When Pat Falken Smith returned in 81, Valerie was one of the first characters she brought back.

Which makes me believe she wasn't dictating the changes in story as is implied in that article. Wouldn't be surprised if this story was one of the reasons she left.

I remember another article discussing this and Pat Falken Smith discussed that they were very carefully plotting the Val/David story in light of the fact that there was a lot of resistance from viewers and execs.

She was furious when Val and David kissed at Doug and Julie's wedding as that had not been scripted and this was going to be a top rated episode and get a lot of attention.

The Coronation Massacre was my very first soap disaster and I loved it. At that time, I didn't know about the others shows enough to even notice they were doing that.

Same here. I only knew of Lesley-Anne Down because of Sunset Beach so I never really cared about all those actors from other soaps having a couple of lines. The Coronation was great because it was a big climax to two stories that had been going on for two and a half years.

Jason Brooks, Soap Opera Magazine, March 1998

Thanks. I always thought that was a bizarre story, and an especially bizarre exit story.

Thanks to SoapDope for finding this.

Thanks. I always thought that was a bizarre story, and an especially bizarre exit story.

Jason Brooks, Soap Opera Magazine, March 1998

Wonder if he'll ever return???

Not while Melissa Reeves is there.

Since this is Days' anniversary, here is the cast in 1971 celebrating the 6th anniversary. Days had recently become the first soap to knock As the World Turns out of first place in the Neilsen ratings in 11 years.

Very sporty outfit from Maree Cheatham.

You didn't see Margaret Mason called "Marge" very often.

Yeah, I don't think I've seen Margaret Mason ever called Marge anywhere else. I've seen Maggie a few times. She was relatively new on Days at the time, I believe.

Jam6242, thanks for uploading that pic of Jack Herzberg (was looking for a nice pic of him last night)...I knew I had seen one in one of those magazines, but didn't feel like looking through all of them just to find that one pic, so you've saved me all that trouble!! Can finally replace the not-too-good one of him I have on his memorial page....Thanks again!!

OLD PIC:

NEW PIC:

Edited November 9, 201312 yr by JAS0N47

Glad I could be of assistance to you for once Jason!

Denise Alexander was really beautiful.

They had a beautiful and very unique (acting/charisma-wise) cast at that time. You can see why they were #1.