The one that started it all!

The FOL backdoor pilot which was the season 2 finale of Diff'rent Strokes. Back when Eastland was "Eastlake", and the headmaster was Harold J. "The Croc" Crocker.

I totally forgot there was an exterior shot of the dorm! (and it totally doesn't match with the front door exterior set with the wall that juts out from the side in those close-ups here and in season 1, lol) And look at what a dorm it is---it definitely can house more than 7 girls. In fact, do you know how many girls it houses?

23!! :lol:

No wonder Warren Littlefield's math is so off! Maybe he just remembered seeing this episode, and a few season 1 FOL shows, and got it all mixed up. ;)

Thanks to Tootie's panning shot of her out-of-control skating streak, I was able to get a count of all the girls, minus 3 that aren't in the shot (Blair, Laura, Ballerina-Looking-Gal [BLG] ), but I have #ed those three girls 21, 22, and 23 in the 4th photo here---and I also called out girl #12 as well, since you can't see her in the first numbered photos I posted, but she is just behind "The Croc" in the second of those numbered photos.

You will also notice two end tables I pointed out which did not survive the casting call to the full first season. :lol:

Welcome to Eastlake!

The one that started it all!

The FOL backdoor pilot which was the season 2 finale of Diff'rent Strokes. Back when Eastland was "Eastlake", and the headmaster was Harold J. "The Croc" Crocker.

I totally forgot there was an exterior shot of the dorm! (and it totally doesn't match with the front door exterior set with the wall that juts out from the side in those close-ups here and in season 1, lol)

GREAT topic!

I hadn't forgotten the original three-story dorm from the backdoor pilot. I wonder if any of the 23 students in that dorm slept on the third floor?


And look at what a dorm it is---it definitely can house more than 7 girls. In fact, do you know how many girls it houses?

23!! :lol:

Wow! So if that dorm was typical, and there were dorms A through G, Eastland would have had 161 students, which seems more realistic than seven per dorm.


No wonder Warren Littlefield's math is so off! Maybe he just remembered seeing this episode, and a few season 1 FOL shows, and got it all mixed up. ;)

It's possible.


Thanks to Tootie's panning shot of her out-of-control skating streak, I was able to get a count of all the girls, minus 3 that aren't in the shot (Blair, Laura, Ballerina-Looking-Gal [BLG] ), but I have #ed those three girls 21, 22, and 23 in the 4th photo here---and I also called out girl #12 as well, since you can't see her in the first numbered photos I posted, but she is just behind "The Croc" in the second of those numbered photos.


Nice detective work!

GREAT topic! Nice detective work!


I love being a private investigator! :cool:




I hadn't forgotten the original three-story dorm from the backdoor pilot. I wonder if any of the 23 students in that dorm slept on the third floor?


Possibly---maybe they could be more "private" rooms upstairs, and the more affluent of the girls (a la Blair) could snag those.




Wow! So if that dorm was typical, and there were dorms A through G, Eastland would have had 161 students, which seems more realistic than seven per dorm.


Quite! lol...


And look! As much of a stingy nickel-squeezing grinch that "the Croc" was, he didn't install a pay phone in the dorm! At least, not at this point, anyway. There is no pay phone and one "regular" phone (that couldn't have been fun for 23 schoolgirls, lol...Nancy would've yanked the phone out of the wall and barricaded it with herself in her room! :lol: )


Although, because he is tricked into establishing a dramatic arts scholarship at the show's end, perhaps that loss of $ gave him the idea to rip out the free phone and install the pay unit. :lol:

Say, speaking of "the Croc", I just had a realization: our introduction show of the dorm presents us with "the Croc", and our farewell show of the dorm presents us with "the Group" :lol:

And look! As much of a stingy nickel-squeezing grinch that "the Croc" was, he didn't install a pay phone in the dorm! At least, not at this point, anyway. There is no pay phone and one "regular" phone (that couldn't have been fun for 23 schoolgirls, lol...Nancy would've yanked the phone out of the wall and barricaded it with herself in her room! :lol: )

Was Nancy even seeing Roger at that point?

Good catch on the payphone! I wonder what the thinking was, behind the scenes, on why a payphone should replace the regular phone, and then, four episodes later, is swapped out with a regular phone again.

Bradley seemed more reasonable than Crocker. If anyone installed the payphone, it was The Crock. After all, it was uninstalled in Bradley's era; that should say something.


Say, speaking of "the Croc", I just had a realization: our introduction show of the dorm presents us with "the Croc", and our farewell show of the dorm presents us with "the Group" :lol:

Yep! Although... "The Group" was a bit of a "crock" ;)

The screen capture of Kimberly there reminds me that the Eastland/Eastlake uniform slightly changed, too: Kimberly is wearing a grey blazer over the maroon outfit. Blair always wore a blue blazer over the maroon outfit, and of course the other girls all wore blue sweaters.

Was Nancy even seeing Roger at that point?

Well, I was implying whenever she started seeing Roger, had she still had 22 "dormmates", lol.


Good catch on the payphone! I wonder what the thinking was, behind the scenes, on why a payphone should replace the regular phone

Perhaps they wanted a bit of "downstage action"? But yeah then they changed their mind after 4 episodes, lol.

Now, going back upstage, note the piano---it's brown! They used a brown piano for one episode! :lol: Makes you wonder why they swapped it out for a radically different one after the backdoor pilot (it's not like they ever "showed it off" or anything, lol).

Well, I was implying whenever she started seeing Roger, had she still had 22 "dormmates", lol.

Could any of them even hear the phone ringing over the noise of that many students?!



Now, going back upstage, note the piano---it's brown! They used a brown piano for one episode! :lol: Makes you wonder why they swapped it out for a radically different one after the backdoor pilot (it's not like they ever "showed it off" or anything, lol).

Oh, good catch!

(I think we need to check the piano in Co-Ed Fever, too, if there was one.)

I suspect what happened is that they taped "The Girls' School", emptied the set, went on hiatus, and then when they came back, they figured no-one would ever notice a different piano was where the old piano was.

The same thing likely happened after the first four episodes were taped: they moved out all the furniture, including clocks, phones, and globes, then came back for the Spring 1980 episodes, and had to hastily try to reconstruct the set.

Could any of them even hear the phone ringing over the noise of that many students?!


Hahaha, great point! If it would have been anything like "The Girls' School", they sure couldn't have! :lol:




Oh, good catch!

(I think we need to check the piano in Co-Ed Fever, too, if there was one.)


I thought about that too, that a lot of this set decoration may be from CEF.




I suspect what happened is that they taped "The Girls' School", emptied the set, went on hiatus, and then when they came back, they figured no-one would ever notice a different piano was where the old piano was.


The same thing likely happened after the first four episodes were taped: they moved out all the furniture, including clocks, phones, and globes, then came back for the Spring 1980 episodes, and had to hastily try to reconstruct the set.


If that's what they did, that is strange; a number of changes wouldn't be uncommon, but actually emptying the set and putting it all back together again? Wow.


Speaking of set changes, check out a few other different things in TGS: a green pennant, a red rug, and yet another (I believe different) end table.

If that's what they did, that is strange; a number of changes wouldn't be uncommon, but actually emptying the set and putting it all back together again? Wow.

It's actually the modern standard. I don't know how it worked in 1979/1980, but sets are emptied after every season. This is so stuff doesn't "walk" between seasons. If you ever watch the Friends special that goes behind the scenes, they actually show the apartment sets being re-dressed between seasons five and six: the entire set was dismantled between those seasons.

The Facts of Life sets were also apparently frequently dismantled: from 1979 to 1982, the show was taped at Metromedia's facilities. From '82 to '85, the show was taped at Universal Studios Hollywood, and from '85 to '88, the show was taped at Sunset Gower Studios (http://www.thestudiotour.com/movies.php?movie_id=2303). This means the S2 cafeteria was dismantled and reassembled on another soundstage, miles to the south. The bakery/store set was also dismantled and reassembled.

