sterling, Bruce's wife, and eventually marry her. Mary Jane Owens and Mike Blake set a June wedding date. Mary noticed Michael’s uneasiness around Cal Latimer.  Arlene Slater arranges for her husband Ray Slater to get a job at Beaver Ridge, an establishment Arlene owns shares in due to the death of her former lover Ian Russell. Ray nixed Dr. Tom’ Crawfords suggestion of an annulment from Arlene.  While Ray is trying to help a drunken Tom get his balance, Tom slugs him unconscious. Mia Marriott proposed that Ben Harper find his ex-wife Betsy after he apologized for hurting Mia. 

 

April 1978

 

April 3-7, 1978: Mary Jane Owens tells Bruce Sterling that she had cancer and was given short time to live five years ago. Bruce recovered temporarily and decided to take a positive outlook. Meg Hart taunted her daughter Cal Latimer by arranging an engagement party for Mary Jane and Michael Blake, who has expressed feelings for Cal. Mike incensed when Mary Jane agrees to let Meg throw the engagement party for her and Mike. Mary Jane picked up the fact that Michael’s uneasy around Cal after he vehemently nixed living near the Latimers after the nuptials. Betsy Crawford wrote to inform friends in Rosehill that she married a man in Europe, Eliot Lang. Ben Harper flies to England, unaware that Betsy has remarried. Ray Slater informs his wife Arlene that her former fiance Dr. Tom Crawford slugged him because he wants Ray to get annulment. Arlene reassures Ray she intends to stay with him. Tom was temporarily suspended after an arrest for being drunk and disorderly that preceded a fistfight with Ray. 

 

April 10-14, 1978: Ben Harper nixed his plans to see his ex-wife Betsy in London when he decided he loves Mia Marriott. He embarks on a return to Rosehill. On way to airport, Mia’s car goes over cliff. In coma for days, when Mia does come to, she doesn’t wish to see anyone. Dr. Andrew Marriott, Mia's estranged husband, fretted it might have been a suicide attempt and blamed Ben for Mia’s critical condition. Arlene Slater tells Ben she has no plans to care for baby that she is currently carrying.  Dory Patton realized Tom has been hitting the bottle and offered her help. Eddie Aleata warns Dory, his girlfriend, to stay away from Dr. Tom Crawford and his drinking problems..  

 

April 17-21, 1978: Mia Marriott refuses to see Ben Harper, her current love, or Dr. Andrew Marriot, her estranged husband.  Ben admitted his love to an unconscious Mia. She began healing, but she feared he’s only concerned for her because Betsy has remarried.  Andrew lamented to Vanessa Sterling, his friend and unrequited crush, that he feels responsible for failing Mia just as he failed his sons. Bruce Sterling informs Charles Lamont, his friend and neighbor, he intends to continue bringing Andrew and Van together. Dr. Andrew Marriott fantasizes about a life with Van Sterling. Mary Jane Owens realizes Michael Blake, her fiance, loves Cal Latimer, a married woman. Arlene Slater goes to visit Dr. Tom Crawford and finds Dory Patton at his apartment and Tom in drunken stupor.  Eddie Aleata and Arlene were jealous to learn that Dory’s helping Tom sober up. 

 

April 24-28, 1978: Arlene Slater gave birth to a baby whom her husband Ray Slater named April Joy Slater, even though Arlene didn’t want the baby in the same room. Taking Mia Marriott home from hospital, Ben Harper confesses his love and asks to move in with her. Mia’s divorce from her estranged husband Dr. Andrew Marriott is finalized.  Andrew learns about Ben moving in with Mia. Andrew avoided socializing with Bruce and Van, once Andrew realized he loves Van. Later, he daydreamed about a life with Van. During Michael Blake and Mary Jane Owens' engagement part, Michael confesses to Cal Latimer that he loves her. Rick Latimer, Cal's husband, catches Mike embracing her.  Dory Patton realized it’s more than concern she feels for Dr. Tom Crawford.

 

May 1978

 

May 1-5, 1978: Cal Latimer resisted Michael Blake’s advances, but Rick Latimer, Cal's husband, kicked them both out after finding them together, even though Cal professed innocence. Afterwards, Cal took refuge in the home of her aunt and uncle, Vanessa and Bruce Sterling, once she explained what had happened with herself, Michael, and Rick. Lynn Henderson, the Sterlings' ward, blamed Cal for Michael’s break up from Mary Jane Owens, Lynn's friend. Also, Lynn thought she might have a chance with Ben Harper. Arlene Slater warns Carrie Johnson, Arlene's mother, if she (Arlene) is ever left alone with April Joy, it will be the last time. Dory Patton’s daughter, Kirstin, reveals Bob Patton, Kirstin's father, was an alcoholic and that is why Dory is concerned for Dr. Tom Crawford, who has a drinking problem. Kirstin also didn't appreciate Eddie Aleata's presence. Meg Hart tells her mother Sarah Dale Caldwell that Dr. Andrew Marriott loves Van Sterling, Sarah's other daughter. Also, Meg taunted Andrew that he’s using her (Meg) to cover up his interest in Van.  

