I am a new member, and in an earlier post on the defunct, "Best of Everything," I mentioned that I had also watched "Secret Storm" as a youngster during my grammer school years. It's neat to see such young people expressing what I hope is a genuine interest in the program, (and rather surprising for me--as I have a nephew who's 20). In any case, Carl and Amello both very kindly requested further dope on the show, and at the risk of dating myself, (I'm 53) I will be happy to oblige. This is off the cuff, stream of memory posting rather than an in depth plot synopsis, which I would be, in any case, unable to completely supply, and which I believe has been documented in several books available at the public library.

"Secret Storm" aired in the late afternoon, and, thus, like the "Edge of Night" was comparatively easy to see after returning home from school. (depending on any number of other factors, such as haircuts, dental appts. etc)--my point being, that in those pre-VCR days, there was no such thing as "time-shifting" so that what you missed--you missed! Nor, were there newspaper soap synopsis, which are common in the TV pages of many daily's today.

I suppose, the best place to begin is the line up of players as I recall them, which I am sure, will leave out many worthy people--but the ones that really stuck in this then kids' impressions.

Marjorie Gateson, a veteran of stage and screen, who looked like a rather more aristocratic version of movie actress Helen Twelvetrees, (who was before my time!--but you can research her and get photos on the WEB) was I would say "the star" in terms of her centrality, when I began seeing it in the mid 60's. Those of you reading this, can "see" Marjorie Gateson via Cable TV or home video, as she appeared in many films of the 30's and 40's in roles that somewhat anticipated her performance as "Grace Tyrrel" on "Secret Storm", (hereinafter SS). She was in fact, the genteel, grande dame, of a type no longer in existence in our "popular culture" as they say.

By way of a side bar, (and I say this in reference to Carl's kind reference to the Guiding Light clips, which I watched and brought back many memories--Lynne Adams, and Fran Myers, (who always specialized in these neurotic scenes)GL was very much of a middle class show, that is, the Bauers, with Old World Papa, hard drinking, (and despite the necktie, blue-collerish Ed)--strong medical/hospital tie ins, department store furniture, and with women in the cast that looked like women in one's own neighborhood--not, (at least in the 60's--it changed later I'm told) a glamourous show.

SS was not that way. Its tone or flavor if you prefer, was altogether upper crust, its fictional setting, "Woodbridge" would have been more like Westchester, Ct--well heeled matrons with sucessfull husbands, comparatively chic settings, with antiques etc. Not that there weren't characters from lower rank-there were, I'm just referring to the tone.

Which leads me back to Miss Gateson (Grace Tyrrel), who was the heiress and controller of Tyrell's Department Store. Grace led a gracious life, and had the kind of flawless diction what doesn't hear anymore. Her maid was none other than Margaret Hamilton, (yes the Wicked Witch of the West) who would do SS during the day when she was appearing at night on the Broadway stage, (very common at the time for daytime actors to be on stage at night--how did they ever learn their lines!!!)

I can see, Grace Tyrrell in one of her expensive dark suits, or "daytime dresses" trying to reason with her willful daughter--Pauline as they both sat before the silver tea service with Margaret Hamilton serving in full maid's uniform (the movie buffs amongst you may know that M. Hamilton frequently played domestics on screen and stage).

The "Woodbridge" context then, was of a conservative town, where "quiet" wealth counted, and reputations mattered. Today it would be called snobbish.

Now, in Pauline, the ever hand wringing, (or should I say handkerchief wringing since women still carried embroidered handkerchiefs) Grace--had a tigress by the tail.

And not really by the tail, since Pauline almost always had her own way! By the time I watched Pauline, (played by Haila Stoddard--one of the really formidable stage actresses of the 20th century--in the original cast of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf"--she also moonlighted)Pauline was married to Arthur Rysdale, who was the publisher of "The Wooodbridge Clarion" the town's leading newspaper.

Pauline, (very nordic, blonde, and stylish with an almost little girlish voice that concealed a real schemer--think of sort of a blonde Tallulah Bankhead type) was always "up to something". And it was hard to imagine her as Grace's daughter--since Grace was so virtuous (rebellion I suppose).

In the mid 60's, Pauline's son Kip Rysedale, was very much front and center, and involved with several of the women in the cast, all of whom were vying for him. Nice looking, in an earnest, polite way, Kip loved Amy Ames, and Janet Hill (Bibi Besch) simultaneously, before he was written out, by being called up to military service, in Germany, and later Vietnam, (though he wanted to be a doctor). Kip was the object of much attention during the 1964-1966 time span and was on very frequently. He is also, of a type, I think a vanished breed today, well bred, well spoken, well coiffed, and in a neck tie usually--and very young--say 25 or so.

Bibi Besch, played Janet Hill, and I can't remember exactly how she came into the cast, but she was very much a trouble maker and was married to a man named Bob Hill, whom I remember, but not too much about. She was related to Valerie Hill, (more on her later) who married Peter Ames.

Sorry this is so disorganized--rather stream of consciousness, but bear with me.

Peter Ames, had of course, been at the very beginning of the show, some ten years before I joined it. As you may know, he was a widower, with two children Jerry and Amy Ames.

By the time I was SS, Peter Ames was played by Ward Costello. Peter had a VERY troubled history with Pauline, which was still very rough in the mid 60s, and included hostility to Valerie Hill, (because Peter loved her and not Pauline.

His children, Jerry, Susan and Amy were continuing focal points, (particularly Amy) for nearly 20 years.

Valerie Hill, (played by Lori March) is probably the woman I most associate with SS during the period I watched. She came on about the time I started to watch, and was on when I stopped, (Marjorie Gateson had a stroke in 68 and never came back). At that time, (no longer I believe) the CBS serials had a heroine, usually a woman in early middle age, who was attractive, and a paragon of virtue. At that time, (and in order to distance her from the schemers and vixens) the heroine embodied honor, nobility and chastity. She was the woman, the female viewers viewed as "their sister" and with whom they would commisserate with.

