(AP) -- Britt Lomond, who played the dastardly Capitan Monastario in the 1950s TV series "Zorro" and was a staple on other Western series including "Death Valley Days" and "Rawhide," has died. He was 80.
Lomond died of kidney failure at a Huntington Beach nursing home, according to Tyler St. Mark, his friend and former publicist.
Lomond later turned to directing and production work, but his fame stemmed from playing opposite Guy Williams' Zorro from 1957-58. A postage stamp depicting Lomond as Monastario was issued by the Netherlands in 2004.
"He has a huge following in Europe," his widow, Diane Lomond, told the Orange County Register. "It's amazing how something like that can live on."
"Chasing After Zorro" is the title of Lomond's 2004 memoir.
TV SERIES
"The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" (1955) TV Series .... Johnny Ringo (1960-1961)
"Zorro" .... Capt. Monastario (1957-1958)
TV GUEST APPEARANCES
"Simon & Simon"
- Murder Between the Lines (1983) TV Episode .... Jerry Gelson
"Mission: Impossible"
- The Widow (1967) TV Episode .... Thornton
"I Spy"
- A Room with a Rack (1967) TV Episode .... Psychologist
"The Virginian"
- If You Have Tears (1963) TV Episode .... Kyle Lawson
"Rawhide"
- The Prairie Elephant (1961) TV Episode .... Dario
"Perry Mason"
- The Case of the Posthumous Painter (1961) TV Episode .... Jack Culross
"Peter Gunn"
- Deadly Intrusion (1961) TV Episode .... Gil Manson
"The Case of the Dangerous Robin"
- Falling Star (1961) TV Episode
- The Heartbreak Gang (1961) TV Episode
"Thriller"
- A Good Imagination (1961) TV Episode .... Arnold Chase
"Zane Grey Theater"
- The Atoner (1961) TV Episode .... Logan Drew
"Lock Up"
- His Brother's Keeper (1961) TV Episode .... Patrolman Larry Wade
"Klondike"
- Bathhouse Justice (1960) TV Episode .... Clete Slade
"The Brothers Brannagan"
- Her Brother's Keeper (1960) TV Episode
"Tales of Wells Fargo"
- The Journey (1960) TV Episode .... Haggerty
"Tombstone Territory"
- The Legend (1959) TV Episode .... Jay Pelf
"Men Into Space"
- Moonquake! (1959) TV Episode
"Colt .45"
- A Legend of Buffalo Bill (1959) TV Episode .... Buffalo Bill Cody
"Death Valley Days"
- A Piano Goes West (1959) TV Episode
- Faro Bill's Layout (1956) TV Episode .... Faro Bill
"26 Men"
- Slaughter Trail (1958) TV Episode
"Disneyland" . - The Saga of Andy Burnett: Andy's Love Affair (1957) TV Episode .... Captain Paco Reyes
"Cheyenne"
- Test of Courage (1957) TV Episode .... Lieutenant Poole
"Annie Oakley"
- Annie Rings the Bell (1956) TV Episode .... Gentleman Jim Corbett
"Navy Log"
- A Day for a Stingray (1956) TV Episode .... Lieutenant Fraser
- The First Shot (1956) TV Episode .... Executive
- The Pollywog of Yosu (1955) TV Episode .... Garrigio
"The Count of Monte Cristo"
- Victor Hugo (1956) TV Episode .... De Crissac
[thanks to the IMDb.com]
BCnU.....
Tele-Toby
Saturday, April 1, 2006
BLIPVERTS GOING BOOM BOOM BOOM
I realize that with the passing of my Mom last week, my mind would automatically pick up on any mentions of funerals and mortuaries and Death in general.
But now it's getting spooky with the specifics.
There's a new blipvert for Cingular which is using Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill" as its theme as it extols its abilities to provide more bars. (As someone who doesn't buy into the cell phone culture, I'm like Dr. Temperance Brennan on that topic: "I don't know what that means.")
I've already made the arrangements for this song to be playing at my own funeral....
But now it's getting spooky with the specifics.
There's a new blipvert for Cingular which is using Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill" as its theme as it extols its abilities to provide more bars. (As someone who doesn't buy into the cell phone culture, I'm like Dr. Temperance Brennan on that topic: "I don't know what that means.")
I've already made the arrangements for this song to be playing at my own funeral....
"Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" I said "You can keep my things,
they've come to take me home."
Guess I'm next.....
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
SKITWORLD: WHO'S ABFIC
While hanging out with the Brokeback Boys (Mark's from Wyoming, Michael's a human 'Mr. Ed'.), they showed me a couple of episodes of 'Absolutely Fabulous' so that I could catch up on the adventures of Patsy and Edina. (I last saw them in the "wrap-up" movie, "The Last Shout".)
One of these was a Christmas-themed episode with a guest appearance by Kate O'Mara.
And it reminded me of my idea about fanfic writers finding inspiration for crossover stories with pictures from unrelated sources. It occurred to me that they might make use of a particular frame grab from this episode.
At one point, Patsy Stone is in the hospital and she's visited by her evil sister as played by O'Mara.
Freeze frame!
For a lot of people like me, Kate O'Mara is best known as The Rani, one of the Doctor's best adversaries in 'Doctor Who'. And Joanna Lumley, who plays Patsy, played the "Ultimate Doctor" in "Curse Of Fatal Death", a sketch for a Comic Relief telethon.
So for Skitworld, a dimension of the TV Universe which comprises the comedy sketches from such shows as 'Laugh-In', 'Saturday Night Live', 'MAD-TV', and 'In Living Color', this screen capture could inspire a 'Doctor Who' fanfic writer to come up with a tale about the Doctor - now a woman - trapped in hospital and at the mercy of The Rani!
Just sayin' is all. I just toss the ideas out there; not my problem what others end up doing with them......
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
One of these was a Christmas-themed episode with a guest appearance by Kate O'Mara.
And it reminded me of my idea about fanfic writers finding inspiration for crossover stories with pictures from unrelated sources. It occurred to me that they might make use of a particular frame grab from this episode.
At one point, Patsy Stone is in the hospital and she's visited by her evil sister as played by O'Mara.
Freeze frame!
For a lot of people like me, Kate O'Mara is best known as The Rani, one of the Doctor's best adversaries in 'Doctor Who'. And Joanna Lumley, who plays Patsy, played the "Ultimate Doctor" in "Curse Of Fatal Death", a sketch for a Comic Relief telethon.
So for Skitworld, a dimension of the TV Universe which comprises the comedy sketches from such shows as 'Laugh-In', 'Saturday Night Live', 'MAD-TV', and 'In Living Color', this screen capture could inspire a 'Doctor Who' fanfic writer to come up with a tale about the Doctor - now a woman - trapped in hospital and at the mercy of The Rani!
Just sayin' is all. I just toss the ideas out there; not my problem what others end up doing with them......
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
"SERENITY" NOT
If you see news blips that the 200th episode of 'Stargate SG-1' was going to tip its hat to 'Firefly' and "Serenity", don't let it trip you into arrhythmia. It's not going to be like the inside joke homage seen in a quick cameo on 'Battlestar Galactica'; there will be no crossover possibility.
Instead, it's the situation of the plotline that seems to echo the Real World history of Joss Whedon's sci-fi series, which was untimely ripped from the schedule, only to be reborn as a theatrical released sequel.
As such, it provides more fodder for the entertainment folder of Toobworld trivia:
From SCI Fi Wire:
The 200th episode will bring back the character of Martin Lloyd (Willy Garson) and his fictional TV show 'Wormhole X-treme', which was the subject of the 100th episode, "Wormhole X-treme," and is a parody of SG-1 itself.
This time around, the SG-1 team helps Lloyd turn 'Wormhole X-treme' into a movie. "Even though the series was canceled after three episodes, it did well on DVD."
Thus, the 'Firefly'/"Serenity" reference.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Instead, it's the situation of the plotline that seems to echo the Real World history of Joss Whedon's sci-fi series, which was untimely ripped from the schedule, only to be reborn as a theatrical released sequel.
