see them here! [by suzie shaeffer]
• movies and tv shows to catch your favorite "jeannie" cast members in.
Hello to all the groovy readers! Let me introduce myself. I'm Suzie Shaeffer, your new columnist for the "See Them Here!" column. Does my name sound familiar? Well, my character appeared in Episode 99, "Jeannie, My Guru." Yeah, that groovy beatnik gal was me. Harold is still around -- he's given up the insurance business and has taken up painting vintage cars lime green. Don't ask, it's something to do with flashbacks he had. My daddy, General Shaeffer, is doing great and enjoying his retirement! Have any of you seen that groovy Major Baby lately?
Now, back to the issue at hand. "See Them Here!". This column is dedicated to spotlighting an actor/actress from the "I Dream of Jeannie" show. More specifically, it's dedicated to showcasing another project you can see them in. I thought it would be a neato idea to start my first column off with someone close to home -- the actress that played my character, Hilarie Thompson! This super idea sent me running around the Internet on a mad search. I was filled with excitement to get a quick jump on my first project. Well, darn, was I disappointed all day. I couldn't find one write-up on this groovy hippie chick. But I prayed to the Jeannie goddess herself and tried blinking my own eyes. There it was! In the wee hours of a new morning I did succeed in finding one movie project for our dear hippie gal Hilarie!
The movie is called "The Shrieking," and was released in 1973 and directed by Leo Garen. It's listed as a horror/suspense film. The running time is 93 minutes, it's shot in deluxe color and has a PG rating. The cast surprised me -- I'm sure you'll recognize a few names. Among the actors are Keith Carradine, Gary Busey, Scott Glenn, Don Haggerty and Christina Daines. Hilarie Thompson is "featured" in this film.
The flick is about two sisters that meet up with a group of bikers. Both sisters have unusual powers, one is of an evil nature and the other is very good. The bikers are in for a few surprises -- some will die and others will fall in love. Which force will triumph over this group?...
The film is currently out of print, so check your local "TV Guide" and your video rental stores for this film. I know I will be hunting this film out -- I have to see what became of my namesake! Matter of fact I did stop at the video store today, but they didn't have the film. Low and behold, I did find it on ebay.com! Guess I'll be making a bid to check it out sometime soon.
If you have any other information about Hilarie Thompson, please let me know. I've now become very curious to find out more about her. Also, If you have a favorite actor/actress from "I Dream of Jeannie" that you wish to see showcased in this column, please drop a note in my mailbox.
Oh, and do you love the old shows from our childhood that aired when "I Dream of Jeannie" did? I found another groovy site recently and I'd like to share it with you. It's called '70s Children's TV and is located at http://www.rt66.com/dthomas/70s/childtv/childtv.html. If you remember Saturday morning television, you'll enjoy this. Hope you enjoyed this column gals and pals! Until next month...Love, Peace & Happiness ~Suzie Shaeffer
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Seen a star? If you know of a TV or movie appearance made by a "Jeannie" cast member, send in the name of the movie or TV program as well as which actor made the appearance to Suzie at Genie3099@aol.com.
March 2000
see them here! [by suzie shaeffer]
• movies and tv shows to catch your favorite "jeannie" cast members in.
Hello again to all the groovy readers! I made it through my first column and I think I'll be hanging around awhile. :-)
First, I would like to thank the other columnists who welcomed me with open arms. They are a great bunch, and after I paid them off with rice krispy treats, I was accepted. :-) I also need to thank all the readers that wrote in to share information about my groovy chick, Hilarie (or Hilary) Thompson. Seems there is more stuff out there that this lady did, and I am becoming obsessed on finding it. I am a TV and Nick at Nite addict so just a tidbit more on my Hilarie. One reader informed me that she was on a "Bewitched" episode; specifically, the one when Samantha has Adam. Guess Hilarie had a thing for hanging around with the magical. Hilarie also appeared on "The Odd Couple" as Martha. Anyone remember when the pregnant chick showed up and got Felix and Oscar in a panic? I knew that gal looked familiar to me. Well, enough about Hilarie or I'll have to take out the trash after the next staff meeting.
By the way, Harold was thrilled with my new job. You know what he said after I finished my speech? "Jeannie who?" ::mock gasp:: Yes! I gave him a klunk on the old head. Another news flash before I get on to the column. I did win the bid on the "The Shrieking" movie that I told you all about last month. When I find where BillPrint hid the key to the chain that has me hooked up to this computer, I'll be sure to give it a look-see. :-)
Now, on to this month's column. I've selected our dear friend Mrs. Amanda Bellows,
played by the actress Emmaline Henry. I have to say the character of Amanda was a really good one. She was a very smart lady who loved to be in the middle of everyone's business. One thing I think the writers overlooked was that Amanda, with her energy, WOULD have found Jeannie out after knowing her a week. :-)
As for Emmaline Henry, I was amazed to find out this funny actress appeared in so many different movies and television shows. One movie that surprised me was "Rosemary's Baby." Did you know she was in this movie? I have seen it a few times long ago but I didn't recall her being in it. I think my brain cells need more carrots or something.
