Today in Soap Opera History (August 9)

1973: The Doctors' Penny kissed Mike.
1984: Guiding Light's Alex and Beth were held hostage by Darcy.
1994: All My Children's Kendall crashed Mona's funeral.
1994: One Life to Live's Todd met Blair.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1939: On radio soap opera Adopted Daughter, Jack and Uncle Charlie told Jonathan that he couldn't open the new swimming pool he's been advertising without their consent.

1966: On Dark Shadows, to protect David, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) lied to Constable Jonas Carter (Michael Currie ) when she told him they had discovered the bleeder valve fell off by itself.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 4)

1980: Another World spin-off Texas premiered on NBC,
starring Beverlee McKinsey as Iris.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1966: Donald Briscoe assumed the role of Tony Merritt in Days of our Lives. A message appeared on the screen to explain the recast: "The part of Tony Merritt will be played by DONALD BRISCOE."

1980: Another World returned to 60 minutes daily, after more than a year of 90-minute episodes, to make room for Texas. Russ (David Bailey) and Tracy began their honeymoon, and Jamie (Richard Bekins) had dinner with Mac and Rachel.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 1)

1980: Another World's Tracey and Russ married.
1984: Santa Barbara's Joe spotted his true love, Kelly.
1997: Rebecca Herbst debuted as Elizabeth on General Hospital.
2001: Spyder Games' Gretel performed.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) asked David (David Henesy) why he attempted to murder Roger and showed him the bleeder valve. He attacked her and she locked it in a dresser drawer. Later, Victoria went to show the bleeder valve to Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) it was missing.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 30)

1979: Miss Ellie saved Southfork on Dallas.
1981: Beverly McKinsey played Iris for the final time on Texas.
1981: General Hospital's Rick proposed to Lesley.
1995: Rebecca Budig debuted as Michelle on Guiding Light.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1965: On Peyton Place, Miss Choate (Erin O'Brien-Moore) mentioned to Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) that Stella Chernak's (Lee Grant) personnel file had gone missing. Miss Choate then caught Betty in the act of returning the file. Later, Miss Choate defended Betty to Mike (Ed Rossi). Note: You'll notice David Canary as Dr. Russ Gehring in the clip below.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 9)

1973: The Doctors' Penny kissed Mike.
1984: Guiding Light's Alex and Beth were held hostage by Darcy.
1994: All My Children's Kendall crashed Mona's funeral.
1994: One Life to Live's Todd met Blair.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"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...

1939: On radio soap opera Adopted Daughter, Jack and Uncle Charlie told Jonathan that he couldn't open the new swimming pool he's been advertising without their consent.

1966: On Dark Shadows, to protect David, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) lied to Constable Jonas Carter (Michael Currie ) when she told him they had discovered the bleeder valve fell off by itself.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 4)

1980: Another World spin-off Texas premiered on NBC,
starring Beverlee McKinsey as Iris.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"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...

1966: Donald Briscoe assumed the role of Tony Merritt in Days of our Lives. A message appeared on the screen to explain the recast: "The part of Tony Merritt will be played by DONALD BRISCOE."

1980: Another World returned to 60 minutes daily, after more than a year of 90-minute episodes, to make room for Texas. Russ (David Bailey) and Tracy began their honeymoon, and Jamie (Richard Bekins) had dinner with Mac and Rachel.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 1)

1980: Another World's Tracey and Russ married.
1984: Santa Barbara's Joe spotted his true love, Kelly.
1997: Rebecca Herbst debuted as Elizabeth on General Hospital.
2001: Spyder Games' Gretel performed.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) asked David (David Henesy) why he attempted to murder Roger and showed him the bleeder valve. He attacked her and she locked it in a dresser drawer. Later, Victoria went to show the bleeder valve to Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) it was missing.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 30)

1979: Miss Ellie saved Southfork on Dallas.
1981: Beverly McKinsey played Iris for the final time on Texas.
1981: General Hospital's Rick proposed to Lesley.
1995: Rebecca Budig debuted as Michelle on Guiding Light.

"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"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...

1965: On Peyton Place, Miss Choate (Erin O'Brien-Moore) mentioned to Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) that Stella Chernak's (Lee Grant) personnel file had gone missing. Miss Choate then caught Betty in the act of returning the file. Later, Miss Choate defended Betty to Mike (Ed Rossi). Note: You'll notice David Canary as Dr. Russ Gehring in the clip below.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 9)

1973: The Doctors' Penny kissed Mike.
1984: Guiding Light's Alex and Beth were held hostage by Darcy.
1994: All My Children's Kendall crashed Mona's funeral.
1994: One Life to Live's Todd met Blair.

