Just watched the tribute to Fenn on “Glee”.   I wanted to wait.  Started crying at the first word and didn’t stop until the very end.  What wonderful performances by each and every one, not a false moment from anyone.   True raw emotion and love for Corey & Fenn.   I loved him and certainly didn’t know him.  Part of the magic of TV, movies, etc., is that we can love and enjoy anyone or thing and do not have to make apologies for our feelings.  There was some controversy about Corey’s place in the Emmy award memorials.  They don’t get it, do they?   This was a reminder, a gentle tip…take care of yourselves,  do not waste your lives on drugs,  Enjoy the luxury of making it and encourage others to take care of themselves.  It can be a wonderful life!

I always liked Chandler Massey (Will Horton, DOOL) who didn’t?   Always seemed like a really sweet young man!  When his groundbreaking storyline with Freddie Smith, (Jackson Sonny Kiriakis) started to unfold, I didn’t think he could handle it.  The sound you hear is me eating my words!  He has done a magnificent job and has an emmy to prove it.  Chandler gracefully thanked his perfect counterpart  Smith and said he couldn’t have done it without him.  He is going to be sorely missed  An interesting thing Chandler speaks Chinese Mandarin and so do I!  I studied at the Army Language School in Monterey, CA  five days a week, 6 hours per day for 11 months.  So young Mr Massey, ni hau ma and the very best of luck!~

Brava Madame Harper

So sorry to see that Valerie Harper was voted off of DWTS but she really gave it all that she could.  But that’s Valerie Harper.  I have known her for over 40 years, she’s not my best friend but I will always love her.  I met when she was in the chorus in “Wildcat” with Lucille Ball at the Alvin and I was the usher in the mezzanine.  We would all go the Roxy Bowling Alley on Thursday night after the show and bowl all night and then go to breakfast in the AM. Since the Alvin was one of two theaters that employed male ushers and most of us were actors to be, we were included.  Cut and dissolve…the night that Valerie won her first Emmy for the Mary Tyler Moore Show,  Lucy presented the award to her and as they left the stage, I ran back and greeted them.  The star, the chorus girl and the usher reunited once again.  Cut and dissolve once again, Valarie’s husband at the time  Dick Schaal opened in a play at the Westwood Playhouse and the after party was at Hugh Hefner’s palatial home.  Zina Bethune was my date and once we arrived there,  Zina and I would each do our thing.  She would be pushing her ballet company and I would trying to get some gossip for Rona.   At the end of the pool there was this  big hill and people would go in there and didn’t come out.  Well inquiring minds want to know so I ambled over there and it was a huge Jacuzzi filled with the most beautiful women and handsome men, stark naked.  What’s a boy to do.  A butler came over and showed me the lockers where you could put your clothes and he gave me a towel to wrap around moi.  I saw Max Baer, (all of him) Jethro on The Beverly Hillbillies   I gingerly made my way into the water and sat down as the butler passed around glasses of champagne which certainly loosened me up.  The gentleman on my right passed around a joint and I took a few puffs. I must tell you it was all very innocent.  I noticed that people would go over to my left and disappear into the water and not come back.   Of course I grew curiouser and curiouser and took the plunge.  It was a tunnel, I turned on my back and began to push myself through.  It was a little scary what if I couldn’t get out!  but I pushed myself out where there was some light.  Turns out that came flying out poolside and jumped in the air bareass naked! .  Zina saw me and yelled, Hi Dick!   What are you doing?

A quick Harper memory…several years ago, I was invited to see her as Tallulah Bankhead in “Looped” a new play at the Pasadena Playhouse.  Now I love her but as Tallulah????  She was magnicent, proving once again that versatility is her middle name!. Plus she also did a one woman show as Golda Meier!

 Her appearance on DWTS was awe inspiring and has given new hope for thousands of people!   Brava Madame Harper!

