From reading the boards at soapoperanetwork.com I found out from Roger who is currating the episodes that the original set up for this disc was different. Morgan and Kelly’s wedding was a replacement for Alan and Hope’s nuptials, which could not be included due to music issues. The double wedding ceremony episode (Lillian/Buzz and Vanessa/Billy) was a replacement for the 1994 wedding of Blake and Ross, which they had not gotten a tape of in time to make the deadline. At least that made me feel a tad better as I would have been horrified to believe that anyone coming up with a GL collection would believe that there were no significant weddings after Josh and Reva wed in 1989 and before Gus and Harley in 2005. There are a good number of ceremonies that aired in that time frame that I would have liked to see again. Hopefully some will appear in a future release, I’d cross my fingers, but then I couldn’t type this blog entry.
That said I know I would have preferred the original line up for these reasons:
- I’ve seen very little of Alan and Hope’s story and it would have been cool to see something more about the love life of Alan-Michael’s parents as I loved that character in the 90s. Alan and Hope were very popular in their time. I've been curious for years about them as many have said Hope was the love of Alan's life. Anything that would make it easier for me to understand that interest would be great.
- In the case of the 1994 wedding, I remember running home from school to watch Blake and Ross’s wedding and thinking about how summer vacation was soon to start. So it would bring back happy memories of that time. Also it would have been one of the few episodes that had Roger and Holly interacting without a serious amount of angst.
- I find watching episodes from the last few weeks/months difficult as sometimes the sadness a performer was feeling would pop out in the action. Also I have the 2009 wedding episode on DVD, so I can easily watch it again if I so desire.
Episode 1: August 18, 1991
Guiding Light filmed Morgan (Kristen Vigard) and Kelly’s (John Wesley Shipp) wedding on location in Connecticut. The episode on the DVD was missing the song “My Cup Runneth Over”, which was performed by Don Stewart, who portrayed the character Mike Bauer. Hope (Elvera Rousell) was extremely pregnant at the time, the child that resulted was Alan-Michael, and Alan (Chris Bernau) wanted to get back together with her. Mike goes to talk to Hope, and she admits to her dad that while she wants to get back together with Alan, due to what he did, she cannot. Later Alan goes in to speak with Hope, but Mike interrupts them. On his way out he apologizes to his wife. Trudy (Amy Steel) was Morgan’s attendant, while Kelly’s godfather Ed (Mart Hulswit) was the best man. Kelly and Morgan spoke their own vows. Also at the wedding were Bert (Charita Bauer), Jennifer (Geraldine Court), Ben (Stephen Yates), Eve (Janet Grey), Sara (Millette Alexander), Adam (Robert Milli), Hillary (Marsha Clark) and Derek (Harley Venton). The music for “You Needed Me” which was Morgan and Kelly’s theme was replaced with something generic unfortunately. The scenes within the tent seemed to be filmed in NY, but everything else was done outside. Alan gives enough money for Morgan and Kelly to have a nest egg. Jennifer and Alan talk about his marriage issues as do Sara and Hope. Hillary caught the bridal bouquet, and Kelly wished that Derek would become more serious in his relationship with Hillary. Kelly and Hillary had a past, and he wanted the best for her. Kelly and Morgan leave together, and they walk up to the falls. There is a lot of ambient noise as they stand on the rocks. At the end of the show, a version of “You Needed Me” plays.
