An Archive for TV news from March 2002

This is a collection of old news and obituaries from the Ask Morty TV News page. Dates, where shown, represent the date the story was originally posted on the web site. Because these are old stories, links within the stories may no longer be active. For current news and schedules, click here.

You Can Browse Old News By Month...

Uncle Miltie Tributes

[March 29, 2002] TV Land and the Game Show Network will honor "Mr. Television," Milton Berle with special programming. First, TV Land will air episodes of their shows with Uncle Miltie on Saturday, March 30 starting at 8:00PM with "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour" were Lucy tries to get Berle to MC a benefit show. Other Berle episodes aired on Friday.

The Game Show Network, has more Berle, and will pay tribute to the late comedian with back-to-back episodes of his appearances on "I've Got A Secret" and "What's My Line?" in the classic black-and-white programming block on Tuesday morning, April 2, 2002, from 4:00AM - 6:00AM. ET/1:00AM .- 3:00AM PT.

Milton Berle dies at 93

[March 27, 2002] Comedian Milton Berle, whose zany, cross-dressing entrances on the variety show he hosted from 1948 to 1956 ushered in the age of television and made him the medium's first superstar, died today.

Born Mendel Berlinger in New York's Harlem on July 12, 1908, Berle began on the road to show biz at age 5--winning a local Charlie Chaplin impersonation contest. He went onto star in a Chaplin short and, seemingly, hundreds of other things: vaudeville, Broadway, radio and eventually television.

In 1983, he was among the first seven inductees into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' TV Hall of Fame. He won an Emmy in 1949 for "Most Outstanding Kinescope Personality." He received a special Lifetime Achievement Emmy in 1979. In 1991, he was the first inductee into the International Comedy Hall of fame. Five years later, he received the American Comedy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Rene Assa, 57; Character Actor

[March 24, 2002] Rene Assa, 57, a character actor who had a prolific career in films and on television, died Sunday, March 10 in Los Angeles of lung cancer. Born in Cairo, Assa moved to the United States as a teenager. He began his professional career in the theater, participating in the Padua Hills Playwrights Festival as well as the Mark Taper Forum's New Works Festival. Assa's film credits include "Walker" and "Postcards From the Edge." On television, he appeared on "Baywatch," "Knight Rider," "The A Team," "The Rockford Files" and "The Bionic Woman."

Classic Hollywood Squares to Air in April

[March 23, 2002] A few days ago, I received an unsigned suggestion to add "Hollywood Squares" to the Viewing Guide. I thought is was just a junk suggestion, but it turns out it's for real! I've always been told that the original tapes of "Hollywood Squares" were destroyed, and many were. The Game Show Network has turned up a bunch from the 1971-1980 night-time version (the show started in 1966). And Yes-- these episodes include Paul Lynde in the center square! Paul truly was the star of the show, and I've created a little 7 minute MP3 to show why. Click Here to download. I'd like to thank www.classicsquares.com for the info on GSN's acquisition, and I'd like to thank the anonymous person that tipped me off to this event. To read more great lines from Paul Lynde on "Hollywood Squares," Click Here. "Hollywood Squares" will air weeknights at 8:30PM starting April 15th.

Allan Brady to Return to TV

[March 22, 2002] Carl Reiner will return to TV as Alan Brady, in a new series... well sort of. Carl Reiner is having puppets made that will perform as a 75 year old Alan Brady, who's still doing a variety show since the 1960's when his head writer was Robert Petrie on "The Dick Van Dyke Show," reports Nick Rosati. Dick Van Dyke has been invited to lend his voice to a Rob Petrie puppet, although no commitment has been made. The start date of the series will be based, in part, by the completion of the costly puppets which are currently be designed. Reiner, who turned 80 this month, reprised his role as Alan Brady in 1992 for a guest appearance on "Mad About You."

