Guiding Light Discussion Thread

[MichaelGL]

The era after Agnes Nixon's departure as head scribe and before the Dobson's arrival is such a mystery to me, especially when you look at the ratings ups and downs for such a period. I wish there was more available.

[Mitch]

Agreed, werent they going to recast Chele right before the cancellation announcement. I didnt see word on Danny so I am sure they were going there. Imagine the Manniacs screaming!!!

 

Agreed on Gus being a Spaulding..it was stupid and totally contradicted what we saw with Joan/Alex ..then we had Marj/Alex screeching and drugging Alan, Macn'Cheese Alan, and then that reveal which amounted to ..nothing.  I kept forgetting Gus was a Spaulding.

Edited May 7, 2020 by Mitch

[John]

Martha Maddison had read for Michelle

Beth Ann Bonner Read for Marah

[DRW50]

 

The most I have seen beyond the story outlines and photos is a few of the soap magazines back then and their reviews of what is onscreen (generally not all that positive...).

 

I just wish I could see some of the Tracy Delmar/Kit Vested saga. 

 

I also have to say that the haircut Lynne Adams has in the Stanley period is so unflattering. 

Edited May 7, 2020 by DRW50

[Aback]

The Dobsons and Pam Long from SB's last episode. It's always cool to put a face to a name.

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[Forever8]

Pamela Long in 2015 

Edited May 7, 2020 by Forever8

[RavenWhitney]

Robert Soderberg and Edith Sommer wrote the show from 69-73. I have part of their story bible in my attic. I won it off of ebay at some point. It's really interesting.  It's been a while since I've read it.

Edited May 7, 2020 by RavenWhitney

[titan1978]

Of all the hacks that have made daytime returns to HW, I wonder why Pam Long never really made a comeback?

 

I think she is far less offensive, even with her mistakes, than Passanate, Griffin, McTavish, Higley, Pratt, and so many others.

[Darn]

 

I'm shocked by how young she was. 

[zanereed]

 

Any interesting tidbits from it? I would love to know things that were in their story bible.

[cassadine1991]

I’m surprised she was never hired to do another soap

[DRW50]

 

She did go back in 1998 but I think she was another who felt she had no control over her work.

[Paul Raven]

She got the chance to do primetime which a lot of other writers did not, by choice or chance.

Maybe the work and pressure of daytime no longer held appeal.

[titan1978]

Wasn’t that on JFP’s OLTL?  
 

I’ve been watching a lot of 1980’s Guiding Light.  Robert Calhoun really produces the hell out of that show.  It looks so much more expensive once he gets there.  Modern without loosing tradition.  Expansive with diverse sets/locations.  The new opening is very modern for the time, and the emphasis on the lighthouse really gives the show a signature logo.  Great casting, excellent stories.  JFP maybe inherited the most in shape show of her career, certainly from that point on.

 

Does anyone know why he left?

 

One thing I will give her credit for- the show does really dig deeper into emotion when Jill gets there.  Something like Maureen’s death should not have happened.  But it was beautifully done once they did it.  It is deep and rich material for everyone.

[Paul Raven]

 

I think the Soderbergs were moved to ATWT after the 73 writers strike to replace Irna whose stories (and ratings) at that time were proving to be unpopular. Robert Cenedella, James Gentile and James Lipton are listed as writers in that 73-75 period but no specific timeframe.

 

And Raven, run to that attic and dig out the bible and please share with us !