 

May 8-12, 1978: Bruce Sterling is regretting he threw his wife Van and his pal Dr. Andrew Marriott together. Meg Hart tells her brother-in-law Bruce she knows about his sexual problem. Also, Meg warned Bruce that Andrew had fallen in love with Van. Andrew unresponsive to Meg’s flirting. Van was pleased that Meg admitted being hooked on Andrew. Dr. Tom Crawford accused Ray Slater of marrying Arlene in order to welch off her Beaver Ridge inheritance. Tom informs Ray he plans to marry Arlene. Dory Patton lets her rinabtuc partner Eddie Aleata know her late husband Bob Patton was an alcoholic.  Mia Marriott feared that Betsy Crawford Lang’s possible return would reunite Betsy and Ben Harper, Mia's paramour.

 

May 15-19, 1978: Mary Jane Owens gives Michae Blake his engagement ring back, and considers leaving Rosehill. Michael learned Cal and Rick Latimer weren’t living together. Rick tells Mike to stay away from Rick's wife, Cal. Lynn Henderson and Cal Latimer mended fences after Lynn previously blamed Cal for Mary Jane and Michael's break up. Arlene Slater confides to Wendy Hayes she still loves Dr. Tom Crawford despite being married to Ray Slater. Eddie Aleata is interested in Dory Patton, but is also upset by her interest in Tom. Arlene laid into Dory about Dory's attempts to move in on Tom. Ben Harper's probationary period is up. Kids at gym lose lease. Realizing Bruce Sterling tried to match him with Bruce's wife Van, Dr. Andrew Marriott continues to feel uncomfortable in their presence. 

 

May 22-26, 1978: Cal Latimer and Lynn Henderson went to the lake cabin. Before departing, Cal wrote her husband Rick Latimer a  love letter but her mother Meg Hart intercepted it and readdressed it to Michael Blake, who was the cause of the tension in Cal and Rick's marriage. Mike goes to lake house where he learns letter was written for Rick, not him. Leaving house, Michael is stopped by old man, who says his grandson Ronnie is out in boat on stormy lake. Michael tries to rescue him, but his own boat founders. Also at the lake house,  Rick and Cal reunite. Charles Lamont asks Mary Jane Owens to stay in Rosehill until his birthday in August. With Dr. Tom Crawford’s drinking problem solved, Dory Patton feels he doesn’t need her any longer. Dory panicked when Tom and Dr. Andrew Marriott discovered that Kirsten Patton, Dory's daughter, may have cardiac condition. Andrew insisted on avoiding Van Sterling after learning that her husband Bruce Sterling told Van about Bruce's plan for Van and Andrew to get together after Bruce's impending death.

 

May 29 - June 2, 1978:  Rick Latimer attempts to rescue his romantic rival Mike Blake and Ronnie, a young kid, on the storm tossed lake. A report comes back that one of the three has died. Arriving at the lake, Cal Latimer discovers her husband Rick is safe, but Michael, her friend, has drowned. Cal and Rick blame her mother Meg Hart for Michael’s death because she sent him the letter that caused him to come to lake, and they decide to have nothing more to do with her. Kirsten Patton is unresponsive to her mother's beau Eddie Aleata’s friendship. Arlene Slater offers Ray Slater a chance to get out of marriage, but he says he’ll never want to leave her.  Ray rejected Bambi Brewster’s offer of a no-strings affair. Arlene warned Ray not to take their marriage to heart. 

 

It sounds as thought Upton was the one to remove Arlene from the Ben/Betsy orbit.. and instead of keeping her with Tom.. decided to put her in the Ian/Ray/Bambi orbit.

To your point before, I viewed the very last scene of Arlene walking out of the room as Ray says 'he cares' as a symbol that she was finally through with Ray.  It sounded like Marcus had a multi-part story planned for Ray/Arlene starting with the November plane crash, and the Feb 1st episode signaled the start of the next chapter/part in their story.

 

4 hours ago, Soaplovers said:

It sounds as thought Upton was the one to remove Arlene from the Ben/Betsy orbit.. and instead of keeping her with Tom.. decided to put her in the Ian/Ray/Bambi orbit.

To your point before, I viewed the very last scene of Arlene walking out of the room as Ray says 'he cares' as a symbol that she was finally through with Ray.  It sounded like Marcus had a multi-part story planned for Ray/Arlene starting with the November plane crash, and the Feb 1st episode signaled the start of the next chapter/part in their story.