Love American Style on Oxygen

[March 22, 2002] The women's cable channel, Oxygen, is airing "Love American Style." This anthology series about love and romance features not only an array of celebrity guest stars, but also showcases current big names before they made it big. Also shown on "O," is the Susan Saint James / Jane Curtain series, "Kate & Allie," and the Cybill Shepherd series from the 90's "Cybill." Oxygen is carried on satellite and some digital cable systems.

Major TV Classics on DVD

[March 20, 2002] Are you sick of trying to figure out what's missing from the edited versions of "All in the Family" shown on TV? Now you can own the whole first season of "All in the Family" on DVD, and watch it that way it was intended. The release date of the three disc set is March 26th, but you can order it now through Morty's Mall for just $29.99, a 25% savings over the $39.99 suggested retails price.

Did you get the first season of "The Simpsons" yet? I did, and now the second is available for pre-order from Morty's Mall. This four 4 disc set will be released July 9th $37.49, you save $12.49 (25%), and they're promising all kinds of cool extras.

Mary to be Honored in Bronze

[March 20, 2002] Neal Justin of the The St. Paul-Minneapolis Star has a nice story about the statue of Mary Tyler Moore that will be erected and dedicated in the Nicollet Mall, the spot where Mary tosses her hat in the air during the opening credits of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." The statue is part of a TV Land Landmarks project, the same project that placed the statue of Ralph Kramden, the bus driver of "The Honeymooners," in front of New York City's Port Authority bus terminal in August 2000. The eight foot tall "Mary" statue will be unveiled on May 8th. Check out the full story, with Mary Tyler Moore's comments, and a nice sketch of the statue.

Full Details

Two Popular Sit-com Actors Have Died

[March 19, 2002] Actress-producer Rosetta LeNoire, who was directed by Orson Welles in a landmark, all-black version of "Macbeth" in the 1930s and who received the National Medal of Arts in 1999, died Sunday in Teaneck, N.J., after a long illness. She was 90. Known to TV audiences for her long-running role as Grandma Winslow on the television comedy "Family Matters," LeNoire founded the Amas Repertory Theatre in New York in 1968. The nonprofit organization, dedicated to developing musicals and new talent, produced such popular shows as "Bojangles" and Tony nominee "Bubbling Brown Sugar."

Milton "Mel" Stewart who is probably best known for his appearances as Henry Jefferson in the TV sitcom "All In The Family," has died at age 72 on February 24th. Stewart was a semi-regular from 1971 to 1973 on "All In The Family," went on to play Billy Melrose on "Scarecrow and Mrs. King," and numerous guest appearances through the 80's. Stewart was an acting teacher whose students included Danny Glover and an accomplished saxophonist who played alongside jazz legends like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker.

Schedule Changes on TV Land Coming in May

[March 19, 2002] Get ready to learn a new schedule in May when TV Land makes some changes. "Batman" joins the regular line-up on May 6th, at 7:00 and 7:30PM, but wait, there's more! "Mannix" will leave the schedule after a six year run. If you're a fan, start taping so you have something to watch after it's gone. "Hogan's Heroes" is also leaving TV Land in May, another six year run comes to an end. There's more changes to come, they'll be announced soon. The "Bat-Week" kick-off schedule has been announced, you can see it here. The April Boxed Sets and Sunday Bests schedules have also been added to the TV Land Schedule. (Thanks Pavan).

'Cheers' Cast on 'Frasier'

[March 19, 2002] Last Tuesday, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, and George Wendt joined another "Cheers" alumni, Kelsey Grammer, for an episode of "Frasier" with three guests from "Cheers" NBC will bill the episode as a "Cheers" reunion, I think that's stretching the truth a bit, but still it's fun. AND, Morty's got photos from the taping and more details. Click here for scenes from the special.