TINSELTOWN BOUTIQUE BUBBLES WITH SOAP OPERA MEMORABILIA

Associated Press
November 5, 1990

If Marilyn Monroe were still alive, she'd be watching DAYS OF OUR LIVES At least that's the contention of the owner of a Hollywood soap opera memorabilia shop.

Dick McInnes, proprietor of the "Bubble Boutique," stocks soap essentials, including paperbacks on the lives of daytime TV personalities, autographed photos, star pins, and a life- size cutout of Monroe wearing a DAYS OF OUR LIVES button.

"I want this place to be sort of a hangout," said McInnes, who opened the boutique on Hollywood Boulevard nine months ago and serves coffee next to a television tuned in to one of six hourlong soaps.

Most boutique items, which include T-shirts, posters and coffee cups with soap opera logos, range from $10 to $20.

Fans can also find soap opera trading cards, which list the actor's height, hair and eye color and such personal information as SANTA BARBARA star Robin Mattson's allergy to bee stings.

Not all of the items in the Bubble Boutique have a price tag.

For instance, an old photo of the GENERAL HOSPITAL cast featuring star-crossed lovers Luke and Laura won't ever be on sale, McInnes said.

"My eventual dream is to make a soap opera museum," he said.

McInnes said he's also working on a memorial bulletin board for Patch, the recently murdered DAYS OF OUR LIVES character, portrayed by Stephen Nichols. The board will feature several photos and say R.I.P.

Soap opera stars are known to make occasional visits to the store to give autographs, he said.  Mcdonald Carey was one of the first to sign his autobiography.

BETTY JANE BOUCHAT McINNES

When I was a tender lad, I worshipped my Uncle Bill.  Who didn’t???  Football player at THS, brown hair, brown eyes, so good looking and loaded with charm.  And what a wonderful guy!  He was a Prince and when he met his Princess, Betty Jane Bouchat, it was like a fairytale come true. She was beautiful and so sweet.   They moved into an apartment  near First Ward School and we were all welcome there.   Then they bought a terrific home in Natrona Heights and were still welcome there. Uncle Bill passed away in 1981 and whenever I came home to Penna., I would go up and visit with her.   We had a wonderful time talking about the good old days.  As I left one time, she pressed $20.00 in my hand and when I protested, she said “No, I want you to have this”.  I felt just like that little boy again.  Betty passed at age 87 last week and she has been treated royally by her loving children, Marcia and Bill Jr. and grandchildren Mandy, Michael & Christine….she deserved it…after all she was a Princess….

I love you Aunt Betty…..always have and  always will.

 

First of all kudos to GH, SoapNet for their extraordinary coverage of the 50^th Anniversary of GH.  Unfortunately I didn’t get the 1^st ten or so and didn’t know they were repeating the whole thing, the Liz Taylor stuff ( was doing extra work on that day and was praying I might be in one of the scenes) but seeing all those wonderful actors and actresses was a trip, hate calling ladies actors…they ain’t!  Jackie Zeman was particularly radiant, Stuart Damon was unbelievably handsome, Denise Alexander, one of the most talented women in the business, Loanne Bishop so sweet and pretty, Philip Tanzini so young and funny, Anna Lee & David Lewis, Gail Brown & Peter Hansen outstanding performers doing outstanding work  Norma Connelly & Rachel Ames, superb actresses always,   Shel Kepler, a bit dizzy but always entertaining, John Stamos already showing his  star potential ….let’s face it they were the best!!  John Beradino and Emily McLaughlin proving that real friendship between a man and a woman could be just as entertaining as romance and watching the Luke and Laura…easily the most romantic, fun and adventuresome duo in soap history….I was just as taken as I was when it was happening and by the way they still have it…..

Remembering those “Thrilling Days of Yesteryear” when Easter was one of the most fun holidays…large coconut eggs dipped in milk chocolate from Joe Clark’s (the best) putting hard boiled eggs into the vinegar and dye mixture, our brand new Easter duds complete with hats.  What special memories! 

