Classic Soaps (I'm Still) Watching Another World

[Daniel Avery]

While I don't know who this Chase person is, I can only surmise that they taped episodes that were originally re-aired when AOL (back when it was a Big Thing) had a "channel" where they re-aired several P&G soaps from that era. There are gaps in almost every collection from that period (not just from AW, but from others like Texas, Edge of Night, etc.). Saving copies of episodes as a regular course of business did not start until later in the 1980s. But AOL opted to air what they had. Also, people saving those episodes (taping or whatever way they could) may not have recorded every single one. Some collectors chose only to save episodes featuring their favorite characters. In the case of some recently-found Edge of Night episodes, an actor from the show saved copies of episodes in which he appeared and gave them to someone else to upload, including some that were thought "lost". If his character was not appearing that day, the episode was not recorded.

The lack of a "complete set" is unfortunate, but we all should consider it a "happy event" to find any lengthy run of soap episodes prior to 1983, since there were no official rules among the networks saying that copies of the shows have to be saved. It just wasn't a "thing to do" back then. There are even fewer episodes from anything earlier than 1980, since home VCR's were not commonplace.

 

[unknownexamination]

Not complaining at all and very grateful just my observation at how much changed in the gap months that I don't have access to which seemed relatively short that's all.
I perfectly get it the history behind the lack of recorded episodes which is a shame.

 

[Daniel Avery]

During that period (roughly 1980 to 1983) there were several writing teams hired and fired, each arriving with their grand plan to "save" the show, only to be shown the door when the network or P&G lost confidence. In most cases like this, the new Head Writer(s) will drop a lot of the predecessor's ideas to clean house. There was a large drop in ratings for all of NBC's soaps in 1980-81, which made the network understandably nervous. Every November they hired a new Head Writer or two, so the changes you notice were likely a result of that revolving door.

 

[unknownexamination]

Watching 1982 - April when Larry and Clarice visited Denny and Sally to ask why they weren't invited to the wedding, i liked that scene. Today soaps forget family relationships and connections. Key people are missing at important events without even a mention I liked that Larry called them out.

 

[unknownexamination]

I am trying to understand when Sally would have had a child? I am watching bits and pieces of 1983 that are available and I remember when she first came on screen and I am sure that her relationship with Leigh was her first serious one. Is this some type of retcon?? Is that the right terminology it just doesn't add up. The new Sally is different from the original blonde version who was more of a social climber. I noticed the personality changed with the actress. Anyone can fill me in.

 

[Daniel Avery]

It was said that she conceived the baby with David Thatcher (I think that was his name...?) when she was a teenager in an out-of-town boarding school. She gave the baby up for adoption. I guess it would indeed be a retcon since I'm sure Alice, Aunt Liz, etc. would have tried to help her out at the time all this was happening; lord knows Aunt Liz would never have been able to keep quiet about it. Thatcher was an older man who had "taken advantage of her" (in today's view, he would be a pedophile who raped a minor). He and his wife had found the baby and adopted him to raise as their own. A lot of storyline mileage was wrung from this development, so I think the end justified the means.

 

[unknownexamination]

Thanks for clarifying... onto 1984

 

[Daniel Avery]

I can't believe I stumbled upon this!

History remembers June 3, 1989 as the day news broke of the massacre in Tianamen Square. As is typically the case, news broke during the soaps! Though this video was uploaded as a "time capsule" of that historic day, the first part of the video includes most of that day's eventful episode of Another World. In one episode (minus a few minutes for news updates) we saw heartbroken Cass informing Felicia who really killed Jason; Vicky doing the full-court press to win back Jamie; Jake similarly trying to woo Marley back with a promise he had no right to make; Jason's killer being arrested; and Lucas's introduction in the final minutes. Plus Donna was wearing a flawless, white suit and looked as fabulous as always.

Since the video was likely uploaded because of the Tianamen Square angle, AW is not even mentioned in the title or video description, which made it even less likely I'd ever find this. Maybe because the recording was made off WPTV, my local NBC affilate down here? Who knows.

 

[Daniel Avery]

I'm feeling a bit slap-happy today.

 

[unknownexamination]

I am on to 1985. Not really feeling Perry and Nancy for some reason idk why. Really love Jackee Harry here. Never knew she was on another soap before DOOL. She was so versatile. I found a website not sure if its already been mentioned that gives detailed snynopses "There is another and a better world." it helps fill in the gaps where there are missing episodes on youtube.

Carl is such an evil character im interested in seeing how they redeem him. this shold be interesting. Also I feel that the writers found a way to weave Rachel into every storyline. And Ada's shouting her lines all the time lately.

 

[Canon]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1778550666455368161

 

[Daniel Avery]

SS is reprising his early DOOL role as (I think) Julie's brother for the memorial service for Doug. I wonder if Ron "Mr. Fan Service" Carlivati will write those two a scene together?

I am on to 1985. Not really feeling Perry and Nancy for some reason idk why. Really love Jackee Harry here. Never knew she was on another soap before DOOL. She was so versatile.

I felt the same way when I was watching him onscreen----really good with friendship scenes, anger at Carl, and being protective of Marley and others, but he just could not generate heat with his female love interests. Maybe if they'd paired him with Ben....? Jackee Harry was doing double duty as Lily on AW while also playing her signature role of Sandra Clark on the sitcom 227. That was why it was such a casting coup when they hired Marla Gibbs to play Paulina's mother on Days---because Gibbs had been her onscreen nemesis on 227.