^---I didn't realize this thread of dissection would lead to dismantling, haha.

Something neat about the blocking of this episode---they utilized the stairs! Now of course the stairs were used in season 1, but I don't think they were ever used for staging purposes, as far as sitting on them. And it's very natural for kids to sit on stairs to talk. Funny that that was thought of for a scene in this backdoor pilot, but apparently never again the 13 shows that featured a staircase.

^---I didn't realize this thread of dissection would lead to dismantling, haha.

Something neat about the blocking of this show---they utilized the stairs! Now of course the stairs were used in season 1, but I don't think they were ever used for staging purposes, as far as sitting on them. And it's very natural for kids to sit on stairs to talk. Funny that that was thought of for a scene in this backdoor pilot, but apparently never again the 13 shows that featured a staircase.

But what about "Molly's Holiday", when Cindy and Blair talk about divorce while they walk upstairs? And in the same episode, Tootie throws her bag down the stairs.

But what about "Molly's Holiday", when Cindy and Blair talk about divorce while they walk upstairs? And in the same episode, Tootie throws her bag down the stairs.

Yeah, I know they of course use the stairs, and Natalie reveals on the landing the news of one of her stuffed animals almost being totaled in "Flash Flood", lol, but I was emphasizing about the missed staging opportunity of the girls actually sitting on the steps to discuss/talk things out, like in the pic I posted. I'm surprised they never staged any of the girls sitting on the stairs during blocking of any of the actual episodes.

On another subject, we all know Natalie and Cindy are not in this episode. Do we know if the producers and Charlotte did their research at that one girls' school after this episode aired? Because we know that's where Charlotte "appropriated" Mindy (haha). But Mindy didn't appear in the backdoor pilot. So maybe after DS's taping season ended, then that's when they went to the school to do some research before the actual series?

And just when did Cindy Webster come about? What led to her creation? In The Girls' School there is one girl with long blond hair who is wearing a kind of athletic-style Lake Tahoe shirt, and a ball cap. They probably tried to make some of the girls look different so they wouldn't all look too similar; did a producer while watching this episode get inspired by this girl to create a tomboy athlete character? Could be, could not be, but it's interesting to note...

Yeah, I know they of course use the stairs, and Natalie reveals on the landing the news of one of her stuffed animals almost being totaled in "Flash Flood", lol, but I was emphasizing about the missed staging opportunity of the girls actually sitting on the steps to discuss/talk things out, like in the pic I posted. I'm surprised they never staged any of the girls sitting on the stairs during blocking of any of the actual episodes.

Alas, we only got a half a season of the Eastland dorm episodes!


On another subject, we all know Natalie and Cindy are not in this episode. Do we know if the producers and Charlotte did their research at that one girls' school after this episode aired? Because we know that's where Charlotte "appropriated" Mindy (haha). But Mindy didn't appear in the backdoor pilot. So maybe after DS's taping season ended, then that's when they went to the school to do some research before the actual series?

That's what I think: after DS's season ended, the writers, producers, and Charlotte went to Westlake, where Mindy was "discovered".


And just when did Cindy Webster come about? What led to her creation?

I alluded to this in another recent thread, but as you say, it really does make you wonder when exactly the character of Cindy Webster was created. Did the producers realize, after watching TGS, that there was no jock?


In The Girls' School there is one girl with long blond hair who is wearing a kind of athletic-style Lake Tahoe shirt, and a ball cap. They probably tried to make some of the girls look different so they wouldn't all look too similar; did a producer while watching this episode get inspired by this girl to create a tomboy athlete character? Could be, could not be, but it's interesting to note...

Hey, now, that's interesting! Obviously, we have no way of confirming any of this, but it's a very intriguing theory!

That's what I think: after DS's season ended, the writers, producers, and Charlotte went to Westlake, where Mindy was "discovered".


