THE JOURNAL-NEWS, SUNDAY, JULY 11, 19
Guiding Light'—Another side to story by Lynda Hirsch
Allen Potter, the urbane, triple-Emmy-winning producer of Guiding Light,” has been reading all the press concerning the imminent departure of that program's Jane Elliot, who plays Carrie. Potter does not wish to do battle with Jane, with whom he has made peace, but merely set viewers' minds at ease by telling the other side of the story On the issue of Jane’s departure: “Jane was 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, still be troublesome to Ross but not as evil as the wicked Carrie we’ve been presenting "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 a close — 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 & 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 castcutting. “We have just 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 have decided to pack their bags and head home to LA 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.
By
Paul Raven ·
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