Guiding Light Discussion Thread

[Khan]

Bridget Dobson didn't care for the opening either. She complained in one interview how they'd work to provide the best teasers possible only to have "that thing with the dead leaves" (her words, not mine) follow them.

[Mitch]

LOL!!!! Bridget can really be a big b*tch but funny too. She was spot on with that!

[Soaplovers]

The music was too old fashion and the leaves had nothing to do with a light house. I think the opening music during the late 70s should have been more dark and intense.. to signal the more psychological undertones of GL that happened circa 1975 to 1980.

Still that leaf opening with the soft music was loads above the disco opening that Marland and co. opted for. I much liked the 1983 to 1986 theme with the sweeping orchestra and even the more sync version.

[Khan]

I think if the image of the leaves had been clearer, the opening would have been more beautiful.

[cassadine1991]

Talking about this theme, Soaplovers

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[soapfan770]

Do we know why the show changed locales from Selby Flats to Springfield? I know Five Points to Selby Flats transition occurred when the show moved production from Chicago to L.A. but still not sure about the Springfield one.

[antmunoz]

At the time, that disco theme was the best thing to ever happen to soap themes. After years of that snoozefest, suddenly Springfield seemed like a happening place! I LOVED that theme, and the graphics on the first version were VERY carefully chosen and placed, even if they featured 1/3 of the cast. If that theme had been "undiscoed," it could've run for years. And actually the closing was better than the opening.

[dc11786]

I believe the Five Points to Selby Flats transition had to do with a law suit filed by Emmon Carlson, a writer for the show, who claimed he was an equal creator. The original "Guiding Light" series ended in 1946. In 1947, a new "Guiding Light" aired using a couple of the same characters. It was then that show introduced the Selby Flats setting. It's entirely possible at the same time that the show moved to Hollywood.

[DRW50]

I think the opening in the early 70s was nice. I wish they'd kept it longer.

[YRBB]

LMAO!

Well, it's certainly no club-banger, or even among the top opening themes, but I really love it. Like I said, it invokes something sort of nostalgic and warm. Besides, the whole point was the rays of light coming through the leaves. Welp, to each their own! lol

[cassadine1991]

This theme?

http://youtu.be/LjhIOPXe3gk

[DRW50]

Yes. The music is dated, obviously, but I love the lighthouse shot.

[YRBB]

Your YouTubing skills are impressive!

[Khan]

No more than "True Light" was dated. That mess sounded like a theme song for an '80's daytime talk show.

[katie_9918]

I love everyone's YT skills around here!

I'm still bitter over the events of the last few weeks and in no mood to discuss anything later than 1983.