Classic TV is New this Fall on NBC

[March 18, 2002] NBC has new "reality show" in the works for the Fall of 2002 called "The Rerun Show." Here's the concept: Get a bunch of scripts from old TV shows like; "I Dream of Jeannie," "Bewitched," "All in the Family," "Barney Miller," "Gidget," "Good Times," "Charlie's Angels," "Maude," "Punky Brewster," "Sanford and Son," "Square Pegs," "Starsky and Hutch," "What's Happening," "Diff'rent Strokes," "One Day at a Time," and many others, and have performers reenact them verbatim. I've got to admit, I don't understand it the "performers" are celebrities or regular people. Either way, the show could be fun.

The 1st 13th Annual Cartoon Network

Fancy Anvil Awards Show Program Special...live!...In Stereo

[March 18, 2002] I like cartoons so this Cartoon Network special sounds like a lot of fun. On Saturday, March 23rd at 7:00PM, The Cartoon Network will present their answer to the Oscars®, "The 1st 13th Annual Cartoon Network Fancy Anvil Awards Show Program Special...live!...In Stereo" hosted by Johnny Bravo. The show will spoof award shows and feature both animated and 3D stars like: Jonathon Winters, Tim Conway, Phyllis Diller; Robin Williams and Sandy Duncan. Awards for Best Performance by a Villain, Best Original Song, Best Cartoon, and a lifetime achievement award to Scooby-Doo. If you hurry, you can vote for your favorites at the Cartoon Network

Sally Field Festival on ABC Family

[March 18, 2002] This is so Cool! ABC Family is doing something besides recycling ABC primetime shows. On Sunday, March 24th, enjoy six hours of Sally! First, you get Sally as Frances Elizabeth 'Gidget' Lawrence is six classic episodes of "Gidget." then stick around for Sally as Elsie Ethrington, AKA Sister Bertrille in six episodes of "The Flying Nun."

NOON	*"Gidget"*	"Dear Diary: Et Al", Episode #1. Anne misinterprets an entry in Gidget's diary.
12:30PM	*"Gidget"*	"The Great Kahuna", Episode #3. A 28-year-old surfer (Martin Milner) dates Gidget.
1:00PM	*"Gidget"*	"A Hearse, a Hearse, My Kingdom for a Hearse", Episode #6. Gidget decides to buy a used hearse.
1:30PM	*"Gidget"*	"Ego a Go Go", Episode #20. Gidget tries to boost a boy's (Richard Dreyfuss) confidence.
2:00PM	*"Gidget"*	"I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, I Think", Episode #17. Gidget falls for a surfer who is also her math teacher.
2:30PM	*"Gidget"*	"Don't Defrost the Alligator", Episode #32. A frozen alligator causes multiple misunderstandings.
3:00PM	*"The Flying Nun"*	"The Flying Nun" Part I, Episode #1 Sr. Bertrille tries to get Carlos to donate land to the convent.
3:30PM	*"The Flying Nun"*	"The Flying Nun" Part 2, Episode #2
4:00PM	*"The Flying Nun"*	"The Kleptomonkeyac", Episode #49. The sisters care for Carlos' monkey for a few days.
4:30PM	*"The Flying Nun"*	"Bread Upon the Waters", Episode #53. The sisters bake bread to raise money.
5:00PM	*"The Flying Nun"*	"The Somnaviatrix", Episode #76. Sister Bertrille starts flying in her sleep.
5:30PM	*"The Flying Nun"*	"No Tears for Thomas", Episode #82. Seeing Sister Bertrille fly, a man takes it as an omen of death.

New 'Little House' Movie Sunday

[March 15, 2002] Oops, I just noticed that there's no mention of the latest addition to the Ingalls 'Little House' franchise. This Sunday, CBS will air, "Beyond the Prairie II: The True Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder Continues." In this new television movie, Laura and Almanzo Wilder leave their home in South Dakota to seek a better life in Missouri with their daughter, Rose. Richard Thomas, Lindsay Crouse, Walton Goggins, and Meredith Monroe star. 9:00PM EST.