As such, it provides more fodder for the entertainment folder of Toobworld trivia:
From SCI Fi Wire:
The 200th episode will bring back the character of Martin Lloyd (Willy Garson) and his fictional TV show 'Wormhole X-treme', which was the subject of the 100th episode, "Wormhole X-treme," and is a parody of SG-1 itself.
This time around, the SG-1 team helps Lloyd turn 'Wormhole X-treme' into a movie. "Even though the series was canceled after three episodes, it did well on DVD."
Thus, the 'Firefly'/"Serenity" reference.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
DON'T SPANK THAT MONKEY; RE-SKED IT!
'Love Monkey' lives!
After only three episodes, CBS cancelled the series with five hours left hanging. I never got the chance to see it because I was taping 'Boston Legal' during that Michael J. Fox arc, which was going to include an appearance by my friend Shirley Jordan.
I really wanted to see 'Love Monkey', though. I figured that its look at the recording industry in NYC through the eyes of a cynical music scout would provide plenty of TV trivia to expand Toobworld. And as I have a friend who used to be a veep in the Bertelsmann Group before grabbing the golden chute, I'd like to compare tele-version to what I know about the Real World version.
So now VH1, which (I think) is owned by the same parent company as CBS, will pick up the show and run that monkey to its conclusion. It will air the three previously seen shows back-to-back on April 11, starting at 7 p.m. EDT. The remaining five installments will air weekly on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. beginning April 18.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
After only three episodes, CBS cancelled the series with five hours left hanging. I never got the chance to see it because I was taping 'Boston Legal' during that Michael J. Fox arc, which was going to include an appearance by my friend Shirley Jordan.
I really wanted to see 'Love Monkey', though. I figured that its look at the recording industry in NYC through the eyes of a cynical music scout would provide plenty of TV trivia to expand Toobworld. And as I have a friend who used to be a veep in the Bertelsmann Group before grabbing the golden chute, I'd like to compare tele-version to what I know about the Real World version.
So now VH1, which (I think) is owned by the same parent company as CBS, will pick up the show and run that monkey to its conclusion. It will air the three previously seen shows back-to-back on April 11, starting at 7 p.m. EDT. The remaining five installments will air weekly on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. beginning April 18.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
SPIN-OFF CITY: "CHARMED"
Mike Szymanski of the SCI FI Wire reports on the possible options for spin-offs from 'Charmed' when it ends this spring, but most of them seem unlikely at this point.
However, Brian Krause is keen on the idea of seeing his character, Leo Wyatt, end up getting his own show.
"I'd love to do it," said Krause in the article. "I'd jump at the chance. ...The greatest thing about the character that I play is that my character has integrity, and ... I think that my character brought up the idea and emotions of right and wrong."
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
However, Brian Krause is keen on the idea of seeing his character, Leo Wyatt, end up getting his own show.
"I'd love to do it," said Krause in the article. "I'd jump at the chance. ...The greatest thing about the character that I play is that my character has integrity, and ... I think that my character brought up the idea and emotions of right and wrong."
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Friday, March 31, 2006
AS THE WORLD ZONK!s
'As The World Turns' celebrates its fiftieth anniversary on Sunday, and the soap opera closed out the week with the first of two episodes marking the occasion. (The second one opens next week and looks to be a lock on the Crossover Of The Week on 4/10.)
This certainly wasn't a run-of-the-mill episode of 'ATWT', but the type of offbeat diversion that many of the soap operas have mounted in the last quarter century.
Three of the main characters, "teenagers" Will, Gwen, and Casey, helped Maddie with her project's research into the leading families of Oakdale. So they all visualized the pertinent residents in town as the characters in five different classic sitcoms:
"THE SNYDER HILLBILLIES"
"I DREAM OF CARLY"
"THE MUNSONSTERS"
"I LOVE KATIE"
"HAPPY OAKDALE DAYS"
The show also utilized one of the old opening credit sequences, including the opening iris shot of the CBS logo.
I'm not familiar with 'As The World Turns', so I can't say whether or not the characters properly fit the dynamics of the original sitcoms. But as far as recreating the look of those old shows, from the costumes to the sets, the soap's crew did a bang-up job, especially with the living room of 'The Munsters' and with the genie costume worn by Carly.
