Jump to content

Guiding Light Discussion Thread


Paul Raven

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 17.4k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Posted Images

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Members

Stepping back into Springfield this morning, and I am unfortunately picking up at April 23, 1997, which happens to be Michael Zaslow's final episode. You can tell, despite what he was dealing with and the unfortunate news he was given, he was giving his ALL to bring Roger to life. Shame it was his final appearance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

What were some of the controversial backstage events at GL over the years?

Offhand I can name

Michael Zaslow firing

Jane Eliot dismissal

Kim Zimmer's refusal to renegotiate her contract to assist budget cuts

Beverlee McKinsey's departure

Mart Hulswit being replaced

Can others add to the list?

Here's an article dealing with Jane's dismissal.

Guiding Light' producer won't renew Carrie's contract Hirsch Field Syndicate July 8 1982

Allen Potter, the urbane, triple-Emmy-winning producer of "GuidingLight" has been reading all the reports concerning the imminent departure of that program's JaneEliot who plays Carrie. He  does not wish to do battle but merely set viewers' ease by telling the other side of the  story.  Regarding the issue of Jane's departure: not axed. When we went into negotiations it was for a year's contract only. As the end of that year drew closer it was obvious from the way the Carrie storyline was being written that the character was being terminated. I spoke with Doug Marland, the show's head writer, a few months earlier, and he said he had an alternative story which would have Carrie develop a third personality. "I felt that the story had been done. At no time was Carrie's storyline about her per se, but it was really about her effect on those around her and those who loved her. To me, seeing Carrie's evolvement  would not have been a great storyline, although it would have been feasible and I know as a writer Doug Marland could have handled it. "Jane felt that as her contract time ran short she should have been called into the office by me and told. Maybe so, but I felt she knew when her contract was coming to an end- she negotiated it - and seeing how the story was going, didn't need to be notified. At that point I felt it would have been stating the obvious. Perhaps I should have spoken with her and said, 'By the way, your contract's up in a month.' I didn't. It was not meant as a slight in any way. Other actors have had their contracts come to a close and have not been called into the office." In a previous column we mentioned the possibility that the cut of Elliot may have been due to budget. Potter says not true. "Procter and Gamble is not pinch-pennying on 'Guiding Light.' I was just told last week by the powers that be that any money needed for storyline or location will be given to the show." Potter also spoke to the possibility of further cast cuts "We have begun a 13-week cycle, and none of our stars has been let go. Janet Grey, who plays Eve, has just signed a new contract. Every cast member who is part of the show will remain with the show through this cycle and the foreseeable future." Potter's main concern is that neither cast nor viewer feels that "Guiding Light" will be sending tons of characters to the hinterlands. One rumor that Potter is trying hard to squelch through the press and by sending memos to the cast concerns Doug Marland's leaving the show. According to Potter, "Doug is still doing breakdowns for the show, he is under contract and will continue to remain the 'Guiding Light' head writer in the foreseeable future. 'However. Procter & Gamble and Doug have decided to explore the expansion of Doug's considerable talents in the area of consultant to other P & G soaps while he continues as head writer of 'Guiding Light.'" This is not an uncommon practice, since Agnes Nixon often toiled as consultant to ABC's soaps while exercising control over "All My Children." As for Jane Elliot, she considered staying in New York since her husband Luis was working as a cameraman for "All My Children." but the duo decided to pack their bags and head home to Los Angeles. And in the future for "Guiding Light," Potter promises and will certainly deliver if last year is an indication exciting storylines, sleek production and a socko cast.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

It's great to finally hear Potter's side of the story. I really didn't care too much for Carrie, she was boring to me minus her other personality killing Diane and I believe Joe. I also don't care about Marland being angry with the way he felt Elliott was treated, especially hearing about his disrespect for Hulswit, my favorite Ed Bauer 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.



  • Recent Posts

    • I love me some Anita and TT. They need to give her a good storyline and I know that it's coming. 
    • @Franko Thanks for tagging me. A few days ago I was talking in another thread about the rise of "snarky" critics for TV shows in the '90s online recaps, but this is just more along the lines of a mauling. There's also the unspoken reality that these were seen as movies for women, so therefore they sucked. Pauline Kael also had her share of blunt, at times incredibly nasty remarks, but the vitriol is often balanced by her love for film. I'm not seeing that here.  With that said, the comment about Field's work becoming unbearable describes how I felt when I tried to sit through her and Maura Tierney on ER. 
    • I skipped most of Daniel too. I think it's awful he has kids with Nicole, Csrky5 and Chloe and Brady, Bo and Philip do not. 
    • Please register in order to view this content

         
    • A great day. Feeling happy and accomplished.

      Please register in order to view this content

    • Today was very focused on Bo and his illness.  I’m liking how everything is ultimately tied together, even though everybody doesn’t know it yet. The EJ connection seems a little sudden and random though. I’m guessing that that was not on Ron’s agenda. And I’m not really sure why any of these rich people couldn’t help the hospital months ago lol  But I really like how the whole sepsis drug thing is being written a lot more realistically than what we’ve grown accustomed to with Dr. Rolf and all of his wonder drugs. They’re definitely putting more of an effort into this storyline. It feels more real.  Philip was a little whiny and self-pitying today, but I also feel like the writing has improved for him as well. He’s coming off less like a villain and more like a tragic hero. I enjoyed his scene with Stephanie and hopefully it means that at some point, we’ll get a revival of Philip/ Stephanie/Alex. Tying it to Stephanie’s novel could be really good. And, the dorkiness of Xander and Sarah was really sweet too. I’m looking forward to their weekend together and what secrets may or may not come out lol 
    • "And I also want to flirt with every woman that comes my way... but then beat up anyone who talks to my wife. BECAUSE I'M A MAAAAAAAAAAAN." Give me a break with your ugly baby paintings... You're in the same category of the hacks that sell paintings with a single dot for thousands or even millions of dollars.   

      Please register in order to view this content

    • I have to check out his Bela Garody on Search for tomorrow. He was one of the main reasons EON worked for me when I was watching. Truly unforgettable presence. Handsome in the most perverse and sinister way. They don't make faces like that anymore. 
    • My favorite moment in SOAPDISH is the HW taking the star to the mall in NJ to improve "morale"!! 
    • Oh no! The shoulder pads! I will mourn them when they're gone. Please tell me the head pieces and hats remained!?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy