A shock in store for ‘Dynasty’ fans

Press, 27 May 1985, Page 19

A shock in store for ‘Dynasty’ fans

David Hartnell's

“Dynasty” ends the series in the United States with the most fabulous wedding ever seen on a soapie. It is that marrage between Catherine Oxenberg, who plays Amanda, and Michael Praed who plays Prince Michael of Moldavia. Her gown costs $lO,OOO and was designed by the show’s designer, Nolan Miller, and John Forsythe, who plays Blake Carrington, gives her away — by the way, he turns out to be her real father. Just before the wedding, dear Alexis, played by Joan Collins, has a real ding-dong with her husband Dex, played by Michael Nader, because she once had a romance with the Prince’s father and he is convinced they have taken up again where they left off. Just before the wedding Lady Ashley, played by Ali MacGraw, rejects a marriage proposal from Jeff Colby, played by John James. I have heard a small whisper that after the wedding ceremony a monstrous tragedy will take place to shock the viewers — anything to get the ratings up and past its nearest rival, “Dallas”. Rock Hudson has left the show after only weeks on the screen. He is too ill to carry on with the heavy filming commitment. Aaron Spelling gave a sparkling party to celebrate

the success of his longrunning series, “Love Boat”, but some say he might be patting himself on the back too soon. This year's ratings were so low that it just missed going under the network axe, and if they do not pick up the entire crew, including captain Gavin MacLeod will all be in dry dock. This could suit MacLeod fine. He recently told some of his friends that after 13 years on the go he wants to slow down. I spent some time on the set of “Love Boat” a few years back and they sure do work for their dollars. It is all go-go-go on that series, so maybe a break would be a good idea. Larry Hagman is holidaying with both his wives — real life wife, Majand television wife Linda Gray. They have been to Australia to present some awards and are now in Singapore. There is nothing really unusual about this threesome as they are all great pals. Dear Liz Taylor has been forced to consider potentially dangerous surgery to correct an agonizing back trouble because she fears that any pain killing pills would turn her into an addict again. The 53-year-old super star is now in hospital for tests.

Willie Nelson, who has been on holiday in Hawaii, is on a health kick. He is dieting on meals of raw fish,

and says he is feeling great and has lost about 6kg.

Now that her television series “Partners In Crime" is off the air Linda Carter is putting together a new night club act. She will sing and dance her heart out at the Desert Inn Hotel on the Las Vegas strip. She will be payed $60,000 per show and she is doing two a night for the next four weeks.

The fiery Irish redhead, Maureen O’Hara is returning to Hollywood after 14 years in retirement. The 64-year-old star says she is looking for a strong role in a television series like Jane Wyman in “Falcon Crest.”

The rather rundown Van Nuys High School in a suburban area of Los Angeles has won the billing of High School to The Stars. Over its 80 years some of the greatest stars have passed their grades there like Natalie Wood, Stacy Keach, Marilyn Monroe, Robert Redford and Jane Russell.

James Brolin’s estate in Santa Barbara has been broken into a few too many times for the star of

“Hotel,” so now he has put a stop to any further break ins. He has bought himself a rather large lion for protection and since the great cat has been roaming the property no more burglars have turned up — funny that!

hollywood

Barbara Bel Geddes is returning to “Dallas,” but what does she have in common with John Forsythe and Rock Hudson? They have all had by-pass operations and have all staged a strenuous fight to return to the screen.

And for a little bit of Hollywood right here in New Zealand, the Christchurch dancer Peter Fitzgerald, who recently returned from the Hawaiian production of “Evita,” is now dancing up a storm in the newest theatre restaurant in Auckland called “Burgundys.”

And that’s Hollywood for this week!