"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"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...

1939: On radio soap opera Adopted Daughter, Jack and Uncle Charlie told Jonathan that he couldn't open the new swimming pool he's been advertising without their consent.

1966: On Dark Shadows, to protect David, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) lied to Constable Jonas Carter (Michael Currie ) when she told him they had discovered the bleeder valve fell off by itself.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 4)

1980: Another World spin-off Texas premiered on NBC,
starring Beverlee McKinsey as Iris.

"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"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...

1966: Donald Briscoe assumed the role of Tony Merritt in Days of our Lives. A message appeared on the screen to explain the recast: "The part of Tony Merritt will be played by DONALD BRISCOE."

1980: Another World returned to 60 minutes daily, after more than a year of 90-minute episodes, to make room for Texas. Russ (David Bailey) and Tracy began their honeymoon, and Jamie (Richard Bekins) had dinner with Mac and Rachel.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 1)

1980: Another World's Tracey and Russ married.
1984: Santa Barbara's Joe spotted his true love, Kelly.
1990: General Hospital baby racketeer Clayton had baby Lucas.
2001: Spyder Games' Gretel performed.

"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) asked David (David Henesy) why he attempted to murder Roger and showed him the bleeder valve. He attacked her and she locked it in a dresser drawer. Later, Victoria went to show the bleeder valve to Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) it was missing.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 30)

1979: Miss Ellie saved Southfork on Dallas.
1981: Beverly McKinsey played Iris for the final time on Texas.
1981: General Hospital's Rick proposed to Lesley.
1995: Rebecca Budig debuted as Michelle on Guiding Light.

"More and more, I tend to read history. I often find it more up to date than the daily newspapers."
― Joe Murray

"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...

1965: On Peyton Place, Miss Choate (Erin O'Brien-Moore) mentioned to Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) that Stella Chernak's (Lee Grant) personnel file had gone missing. Miss Choate then caught Betty in the act of returning the file. Later, Miss Choate defended Betty to Mike (Ed Rossi). Note: You'll notice David Canary as Dr. Russ Gehring in the clip below.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 9)

1968: Dark Shadows' Liz lied to protect David. 1984: Guiding
Light's Alex and Beth were held hostage by Darcy. 1994: All
My Children's Kendall crashed Mona's funeral. 1994: One Life
to Live's Todd met Blair.

"If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree."
― Michael Crichton

"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...

1939: On radio soap opera Adopted Daughter, Jack and Uncle Charlie told Jonathan that he couldn't open the new swimming pool he's been advertising without their consent.

1966: On Dark Shadows, to protect David, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) lied to Constable Jonas Carter (Michael Currie ) when she told him they had discovered the bleeder valve fell off by itself.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 4)

1980: Another World spin-off Texas premiered on NBC,
starring Beverlee McKinsey as Iris.

"If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree."
― Michael Crichton

"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...

1966: Donald Briscoe assumed the role of Tony Merritt in Days of our Lives. A message appeared on the screen to explain the recast: "The part of Tony Merritt will be played by DONALD BRISCOE."

1980: Another World returned to 60 minutes daily, after more than a year of 90-minute episodes, to make room for Texas. Russ (David Bailey) and Tracy began their honeymoon, and Jamie (Richard Bekins) had dinner with Mac and Rachel.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 1)

1980: Another World's Tracey and Russ married. 1984: Santa
Barbara's Joe spotted his true love, Kelly. 1990: General
Hospital baby racketeer Clayton had baby Lucas. 2001: Spyder
Games' Gretel performed.

"If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree."
― Michael Crichton

"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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) asked David (David Henesy) why he attempted to murder Roger and showed him the bleeder valve. He attacked her and she locked it in a dresser drawer. Later, Victoria went to show the bleeder valve to Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) it was missing.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 30)

1979: Miss Ellie saved Southfork on Dallas.
1981: Beverly McKinsey played Iris for the final time on Texas.
1981: General Hospital's Rick proposed to Lesley.
1995: Rebecca Budig debuted as Michelle on Guiding Light.

"The present contains nothing more than the past, and what is found in the effect is already in the cause."
― Henri Louis Bergson

"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...