The rest of the episode focused on the non-wedding of Floyd (Tom Nielsen) and Nola (Lisa Brown). (The only context I’ve heard or read the term non-wedding, is television.) They were getting married by a justice of the peace. Floyd’s sister Katie (Denise Pence), Bea (Lee Lawson), and Tony (Greg Beecroft) were the only guests. Nola realized she couldn’t marry him even though she was having his child. Floyd wants to marry her, even if she doesn’t feel the same. Nola leaves Floyd to tell everyone. Tony offers to pay for the ceremony that didn’t happen, but Floyd said it is his job. Floyd and the others were obviously upset, but since it was the early 1980s and not decades earlier they could not force a wedding. She decided to leave and move out of the boarding house to stay with Gracie. The boarders talk about how the wedding did not happen. When left alone, Floyd fell to the ground and cried. Tony left because he was upset, and he and Katie spoke about it all in the boarding house kitchen. They both laugh about the situation and how bad the flowers and backdrop where at the justice of the peace. I thought Tony’s tie was also pretty hideous, but I guess it was the style back then. Floyd then finally admits to Katie that Nola is pregnant with his child. Bea berates her daughter over what happened and throws it in her face about how she used Floyd to try to trap Kelly. Bea admits that she is afraid for her daughter. Katie confronted Nola about the situation. She makes Nola promise to keep her abreast about their pregnancy. Katie and Tony flirt somewhat, and she admits that he isn’t a complete jerk. When Nola left, she took her Raggedy Ann doll.
While this episode was advertised as being Kelly and Morgan’s wedding, the fallout of Nola and Floyd not getting married was significant too. Both stories came to a head at the same time, but eventually Nola would find happiness too.
Episode 2: June 24, 1983
Quint (Michael Tylo) and Nola’s wedding was also filmed in part on remote in Connecticut. The Reardon clan and Quint’s new family the Chamberlains surrounded the couple. Maureen (Ellen Dolan), Nola’s best friend Gracie Middleton (Lori Shelle) and Vanessa (Maeve Kinkead) were her attendants. What was amusing was that Lola was referenced as taking care of the food, and we don’t see her. Much maligned future soap writer Megan McTavish played Lola. Nola didn’t make it to the church on time as all the cars left without her. She called the fire department to get her to her own wedding. The firemen brought her, and they stayed for the ceremony. The firedog, which happened to be a Dalmatian, was left outside on the steps. They didn’t tie up the dog, which I thought was amusing though irresponsible.
While waiting for Nola to appear everyone got worried as she wasn’t there. This episode was a screwball comedy as the bride was forgotten as Bea took one limo and Tony took the other. When he found out that Nola wasn’t there Quint shouted. The rings being forgotten would have been bad enough due to the week they had. The church they had planned to marry at caught on fire. There was one sweet scene between Quint and his newly discovered father Henry (William Roerick). Tony also told Quint about how he was amazed by who his sisters Maureen and Nola decided to marry, but they both made good choices.
Otherwise Maureen and Ed (Peter Simon) flirted, and Ed was acting a lot like the Ed later viewers knew except he was smiling and relaxed. Two funny things were that Ed wore Maureen’s earrings, and she called him Edward. Billy (Jordan Clarke) visited with Vanessa. This was very early in their relationship. Vanessa was a handful, and she made snarky remarks not just to Billy, but the other bridesmaids. It is a wonder that years later, she and Maureen became best friends.
People who were at the wedding that didn’t talk that I saw in the pews, Alan, Bert, Rick (Michael O’Leary), Mike and Mrs. Renfield (Beulah Garrick). Michael O’Leary has shared memories of the past sitting with Charita discussing life during the filming of this episode. When watching this episode, I thought of that story.
At the ceremony, a child sang Ave Maria. Floyd was sitting in the front row with their daughter Stacy. One of the other humor bits was due to Nola being so late, the organist ran out of music.
Other than the wedding, we saw the younger gang as this episode aired the same week as the 1983 prom. The scenes with Phillip (Grant Aleskander), Beth (Judi Evans) and Mindy (Krista Teserau) touched upon it. Phillip and Mindy were hanging out and flirting talking about their plans for the day. Mindy wanted to see a movie, but every idea that she had he shot down like going to Return of the Jedi. In this episode, Phillip had these shorts on that were somewhat distracting, but I digress. Beth brought over a drawing she made of the gang for Mindy as a thank you. She also gave Mindy back her dress, and a few dollars for the shoes. Beth had no idea how expensive they were, which was kind of embarrassing, but Mindy did not let on that it was not enough. One shoe ended up with Phillip and the other with Rick. Mindy got a bit frustrated when Phillip invited Beth to stay and eat. Eventually Beth left, and a frisky Phillip and Mindy had sex.