"Rosemary's Baby" also starred Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon and Charles Grodin to name a few. It was directed by Roman Polanski in 1968. Writing credits are given to Ira Levin, who wrote the novel, and Roman Polanski. "Rosemary's Baby" is, of course, a well-known, classic (and slightly twisted) horror film.
In case you don't know, "Rosemary's Baby" tells the story of a gal named Rosemary and her husband, Guy. Strange things start to happen when they move into an apartment building in Manhattan. First off, they meet an odd elderly couple that live in the building. Then a young friend of Rosemary's dies, after warning her of witches. Then the elderly couple and their friends start to give Rosemary more attention. Suddenly she finds herself pregnant and feels this group has hidden plans for her child. Emmaline played the part of Elsie Dunstan, who is a friend to the elderly couple and then Rosemary and her husband.
This film also has a bit of trivia built into it. The Dakota Building in Manhattan, where the movie was filmed, was renamed The Branford for the film. Sharon Tate appears in this film unbilled in a party scene that Rosemary gives for her friends. Director Roman Polanski was married to Sharon Tate when she was murdered by Charles Manson and his followers. This group titled their death spree "Helter Skelter" after a song by The Beatles. John Lennon, a member of The Beatles, lived at and was murdered outside the The Dakota. Eerie, huh?
Next time you see it on TV, check out Rosemary's Baby, if only to see Emmaline Henry in another type of performance. I will be keeping my eye out for her.
Oh, if anyone's interested in picking up the new "I Dream of Jeannie" book (called "Dreaming of Jeannie"), I give it a big thumbs up. I personally would have added a lot more, but the long-awaited book was done in good respect to the show. But I couldn't believe there wasn't one picture of Hilary. :-)
Did you like last month's '70s page link? This month let me give you a couple more toys to play with for all the time you're online and have nothing to do. Pick your favorite color at http://www.laughinglynx.com/cool/color/index.html,
and for the folks that remember playing with colored sand in a bottle, check out
http://www.zeeks.com/applets/Roesser59/Sand/fun.asp. Enjoy, and see you all next month! Love, Peace & Happiness ~Suzie Shaeffer
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Seen a star? If you know of a TV or movie appearance made by a "Jeannie" cast member, send in the name of the movie or TV program as well as which actor made the appearance to Suzie at Genie3099@aol.com.
April 2000
see them here! [by suzie shaeffer]
• movies and tv shows to catch your favorite "jeannie" cast members in.
Hey everyone! Welcome back to another round of "See Them Here!" I hope you don't mind my lack of energy this month -- Harold and I just drove down to Florida and back in a week's time. Had to visit Cocoa Beach and all the folks. After a twenty hour drive, I'm still feeling the jet lag, if you get what I'm saying.
This month I want to pick on...oops, I mean, spotlight Hayden Rorke, who is famous for his role as Dr. Bellows on "I Dream of Jeannie." :-) Poor Dr. Bellows, he was always in trouble at the hands of Major Baby.
In looking up different actors last month, I did find this next movie and held on to it. In 1975, Hayden Rorke appeared in a made-for-TV classic called "The Legend of Lizzie Borden." The movie starred Elizabeth Montgomery (who played Samantha on "Bewitched") in the title role. It was written by William Bast and directed by Paul Wendkos. Hayden appears as the character Julien Ralph, who is not written about in the online reviews. Also appearing in the cast are Katherine Helmond of the TV sitcom "Soap" and Gloria Stuart from the current "Titanic" movie. Not a bad listing of actors for a TV Land reunion movie. Interestingly enough, I do remember when this movie was broadcast on television. In my opinion, if you watched "Bewitched," you probably tuned in to see how Elizabeth would do. It has been many years since I've seen this movie myself, but I always recall it as a good thriller.
The storyline is based on the legend of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of killing her father and stepmother with an axe. If the legend is true, this movie gives a good account of the story, including how Lizzie could have gotten away with the deed. One review I read said Elizabeth gave a great performance as well as all the supporting cast. From what I recall, I would have to agree with this statement. Now having found out that Hayden Rorke appears in the film, I would love to see it again. It is supposedly not available on video at this time, so if you are interested in seeing this classic, check your local TV listings. I think I will take a peek around eBay to see if it might show up.
Did you receive and read your "Jeannie" book yet? I hope everyone has been enjoying that new treat. How about the links I gave you last month -- did they keep you busy when you were bored online? :-) What? You want more? Geeezzz...alright. Here's a great link if you want to look up and see what your name means --
http://www.kabalarians.com/gkh/your.htm. While you are there, stop in and look up what it says about the name "Jeannie." It sure made me chuckle. Enjoy, and see you all next month! Love, Peace & Happiness, ~Suzie Shaeffer
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Seen a star? If you know of a TV or movie appearance made by a "Jeannie" cast member, send in the name of the movie or TV program as well as which actor made the appearance to Suzie at Genie3099@aol.com.