1965: On Peyton Place, Miss Choate (Erin O'Brien-Moore) mentioned to Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) that Stella Chernak's (Lee Grant) personnel file had gone missing. Miss Choate then caught Betty in the act of returning the file. Later, Miss Choate defended Betty to Mike (Ed Rossi). Note: You'll notice David Canary as Dr. Russ Gehring in the clip below.

FLASHBACK: 'Another World' The Story of Steven, Rachel & Alice (Part 23 of 23)

Mackenzie Cory (Douglass Watson) married Rachel
Davis Matthews Clark Frame (Victoria Wyndham) on
February 14, 1975. Ralph Camargo, Wyndam's real-life
father, played the minister.

ANOTHER WORLD: The Story of Steven, Rachel & Alice

The Soap Box
Vol. IV No. 8 August 1979
by Bryna Laub

(continued from Part 22)

Rachel hoped their marriage, carried off by elopement to New York, would put an end to Iris' machinations but instead it only increased her efforts. But these attacks, while temporarily hurting Mac and Rachel's happiness, ultimately came to nothing. For Mac knew that Iris couldn't believe that Rachel, as she herself had said just before their marriage, had married not a wealthy man but what she had always dreamed of, a man who really loved her as she was and to whom she could be a good wife.

Alice had known at the time of her reconciliation with Steven that Rachel was no longer a threat. After all, the last separation hadn't been out of fear of Rachel but because of Alice's decision to sacrifice her own happiness for Steven's. But Rachel's happy marriage to Mac and her realization that they could all share in Jamie's affections put the final ghosts to rest.

FLASHBACK: 'Another World' The Story of Steven, Rachel & Alice (Part 22)

Another World expanded to 60-minutes each weekday
on January 6, 1975.

ANOTHER WORLD: The Story of Steven, Rachel & Alice

The Soap Box
Vol. IV No. 8 August 1979
by Bryna Laub

(continued from Part 21)

With Russ sworn to secrecy, Alice's desire that Steven never know she was sacrificing her happiness for his would have been achieved had not Rachel been suffering increasingly-frequent dizzy spells. She arranged to see a doctor at Bay City Hospital and while she was waiting, she discovered the file placed before her on his desk was that of Mrs. Steven (Alice) Frame, not Mrs. Steven (Rachel) Frame. Finding the results of Alice's latest tests inside, Rachel managed to copy them and return them unnoticed.

Rachel then barged into the Matthews' home and confronted Alice with the documents. She demanded Alice divorce Steven immediately so he could return to her, a woman who had already given him a child and who could give him another. Either that or she would tell Steven and all of Bay City about Alice's inadequacies as a woman. Alice capitulated, desperately wanting only to keep the truth from Steven.

FLASHBACK: 'Another World' The Story of Steven, Rachel & Alice (Part 20)

Steven and Alice married again on May 4, 1974, in a special one-hour
episode that aired on Another World's 10th anniversary.

ANOTHER WORLD: The Story of Steven, Rachel & Alice

The Soap Box
Vol. IV No. 8 August 1979
by Bryna Laub

(continued from Part 19)

Steven immediately removed all his legal business and files from John's office and hired Tim McGowan as his attorney. Tim, not satisfied that John had lost over three-quarters of his practice, now twisted the knife in John's back by calling his remaining clients, implying Steven's dropping John should make them question John's competence as an attorney. Almost overnight John found himself virtually out of business.

With Steven's sentencing on perjury charges only a few weeks away, Alice insisted they go ahead with their remarriage so that even if he went to prison, they would have the solace of being husband and wife again. At Alice's insistence they were married again on the terrace of their home.

FLASHBACK: 'Another World' The Story of Steven, Rachel & Alice (Part 19)

ANOTHER WORLD: The Story of Steven, Rachel & Alice

The Soap Box
Vol. IV No. 8 August 1979
by Bryna Laub

(continued from Part 18)

Actually, Rachel was aware she had little chance of winning an alienation of affections suit without concrete proof but she hoped the prospect of a scandal replete with lurid publicity would drive Alice away again. But inasmuch as Steven had confiscated her copy of the tape recording of his reunion with Alice and Eliot had destroyed the original, the judge declared there was no case and refused to hear it.

Steven, however, realized his case against Rachel was equally shaky and decided to do something about it. He flew to San Francisco and paid Gerald to return to Bay City and testify against Rachel.

Expecting her father to appear in her behalf at the divorce hearing, Rachel was destroyed when he took the stand and proceeded to crucify her. According to Gerald, Rachel had decided to embark on a break-up-Steve-and-Alice campaign and had enlisted him to follow her instructions, including the set-up at Steven's apartment.