Episode 3: July 18, 1989
Josh (Robert Newman) and Reva (Kim Zimmer) got married outside at Cross Creek in Oklahoma. This event was taped on location in Pennsylvania. The majority of the cast was not in attendance as it was a small wedding. The only people there who weren’t members of either clan that lived in Springfield were Hamp (Vince Williams) and Wanda (Carey Cromelin). Dylan (Morgan Englund) was also there and a Springfield character, but at the time it wasn’t known that he was Reva and Billy’s son.
Flashbacks of Reva and Josh’s life were shown along with her many hairstyles. Of course, Reva and Josh’s daughter Marah (Ashley Peldon) was thrilled that her parents were getting married. Reva had her brother Rusty (Terrell Anthony), her father Hawk (Gil Rogers who to some will always be evil Ray Gardner on All My Children), and mother Sarah (Audrey Peters) supporting her. Josh had his father HB (Larry Gates), older brother Billy, and niece Mindy (Kim Simms, who just started with GL). During the ceremony itself the Lord’s Prayer was sung by a vocalist.
This wedding felt like a real life ceremony in a lot of ways as it was the only thing going on in the episode. Seeing people sitting around on quilts in a field and dancing without much dialogue were parts of this event. It felt in some ways like an actual wedding video, which is funny considering Billy makes one for them, but more on that later. There was some talk between Mindy and Rusty about how her husband Will (Joseph Breen) killed his wife Rose (Alexandra Neil), though neither was at the event obviously.
Much to the chagrin of nearly everyone Billy wanted to make a video during the reception for Josh and Reva. Most of the characters didn’t want to speak on camera or weren’t sure how to talk about their relationship. HB really didn’t want to leave a message. Stories were shared about Reva and Josh not only as adults, but also as childhood pals who fell in love. Some of them were silly while others were poignant as they showed how much they cared for each other. Eventually everyone did speak including Otis the groundskeeper at Cross Creek and other assorted Oklahoma pals that I do not know. I apologize for not being more specific, but since the episode did not have a guest cast list, I can’t give more detail.
Episode 4: August 19, 2005
Harley and Gus get married and leave for their honeymoon in Greece. Mallet chases Phillip in a parking garage but doesn’t catch up with him. Rick tells them that Phillip’s body was in the coffin and he is dead. Phillip calls Rick and thanks him for keeping his secret. Marina catches the bouquet and looks happy about it. Lizzie steals some of Gus and Harley’s wedding presents. (Money) Beth tells Alan she accepts and wants to get married now.
Gus (Ricky Paull Goldin) and Harley (Beth Ehlers) got married outside of Company. This wedding took place at the studio and not on location. Harley's attendants are Mel (Yvonna Wright), Blake (Liz Keifer), Cassie (Laura Wright) and Marina (Mandy Bruno). Sadly this is one of the last (if not the last time Mel, Blake, Cassie and Harley hang out…) Gus's best man is Frank (Frank Dicopolous). Buzz (Justin Deas), little Zach and Jude walked Harley down the aisle and Ross (Jerry verDorn) as the mayor made a speech and then married the happy couple.
Lizzie (Crystal Hunt), Rick and Alex (Marj Dusay) are all inside and interact within the restaurant. Rick is upset about Phillip, and Lizzie is stressed over not having money for a wedding present. Alex offers to give Lizzie money, but she says no. Sitting outside, Rick explains to Beth (Beth Chamberlin) why he is upset. Alan (Ron Raines) got Phillip's coffin exhumed and Rick looked at the body. Later Gus and Harley discuss the coffin, and how Zach lost his father.
