Sun, Mar 12, 2000
From his high school days as a bright, athletic but rebellious youth to his final attempt at one last Billy Jack movie three decades later, actor/writer/director Tom Laughlin was obsessed with having his career be done his way and on his own terms. Sometimes he succeeded, but often his head-butting resulted in public failures and another bankruptcy. This bio includes his time running a Montessori school, becoming an expert on Jungian psychology, pushing his views on religion and politics, and culminating in his run for US President.
Sun, May 7, 2000
Profile of actor Jim J. Bullock. As a child growing up in Odessa, Texas, Bullock dreamed of making it in Hollywood. In 1977, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in show business. Just three years later, he landed a role on the hit sitcom "Too Close For Comfort." In the years to follow, Bullock tried to conceal his homosexuality, tested positive for HIV, filed for bankruptcy and battled drug addiction.
Sun, Aug 6, 2000
Identifying the ABC drama "Eight is Enough" (1977-1981). Describes about the inexplicable cancellation of the series, squabbles behind the scenes, death, drugs, stalking, etc. Interviews with Dick Van Patten, Susan Richardson, Connie Needham, Lani O'Grady (before her death in 2001), Willie Aames, Betty Buckley, Joan Prather, director Harry Harris, Tom Braden and, William Blinn.
Sun, Aug 13, 2000
When "Dallas," a CBS drama about a wealthy Texas family, premiered, no one predicted the phenomenal worldwide success that it would become. Throughout its 1978-1991 run, the show went through many twists and turns both on-screen and off-screen, from the zenith of the "Who Shot J.R." craze of 1980 to the nadir of the 1985-1986 "Dream Season," and a huge rate of cast member turnover in-between.
Sun, Oct 8, 2000
Outlining, the ABC sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter" that became a hit after its first year. During the success, their breakout star John Travolta who portrayed, Vinnie Barbarino was plucked by Robert Stigwood who offered Travolta a three picture deal. While the Travolta craze was going, there are tensions behind the scenes: Marcia Strassman, was becoming disenchanted with her role as Julie Kotter, she was only seen in the beginning and end joke of the series. Gabe Kaplan, who portrayed the teacher had several clashes with producer James Komack such as creative differences. The ratings began to drop after the third season because, the actors were close to their late 20s playing high school students. After the vast successes of "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease", John Travolta decided to alter his original five year contract to give him more time, to make films. In the fourth season, Travolta was billed as "Special Guest Star" in eight episodes. Gabe Kaplan, was mostly absent from the final season due to creative differences. According to Pallilo (who portrayed Horshack), the night that the episode was going to air when, Horshack gets married. The episode, was preempted when then president Jimmy Carter was discussing about the Oil Crisis. Finally, it also discusses what the stars were doing after the shows cancellation.