Lori March was SS's heroine in the second half of the 60's. Her speaking voice was creme de la creme--she was "finishing school" material, and so it was, perfectly natural, that long widowed Peter Ames would marry her, which he did, (and I can remember the wedding with her little pillbox hat and veil). Jerry and Amy took to Valerie, though Susan had reservations.

Now to Peter's children.

Jerry was an amiable young man in the second half of the 60's--I remember his presence, but nothing very particular. His sister's however, now that's a different story.

Susan Ames, (Dunbar--married to Allan Dunbar when I watched) was a complicated woman. The role was played by Judy Lewis during my days as a viewer. Miss Lewis was the daughter of screen super star Loretta Young. Though supposedly adopted, I always felt that Miss Lewis looked much like her famous Mom, and it has since been suggested that she was in fact really her natural daughter.

Susan was a fascinating lady, deep, ruminative, attractive, but very reserved and not quick to shower affection on Valerie or anyone else. When I started the show, she was married to Allan Dunbar, (can't remember who played him first--sorry) who had a drinking problem. I remember Allan pouring liquor from cut glass decanters in the middle of the day--he also got sent to Vietnamn--and was declared dead--which lead the way to Susan and Frank Carver, (Laurence Luckenbill). She had a little blonde son, named after her father and called "Petie" who was featured quite often.

Am going to have to run off in a minute--getting a bit exhausted as it heads toward 1:00 a.m. here--will have to pick up on more later--we'll get to Amy(Jada Rowland), Belle (!) (played by beautiful Marla Adams), Joan Crawford, Belle's daughter Robin, movie star Troy Donahue, (yes he was on as a villain--and what an end he met).

SS was moody, really moody and that's not a cliche--it was serious--and didn't pander too much to an audience craving stupidity. Scenes were intense and the acting was good. The sets were evocative and I remember details of the homes, (Valerie's particularly) since I was interested in set design at that time. And every living room had a stocked bar, with a loaded ice bucket and tongs! for mid afternoon "jolts". I once asked my mother why our liquor wasn't out, and "ready always" like it was in Woodbridge.

And the clothes. The feminine viewers must have had a field day at the elegant wardbrobes, (women didn't wear slacks then--jewelry, heels, the works--every day. So noted were the clothes on SS, that the New York Times wrote a feature article in 1964, on the kinds of dresses sported by the different generations of players, (Grace, Valerie, Pauline, Susan, and Amy were all photographed for it)--sometimes the actresses liked them so much they bought them for themselves).

I have several stark memories, one of which I'll close with.

October 1966--A character by the name of Brooke Ames is causing major trouble. Brooke is a villainous par excellence and she really has it in for Valerie. Can't remember her origins or what her particular plot motivations were. But one scene I'll never forget.

Brooke, (a very expensive looking model type with Scavullo style lips and hair in a tight chignon) takes a pair of scissors out of the drawer, and stabs her hand. As she wraps her bleeding finger, she phones Valerie.

I can still remember parts of the dialogue: "Valerie, can you come over--I've just cut myself pruning some roses and I haven't an antiseptic in the house" She smiles in tight close up as Val agrees to come and she hangs up the phone.

Valerie arrives and moments later the confrontation with Val that Brooke wanted ensues.

Brooke spews all her venom at Valerie, at which Valerie says, "Brooke you haven't a sparkle of honesty in you".

At this, Brooke picks up a letter opener from the desk and tries to stab Val. In the struggle between the two women that follows, Valerie accidentally stabs Brooke who falls to the floor dead.

"Brooke, Brooke...Oh Dear Heaven" Val turns to survey the dissaray the fight has created, cups her hand to her mouth and flees...the organist really had a job on his hand that days, as the throbbing chords punctuated Val's flight.

No less than famous British writer Alec Waugh, (brother of Evelyn, "Brideshead Revisited" Waugh) wrote an article in the "National Review" about his addiction to "Secret Storm" at this time, and how he dreaded leaving the US to return to England since he would have to miss it, and his friends would have to keep him up on the plot on transatlantic telephone calls. It had an appeal to intellectuals.

Don't know whether this disorganized rant has been any help. Hope so. And please excuse typos as I was rushing.

All best,

BU

Actor Nicolas Coster (Young Doctor Malone, Our Private World, As the World Turns, The Secret Storm, Somerset, Another World, One Life to Live, All My Children) has passed away.

 

Here is an obituary from Variety:

Nicolas Coster, the actor ... He was 89.

Coster died on June 26 in a hospital in Florida, according to his daughter Dinneen Coster.

Dinneen shared the news of her father’s death on Facebook. “Please remember him as a great artist. He was an actor’s actor!” she wrote. “I will always be inspired by him and know how lucky I am to have such a great father!!”

From 1984 to 1993, Coster starred on NBC’s soap opera “Santa Barbara” as Lionel Lockridge. He appeared in just under 600 episodes of the series before it ended. His “Santa Barbara” co-star A Martinez, who played Cruz Castillo in the series, responded on Tuesday to the news of Coster’s death, writing on Facebook, “It was an honor to work in a company with him, and I’ll always hold his friendship and his sterling strengths as a professional close to heart.”

 

He continued, “Unsolicited one day, he gave me this profoundly useful advice: ‘What you choose to do with a scene doesn’t have to be the probable thing. You can choose any course imaginable –– no matter how unlikely –– as long as it’s possible.’”

In addition to his role on “Santa Barbara,” the British-born actor appeared in several other television series, including “The Secret Storm,” “Another World,” “All My Children,” “Our Private World” and “As the World Turns.” In 1976, Coster starred in Alan J. Pakula’s “All the President’s Men” as attorney Markham. His other films included the 1953 “Titanic,” “Reds” alongside Diane Keaton and Warren Beatty, “MacArthur” and “Stir Crazy.”

More recently, Coster appeared in television series “The Bay” as Mayor Jack Madison, for which he received his first Daytime Emmy. In 2020, he starred as Finley in “The Deep Ones.”

