Billie Rae Bates's Blog, page 68
September 30, 2015
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con: James Rosin
From in front of the camera to the printed script, to the pages of a book ... James Rosin has experienced all of that -- and sometimes he has experienced all of that centered around the same show! ("Quincy M.E.") Rosin has appeared on several TV shows, from "Love, American Style" through "Sleepers." He has also written books about the shows "Quincy," "Route 66," "Wagon Train" and more. Here, he talks with Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV about his career.
This rounds out our coverage of the 2015 Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con a couple weekends ago in Maryland. What a good time! Special thanks to our fellow author Brian Lombard for the assist with the camera!
This rounds out our coverage of the 2015 Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con a couple weekends ago in Maryland. What a good time! Special thanks to our fellow author Brian Lombard for the assist with the camera!
September 28, 2015
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con: Stanley Livingston
It was our first time at the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con, a show brimming with stars of classic TV, a show that we've had our eyes on for years. And what a good day to go to this event, which ran September 17-19 -- this author was there the last day of the show, when things were a little quieter. When I could chat a bit with those said stars, and not keep them from the swarming throngs. Take Stanley Livingston, who played one of "My Three Sons." Loved that show!!!! Livingston talked about what it was like to grow up on the show -- and what little pranks he may have accidentally played with his bro and castmate, Barry ...
Keep tabs on Stanley on his website, StanleyLivingston.com, and watch for a new companion guide to "My Three Sons," which you see a draft of in this interview!
Keep tabs on Stanley on his website, StanleyLivingston.com, and watch for a new companion guide to "My Three Sons," which you see a draft of in this interview!
September 25, 2015
Profiles in History auction offers classic "Dynasty," "Dukes," "Star Trek" goodies and much more
Ever wanted a tunic just like Spock's in the original "Star Trek" series? How about Spock's actual tunic from the original "Star Trek" series? The possibility is even more meaningful since we lost Leonard Nimoy recently. The Profiles in History auction has that tunic, along with some other stuff from classic TV shows.
The auction, Hollywood Auction 74, starts at 11 a.m. PDT on September 29, and continues September 30 and October 1 and will feature almost 1,900 noteworthy lots. The three-day event has items from a range of TV shows. Invaluable.com is hosting this auction on their website. They are the largest online auction marketplace with several live auctions running daily. If you're interested in other prop or collection auctions be sure to keep your eyes on their collectibles page.
Behold these two offerings for next week, from the auction's press materials:
Lot 1590: Leonard Nimoy “Spock” tunic from "Star Trek: The Original Series"Estimated Price - $70,000 - $90,000This velour science division Starfleet duty uniform tunic was worn by Leonard Nimoy as the mixed human-Vulcan first officer, “Mr. Spock”, in the second season of Star Trek: The Original Series. Complete with original rank braiding on the sleeves and insignia, this incredible piece has been stored in a dark closet since 1968 and the color remains exceptionally vibrant. What is truly remarkable is the iron-clad accompanying provenance. This Nimoy Spock tunic was the first prize in a 1968 “TV Star Parade’s Star Trek--Design-a-Costume Contest.” Never before have we encountered such a prized wardrobe piece from the Original Series with such exceptional documentation. Mr. Spock remains as the overwhelming favorite and most highly desired Star Trek character by collectors. This second season tunic is beyond reproach. Tiny 2 mm. hole on the left breast with slight staining under the arms; very fine overall condition.
Lot 1591: Star Trek: The Original Series script signed by cast and Gene RoddenberryEstimated Price - $1,000 - $1,500Star Trek: The Original Series script signed by cast and Gene Roddenberry. (Paramount TV, 1966-1969) Vintage original studio bound and bradded 113-multi-color revision page final draft script written by Jerome Bixby. Originally the personal shooting script of Vic Perrin who guest starred in the episode as “Tharn.” In vintage very good condition.
The array of "Trek" items on the third day of the auction is quite stunning.
There's also a "General Lee" 1969 Dodge Charger from The Dukes of Hazzard going up for bids.
And if that didn't already float your boat, a "Dynasty" cast-signed script.
Among the other classic TV offerings:
An autographed photo of Jay Silverheels from "The Lone Ranger"Clayton Moore’s “Lone Ranger” personal appearance outfit"The Lone Ranger" episode script Warden Neil vintage original costume sketch of Michael Jackson from "The Jacksons" TV show, 1976-1977Lucille Ball as “Marilyn Monroe” mink cuffs from "I Love Lucy" and several other wardrobe pieces for Lucille BallLassie promotional appearance dog jackets (Jon Provost just told us about those personal appearances in our interview with him from last weekend's Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con!)"Dragnet" and "Adam" 12 (3) miniature badges Bob Keeshan “Captain Kangaroo” signature costume"The Outer Limits" advance pilot script with shooting scheduleMansion elevation for "The Munsters" and floor plan Dawn Wells signature “Mary Ann” costume for "Gilligan’s Island" (guess that answers one of the questions we asked Dawn Wells at this past year's Motor City Comic Con!)Billy Mumy “Will Robinson” tunic and pants for "Lost in Space"Bob Crane “Col. Hogan” brown bomber jacket and shirt from "Hogan’s Heroes" Script from "The Green Hornet""Night Gallery" pilot script for Rod Serling premiere trilogy episodeHenry Winkler Fonzie jacket from"Happy Days"Original Sleestak head maquette from "Land of the Lost"
Images courtesy of Profiles in History; please do not copy without permission.