 

[CaptainKC]

P&G hired Beverly Pemberthy in a short-term role near the end of Edge of Night (1983 or more likely, 1984) so I assume there was no bad blood between actress and employer (Pat was written out in 1982). Granted, the role was nothing compared to Pat Randolph. I only remember the part because she was the one playing it! Her character was involved in a mystery at the sanitarium she ran, where Marcia Cross played one of the former patients (no, not Kimberly Shaw!).

And I recall Pat was listed among the returning characters for the 1989 anniversary party episodes, but for the life of me I can't recall specific scenes with her in them.

Funny you should mention 'getting old or getting fat,' since it was pretty much explicitly stated that Laura Malone (Blaine) got fired in 1984 because she got fat.

The anniversary episode was on Youtube -- may still be. I think I have that recorded on VHS -- knowing that so many classic characters would be returning! Pat had a brief conversation with Rachel saying that Mike and Marianne were doing well -- and may have had a few lines with other characters -- most likely her sister Alice with Jackie Courtney returning once again.

 

[CaptainKC]

I am trying to understand when Sally would have had a child? I am watching bits and pieces of 1983 that are available and I remember when she first came on screen and I am sure that her relationship with Leigh was her first serious one. Is this some type of retcon?? Is that the right terminology it just doesn't add up. The new Sally is different from the original blonde version who was more of a social climber. I noticed the personality changed with the actress. Anyone can fill me in.

I don't think Sally had a child, but I'm just going by memory. I think she and Caitlin were raising his son to a previous wife -- played by the same actress who played the second and most well-known Raven on Edge of Night. Ah, never mind. I see Daniel Avery answered your question. I don't recall much of this because I would only catch the show occasionally during this era.

I'm guessing the new Sally you mention is played by brunette Mary Page Keller. She was immensely popular, and eventually left to star in a nighttime TV series. I personally wasn't a big fan because her version of Sally was incongruent with previous versions. The next (and last) Sally played by Taylor Miller would at least be a blonde!

 

[CaptainKC]

During that period (roughly 1980 to 1983) there were several writing teams hired and fired, each arriving with their grand plan to "save" the show, only to be shown the door when the network or P&G lost confidence. In most cases like this, the new Head Writer(s) will drop a lot of the predecessor's ideas to clean house. There was a large drop in ratings for all of NBC's soaps in 1980-81, which made the network understandably nervous. Every November they hired a new Head Writer or two, so the changes you notice were likely a result of that revolving door.

Days of Our Lives, at least, was about to be 'saved' with the addition of Bo and Roman Brady, a new Hope and the Dimearas. I don't think AW every regained the popularity it had in the late 60s and then again in the late 70s. I do think when the brought back Amanda played by Sandra Ferguson and introduced Sam Fowler, they finally had a super couple who boosted the ratings -- as well as a good number of other stories with the likes of Jake, Donna, and Vicky.

 

[Daniel Avery]

On May 4, 1964, Another World premiered on NBC. In observance of its 60th anniversary, I thought I'd post a couple of clips featuring (arguably) the show's most popular couple, Mac and Rachel.

In 1983, Rachel was blinded in an accident. She pushed Mac away, so in order for Mac to be close to her, he adopted an accent and introduced himself as John Caldwell. In true soap fashion Rachel regained her sight, and these scenes are from when "John Caldwell" had to 'fess up to his white lie. Also featured are Rachel's son Jamie; Jamie's conniving ex-wife Cecile; and of course the Corys' comic relief maid, Vivien.

The situation may have been unrealistic, but Doug Watson and Vicky Wyndham could sell just about anything.

 

[Canon]

A reunion, organised by a Facebook fan group, took place on Saturday to mark the 60th anniversary.



Hopefully there's more pictures from the event floating around the interweb.

 

[Daniel Avery]

I think that is John Bolger on the far left (from the mid-1990s era). Is that Amy Carlson (with long hair) with her hand on Anne Marie Howard's shoulder? I feel I ought to recognize the man (in profile) wearing the peach-colored jacket, but it's not coming to me. Near the center are Paul Michael Valley (in the back) with Russell Todd and Alice Barrett (I think) in front of him. Linda Dano and Anna Stuart are in front and Larry Lau is between/behind them. And other than Ricky Paull Goldin (in back) and Anna Holbrook (looking exactly the same after thirty years) I'm having trouble recognizing the others. Granted there are likely organizers and FB friends mixed in the crowd we aren't meant to "know," but I feel kind of bad that I can't figure out some of them.

 

[Canon]

I think that is John Bolger on the far left (from the mid-1990s era).

Yes, beside him is Cali Timmins (green dress) and her husband Geoff Pierson.

Is that Amy Carlson (with long hair) with her hand on Anne Marie Howard's shoulder?

It does look like her.

Alice Barrett (I think) in front of him.

Definitely Frankie.

Ricky Paull Goldin and Anna Holbrook

The man between them is also familiar to me, but I can't place.

Surprised at no Cass.

Granted there are likely organizers and FB friends mixed in the crowd we aren't meant to "know," but I feel kind of bad that I can't figure out some of them.

I got the impression that everyone in this picture would either be cast or crew members.

The Facebook group is closed to non members (haven't attempted to join) and details seem scarce from what little searching I've done.

 

[Canon]

The man between them is also familiar to me, but I can't place.

It's Lewis Arlt who played Ken Jordan!

Laurence Lau is standing behind Felicia and Donna.




Ariana Munker


Not Amy Carlson, but her doppelganger Nadine Stenovitch!