That in turn makes you wonder if the producers had a "final" cast set in place of 6 girls (if Julie Anne had been found yet), until Charlotte saw Mindy and managed to get her on board.





I alluded to this in another recent thread, but as you say, it really does make you wonder when exactly the character of Cindy Webster was created. Did the producers realize, after watching TGS, that there was no jock?


Yes, it's one of the most clouded mysteries of season 1: where did Cindy Webster come from? After I have lunch with Julie Anne I'll be sure and let you know!*


*(hopeful fan fantasy, lol)



Hey, now, that's interesting! Obviously, we have no way of confirming any of this, but it's a very intriguing theory!


Yeah, I can't help but wonder that. And the fan in me loves to think that's how it happened, until we ever hear some "facts", lol.


You know, watching TGS for the first time in a few years, I was struck by how really good Felice was---she really did get a "bum rap"! I mean I always knew how sad her tale was and how unfair it was for her, but when you watch this backdoor pilot and see what a sweet little star she was, she really was so talented throughout the whole episode. She showed a range of emotions: friendly, eager, heartbroken, flustered, hopeful, happy, even catty! (in an innocent-sounding way, lol) And she flowed through all of these beautifully. She didn't miss a beat.



And then...


well...


for whatever reason, perhaps this is what happened after the episode aired ;)

That in turn makes you wonder if the producers had a "final" cast set in place of 6 girls (if Julie Anne had been found yet), until Charlotte saw Mindy and managed to get her on board.

Based on TGS, it seemed as though the cast would be Felice, Lisa, Julie, Kim, Laura, Jennifer and Molly. But obviously, things weren't set in stone. TGS had a great part for Felice, a part where she shone, yet someone in charge after the episode was taped decided that Lisa, Julie and Kim would be the primary focus (along with Charlotte, naturally).

At some point, someone must have decided that the Laura and Jennifer characters weren't cutting it, and they got the axe. (Or maybe a "frog handler" was too expensive? ;) ) It's too bad we never saw them again at Eastland, but they didn't really stick out to me.

This would have left Felice as one of five girls, and although her role might not have been as big as Lisa's, Julie's, or Kim's, surely she would have had more screen time, had she been one of just five girls.

But then Charlotte brought Mindy on board from Westlake, and presumably around the same time, Julie Anne was also brought on board, which has never been explained. Felice was thus left with a rather small role, when she had been such an integral part of the backdoor pilot.


Yes, it's one of the most clouded mysteries of season 1: where did Cindy Webster come from? After I have lunch with Julie Anne I'll be sure and let you know!*

*(hopeful fan fantasy, lol)

Are you on Twitter? Julie Anne has an account. You could ask her yourself, if you dare! :lol:


You know, watching TGS for the first time in a few years, I was struck by how really good Felice was---she really did get a "bum rap"! I mean I always knew how sad her tale was and how unfair it was for her, but when you watch this backdoor pilot and see what a sweet little star she was, she really was so talented throughout the whole episodes. She showed a range of emotions: friendly, eager, heartbroken, flustered, hopeful, happy, even catty! (in an innocent-sounding way, lol) And she flowed through all of these beautifully. She didn't miss a beat.

Felice was very good, and it's a shame she didn't get a meatier role on FOL, but I'm glad she appeared in the episodes she did appear in: "Gossip" is quite funny, in part because of her. Despite her FOL role being so diminished, she has had a good acting career nonetheless.


for whatever reason, perhaps this is what happened after the episode aired ;)

Haha!

It's funny, because Felice's mother was both the agent for Felice and for Mindy. Felice states that she was in her basement when she heard the news that she was no longer going to regularly be on FOL. What must Felice's mom have been thinking, at that moment? "They're keeping the girl with no acting experience?!" Despite this, I'm glad Felice and Mindy remained friends.

At some point, someone must have decided that the Laura and Jennifer characters weren't cutting it, and they got the axe. (Or maybe a "frog handler" was too expensive? ;) ) It's too bad we never saw them again at Eastland, but they didn't really stick out to me.