The auction, Hollywood Auction 74, starts at 11 a.m. PDT on September 29, and continues September 30 and October 1 and will feature almost 1,900 noteworthy lots. The three-day event has items from a range of TV shows. Invaluable.com is hosting this auction on their website. They are the largest online auction marketplace with several live auctions running daily. If you're interested in other prop or collection auctions be sure to keep your eyes on their collectibles page.
Behold these two offerings for next week, from the auction's press materials:
Lot 1590: Leonard Nimoy “Spock” tunic from "Star Trek: The Original Series"Estimated Price - $70,000 - $90,000This velour science division Starfleet duty uniform tunic was worn by Leonard Nimoy as the mixed human-Vulcan first officer, “Mr. Spock”, in the second season of Star Trek: The Original Series. Complete with original rank braiding on the sleeves and insignia, this incredible piece has been stored in a dark closet since 1968 and the color remains exceptionally vibrant. What is truly remarkable is the iron-clad accompanying provenance. This Nimoy Spock tunic was the first prize in a 1968 “TV Star Parade’s Star Trek--Design-a-Costume Contest.” Never before have we encountered such a prized wardrobe piece from the Original Series with such exceptional documentation. Mr. Spock remains as the overwhelming favorite and most highly desired Star Trek character by collectors. This second season tunic is beyond reproach. Tiny 2 mm. hole on the left breast with slight staining under the arms; very fine overall condition.
Lot 1591: Star Trek: The Original Series script signed by cast and Gene RoddenberryEstimated Price - $1,000 - $1,500Star Trek: The Original Series script signed by cast and Gene Roddenberry. (Paramount TV, 1966-1969) Vintage original studio bound and bradded 113-multi-color revision page final draft script written by Jerome Bixby. Originally the personal shooting script of Vic Perrin who guest starred in the episode as “Tharn.” In vintage very good condition. The array of "Trek" items on the third day of the auction is quite stunning.
There's also a "General Lee" 1969 Dodge Charger from The Dukes of Hazzard going up for bids.
And if that didn't already float your boat, a "Dynasty" cast-signed script.
Among the other classic TV offerings:
An autographed photo of Jay Silverheels from "The Lone Ranger"Clayton Moore’s “Lone Ranger” personal appearance outfit"The Lone Ranger" episode script Warden Neil vintage original costume sketch of Michael Jackson from "The Jacksons" TV show, 1976-1977Lucille Ball as “Marilyn Monroe” mink cuffs from "I Love Lucy" and several other wardrobe pieces for Lucille BallLassie promotional appearance dog jackets (Jon Provost just told us about those personal appearances in our interview with him from last weekend's Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con!)"Dragnet" and "Adam" 12 (3) miniature badges Bob Keeshan “Captain Kangaroo” signature costume"The Outer Limits" advance pilot script with shooting scheduleMansion elevation for "The Munsters" and floor plan Dawn Wells signature “Mary Ann” costume for "Gilligan’s Island" (guess that answers one of the questions we asked Dawn Wells at this past year's Motor City Comic Con!)Billy Mumy “Will Robinson” tunic and pants for "Lost in Space"Bob Crane “Col. Hogan” brown bomber jacket and shirt from "Hogan’s Heroes" Script from "The Green Hornet""Night Gallery" pilot script for Rod Serling premiere trilogy episodeHenry Winkler Fonzie jacket from"Happy Days"Original Sleestak head maquette from "Land of the Lost"
Images courtesy of Profiles in History; please do not copy without permission.
September 24, 2015
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con: David Pollock
Remember on "All in the Family" when Edith got that mink? And it had to go to the cleaners (cue Mr. Jefferson!)? Well, David Pollock remembers it, because he wrote it! Pollock also wrote for other classic TV shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "M*A*S*H." Comedy writing is his specialty, and he also has a new book out about the comedy team Bob and Ray. Pollock talked with Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV at last weekend's Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con in Maryland, just as things were winding down a bit on the last day of this fun show ...