I´m not always perfect on the time for 1976. I think Paul and Margaret Schneider handled the departure of Christopher Reeves' Ben in May/June, 1976, when he went off to prison. I believe the recasting process began right away so the plans were already in the works for Ben´s October, 1976, return. I think the hand off from the Schneiders to Gabrielle Upton is Septemeber, 1976, so it is Upton who handles the return. Early in September, 1976, Ian Russell is introduced. Initially, I believe the setup is for a Arlene/Ian/Meg triangle, but either Upton scrapped it altogether or she grew bored and dumped it at some point. 

From what I can gather, Arlene lingers in the summer of 1976. Because of her seedy past, she is having trouble holding down a job and Ray does offer her a hostess job in some place he´s connected to. Ian offers the prostitution/sugar daddy situation later in the fall. It´s not entirely clear to me when Arlene / Tom started, but I suspect it was 1977 under Upton, but it could have been earlier. In the meantime, Betsy is with Jamie. 

Upton introduces the Marriott family in January, 1977, which shifts the story for Ben almost immediately. He runs over Jim Marriott, which leads to his death. The guilt leads him to spend time with Andrew Marriott and acts as a surrogate son, while also growing closer to Mia. Mia had a secret as well; Jim had run off the night of the accident after confessing his love for Mia. This seemed to bring the two together. I can´t remember what happens with Betsy while Liz Kemp´s contract is running out because I think Ray Wise leaves in December, 1976. 

After reading your post, I also rewatched the final episode. Ray needed to go. I don´t know where they would be going next with Ray and Arlene, but I would hope a trip to divorce court was on the horizon. This was the episode leading into sweeps so I would suspect that Arlene would make her choice about her future in the next few weeks. 

Originally, I found it odd that Marcus brought back Hal Carson, but when I thought about it more, Hal was probably heavily featured in whatever material Marcus was given leading up to her hire and just assumed Hal was a long term character and only learned he was gone when she arrived. I think the Hal / Ray dynamic makes sense due to Ray´s criminal tie and, with the large contingent of lawyers, having a police officer around would have been good if they relocated Hal to Rosehill from New York City. 

***

A few more comments about the first set of 1978 summaries... 

While it was nice to see Van, Meg, and Bruce in a front burner storyline, the storyline itself it so overwrought. I think Meg and Van fighting over a man was interesting as I don´t think that had been done since Tudi Wiggins arrived. I do wish it was someone more exciting than Ron Harper´s Andrew. 

The Rick/Cal/Michael/Mary Jane stuff is just bad. It does feel like Marcus reused some of this material with Rick and Cal´s fights over Cal having a baby mirroring the conflict between Ray and Arlene (though that really isn´t an uncommon conflict). The emotional situation at the lake leading to Michael´s drowning seems to echo itself in the Betsy/Ben boating incident. 

I don´t care about Dory. 

Ben and Mia fighting over offscreen Betsy is such a non-story. I do think there was potential in Mia´s car accident as it could echo Jim Marriott´s death and it does seem to set in motion two story threads in the next set of summaries. 

Arlene is quite unlikeable given the situation with April Joy. Ray manipulates Arlene to his own means. which would be fine as long as it was played like Ray was scummy, but I´m not convinced he is. Tom´s drinking problem had potential, but it doesn´t go anywhere. 

 

20 hours ago, Paul Raven said:

 

Although 3 years later CBS would bump LOL to 11:30 for Where the Heart Is

 

 

 

Actress Bonnie Bartlett (Vanessa #2) has written her own autobiography.

Edited April 2, 20241 yr by danfling

3 minutes ago, danfling said:

 

 

 

Actress Bonnie Bartlett (Vanessa #2) has written her own autobiography.

That's great.  I wonder if she recounts much about her starring role on Love of Life.  I first remember Bonnie Bartlett from St Elsewhere, I believe.   Audrey Peters was the only Vanessa I can personally remember from Love of Life.    

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/darryl-hickman-dead-grapes-of-wrath-leave-her-to-heaven-1235908481/

I remember being surprised to learn Darryl was an LOL producer via looking through old soap magazines and seeing him sporting a beard. And of course married to Pamela Lincoln at the time (she is briefly mentioned in his obit).

RIP Tony Lo Bianco.

Tony Lo Bianco Dead: 'French Connection,' 'Seven-Ups' Actor Was 87 (hollywoodreporter.com)

A 1960 sitcom pilot starring Pamela Lincoln, among others. This starts with one of those odd actor/character introductions.

 

Birgitta Tolksdorf (Arlene Lovett) died on Sept. 13.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/st-louis-mo/birgitta-hutig-11987854
 

 

1 hour ago, jam6242 said:

Birgitta Tolksdorf (Arlene Lovett) died on Sept. 13.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/st-louis-mo/birgitta-hutig-11987854
 

 

Sad to hear. Thanks for letting us know.