Coster is survived by his wife Beth Pantel and his daughters, Dinneen and Candice Jr.

 

Some earlier episodes I could read script recently. I now have the episodes from late November 68 to early March 69. Will try to recap them all during summer.

#3856 – Monday, November 25th 1968

Val was surprised to receive a visit from Toby Coleman back from Acapulco. He hadn’t told Belle yet he was back in Woodbridge and would like an update on her. Val told him about Belle’s pursuit of Paul but she couldn’t really blame a woman who lost her child tragically recently and who was at death’s door. After Toby left, Grace visited Valerie and they talked about Thanksgiving plans. Valerie assured Grace she was more willing than ever to find out who blackmailed the Petersons to discredit her at the Kane divorce trial.

At the Clemens living room, Belle had taken the morning off for a luncheon date with Paul. Charlie asked her if she was really interested in Paul or if she acted out of revenge on Amy.  Joan arrived to see Charlie but he had left. Belle wondered if there was a blossoming May-December romance between Joan and her father since he paid the Petersons for Joan’s divorce case. After Joan left, Belle was shocked to see Toby. He had always said he would come back. What would happen to Belle when people learned she was not ill ?

Archie woke up in a seedy hotel room in New York. A man called Ace Rollins knocked at the door. A drunk Archie told him last night he was on the run from the law and he also talked about a Clemens guy. Ace said they should team up and get money from Clemens who would buy Archie’s silence about his implication.

#3857 – Tuesday, November 26th 1968

At Paul’s office, Karen asked him if he wanted a sandwich. He declined because he had a luncheon date. He got irritated when Karen questioned him about the date. Paul left for his lunch with Belle in a roadside restaurant. He didn’t want Amy to learn about it. Belle feigned the date was innocent. Belle told Paul that Toby came back and threatened her to reveal she was not dying. Paul said he would be relieved the lie be over. Paul questioned Belle about her motives. Was she seeing him to get the score with Amy after Robin’s death ? Belle admitted it could have been at first but she was falling in love with him. She asked Paul about his feelings and he couldn’t answer.

Amy called Jill. She would be late for their lunch. She wanted to get the map for Paul’s office ready and surprise him with it. Ken came downstairs – he had an appointment at the Herald set up by Sam. He was not interested in the job but Jill reminded him of their debts in New York. At the office, Amy brought the map and was sad to see Paul was absent. Karen couldn’t tell her much about his date as nothing was scheduled. Amy went to Jill’s. She said she was sure Paul was having lunch with Belle and was fed up with the situation even if Belle was dying. Ken left for his job interview and Amy noticed tension between Jill and Ken.

#3858 – Wednesday, November 27th 1968

At the Brittons’, Amy and Susan were making plans for the Thanksgiving dinner at Valerie’s. She told her sister she was sure Paul had lunch with Belle and even Belle was dying, Amy needed to draw some line. Jerry arrived late at home. His car was in the garage and Nick drove him back. He told Valerie that Nick didn’t come for a drink because it could be bad publicity for Nick to be seen at Valerie’s after the trial. Val said she wanted to invite Nick for Thanksgiving anyway.

Belle and Toby quarrelled in the Clemens living room. She said she was through with him. Toby realized it was because of Paul. He was the one she confided her real health condition to. She threatned him if he told anyone. Toby left. Alone, Amy wondered what she could tolerate about Paul and Belle’s closeness. At her place, Belle was also thinking : she was really falling for Paul. Didn’t she deserve some happiness after what happened to her ?

At Valerie’s, Grace and Susan arrived. Val announced she had called Nick to invite him for Thanksgiving. Suddenly, Toby appeared and said the Ames family should learn the truth about Belle.

Susan rushed at Amy and told her what Toby learned them : Belle was not sick. Amy was relieved because Paul wouldn’t have to spend time with Belle anymore but Susan added another part of Toby’s story – Paul had known of Belle’s duplicity for months !               

#3859 – Thursday, November 28th 1968 (pre-empted : Thanksgiving)

#3860 – Friday, November 29th 1968

The morning after Thanksgiving, Paul was not willing to apologize to Amy. He had been told something in confidence and he had to respect Belle’s secret. Amy said it enabled Paul to spend time with Belle, that was all and she went back to her room in tears. A new quarrel erupted and Paul defended Belle : she had thought to be dying for a long time and after Robin’s death, she acted confusedly. Amy could understand. He left for the Club as college was closed.

Belle had admitted to Charlie she was not sick after Toby’s betrayal. Charlie was shocked but Karen said they should be relieved Belle was not dying. After Karen left, Joan arrived and told Charlie that Belle suspected him of having paid off the Petersons but Charlie assured his daughter had no evidence. Joan added her mother said Archie was living poorly in New York. Meanwhile, Archie and Ace arrived at a motel. Ace had convinced they would pay later and showed Archie a tape recorder.

Karen visited the Brittons. She wanted to tell Paul she could no longer work for him as he hid her the fact her sister was not dying. Paul was not there then she told Amy. She assured Amy she didn’t know about Belle’s deceit. She told Amy to be careful – Belle wanted her husband.

After Charlie escorted Joan back out with flirty eyes, the phone rang. It was Archie who summoned Charlie into his motel room. He said Charlie would regret it a lot if he didn’t come.

Did Belle fake this illness in her quest for revenge against Amy to break up her marriage? 
 

I would love to see this year of SS, going from Robin’s death to Belle coming after Amy, to assume faking this illness. 
 

Thank you for sharing this information!

Edited July 8, 20232 yr by soapfave06

I think Belle came to Woodbridge as a sick woman but then learned she was cured and hid this fact. Not sure 100%. Will try to find more about 1968 at some date.

Belle was originally suppose to die. I think the changed it and wrote out her daughter instead.