September 22, 2015
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con: Jon Provost
For his role on the classic TV series "Lassie," actor Jon Provost had to establish a rapport with this lovable collie off-screen as well as on-screen. In the midst of his seven-year run on the show -- where he started at the tender age of 7 -- he established more than that, however. He established a sort of a calling that would stay with him for decades. Provost talked to Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV at this past weekend's Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con about not only his time on "Lassie," but the special visits he made to hospitalized children, and the important work he does with animals to this very day.
September 20, 2015
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con serves up some classic TV fun
It was our first time at this past weekend's Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con in Hunt Valley, Maryland, and we had a lot of fun. Not only did we behold some fabulous stars of classic television, but we got to indulge our love for some terrific TV toys of the 1970s and '80s, as well ...
It was a Bionic reunion as Lindsay Wagner, above, star of "The Bionic Woman," appeared, as well as Lee Majors of "The Six Million Dollar Man" and their costar Richard Anderson, below, with his manager.
Action figure cosplay? Believe it! This couple did a dynamite redeaux of the Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman 12-inch figures of the 1970s by Kenner (see the real things in the first season of the Terrific TV Toys series, by the way!). And wow, yes, there were action figures for "The Love Boat." Seriously ..
"The Dukes of Hazzard," Donny and Marie Osmond's variety show, "Charlie's Angels," "Mork and Mindy" and more ... We saw all kinds of tempting TV toys!!!!
Stay tuned, because we're bringing you four great interviews from the event in the coming days ...
Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTVCopying with credit is OK; a link would be grand
It was a Bionic reunion as Lindsay Wagner, above, star of "The Bionic Woman," appeared, as well as Lee Majors of "The Six Million Dollar Man" and their costar Richard Anderson, below, with his manager.
Action figure cosplay? Believe it! This couple did a dynamite redeaux of the Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman 12-inch figures of the 1970s by Kenner (see the real things in the first season of the Terrific TV Toys series, by the way!). And wow, yes, there were action figures for "The Love Boat." Seriously ..
"The Dukes of Hazzard," Donny and Marie Osmond's variety show, "Charlie's Angels," "Mork and Mindy" and more ... We saw all kinds of tempting TV toys!!!!
Stay tuned, because we're bringing you four great interviews from the event in the coming days ...
Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTVCopying with credit is OK; a link would be grand
September 14, 2015
TV-themed goodies get us ready for the holiday season ... but just not quite yet
I know, I know -- how frustrating is it to see Christmas stuff in the stores in September? We don't like it much either. We like to hang onto summer in September, embrace our pumpkin spice lattes and Batgirl costume only in October, love Thanksgiving in November, THEN (and only then) enjoy the Christmas season. Still, we couldn't help but snap photos of what we saw in the Hallmark store over this past weekend. So many fun Christmas tree ornaments related to beloved classic TV shows, from the Six Million Dollar Man to the Muppets and Mork from Ork and more ...
Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTVCopying with credit is OK; a link would be grand
Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTVCopying with credit is OK; a link would be grand
September 1, 2015
"Dukes of Hazzard" creator Gy Waldron weighs in on the Confederate flag
Much has been said in recent months about the Confederate flag that sits atop the General Lee car on "The Dukes of Hazzard." We were delighted, however, to read these words from Gy Waldron, the creator of the beloved 1980s TV series. Mr. Waldron is kind enough to let us reprint them here ...
Waldron is still at his writing craft, by the way. He has written a book, a romantic thriller called "Twist of Time." See GyWaldron.com to learn more.
......................................
The General Lee
My grandfather, Franklin, of whom Uncle Jesse was based, said, “Never debate with one whom you must first educate; you’ll both lose.”
The discussion about the Confederate flag is impassioned and acrimonious, and I don’t want to heighten the tension or offend, defend, preach or justify.
Growing up in the South, I had an experience with the Confederate flag that perhaps those who reside outside the South may not understand. Family, friends, neighbors and local business owners had no attachment to racism or white supremacy, but many – most – did fly the flag from their porches. Seeing the flag flying was ordinary and uneventful yet seeped in culture. It represented not slavery nor racism, but Southern heritage—much like sweet tea, cobbler, playing country music on the back porch, or multiple dialects. It was unique to its setting, found almost everywhere, and most definitely not a symbol of racism.
To have it placed on the roof of the General Lee was not politically profound; it defined the culture of Hazzard County, which had nothing to do with racial superiority. And while “Southern lifestyle” is entangled with controversial definitions, the one referred to here crosses racial lines—I shared this experience with black and white friends throughout my lifetime.
My family history is entangled; two brothers fought on opposite sides of the Civil War and my great, great grandfather, Anthony McGill, owned slaves. One year before the war started, McGill became a Baptist Abolitionist, and as such, no longer had slaves under the dictates of his faith. Two of the then former slaves moved north, while another two, a couple, chose to stay on the plantation with McGill. They were sharecroppers, the first in the county, and were buried in our family graveyard after a long life of farming with my family. Generations later, we were active in the Civil Rights movement.