Best acting job of them all was by Trent Dawson doing double duty as Henry and Henrietta, the Fred and Ethel stand-ins. His first off-stage line as Henrietta did evoke Viviane Vance, but that evaporated once he stepped onto the set and we could see him in drag. As for his William Frawley impersonation, however, that was classic; well done!
And although Don Hastings looked great as Grandpa in 'The Munsters' spoof, it was a mistake for him to attempt a Transylvanian accent. Everybody knows the late Al Lewis sounded like he'd be more at home among the Bowery Boys than with the Drac Pack.
The 'I Dream Of Carly' sequence had the best lines, both very suggestive:
"He is not worthy of polishing your helmet."
Say no more!
and
"Now I can bend you."
I bet she does, I bet she does! Know what I mean? Nudge nudge wink wink!
What really puzzled me is why CBS didn't step in and tell the writers to come up with two classic CBS sitcoms to replace the spoofs of NBC's 'I Dream Of Jeannie' and ABC's 'Happy Days'.
Like I said, I don't have a clue about the relationships nor the personality quirks of the characters involved, but couldn't they have found a way to use 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show', 'Hogan's Heroes', 'The Honeymooners', 'The Andy Griffith Show', 'All In The Family', 'Green Acres', or even 'Mr. Ed'?
Will, Casey, Gwen, and Maddie would have fit perfectly into a recreation of 'The Many Loves Of Dobie Gillis'.
Just sayin', is all. At least it was a nice touch that with the 'Happy Days' scenes, the writers were able to work in the show's spin-off by having Gwen and Maddie play 'Laverne & Shirley' respectively.
And just so's you didn't think I forgot one of the classic CBS sitcoms, the show kicked off the episode with Maddie watching 'Gilligan's Island' on her VCR. Of course it was the unmistakable theme song that we heard, rather than any of the stranded castaways.
How to splain it all? I'm at a loss. All of those shows should exist in the same universe as 'As The World Turns'. But even so, it was a nice touch to give the current cast of the soap opera the chance to cut loose a bit from their characters; sort of a way to celebrate an anniversary as a costume party.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
This certainly wasn't a run-of-the-mill episode of 'ATWT', but the type of offbeat diversion that many of the soap operas have mounted in the last quarter century.
Three of the main characters, "teenagers" Will, Gwen, and Casey, helped Maddie with her project's research into the leading families of Oakdale. So they all visualized the pertinent residents in town as the characters in five different classic sitcoms:
"THE SNYDER HILLBILLIES"
"I DREAM OF CARLY"
"THE MUNSONSTERS"
"I LOVE KATIE"
"HAPPY OAKDALE DAYS"
The show also utilized one of the old opening credit sequences, including the opening iris shot of the CBS logo.
I'm not familiar with 'As The World Turns', so I can't say whether or not the characters properly fit the dynamics of the original sitcoms. But as far as recreating the look of those old shows, from the costumes to the sets, the soap's crew did a bang-up job, especially with the living room of 'The Munsters' and with the genie costume worn by Carly.
Best acting job of them all was by Trent Dawson doing double duty as Henry and Henrietta, the Fred and Ethel stand-ins. His first off-stage line as Henrietta did evoke Viviane Vance, but that evaporated once he stepped onto the set and we could see him in drag. As for his William Frawley impersonation, however, that was classic; well done!
And although Don Hastings looked great as Grandpa in 'The Munsters' spoof, it was a mistake for him to attempt a Transylvanian accent. Everybody knows the late Al Lewis sounded like he'd be more at home among the Bowery Boys than with the Drac Pack.
The 'I Dream Of Carly' sequence had the best lines, both very suggestive:
"He is not worthy of polishing your helmet."
Say no more!
and
"Now I can bend you."
I bet she does, I bet she does! Know what I mean? Nudge nudge wink wink!
What really puzzled me is why CBS didn't step in and tell the writers to come up with two classic CBS sitcoms to replace the spoofs of NBC's 'I Dream Of Jeannie' and ABC's 'Happy Days'.