#3861 – Monday, December 2nd 1968

Charlie called Joan. Something had happened they needed to discuss. When Belle came downstairs, there was tension between father and daughter. Belle was happy that Toby was finally off to Mexico. Nick visited Joan and offered again an amicable divorce. Joan tried to get rid of him as she knew Charlie was coming. When Charlie arrived, Nick realized he must have paid for the trial costs.

Grace visited Belle and said she was very happy she was not sick after all. She wondered if Belle would leave Woodbridge as the town would always remind her of Robin’s death. Nick arrived after Grace’s departure. He questioned Belle : what was going on between her father and his wife ? Did Charlie bribe the Petersons ? Belle didn’t know for sure but could only guess.

Joan was shocked when Charlie told her her brother Archie was in town and called him. Joan agreed to go to the motel instead of Charlie. When Joan arrived, Archie refused to tell her exactly what he planned. She left and Stan (previously called Ace) said they had to record Charlie’s confession on tape.

#3862 – Tuesday, December 3rd 1968

Valerie called Judge Stevens’ chamber but his secretary, Eleanor Gault, said he was unavailable. Jill arrived and talked with Eleanor about Ken’s difficulties with finding a job or Sam’s new friendship with Valerie since the trial. Ken arrived. He told Jill he didn’t take the job offer as it sounded very boring. Jill was annoyed.

At Valerie’s, Amy told her step-mother what Karen said about her sister wanting Paul.  Amy left full of pride – she couldn’t be Paul’s doormat. Meanwhile, at Paul’s office, Karen told Paul she would quit as soon as he found a replacement as she couldn’t trust him anymore. Paul was very upset and angry. He told Karen she didn’t have to wait and Karen quit on the spot.

Sam returned Val’s phone call and assured he would visit her to have a talk soon. He let Eleanor take care of the business. When Sam arrived, Val told him the D.A. had been unable to find who bribed the Petersons. She asked whether Sam knew a private investigator. She needed to know the truth.

#3863 – Wednesday, December 4th 1968

At the Clemens’, Karen told his father she had quit her job. He wanted her to stay at home but she had other plans. Karen retired when Joan arrived. She told Charlie that Archie was very evasive but insisted Charlie come to the motel. He reluctantly agreed. Karen was surprised when his father left with no idea when he would be back. At the motel, Archie was nervous. What if Charlie wouldn’t come ? Stan tried to assure him he would.

Belle and Paul met at the roadside restaurant. Paul said he was pleased she asked for him to come. Belle learned Karen quit and Amy was angry at Paul. Paul said he didn’t apologize to Amy and defended Belle. Belle wondered if Amy was jealous. Paul admitted Amy would have a very good reason to be jealous. He added he could never forget the previous summer. He left as it was late because Amy was still his wife.

Charlie arrived at the motel. Archie made it clear. He wanted $5.000 to keep mum about Charlie bribing the Petersons. Charlies laughed that Archie had no proof. He added he was happy to provide the money to prove who Valerie Ames really were. He had no idea he was being recorded during his whole confession.

#3864 – Thursday, December 5th 1968

Nick visited Valerie. He told her he met Charlie Clemens at Joan’s. He said he thought Charlie was responsible for the bribing of the Petersons and Belle thought it too. Valerie admitted Charlie had already attacked the Hearld in his Clarion editorials.

Sam sensed the tension between his son and his daughter-in-law. Ken told Sam that Jill resented him for turning down another job offer. Sam wondered what kind of job Ken could enjoy. The phone rang. It was Valerie. She asked if she could come to talk about her problem even if she knew Sam didn’t approve her idea of hiring a private detective. Sam told her to come over. Valerie left after asking Nick to wait for Amy who was supposed to visit. Jill greeted Val when she arrived at the Stevens’. Valerie told Sam about what Nick found out. Sam said that there was no chance Charlie would admit and Val should drop it. Meanwhile, Jill asked Ken if he talked to his father about their debts in New York but he didn’t.

Amy was surprised to find Nick at her step-mother’s. They had a great time talking about their situations before Nick went back to his motel room.

#3865 – Friday, December 6th 1968

Amy visited Susan but only Frank was home. Frank said Susan was worried about her sister since Thanksgiving. Amy admitted there were reasons to worry as she and Paul had been barely civil to each other since. Meanwhile, Susan arrived at the Brittons’ and saw Paul who asked her to babysit Lisa. He would go mad if he stayed at home.

At the Clemens’, Karen and Belle noticed their father seemed in trouble but he refused to talk about it. Paul arrived and asked Belle out : they needed to talk. Archie called Charlie and made him hear his voice on the tape recorder admitting his part in the bribery of the Petersons. Charlie asked Archie what he wanted. Archie said he would sell the tape for $5.000.

Amy went back home and Susan told her Paul was edgy and left her with Lisa. Amy was sure he went to see Belle. In Paul’s car, Paul admitted to Belle it was a torture to be away from her. Belle kissed him but Paul released her and pushed her away. 

#3866 – Monday, December 9th 1968

Sam arrived at his chamber and told Eleanor of the evening he shared with Valerie. It could have been more pleasant but Val was focused on proving that Charlie Clemens gave Archie Borman the money to bribe the Petersons in the Kane divorce trial. Jill phoned Eleanor and asked her about secretary job. As Ken couldn’t get a job, Jill was ready to try to find some but she didn’t have experience. Ken heard. He told Jill he was fine with her working but assured he would find a job too, but one he liked. After Eleanor hung up, she told Sam that Jill was job-hunting. Sam wished it was unnecessary. Meanwhile, Jill learned from Amy that Paul needed a new secretary since Karen quit.

Charlie arrived at Joan and told her she had to stop her brother. Joan was shocked that Archie was blackmailing Charlie after everything Charlie did for her.

End of the episode missing

#3867 – Tuesday, December 10th 1968

An exhausted Amy fell down on the sofa after doing some shopping. Val arrived and was sorry she couldn’t meet Amy the other night but Amy assured she enjoyed talking with Nick Kane. When Val came home, she found Ken in front of her home. He offered to do some housework for Valerie. Val agreed and offered him $3.00. She questioned Ken about his lifestyle and his refusal to get a job his father would like. Ken talked about his vision and Val respected it.