Yeah, Cindy and Natalie were much more entertaining than Jennifer and Laura.





Are you on Twitter? Julie Anne has an account. You could ask her yourself, if you dare! :lol:



No; are you? You ask! :lol:



It's funny, because Felice's mother was both the agent for Felice and for Mindy. Felice states that she was in her basement when she heard the news that she was no longer going to regularly be on FOL. What must Felice's mom have been thinking, at that moment? "They're keeping the girl with no acting experience?!" Despite this, I'm glad Felice and Mindy remained friends.


Oh, yikes! lol



And yeah, it's nice that there were some lasting friendships. I remember seeing "behind-the-scenes" photos of the girls at birthday parties (Lisa's, maybe?), and I remember seeing at least Felice of the Lost Girls at one of them.

No; are you? You ask! :lol:


Sadly, she's never responded to me. :(


And yeah, it's nice that there were some lasting friendships. I remember seeing "behind-the-scenes" photos of the girls at birthday parties (Lisa's, maybe?), and I remember seeing at least Felice of the Lost Girls at one of them.Yep! Mindy, Lisa, Julie Anne, and Melissa Gilbert attended Felice's 18th birthday party, which is pretty awesome.

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/data/1010/3felice18thbirthday.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/PKQAAOxydB1SiOMr/s-l300.jpg


http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/10352/si/Felice

Sadly, she's never responded to me. :(

Darn...maybe if you ask her to nicely? On behalf of the "Facts" community? lol


Yep! Mindy, Lisa, Julie Anne, and Melissa Gilbert attended Felice's 18th birthday party, which is pretty awesome.

Yes! That's it...and wow, look, it's 4 "Facts" girls! Just imagine what the show would have been like if this were the "Four Musketeers" under Edna's watch, on probation working in the cafeteria...Cindy, Natalie, Nancy, Blair. That would've been interesting.

Oh, and I should have added after my Nancy/Mrs. Garrett mock-up: "The comments of Edna Garrett do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Charlotte Rae, 'The Facts of Life', or Sony Television" :lol:

Yes! That's it...and wow, look, it's 4 "Facts" girls! Just imagine what the show would have been like if this were the "Four Musketeers" under Edna's watch, on probation working in the cafeteria...Cindy, Natalie, Nancy, Blair. That would've been interesting.

It's hard to imagine FOL without Tootie, though. And Natalie would be a shell of her former self without her bestie! Not to mention Cindy without Sue Ann...

Splitting those girls up would be cruel.


Oh, and I should have added after my Nancy/Mrs. Garrett mock-up: "The comments of Edna Garrett do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Charlotte Rae, 'The Facts of Life', or Sony Television" :lol:

:lol:

It's hard to imagine FOL without Tootie, though. And Natalie would be a shell of her former self without her bestie! Not to mention Cindy without Sue Ann...

Splitting those girls up would be cruel.

Yeah it's not the foursome I would put together, I was just saying it would be interesting since we saw a photo featuring only those 4 girls (not counting Melissa Gilbert, I'm strictly talking "Facts" girls, lol).

Although, I do enjoy the little glimpses we get of Natalie and Cindy's friendship in season 1.

Yeah it's not the foursome I would put together, I was just saying it would be interesting since we saw a photo featuring only those 4 girls (not counting Melissa Gilbert, I'm strictly talking "Facts" girls, lol).

Oh, I understood you wouldn't necessarily put those four together. I do wonder what such a FOL would look like in that scenario: we saw Lisa, Kim, Mindy, and Nancy... and also Lisa, Kim, Julie, Molly and Felice, but never Julie Anne, Lisa, Mindy, and Felice.


Although, I do enjoy the little glimpses we get of Natalie and Cindy's friendship in season 1.

And Blair and Cindy's budding friendship, too!

I wonder where Jennifer, Laura, and Molly came from?

