Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Today in Soap Opera History (March 31)

"Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature."
― David Hume

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1955: On HAWKINS FALLS, Dr. Floyd Corey (Maurice Copeland) dealt with fallout from the interview he gave to the local newspaper.



Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the clip above.

1961: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, David Stewart (Henderson Forsythe) and his wife Betty dealt with the aftermath of Ellen Lowell's (Patricia Bruder) revelation that Danny was her son.



Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the clip above.

1967: ABC aired the final episode of daytime soap opera THE NURSES. The show was a continuation of a CBS serialized primetime drama originally titled THE NURSES when it premiered in 1962 (later renamed THE DOCTORS AND THE NURSES). Mary Fickett and Melinda Cordell were among the stars.

1972: NBC aired the final episode of daytime soap opera BRIGHT PROMISE, created by Frank and Doris Hursley, after a two and a half year run. Dabney Coleman and Anthony Geary were among the stars of BRIGHT PROMISE which was replaced in the lineup by RETURN TO PEYTON PLACE.



1977: On ONE LIFE TO LIVE, widower Larry Wolek (Michael Storm) married his distant cousin Karen (Kathy Breech). Karen's sister Jenny (Katherine Glass) and best friend Lana McLain (Jacklyn Zeman) were bridesmaids.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1980: On RYAN'S HOPE, a drugged Prince Albert (a gorilla) dropped Delia (Randall Edwards) from the top of the tower.



Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the item above.

1980: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Raven (Sharon Gabet) schemed to kidnap Jamey.



1981: On ANOTHER WORLD, Rachel told Mitch she felt like she had to choose between Matthew and Mac. Mac revealed to Jamie that he's starting to have doubts about Rachel's love for him. Mitch suggested to Mac that both of them back off Rachel, who felt pressured into making a decision about Matthew's custody. Mac accused Mitch of hurting his marriage to Rachel.



Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the clip above.

1983: The final episode of the Reg Watson-created Australian soap THE YOUNG DOCTORS aired.

1993: GENERAL HOSPITAL stars Stuart Damon (Alan), Leslie Charleson (Monica), Sean Kanan (A.J.) and Steve Burton (Jason) appeared on Gary Collins' HOME to celebrate the show's 30th anniversary.



1993: GENERAL HOSPITAL used the "Autumn Breeze" theme for the final time.



Thanks to Enrique for sending in the item above.

2010: On DAYS OF OUR LIVES, Sami (Alison Sweeney) and Nicole (Arianne Zucker) had an epic fight.



Celebrating a birthday today are:
Shirley Jones (ex-Colleen, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 81
Christopher Walken (ex-Mike, GUIDING LIGHT) - 72
Ed Marinaro (ex-Leo, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Creighton, DYNASTY; ex-John, FALCON CREST) - 65
Anne Marie Howard (ex-Nicole, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Kimberly, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 55
Emma Atkins (ex-Charity, EMMERDALE) - 40
Melissa Ordway (Abby, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Sydney, 90210; ex-Chloe, HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS) - 32

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email [email protected].

1 comment:

  1. Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the Another World clip. Thank you to me for uploading the 1981 and 1991 episodes :)

    ReplyDelete