In his office, Paul received Jill’s visit. She was interested in the secretary job. She didn’t want to use Amy’s frienship to get the job but she really needed it. Paul was reluctant at first but he let her type a few letters. Paul was impressed with Jill’s work. When the phone rang, Jill answered and it was Belle. After the phone call, she asked Paul if that was the reason he was hesitating hiring her as she was Amy’s best friend. Paul assured he was not and said she was hired.

Susan visited Amy and asked her if she knew if Paul was with Belle when he let Susan babysit Lisa. Amy said she didn’t know and admitted to her sister she felt very tired lately.

#3868 – Wednesday, December 11th 1968

Joan arrived at Charlie’s. She said she phoned her brother and his accomplice and they were determined to sell the tape to the Ames family or Arthur Rysdale if Charlie didn’t pay. Joan hoped Charlie wouldn’t bear a grudge against her because of her brother. Charlie called Archie and made an appointment. Belle came home and found Charlie and Joan in a hurry to leave. She laughed about how love could be complicated. In the motel room, Stan left before Charlie arrived. The manager of the motel arrived with a policeman. He had hired phone calls and noises all night long. When the policeman realized the man in the room was Archie Borman, wanted by the D.A., he told him to come to the police headquarters and bring the tape recorder he was playing with. Stan came back to the motel room and Charlie arrived. Stan told Charlie the deal was off as Archie and the tape disappeared while he was out.

Paul waited for Belle in their usual roadsite restaurant. She asked him why he hired Jill, his wife’s best friend, as a secretary. Did he want someone to spy on Amy ? Paul assured he wasn’t conscious of it.

#3869 – Thursday, December 12th 1968

On the evening, Valerie had finished dinner and listened on the news. She heard Archie Borman was brought on to being questioned about bribery and perjury charges. She phoned Sam at his home. He hadn’t heard about the situation but would try to get information. He invited Val to join him as Eleanor came for dinner and he wished the two could meet. Val arrived and Eleanor introduced herself. Sam said Archie didn’t give the police the name of the man who paid him but he had a tape recorder with him which could help. When Ken arrived, Val thanked him again for shovelling at her place. Eleanor noticed that with his background, Ken could find a way better job.

Jill visited Amy and announced her friend she had been hired by Paul to be his secretary. Amy was surprised. She added that if Jill learned something about Paul and Belle, she didn’t have to tell her. She didn’t want to hear. Amy nearly fainted. She said she had suffered from dizziness for a while.

When Jill came home, Ken told her about his job of the day. Jill was not amused. When she married Ken, she hoped he would become someone. Ken assured he would find the job of his dreams.

#3870 – Friday, December 13th 1968

On morning, Belle told Charlie that Paul hired Jill Stevens to replace Karen but he didn’t listen. He was too preoccupied. Under pressure, Charlie told Belle the whole story – his offer of $1.000 to the Petersons to testify against Val, Archie’s return with the tape recorder and the extorsion. Belle didn’t show much sympathy. Charlie said he might leave for California with Karen to avoid disgrace. Belle told him Karen wouldn’t want to join him.

Jill arrived for first full day of work while Paul was on the phone giving advice about a talented student ready to drop out of school. Jill drew parallels with her husband and questioned Paul about society. Jill said Ken had responsabilites for his family. Paul thought of his own responsibilites towards Amy and Lisa. Belle arrived in Paul’s absence and confronted Jill : she thought Jill was acting as an agent for Amy. Jill assured she was not, Amy wouldn’t listen to her. Jill added Belle had no reason breaking up a family and should move back out of Woodbridge. Belle answered it was Paul’s decision.

Policeman Vince Farelli arrived in Frank’s office. He offered him the tape the police found on Archie. They couldn’t do much with it but he was sure Valerie would like to have it. Frank and Vince listened to the tape and Frank realized that was Charlie’s confession. The police might not use it but the Ames family certainly could.

#3871 – Monday, December 16th 1968

Jerry arrived from work. He told Val about the tape Vince Farelli gave Frank – Charlie Clemens was the one who gave Archie the money to bribe the Petersons. Frank and Jerry had plans to confront Charlie. Valerie phoned Sam but only Ken was home. When he heard, Sam visited Valerie and was happy about the resolution. To celebrate, he asked Valerie to dinner at the Country club with Ken and Jill on the following day.

Jill arrived at Amy’s and told her what Belle said – if Paul wanted to choose Amy, Belle would leave. Amy wondered if she had to put an ultimatum on Paul. She was convinced her health would be better if this was cleared.

Sam called his son to tell him about the upcoming dinner. Ken had some bad childhood memories from the Country club and tried to back off when Jill arrived. She told Ken he was selfish as she wanted to go and he reluctantly agreed.

While Jerry left for Grace’s where he was supposed to meet Frank, Sam and Valerie talked about Eleanor. Val said she liked her but didn’t approve her opinon on Ken. The closeness between Sam and Valerie could be noticed.

#3872 – Tuesday, December 17th 1968

Charlie was ready to receive the visit of Frank and Jerry. Karen felt a bit sorry for her father but he was ready to fight the Ames. Karen went to Belle’s room and they talked about Charlie. Belle didn’t feel sorry for a man who was more a father to her sister than to her. Karen said she didn’t answer Charlie when he asked her to come to California with him but she didn’t answer. Belle sait she told Jill she would leave Woodbridge if Paul asked her to.

At the Tyrells’, Frank and Jerry asked Susan to stay with Grace. Grace asked the men not to be too light on Charlie Clemens. Susan spoke to Van on the phone to congratulate her on the revelation of Charlie’s guilt. After the phone call, Grace mentioned how often Valerie was with Sam Stevens lately. Susan also told Grace about Amy’s tiredness.