Like I said, I don't have a clue about the relationships nor the personality quirks of the characters involved, but couldn't they have found a way to use 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show', 'Hogan's Heroes', 'The Honeymooners', 'The Andy Griffith Show', 'All In The Family', 'Green Acres', or even 'Mr. Ed'?
Will, Casey, Gwen, and Maddie would have fit perfectly into a recreation of 'The Many Loves Of Dobie Gillis'.
Just sayin', is all. At least it was a nice touch that with the 'Happy Days' scenes, the writers were able to work in the show's spin-off by having Gwen and Maddie play 'Laverne & Shirley' respectively.
And just so's you didn't think I forgot one of the classic CBS sitcoms, the show kicked off the episode with Maddie watching 'Gilligan's Island' on her VCR. Of course it was the unmistakable theme song that we heard, rather than any of the stranded castaways.
How to splain it all? I'm at a loss. All of those shows should exist in the same universe as 'As The World Turns'. But even so, it was a nice touch to give the current cast of the soap opera the chance to cut loose a bit from their characters; sort of a way to celebrate an anniversary as a costume party.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Thursday, March 30, 2006
"WHO" NEWS: TARDISODES
The folks behind 'Doctor Who' have coined a new term - "Tardisodes".
This refers to one-minute mini-dramas, "like little prequels to the episode playing that week." As can be expected with this growing trend, these "Tardisodes" will be available for download to mobile phones "a few days" ahead of each episode of 'Doctor Who', which broadcasts on Saturday nights over in the U.K. They will also be made available on the official website.
The production team was also responsible for the interactive adventure 'Attack of the Graske': Gareth Roberts (writer), Ashley Way (director), Sophie Fante (producer), Simon Winsone (editor), Edward Thomas (designer) and The Mill will be providing the special effects.
The "Tardisodes" will not feature David Tennant or Billie Piper, as the actors have been too busy, but Roberts claims that it's okay, because this way, they can expand the particular corner of the universe which they're exploring.
Simon Winstone mentioned that they will "show you something you wouldn't have seen otherwise … An element of back story. Some are live action… We didn't want these to be previews … They're part of the show's world".
Gareth Roberts sees them as pre-credits sequences, and as examples of "what Tardisodes might present", he suggested:
a computer graphic of a Cyberman being formed
Jackie talking to camera
an excerpt from a TV show
He also mentioned that the "Tardisode" for "The Girl in the Fireplace" will "follow suit" in being "very scary".
Luckily for those of us in other TV markets, Winstone also suggested that they will probably be included on a DVD release.
There's just something goofy about that word, "Tardisodes". It just makes me think of neat little packages of turds all shrink-wrapped.
But at least it's not as bad as that word coined by Dick Wolf to describe his latest attempt to cash in on his 'Law & Order' world, 'Conviction'....
"Charactercedural".
Ugh. If that doesn't make you want to rinse out your mouth with vinegar......
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
This refers to one-minute mini-dramas, "like little prequels to the episode playing that week." As can be expected with this growing trend, these "Tardisodes" will be available for download to mobile phones "a few days" ahead of each episode of 'Doctor Who', which broadcasts on Saturday nights over in the U.K. They will also be made available on the official website.
The production team was also responsible for the interactive adventure 'Attack of the Graske': Gareth Roberts (writer), Ashley Way (director), Sophie Fante (producer), Simon Winsone (editor), Edward Thomas (designer) and The Mill will be providing the special effects.
The "Tardisodes" will not feature David Tennant or Billie Piper, as the actors have been too busy, but Roberts claims that it's okay, because this way, they can expand the particular corner of the universe which they're exploring.
Simon Winstone mentioned that they will "show you something you wouldn't have seen otherwise … An element of back story. Some are live action… We didn't want these to be previews … They're part of the show's world".
Gareth Roberts sees them as pre-credits sequences, and as examples of "what Tardisodes might present", he suggested:
a computer graphic of a Cyberman being formed
Jackie talking to camera
an excerpt from a TV show
He also mentioned that the "Tardisode" for "The Girl in the Fireplace" will "follow suit" in being "very scary".