Cut and dissolve….Hollywood, CA….I had read about the Easter Sunrise Service at the famed Hollywood Bowl all of my life, well I produced and directed 3 of those services in the 70’s.   What a thrill to stand on that stage and take in the vastness of the Hollywood Bowl…one such service I worked with Bee Beyer a wonderful very Christian woman (I also produced her syndicated TV talk show).  She knew a lot of those avid Christians who wore lots of diamonds and cowboy duds and came to rehearsals in limousines.  But I must tell you though, they were absolutely wonderful and were fun to work with.   My opening number was not one but two Black choral groups (60 each) making their entrance from the top of the Bowl, coming down the steps singing the Hallelujah Chorus interspersed with dancing harem girls…to say the least it was an eye opene r…thank you, Mr. DeMille! Macdonald Carey, radio, television,  soaps (Days of Our Lives) and movie star was a PR client of mine and I asked him to read the Lord’s Prayer at the beginning.  Being an ever vigilant PR man, I went into the audience so I could get a great photo of Mac onstage.   Beautiful moment, Mac in his best theatrical reading standing on the stage and he finished the prayer, raised his arms and 100 white pigeons took off from the stage to the back of the Bowl.  As I stood there taking pic after pic, as they zoomed over my head…some of those little darlings decided it was “ka ka do do” time and I was soon covered with white spots all over me and the camera.  I swear as they flew over I heard one pigeon coo….I told him no pictures….

It’s my Uncle Bill’s birthday…he’s gone now…passed away many years ago much too soon but his persona has stayed with me and will for many years to come.  He was athletic, warm and very handsome. Try to imagine a boy who was the perfect son, brother, uncle and friend all rolled into one….legend has it that he was mischievous too.  Seems that one day, Bill, age 15 and his best friend,  Gail Massart asked my Mom if they could take me for a walk in my baby carriage.  She was busy in the kitchen that had a window that looked out on Fentzel Alley which ran up to 10^th Avenue so she agreed.  It was a bit steep.  She was doing the dishes when she looked up and saw me in my carriage barreling down the alley.  Not to worry, pal, Gail was standing at the end of the alley to catch me.   I was about 3 and I thought this was great fun.  Needless to say,  my Mom didn’t agree but for years we laughed about “the trip”. 

Whenever I would come home, Bill always the first to drop by to see me.  Each time, I promised myself I would call him as soon as I arrived but he always beat me to it.  He made me feel so special.   He had the great fortune to marry the girl of his dreams, Betty Jane Bouchet and had two wonderful children, Bill Jr and Marcia. 

Uncle  Bill…thanks  for all that you did for all of us and for being such an inspiration…you were truly one of the good guys!

OK let’s talk about the soaps….Y&R first

Sick about Steve Burton leaving GH…..yeah, I know probably time.   But it was so good to see him seemingly happy for the first time in years.   At last he was smiling!!! Alas he goes to Y&R and what do the brains there do…they have him coming back from the dead (how original!) and he gets in a car accident!...Bravo writers!!...just remember Steve, what they did to Genie Francis on Y&R….made her character so stupid that she mucked up her nuptials to Jack, etc, etc.   She did some wonderful work when she went undercover but it was too late…they bring  Tristan Rogers over and write him so badly that he’s gone…they  don’t seem to know what to do with stars.   Doug Davidson has been doing the best work of his career and I sincerely hope he gets that damn Emmy soon….Melody Thomas whom I personally and professionally adore is  saddled with that ass Victor once again.   Does she ever learn…his evil persona  is becoming so BORING….wasting Jess Walton is ridiculous…and does anyone in Genoa City see that there is a major blizzard going on ...does anyone have any cold weather coats, hats & scarves?…Katherine (poor dear can’t afford a chauffeur), Phyllis, Lauren, Avery, all driving in a major blizzard (the affects showing the raging blizzard outside of everyone’s windows were spectacular)  having Kate Linder wear that maid’s uniform would be funny if it wasn’t so idiotic..  they have made Fenn the most terrible villain…I almost expect  him to grow a mustache so he can twist it, Lauren is finally getting to do some emoting and of course, she does it well….the troubled youth, Jamie is excellent and it is well written…so having watched it since day  1, I will always stick by them but sometimes it’s difficult.  I think that most daytime actors do an incredible job and work very hard….but don’t get me wrong, I love soap operas!