Jerry and Frank arrived at the Clemens house. They confronted Charlie. The Herald would publish his whole confession and everyone – including Arthur Rysdale – would learn he paid to discredit Valerie. If Charlie agreed to leave Woodbridge forever, they would not publish it. After the two men left, Charlie summoned his daughters. He said he would leave by the end of the week. Neither Belle nor Karen intended to follow Charlie out of Woodbridge.

#3873 – Wednesday, December 18th 1968

At the Brittons, Amy received a phone call from Susan who told her Archie Borman had been arrested and Charlie Clemens would leave town to avoid disgrace. Amy told the news to Paul. Amy added that Belle might join her father if Paul told her to.

Joan received a visit from Stan Collins. She thought he would have gone back to New York after Archie’s arrest. He said he sold his car and wanted to remain in Woodbridge. He showed some interest in Joan. Archie’s bail was $3.000 and maybe Joan could find the money thanks to her estranged husband. Charlie arrived and ordered Stan out. He told Joan what happened, that he would leave and stop helping her on her coffee house project. He even wanted the money held in escrow. Joan was shocked, called him a dirty old man and Charlie left. She phoned Nick’s motel. She would need to see her husband.

Amy met Nick at his motel to have coffee. They had an enjoyable talk until Amy fainted. Nick suggested she rest in his room for a while. She agreed.

#3874 – Thursday, December 19th 1968

Nick escorted Amy to his room at the motel. She was very tired and he told her she had to rest. Joan phoned. She needed money to pay for her brother’s bail. He refused. Amy had heard and said that if Paul left her, she hoped she wouldn’t lean on him as Joan was doing with Nick. Amy told Nick he should move to a nicer bachelor apartment than this awful motel room. She would help him finding a place to bring a woman when she fainted. They laughed.

In Paul’s office, Paul was not happy with Jill lecturing Belle and telling Amy. Jill was repentant and Paul allowed Jill to leave one hour early for her country club dinner with Sam, Valerie and Ken. Paul said Amy asked him to tell Belle to leave with her father. He wondered

Sam told Eleanor she could have the afternoon off for Christmas shopping as he would leave to have dinner with Valerie, Ken and Jill. Eleanor was obviously jealous. When Sam expressed gratitute for Jill’s influence on Ken, Eleanor said she hoped Valerie would not have a bad influence on Ken.

#3875 – Friday, December 20th 1968

Charlie was ready to leave and Belle showed him she was indifferent. Karen agreed to drive Charlie to the airport but she assured Belle she was not convinced to leave town. Paul visited after Charlie and Karen left. He asked Belle if she would really leave Woodbridge if he asked. She said she would.

At the country club, Ken had sneaked out of the Venetian room where he didn’t feel comfortable and asked Wally the bartender for a martini. Ken gave Wally a few tips on cocktails as he learned some in Buffalo during his senior year. Wally introduced Ken to Alex Lockwood, the club manager, who was delighted to meet Judge Stevens’ son. Wally said Alex they were very short-staffed and maybe Alex could hire Ken. Alex laughed at first but Ken inisted he would love to. Jill saw the scene in a distance in complete disbelief.

Paul was very hesitant. He didn’t know what to do. He had expected to ask Belle to go but he couldn’t. He finally relented and passionately kissed her. Belle had won.

 

#3876 – Monday, December 23th 1968

The next morning, Karen called Valerie to tell her that Charlie had left town and he wanted her to know and requested the tape be handed over to Karen for destruction. Val assured it would be done. Belle laughed at Karen still doing what Charlie wanted. Karen said she would look for a job and an apartment. Belle said she could take her time because Belle could be the one who would move. Karen realized Belle was hoping her relationship with Paul would become more official and Karen was utterly shocked.

Ken visited Val and thanked her for her help when he announced he was taking the job of assistant bartender at the Country Club. Amy arrived to put some Christmas gifts under the tree. Ken told her he was happy with Jill’s job as Paul’s secretary. After Ken left, Valerie noticed Amy seemed frail. She should see a doctor but Amy assured she would be fine once Paul asked Belle to leave Woodbridge.

Sam told Eleanor about Ken’s new job. She was shocked a man with his background could accept this job. She talked about Sam’s old friend, Wilfred Hollister, who was a member of club’s board of directors. Maybe Sam could talk to Wilfred about cancelling the job offer.

#3877 – Tuesday, December 24th 1968

While Paul was finalizing the Christmas tree, Nick visited. He wanted to know if Amy felt better. Paul was shocked to learn Amy fainted and rested in Nick’s room as she hadn’t told him. Paul invited Nick to join the Ames at Grace’s for Christmas but Nick said he was having Christmas with his father out of town.

Amy visited Susan and Frank. Petey was impatient for Christmas. Amy said Susan the only Christmas gift she was expecting was Belle being out of town. When Susan noticed Amy was still feeling exhaustion, she said her sister she might be pregnant. Amy was sure she was not – was she ? Frank, Susan and Petey shared a close moment under the Christmas tree.

Joan visited Nick at the motel. She insisted again he pay for Archie’s bail because her mother was very sad about the situation and it was Christmas. She even offered Nick a deal – she could give him the divorce he craved for if he paid for Archie’s bail.

When Amy came back home, Paul asked her why she didn’t tell him about her fainting. She assured it was nothing and didn’t want to worry him.

#3878 – Wednesday, December 25th 1968

Sam called Valerie to wish her a merry Christmas. Ken told his dad Alex Lockwood asked him to tend the bar but he assured he wouldn’t be long. Sam wondered if Ken accepted his job just to prove he didn’t want to be a businessman. Jill was upset her husband left on Christmas Day. Jill asked Sam if she was snob to wish her husband had another job. Sam answered he was snob too then.

Susan, Frank, Petey, Jerry and Valerie arrived at Grace’s. The house was full of holiday cheering. Jerry told Susan he called his wife Hope in Paris. He missed her and might accept Frank’s offer to be a roving publisher and move back to Europe. Susan also told Jerry that Amy might be pregnant.