Luckily for those of us in other TV markets, Winstone also suggested that they will probably be included on a DVD release.
There's just something goofy about that word, "Tardisodes". It just makes me think of neat little packages of turds all shrink-wrapped.
But at least it's not as bad as that word coined by Dick Wolf to describe his latest attempt to cash in on his 'Law & Order' world, 'Conviction'....
"Charactercedural".
Ugh. If that doesn't make you want to rinse out your mouth with vinegar......
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
DR. PHIL MAKES HIS "BONES"
Sorry, but the following dialogue exchange is paraphrased....
Agent Booth:
You're a regular Dr. Phil, aren't you?
Dr. Brennan:
I don't know who that is. Who's Dr. Phil, some kind of expert?
Agent Booth:
He likes to think so.
('Bones')
In just a few years, since he first gained nationwide recognition from his appearances on 'Oprah!', Dr. Phil has become a pop culture reference. He now has his own daily TV show and has done prime-time specials as well.
'Bones' isn't the first series to recognize Dr. Phil's place in the TV Universe, but it's probably the first one to make fun of the guy. Perhaps it's a sign that Dr. Phil's status in pop culture has begun the inevitable shift into becoming a national joke, as so often happens.
Just ask Michael Jackson.
But if he's lucky, Dr. Phil will ride it through as William Shatner and Adam West did; embracing the ridicule and scorn until once again he's re-established as "cool".
Like Shatner and West, Dr. Phil has certified his presence as a fictional character in Toobworld via appearances on 'Frasier', 'The Norm Show', and 'The Bernie Mac Show', as well as in a 'Sesame Street' special and in blipverts for Match.com. Having met the requirements, he's now eligible for entry into the TV Crossover Hall of Fame, League of Themselves wing.
Once there, he can talk shop with Dr. Joyce Brothers, a member since 2000.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Agent Booth:
You're a regular Dr. Phil, aren't you?
Dr. Brennan:
I don't know who that is. Who's Dr. Phil, some kind of expert?
Agent Booth:
He likes to think so.
('Bones')
In just a few years, since he first gained nationwide recognition from his appearances on 'Oprah!', Dr. Phil has become a pop culture reference. He now has his own daily TV show and has done prime-time specials as well.
'Bones' isn't the first series to recognize Dr. Phil's place in the TV Universe, but it's probably the first one to make fun of the guy. Perhaps it's a sign that Dr. Phil's status in pop culture has begun the inevitable shift into becoming a national joke, as so often happens.
Just ask Michael Jackson.
But if he's lucky, Dr. Phil will ride it through as William Shatner and Adam West did; embracing the ridicule and scorn until once again he's re-established as "cool".
Like Shatner and West, Dr. Phil has certified his presence as a fictional character in Toobworld via appearances on 'Frasier', 'The Norm Show', and 'The Bernie Mac Show', as well as in a 'Sesame Street' special and in blipverts for Match.com. Having met the requirements, he's now eligible for entry into the TV Crossover Hall of Fame, League of Themselves wing.
Once there, he can talk shop with Dr. Joyce Brothers, a member since 2000.
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
THE LEAGUE OF THEMSELVES: "THE SOPRANOS"
Tele-journalist Bill Kurtis, host of 'American Justice' on A&E, appeared within the framework of his own series when he made a cameo appearance on this week's episode of 'The Sopranos'.
However, it was in a fictional episode of the show, focusing on the Soprano crime family and primarily on AJ Soprano (at least in the segment we saw). So in that sense Bill Kurtis was appearing as his own tele-version.
Not that he's really got other credits like that; most of his work is still in the reality/news programming realm of the TV Universe. Technically eligible, but boring as all hell.
Seems apt.
Who said dat????
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
However, it was in a fictional episode of the show, focusing on the Soprano crime family and primarily on AJ Soprano (at least in the segment we saw). So in that sense Bill Kurtis was appearing as his own tele-version.
Not that he's really got other credits like that; most of his work is still in the reality/news programming realm of the TV Universe. Technically eligible, but boring as all hell.
Seems apt.
Who said dat????
BCnU!
Tele-Toby
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