Finally found a solution for those so important news interruptions on our soaps…screw ABC, CBS & NBC who actually think that soap audiences do indeed care about those things….car chases, funerals, etc.   They belong in the news slots where they have an audience.   Big moment on B&B the other day and it was interrupted...they used to rerun it early In the AM but now they do nothing.  So I now tape all the soaps except B&B on SoapNet later in the day and watch them at night.   Because B&B is a half hour show, they won’t show B&B which is plain stupid. And SoapNet is really going all out to celebrate GH’s upcoming 50^th Anniversary.  Check it out!!

February 19 was the birthday of my favorite aunt, Helen Elizabeth McInnes Moore.   It is also the birthdate of my cousin Bill McInnes.  (something I didn’t know until last year)    Helen was one of those very special ladies that  made an indelible impression on all that knew her.  A favorite story….Helen lived in a three bedroom apartment  above a store on 6^th Avenue overlooking the train station with  her Dad and his new wife, also named Helen (they became known as Big Helen and Little Helen).  You could look out the windows and watch the trains stop and pick up passengers.   One morning, Little Helen left for work, boarded the train and sat by a window.  She lit up a cigarette (no one knew that she smoked) and began to read the newspaper.  As she puffed on it, the train backed up and Grandpap and Big Helen could see her!  When she came home they told what they saw and all had a good laugh! 

Every year on my birthday, she would take me to a movie and then over to New Kensington to Milano’s for Italian food.  Now on my birthday I either go out or stay at home and make spaghetti and watch an old movie in her honor….she became very  ill a couple of years ago and had to be placed in a rest home.  When I was home, I visited her with her devoted husband, Joe Moore who was truly one of the good guys.  He went to see her every day.   When I went into her room she seemed very remote and  I hugged her and said…Next to my mother, you are the most important woman in my life…she looked up and gave me the biggest smile!!

 I am so blessed to have had the family and to have these warm memories!!

McINNES         GOODBYE DOLLY

My beloved cousin, Lydia “Dolly” Brown, 89 passed recently and she will be sorely missed.  One of the funniest ladies that I’ve ever known, she was my Mom’s best friend as well as her cousin and she was my pal.  Thelma and Dolly came out here together many times and Judy and I were able to take them everywhere & show them a great time, they loved CA and all the glamour.  I was able to introduce them to Jack Oakie, Christine Jorgenson, Fifi D’Orsay , Joel McCrea, Frances Dee, and as Louella used to say a host of others.  We traveled to Las Vegas where Phyllis Diller made fun of them in the audience, to  San Francisco which was a hysterical scene.  We drove up with Judy, Mom, Dolly and Lauren, did the usual tourist bits. On the  last night we took a cable car back to our motel.  It was chilly so I sat inside.  My ladies didn’t want to miss a moment of the cable car experience so they sat outside and kept asking very loudly Dickie (well that was what they used to call me) is this our stop..Dickie are we almost there, etc. 

 I kept trying to pretend that I wasn’t Dickie  but when we got off, I turned to the laughing passengers  and said, Say goodnight Dick.

 As the cable call continued down the hill,  all aboard took turns saying  Good night Dick!! We were laughing so hard listening to this that one of us peed ourpants…(Dolly).  It was a memory that we never forgot and always laughed about.  She was an independent soul and took good care of herself and made lots of friends in the retirement apartments where she lived.  6 months ago, she began to fade and it was decided that she should move to Wisconsin to live with her daughter Debi and her husband Max.  God bless them! That’s what they  do back home. they take care of  each other   

I called her several times in the last months and we laughed about the good old days and honey, those were the good old days.  I sometimes look up at the sky at night and hear Thelma and Dolly laughing!!!

Goodbye Dear Dolly…..thanks the memories!