At the country club, Alex Lockwood entertained lush and lovely Nola Hollister whose husband deserted for billard. She met Ken and told him that her husband, Wilfred, was an old friend of Judge Stevens. She was surprised the judge’s son was a bartender but she talked a bit with him. She was already a bit drunk.

Grace wished everybody a Merry Christmas. She was worried for Amy and this awful Belle Clemens but was relieved that Charlie left town and that Sam Stevens was back in their lives.

#3879 – Thursday, December 26th 1968

On the day after Christmas, Sam went to his chamber and was surprised Eleanor was at work while he gave her a few days off. She liked keeping it busy and she told Sam that Archie Borman was released by the D.A. because of insufficient evidence. Sam called Valerie and suggested she would drop in when she was available. A jealous Eleanor listened to the conversation.

Archie arrived at Joan’s. He explained he was freed but was broke. Stan arrived – he had learned Archie was out of jail. Stan told Archie that Joan had agreed to divorce Nick for money. Archie would love to grab some of this money and Stan asked his buddy to let him maneuver.

After Val and Sam had left his chamber for luncheon, Archie arrived. He said Eleanor he wanted to offer his service to Judge Stevens. He could give him information about some cases and in exchange charges against him would be dropped. Eleanor ordered him out. At lunch, Sam and Valerie talked about how worried they were for Amy or Ken. They were close.

Stan stayed with Joan when Archie had left. He told Joan that Archie loved his sister and that Charlie’s departure was a good thing for her. She was young, bright and beautiful and could do better that this old fool. Joan enjoyed the flirting. Archie arrived, disappointed Eleanor didn’t let it go to the judge. Stan was sure he, Archie and Joan could team up with a plan for money – some divorce settlement money.

#3880 – Friday, December 27th 1968

Amy finally called the doctor but she couldn’t have an appointment before New Year’s Eve. Paul was glad she was having a check-up. He left for college – even thought it was closed – to work alone and at calm.

At the Stevens’, Ken was ready to go to the Country Club. He talked to Jill about the Hollister family as he met Nola the other day. The father, Wilfred, was an old friend of Sam’s, a 60yo humorless man and Nola, his wife, was only 40ish and seductive. They also had a teenaged daughter. Ken was confident he would be able to pay his debts in New York soon.

In his office, Paul didn’t work but met Belle. She asked Paul how Amy reacted when he told her Belle hadn’t left. Paul admitted he didn’t say a word yet. Paul was confused and took Belle in his arms.

Jill visited Amy. They talked about Ken’s job which annoyed Jill and Amy’s symptoms. Jill suggested pregnancy as Susan did and Amy was upset. Paul came back after Jill left. He told Amy he didn’t want to stop seeing Belle. Amy was heartbroken and cried.

#3881 – Monday, December 30th 1968

The following morning at the Stevens’, Jill was annoyed she didn’t spend time with Ken. Ken told her he was working on New Year’s Eve but she should come to the country club. Sam thought it was a good idea. He would invite Valerie and maybe the Brittons and the Carvers. Ken asked Jill if she was not happy to come to the country club because she was ashamed of his job. She said she wasn’t – she was only afraid not to see him a lot. Was she honest ?

Amy visited Valerie and told her about the previous evening. She felt very sad. Amy went upstairs when Sam arrived. Valerie explained the situation to Sam. Valerie accepted the New Year invitation but made it clear he shouldn’t count on Paul and Amy. After Sam left, Valerie told Amy about the invitation. Amy answere Susan and Frank asked she and Paul over already but didn’t know if they would go since her husband preferred spending time with another woman.

At his chamber, Sam asked Eleanor about her New Year’s Eve plans which were inexistent. She hoped he would invide her but once Sam said he was asking Valerie out, Eleanor was disappointed and angry. Jill visited Sam’s chamber but Sam had left. She talked with Eleanor about the New Year’s plan. Jill noticed Eleanor didn’t like Valerie but couldn’t understand the reasons.

#3882 – Tuesday, December 31st 1968

Susan and Frank were disappointed their New Year Party was falling flat. Valerie was with the Stevens family, Jerry was on his way back to Paris and Amy called she was sick. Only Paul would join.

At the country club, Wally and Ken prepared for the fullest night of the year. Nola Hollister joined the bar. She and her husband were playing bridge in a room. Their daughter, Laurie, stayed at home. Nola hoped Ken would meet her someday. Just when Ken hoped he could have some time alone to dance with Jill, Nola introduced her husband Wilfred to Ken. Mr. Hollister was surprised his old friend Sam’s son could be bartending. Ken went on dancing with Jill.

The party was no fun at the Carver with only Paul attending. When Frank joked he would kiss Susan first at midnight, Paul thought he was alluding to his relationship with Belle. Paul left early. He arrived at the Clemens’ shortly before midnight. They spent the New Year Eve in each other’s arms.

#3883 – Wednesday, January 1st 1969 (pre-empted : New Year)

#3884 – Thursday, January 2nd 1969

Amy admitted Frank home. He wanted to see Paul but he had gone to college. In his office, Paul asked Jill to have the day off. They talked about New Year’s Eve and Jill didn’t have a blast at the country club.

Frank told Amy he came to apologize to Paul after New Year’s Eve incident but Amy was unaware. After Frank explained, Amy realized Paul didn’t stay long at the Carvers’. Jill dropped by after Frank left. Amy said she was shaken because Paul left the Carvers before midnight but only came home at 2.30 am. Paul arrived. Amy said Frank came to apologize. Paul didn’t answer and went upstairs.

Back at the Carvers’, Frank told Susan Amy’s reaction was strange. Susan thought she could understand why.

After Jill left, an angry Amy confronted Paul. Was he with Belle at midnight ? Paul didn’t even try to deny. He was with Belle and couldn’t stay away from her.