Mallet (Rob Bogue) wistfully watches Harley and Gus say their vows from inside Company. He knows that Phillip wasn't in the coffin and wants to say something about it. Harley mentions in her vows that she loves that Gus loves her kids. Gus makes a joke about how Harley's family is crazy and apologizes to Frank. Mallet walks in, while the speak now or forever hold your peace line is covered and says nothing. Gus and Harley put on the other's ring and kiss each other's hand. They are then pronounced husband and wife. The boys cover their eyes when they are kissing.
Danny (Paul Anthony Stewart) and Marina chat as at this time they are dating. She admits that she went to see Michelle. Danny and Marina discuss what Marina and Michelle talked about, and she admits that she invited Michelle to the wedding. Later in the episode, she catches the bridal bouquet.
Cassie and Jeffrey (Bradley Cole) kiss and then she says he has to perform with the band. He says only if she does too, and she says that's cruel.
Lizzie and Beth argue over Lizzie being cut off financially. Beth tells her daughter that if she moves back home this would not be an issue. Lizzie feels that Beth has problems. Lizzie finds some envelopes filled with money. Coop (John Driscoll) explains they are wedding gifts, some of which Lizzie later steals.
Buzz gives a speech to the happy couple, and later everyone does Greek dancing.
Mallet talks to Rick about Phillip, and Rick continues to lie for Phillip. After Mallet leaves, Rick talks to Phillip on the phone and they talk about the past, and how he isn't coming back to Springfield anytime soon.
Beth and Alan become engaged, and she wants to get married right away. She brings a preacher into the room.
On their way out of the reception to catch a plane to Greece, Harley and Gus thank everyone for coming. There are lots of hugs and they say goodbye. Before they leave we see them in Company mentioning that they should have married sooner.
Episode 5: September 14, 2009
This wedding was filmed on location at the Lake Mohawk Country Club in Sparta, New Jersey. Other scenes were filmed on set in NYC. This is not a full summary, for one of those please visit soapcentral.com
Buzz and Lillian (Tina Sloan) did not plan to marry at the same time as Vanessa and Billy. He only proposed to her at the club that day, and she said yes. It was Billy and Vanessa's idea as everyone was already there. Since Buzz and Billy share a granddaughter Daisy/Susan (Bonnie Dennison) and Vanessa and Billy's son Bill (Daniel Cosgrove) married Lillian's granddaughter Lizzie (Marcy Rylan), they would have a lot of the same guests. While Lillian had been married before this was her first real wedding, and the only on camera nuptials she had. Phillip gave Lillian away, while Bill gave away Vanessa. Father Ray (George Alvarez) married both couples. Also in this episode, Reva found out that Natalia (Jessica Leccia) and Olivia (Crystal Chappell) are a couple. And James (Zach Conroy) and Daisy went on a date. We also met Doris's (Orlagh Cassidy) girlfriend Jamanda as did her daughter Ashlee (Caitlin VanZandt).
My favorite moments of this episode were the following:
- Lillian going to Maureen's grave. This was Tina Sloan's idea, and I appreciated it especially since Lillian was sharing her wedding day with Maureen's best friend.
- Seeing Bridget (Melissa Hayden) and Nola in Company. The reference to Peter (Bridget's son and Blake's nephew) was nice, though he was born the same year as Marina so he should be aged the same way and not just going to college. I also liked how Nola blew a kiss to the restaurant, which was an ad lib by Lisa Brown.
- Vanessa mentioning the letter that Henry wrote to her before he died. I adored that scene all those years ago, though Vanessa was with Matt when she received that letter, but I digress.
Those are my thoughts and a short summary of the episodes on the Great Weddings disc. One thing I found somewhat interesting in comparison to the ATWT set was that the wedding episodes of GL that were included focused more on the couple(s) being wed than other stories.
No comments:
Post a Comment