Sally Struthers Gets a New Series

[March 15, 2002] Variety reports that Sally Struthers ("All in the Family") will star in a new sit-com for Fox with Gerald McRaney ("Major Dad") and Johnny Galecki ("Roseanne"). The series, still untitled at this time, is about a neurotic 32-year-old (Galecki) who never really grew up and still lives with his parents (Struthers and McRaney). Shooting starts next week.

And the Favorite Huxtable Was. . .

[March 8, 2002] Nick at Nite counted up the votes, and declared Rudy America's favorite Huxtable. The on-line poll was taken prior to, and during the the launch of "The Cosby Show" on Nick at Nite. Viewers were asked to cast their votes for either Rudy, Denise, Sondra, Theo, or Vanessa. Over 125,000 people logged on to vote, with Rudy tallying 37 percent of the votes, with Denise (Lisa Bonet) placing second with 33 percent. The first night of the 'My Favorite Huxtable' marathon scored a 64 percent increase in ratings and an 80 percent jump among its key demographic group, adults 18 through 49 according to Nielsen Media Research data supplied by the Nick at Nite.

Take a TV Road Trip

[March 7, 2002] John Ritter ("Three's Company") hosts Travel Channel's "TV ROAD TRIP," a two-hour special on April 7th at 9:00PM. In an unforgettable trip down television's memory lane, Ritter will join stars from some of America's most-loved television series as they visit the cities and sites where their shows were filmed. From Archie Bunker's home in Queens, NY, to the Cartwright's Ponderosa Ranch, from the Ewing's Southfork estate in Dallas, TX, to Mount Airy, NC, the real-life Mayberry from "The Andy Griffith Show," TV ROAD TRIP is the TV fan's ultimate vacation. Tour guides include: Ben Jones, Catherine Bach and James Best ("The Dukes of Hazzard"), Christopher Knight ("The Brady Bunch"), Ken Kercheval ("Dallas"), George Lindsey ("The Andy Griffith Show"), Mary McDonough ("The Waltons"), Noel Neill ("The Adventures of Superman"), Joyce Randolph ("The Honeymooners"), and Adam West ("Batman").

Also interviewed are Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr., who recount memories of their parents' (Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz of "I Love Lucy") love affair and talk about Lucy's love for her hometown of Jamestown, NY; and Kenny Kramer, the real life Kramer, who takes viewers on a tour of "Seinfeld" sites in New York City, including the real Tom's Restaurant and the original "Soup Nazi" cafe. Full Details

ClassicTVHits.com on the Move.

[March 4, 2002] www.ClassicTVHits.com is a popular web site for fans of classic TV. Here's at Morty's, we consider the site an internet "neighbor ." If you've tried to visit the site lately, you make not have reached your destination. The site is being moved to a new server, and people trying to access ClassicTVHits.com may experience errors. They hope to have all issues resolved by Thursday, March 7th, and apologize for any inconvenience.

At Last, A Little Menace!

[March 1, 2002] It's over a month away, and you know how plans can change in that time, but currently penciled in TV Land's Sunday for April 7th are four episodes of "Dennis the Menace." If the episodes live up to the "Sunday Best" promise, they'll all be from the first season.

Fans of Dennis may also want to note that "Donna Reed" will be shown Sunday, March 3rd at 3:30PM.

TV Land Real Estate: Jim Nabors in Hawaii

[March 1, 2002] TV Land takes viewers on a tour with Jim Nabors, as he tells the stories of his home and furnishings in Hawaii. Also featured in this ½ hour TV Land Special are recognizable Hawaiian TV homes and locations, such as those found in "Hawaii 5-0" and "Magnum, P.I." Following this ½ hour special are five memorable episodes of "Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C" featuring none other than Jim Nabors in the title role. airs: Friday April 19 8pm – 11pm (8-8:30PM special, 8:30-11pm "Gomer Pyle" episodes)