THE ‘SCRUPLES’ TV MOVIE

The 1980 Scruples miniseries on CBS was pure, addictive television. It perfectly packaged glamour, elite success, and scandalous romance among Beverly Hills' most beautiful people. Capitalizing on that frenzy, ABC picked up the mantle just over a year later. On Friday, May 22, 1981, the network premiered a sleek new television movie, aiming to transform Judith Krantz's bestselling world into the next great weekly soap opera.

I still remember thinking how bizarre it was to schedulea prime-time TV event on a Friday night. In an era before VCRs were a household staple, you couldn't just pause live TV or tape it for later, so I chose a night out at the theater with friends instead. For years, I felt like I had missed a massive piece of 1980s pop culture history. It took me exactly forty-five years to finally sit down and watch it, but the soapy drama absolutely lived up to the hype.

Picking up right where the original miniseries left off, the story immediately plunges its characters into turmoil. Billy, recast with the late Shelley Smith, tragically miscarries and learns she can no longer bear children. To make matters worse, she discovers that her husband, Vito (James Darren replacing Nick Mancuso), desperately needs an heir. Adding financial ruin to personal heartbreak, she is also forced to fight a ruthless business takeover designed to steal her beloved, world-famous boutique right out from under her.

Meanwhile, the fairytale romance between Spider and Valentine (now played by Dirk Benedict and Olga Karlatos) hits a massive speed bump with the arrival of Melanie. Recast this time around with Priscilla Barnes, Melanie completely throws a wrench into their happy ending by claiming she is pregnant with Spider’s baby—or at least, that is what she wants him, and us, to believe.

While these core relationships sizzle, the film's momentum slows down with its least interesting subplot. This thread involves Nora Gregson (Elizabeth Edwards), a would-be actress who finds work at the boutique, alongside a side story about a theft committed by her brother and his roommate. Though fine on paper, it ultimately lacks the spark needed to keep viewers engaged. Fortunately, the main cast delivers solid performances across the board, with the absolute standout being the brilliant and widely missed Jessica Walter as Maggie McGregor (a role originated by Connie Stevens). Playing a sharp television gossip reporter, she completely steals every single scene she is in. 

Ultimately, it’s a true shame that nothing ever came of this unsold pilot. Much like Dallas or Dynasty, it possessed all the right ingredients to become a fantastic weekly series. In fact, screenwriter Camilla Marchetta actually worked on both of those iconic prime-time soaps, proving she clearly had the talent and the vision to make a weekly version of Scruples truly shine.

 

Until next post--Martin

RIP Judith Barnard, of Best-Selling ‘Judith Michael’ Fame

Judith Barnard, the half member of the husband and wife team behind the Judith Michael’s name, passed away this past month of heart failure. She was 94. If you recall, she is mostly responsible for the megahit DECEPTIONS in 1982. She wrote the narrative and her hubby predominately served as an editor. But together they created magic, launching 11 bestsellers in their joining careers. 

I discovered them in 1985 after watching the TV miniseries adaptation of DECEPTIONS starring Stefanie Powers. Of course, I was clueless about the fact that they were hiding behind the Judith Michael name. Just like the mini, I devoured the book, and later on started collecting their work.  Fast forward to 2026, I not only still own all of their paperbacks but I succeeded throughout the years in amassing their hardcover first editions as well. I’m really proud of both collections. 

It saddens me, however, to know that there won’t be any more Judith Michael novels in the future—though I already had a hunch about that since their last book THE REAL MOTHER was published in 2005. Yet, silly as it may sound, I still had a tiny glimmer of hope that it would happen. But like the woman behind the name and the many successful and least successful compatriots alongside her, the subgenre has officially passed on. Yes, the glitz and glam novel is pretty much a thing of the past. Thankfully I still have tons and tons of unread ‘80s books in my house to enjoy. 

So here’s to you Judith Barnard.  Thank you for making this gay man who he is by giving him what he wants, a little radiance of escapism from life’s hardships.

 

Until next post,

Martin 

'PLACES' BY ROBIN ST. THOMAS

 

Here we go. My first re-read of 2026: PLACES by Robin St. Thomas. Why that one? Well, easy: I totally have a soft spot for it. Problem is I seem to be the only one who does. Most readers of the genre would rather forget about it. I don’t know why since I think it is truly enjoyable, if not remarkable in its own right. Yes, I agree, the book is far from being perfect: there are some spotted inconsistencies, typos, exclamation points everywhere. However, it’s a Zebra book. It’s what is expected. Still, it is a fun read. It has a fine heroine, an intriguing plot, and an opulence set during the late ‘60s, early ‘70s. Everything I need in a trashy book.

 

The story centers on Aurora Styles, an orphan, who as a late teen, dreams of cinema and its male stars from which she indulges in sexual fantasies. She soon ends up being deflowered by her older and more experienced foster brother who, later on, urges her to go to New York to study acting. Once there, she befriends a Meryl Steep-like fellow student who ends up being more of a troubled soul. She also comes across a pair of socialites in the form of a gay prince and an older countess who will be favorable in her quest for stardom, amongst other things. Throw into the mix a couple of lovers, a woman hunt related to a possible murder case, and what you end up with, besides adding even the kitchen sink, is the innermost urge to sit down and finish this thing. 

 

PLACES definitely goes places, like New York, Hollywood, Rome, London...  However, the authors (more on that later) linger little on settings, focusing more on plot and characters, or should I say character, for besides the central one, little else is spotlighted. Clearly, the novel is all about Aurora achieving her goal of becoming a famous actress. Though she does eventually get there (in about a third of the book), PLACES takes a surprising turn by making her lose it all which ends up giving this would-be rags to riches novel a second wind.

 

As for the secondary characters lacking development, this may be a tad unfair on my part. The authors do try to put some emphasis on them. Aurora’s Meryl Streep-like actress friend is one good example. St. Thomas gradually make a point of showing the psychological downfall of the quirky character. The same can be said about Aurora’s two socialite friends. Sexual identity and ageism regarding these two are notably hint at. Not to mention the addition of a gigolo-type character who temporarily puts a dent in their rock solid friendship.

 

Simply put, 1987 PLACES is indeed quite the paperback. Oh it may be flawed but authors Robin Stevenson and actor Tom Bade (1946-2005) do a good enough job at keeping the reader intrigued. Seven other Hollywood novels follow this reviewed title, including SWITCHBACK for which they drop their nom de plume, and I look forward to each and every one of them.

 

 

Until next post—Martin

 

 Actor / novelist Tom Bade from 1971 SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS ARE... (to be reviewed).