#3884 – Friday, January 3rd 1969

In Paul’s office, there was some tension between Paul and Jill. Paul was sure Amy talked to Jill about New Year. Jill didn’t want to talk but wondered why Paul was upsetting Amy before her appointment with the doctor. Belle called at the office. Jill gave Paul the phone with no expression. Belle wanted to lunch with Paul but he had too much work. Belle then came to the office. She didn’t want to wait to talk to Paul so Paul sent Jill on a break.

Aware of Amy’s upcoming apointment, Susan dropped by at Amy’s and suggested they have breakfast together. During breakfast, Amy revealed that Paul admitted he couldn’t stay away from Belle. Amy went to Dr. Hadley’s and explained her symptoms to him. After the examination, Dr. Hadley had Susan summoned. He told Amy and Susan that Amy was pregnant.

Paul told Belle he didn’t have time to call her since New Year. He had told Amy he couldn’t stay away from Belle. Belle asked if that meant he would leave Amy. After a long silence, Paul said it would. He would tell Amy he wanted a divorce.

Interesting seeing how Charlie Clemmons and Jerry Ames were written out. This was the last time I think we see Jerry unless something else turns up. I think the Charlie-Joan pairing is interesting and I would have liked to see how that played out. Charlie and Joan seem to be replaced by Wilfred and Nola as the older man-younger woman combination. 

December definitely feels like the end of something and the start of something else. The January summaries felt very different to me, but that makes sense now seeing the transition period. Hess is out in December according to the documents correct, or rather, Lou Scofield has assumed the headwriter position? 

Something I want to add is that Roy Windsor had developed a serial around this time called "The Widening Circle," which was about a young woman being released from a mental hospital and her attempts to reclaim her life in the outside world. It sounds very much like the story of Laurie Hollister. I would be curious to see what the original story projections by Hess/Scofield looked like. I've seen some of the Hess' long story before and he's a very mature writer. I'd be curious if he had set up the Laurie/Ken story originally or if that was all Scofield or Windsor. 

It was also nice to see how the show moved from Valerie/Nick to Amy/Nick. I wouldn't say it was the smoothest, but it was clear the show was no longer interested in pursuing the Nick/Valerie angle now that Sam Stevens was around. I like Eleanor Gault. I think there is some interesting things brewing, but I'm not sure they ever completely gel for me, but dialogue can sometimes bring things to life. 

I like the country club group with Ken, the wealthy boy who doesn't want to seem to go into business so instead he's tending bar at the country club. Alex Lockwood, the club manager, and his dynamic with wealthy alcoholic Nola Hollister. I'm curious to see how long this group is allowed to play out. 

In a way, December, 1968, feels like an end for the Ames family. Charlie Clemmons as the family foe is run out of town which also the family with little to do. I suspect the hope was Belle would be enough and while Marla Adams is certainly a capable actor, the newspaper angle ends up falling by the wayside. This in turn seems to leave Nick, Frank, and Jerry with little to do. I wish that the show had convinced Haila Stoddard to return as a more permanent presence (or even recasted) and had Charlie married to Pauline because Pauline as Belle's stepmother would be delightful. 

Thanks @FrenchFan for sharing these with us.

Thanks for the comment ! I think Lou Scofield took over in November 1968 and John Hess remained on the show as co-HW or breakdown. In his archives, he has breakdowns for late 68-69.

Before the first episodes of 1968 I had, there was a note, probably from Scofield, asking some scripts to be redone mainly to eliminate Charlie Clemens from the canvas.

This is clearly a transition moment. Scofield eliminated Charlie, Jerry, Archie and brought in Eleanor and the country club set: Alex and the Lockwoods (Wilfred, Nola, Laurie). I think Karen got axed too. Don't have much more information on her.

 

25 minutes ago, FrenchFan said:

Thanks for the comment ! I think Lou Scofield took over in November 1968 and John Hess remained on the show as co-HW or breakdown. In his archives, he has breakdowns for late 68-69.

Before the first episodes of 1968 I had, there was a note, probably from Scofield, asking some scripts to be redone mainly to eliminate Charlie Clemens from the canvas.

This is clearly a transition moment. Scofield eliminated Charlie, Jerry, Archie and brought in Eleanor and the country club set: Alex and the Lockwoods (Wilfred, Nola, Laurie). I think Karen got axed too. Don't have much more information on her.

 

Variety reported November 01, 1968 that Lou Scofield had joined and was aiding John Hess

@FrenchFan thank you so much for these script summaries.  I'm actually quite into these stories and eager to see how they play out.  I wish more material for all the soaps from the 60s/70s was more readily available.

Just now, Matt said:

@FrenchFan thank you so much for these script summaries.  I'm actually quite into these stories and eager to see how they play out.  I wish more material for all the soaps from the 60s/70s was more readily available.

Glad you enjoy ! I will try to post more. There are many scripts archived in US library. It needs some time (and money for some) to dig them in.

The last names of Nola, Laurie and Wilifred was Hollister - not Lockwood.

 

I never understood Valerie and Nick.   There did not seem to be an attraction to me.  The initial plan was probably to link Nick and Amy, but the show did not want this to be grounds for the upcoming divorce.   They wanted the divorce to be Paul's fault.

Edited July 10, 20232 yr by danfling
I added a thought.

4 hours ago, danfling said:

The last names of Nola, Laurie and Wilifred was Hollister - not Lockwood.

 

I never understood Valerie and Nick.   There did not seem to be an attraction to me.  The initial plan was probably to link Nick and Amy, but the show did not want this to be grounds for the upcoming divorce.   They wanted the divorce to be Paul's fault.

Of course Hollister ! This is Alex Lockwood. Sorry for the mistake.

I think the idea was to try to shake Valerie’s moral ground but don’t think they ever wanted a real Nick / Valerie thing. 

Also, my understanding is that The Widening Circle would have been a spin-off from The Secret Storm that would have featured the family of Judge Stevens.

I could imagine that Ken would have had a selfish, hateful sister.