May 2000
see them here! [by suzie shaeffer]
• movies and tv shows to catch your favorite "jeannie" cast members in.
Hello, Groovy Readers! This month I want to pick on one of the major stars of "I Dream Of Jeannie," Larry Hagman. Major Baby was always the hippest, and loved a groovin' party anytime. He sure did have a hang-up when it came to that psychiatrist hanging around.
How many of you recall that Larry Hagman made a brief appearance in a MAJOR motion picture in 1978? That movie would be "Superman," starring Christopher Reeve and directed by Richard Donner, a film which spawned many sequels and has become a new classic.
For the one person that did miss this movie, "Superman" is the story of an orphaned child from another planet. This child has extraordinary super powers and his family sends him to earth, where he is raised by an elderly couple. As an adult, this man lives as mild-mannered news reporter Clark Kent. When trouble happens or the criminals are loose, stand aside and Superman will be there soon enough. Criminal Lex Luger gives Superman a run for his money and tests his strengths in this first "Superman" film.
The movie was written by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The cast includes Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Ned Beatty, Margot Kidder, Valerie Perrine and among a few others is our Larry Hagman.
Larry Hagman's character is called "Major," same as his rank on the "I Dream of Jeannie" series. He appears in a scene with Valerie Perrine and another officer where they discuss Ms. Perrine's character needing medical attention.
This is a great family movie and it is one many don't get bored with after watching it a couple of times. Dust off your copy or get to the video store soon and rent this one. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. And be sure to keep your eye out for Larry Hagman.
Oh, one more thing. You might want to stop in at http://www.oldtimecandy.com/homepage.html;$sessionid$UI3BM2YAAAMX1WGIHUVXBMWYZA4S1PX0 to pick up some candy for the movie. This site made me laugh, because you can buy things you haven't had in years. Enjoy, and see you all next month! Love, Peace & Happiness, ~Suzie Shaeffer
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Seen a star? If you know of a TV or movie appearance made by a "Jeannie" cast member, send in the name of the movie or TV program as well as which actor made the appearance to Suzie at Genie3099@aol.com.
June 2000
see them here!
• movies and tv shows to catch your favorite "jeannie" cast members in.
by suzie shaeffer, monthly columnist
Hey readers! Great to see all you groovy people again. I've been extremely busy lately with some new mod paintings I've been doing. Time flew right by this month and Harold forgot to remind me that I had work to do on this column. Then I knocked over my stack of things to do and what can I tell you, I've been a mess! Hmmm...I settled down and realized I haven't gotten to the star of our show yet. So this month I will get to pick on - oops, I do mean SPOTLIGHT - Barbara Eden!
We all envied Jeannie and wanted to be like her. But deep down inside, Barbara had a lot more spunk and attitude. We get a good look at this side of her in the movie "Harper Valley P.T.A." This movie was released in 1978 and directed by Richard C. Bennett. The writing credits go to George Edwards and Barry Schneider.
Probably one of Barbara's best displays of her talent, she shows us all her inner confidence in this flick. She stars as Stella Johnson, a widow with a young daughter named Dee (played by Susan Swift), newcomers to tiny Harper Valley, Ohio. She takes a job as a door-to-door saleswoman so she can work on building a new life for her and Dee. Dee attends the Harper Valley Junior High School, where a wealthy lady named Flora Simpson Reilly is the president of the P.T.A. The P.T.A. decides that Stella is too much trouble for their small town -- especially when their husbands pay her too much attention! The only way to get their point across is attempt to expel Dee from school. Stella gets mad and decides it's time the Harper Valley P.T.A. gets to really know her. She comes up with a master plan with her friend Alice (who is portrayed by Nanette Fabray) to get back at each and every member of the P.T.A.
This movie is fun comedy for the whole family. It also gives every "Jeannie" fan a different look at Barbara Eden. The film was so successful that it led to a weekly "Harper Valley P.T.A." television program, which also starred Barbara Eden (Jenn Thompson took over the role of Dee for the TV series). The show aired from January 1981 to August 1982 on NBC. (The "Harper Valley P.T.A." television series was featured in "See Them Here!" in the March 1998 issue of "The Blink.")
That's all I have on Barbara for this month. While I was surfing the 'net I cracked up when I found this site. It seems Dr. Bellows found his way to the 'net at
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Boulevard/1164. Poor guy...still trying to get people to believe him! :-) Enjoy, and see you all next month! Love, Peace & Happiness, ~Suzie Shaeffer
* * *
Seen a star? If you know of a TV or movie appearance made by a "Jeannie" cast member, send in the name of the movie or TV program as well as which actor made the appearance to Suzie at Genie3099@aol.com.