None of this is to mark my place with a particular opinion. I’m laying out my experience, not for an expiation of wrongdoing, because I am not a racist; it is merely to establish discourse and personal clarity. I hope you’ll join me in conversation and help deepen my understanding of all angles and thoughts on the matter.
--Gy
Waldron is still at his writing craft, by the way. He has written a book, a romantic thriller called "Twist of Time." See GyWaldron.com to learn more.
......................................
The General Lee
My grandfather, Franklin, of whom Uncle Jesse was based, said, “Never debate with one whom you must first educate; you’ll both lose.”
The discussion about the Confederate flag is impassioned and acrimonious, and I don’t want to heighten the tension or offend, defend, preach or justify.
Growing up in the South, I had an experience with the Confederate flag that perhaps those who reside outside the South may not understand. Family, friends, neighbors and local business owners had no attachment to racism or white supremacy, but many – most – did fly the flag from their porches. Seeing the flag flying was ordinary and uneventful yet seeped in culture. It represented not slavery nor racism, but Southern heritage—much like sweet tea, cobbler, playing country music on the back porch, or multiple dialects. It was unique to its setting, found almost everywhere, and most definitely not a symbol of racism.
To have it placed on the roof of the General Lee was not politically profound; it defined the culture of Hazzard County, which had nothing to do with racial superiority. And while “Southern lifestyle” is entangled with controversial definitions, the one referred to here crosses racial lines—I shared this experience with black and white friends throughout my lifetime.
My family history is entangled; two brothers fought on opposite sides of the Civil War and my great, great grandfather, Anthony McGill, owned slaves. One year before the war started, McGill became a Baptist Abolitionist, and as such, no longer had slaves under the dictates of his faith. Two of the then former slaves moved north, while another two, a couple, chose to stay on the plantation with McGill. They were sharecroppers, the first in the county, and were buried in our family graveyard after a long life of farming with my family. Generations later, we were active in the Civil Rights movement.
None of this is to mark my place with a particular opinion. I’m laying out my experience, not for an expiation of wrongdoing, because I am not a racist; it is merely to establish discourse and personal clarity. I hope you’ll join me in conversation and help deepen my understanding of all angles and thoughts on the matter.
--Gy
August 28, 2015
Terrific TV Toys on Wheels: KITT of "Knight Rider"
We have had a great time this week and last week showing you some Terrific TV Toys on Wheels, as a special set of episodes in our regular web series. For the fourth installment, we turn our attention to the classic '80s TV show "Knight Rider," starring David Hasselhoff. Little boys everywhere (including this author's cousin, Jimmy!) were once enthralled by Michael Knight and his talking car KITT, and perhaps still are, and in this episode, we talk to one of those boys all grown up: David of Clio, Michigan. David loves taking his KITT car to shows all across Michigan, like this one, the Cruisin' Hines show that happened last weekend in Metro Detroit. His KITT has a working dashboard full of gizmos and gadgets and a voice of KITT that just doesn't quit! Thanks so much, David, for taking the time to talk to BRBTV!
August 25, 2015
Terrific TV Toys on Wheels: The General Lee
In the past week, the Terrific TV Toys series delivered up a couple great TV star cars: the Munsters Koach and the Batmobile. Well, now, how about a little "Dukes of Hazzard" action? In the newest episode, it's another great Terrific TV Toy on Wheels as we talk to Kevin of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, about his General Lee. He bought it from our buddy Billy in Tennesee, and it was bright and gleaming as it took in the fifth annual Cruisin' Hines event in Livonia, Michigan, this past weekend. Kevin even weighs in on that whole Confederate flag business as he tells us about some of the details of this car.
And then, who stops by, but President Abraham Lincoln? Or a guy who looks a whole lot like him?! Ron is from Livonia, and this is the second year in a row we saw him stop by the star cars and pose for pictures at Cruisin' Hines.
Finally, at the end of this episode, you will behold the beautiful array of "Dukes" cast and crew signatures Kevin has on the trunk lid of his General. He tells BRBTV he regrets not being able to have Christopher ("Vance Duke") Mayer sign the trunk, too, before the actor passed a few years ago. But it's a good collection, besides!
Stay tuned, because we've got one more TV star car to show ya this week ...
And then, who stops by, but President Abraham Lincoln? Or a guy who looks a whole lot like him?! Ron is from Livonia, and this is the second year in a row we saw him stop by the star cars and pose for pictures at Cruisin' Hines.
Finally, at the end of this episode, you will behold the beautiful array of "Dukes" cast and crew signatures Kevin has on the trunk lid of his General. He tells BRBTV he regrets not being able to have Christopher ("Vance Duke") Mayer sign the trunk, too, before the actor passed a few years ago. But it's a good collection, besides!
Stay tuned, because we've got one more TV star car to show ya this week ...