As RetroGuy2000 pointed out, these 3 characters have the same name as the actresses who play them. Coincidence? As a little boy I thought so when it came to Molly in season 1, but in this backdoor pilot, hardly, if 3 girls have characters with their same name, lol.

It makes you wonder why these girls had characters using their own names? It wasn't a last-minute "Oh, we need more girls---here, take these, just use their own names!" deal, because Molly was discovered by the show's casting director when she saw her in a production of "Annie". So the producers obviously had time to come up with a name for her. Did they already have a "Molly" character in mind, and it was an amazing coincidence this little girl's name was already Molly? Or was it something else?

It's interesting that Jennifer is kind of "the Nancy" of the backdoor pilot. A handful of lines, and she's just basically wallpaper for this episode. Maybe the producers realized she didn't offer much to the show (no offense Jennifer), and Laura barely had one line, so maybe that inspired them to come up with two new characters: the athletic tomboy, and then the sheer chance encounter of finding Mindy and adding her different look and personality into the mix. It's funny though how Kimberly even points them out as being friends of hers when she introduces them and future Lost Girls in that show to Mrs. Garrett, yet they fall by the wayside while Molly, Sue Ann, Blair, Tootie, and Nancy all have generous numbers of lines (obviously with Nancy being the focus of the episode).

And poor Leon didn't even get a closing credit! :lol:

I wonder where Jennifer, Laura, and Molly came from?

As RetroGuy2000 pointed out, these 3 characters have the same name as the actresses who play them. Coincidence? As a little boy I thought so when it came to Molly in season 1, but in this backdoor pilot, hardly, if 3 girls have characters with their same name, lol.

It makes you wonder why these girls had characters using their own names? It wasn't a last-minute "Oh, we need more girls---here, take these, just use their own names!" deal, because Molly was discovered by the show's casting director when she saw her in a production of "Annie". So the producers obviously had time to come up with a name for her. Did they already have a "Molly" character in mind, and it was an amazing coincidence this little girl's name was already Molly? Or was it something else?

I actually do believe it was a last-minute "take these three girls and just use their actual names"-type thing: this was the end of the DS season, they probably had very little time to put everything together. The show's producers even used a set from a recently-cancelled show, Co-Ed Fever, rather than build something new. Only Nancy's character was well developed, with the Blair role still developing, and Sue Ann's character being more of a dumb character. Molly was a "talker" more like Karen (Vanessa's friend) on The Cosby Show than the character she became.

There was no stage set, so they just rehearsed in the dorm set. The script was rough, and needed refining before NBC would agree to even a 4-episode tryout in the fall.

I suspect the producers of DS sent Eve Brandstein to check out plays in San Francisco and Boston to look for stage talent: Molly was spotted in "Annie" in San Francisco, and I believe Laura Shuman was spotted in "Cyrano" (or another 1970s play) in Boston, based on this info (https://wtfestival.org/main-events/cyrano-de-bergerac/). No idea where Jennifer Rooney came from, but it's possible she was another play actress fill-in.


It's interesting that Jennifer is kind of "the Nancy" of the backdoor pilot. A handful of lines, and she's just basically wallpaper for this episode. Maybe the producers realized she didn't offer much to the show (no offense Jennifer), and Laura barely had one line, so maybe that inspired them to come up with two new characters: the athletic tomboy, and then the sheer chance encounter of finding Mindy and adding her different look and personality into the mix.


I think that's what happened: NBC looked at the pilot and said, "We need better characters. Fire those two Bea Arthurs!" (That's a Three's Company reference, BTW).


It's funny though how Kimberly even points them out as being friends of hers when she introduces them and future Lost Girls in that show to Mrs. Garrett, yet they fall by the wayside while Molly, Sue Ann, Blair, Tootie, and Nancy all have generous numbers of lines (obviously with Nancy being the focus of the episode).

Probably what happened is that seven girls were scripted, but partway through rehearsals, the producers saw some of the girls had more of what they wanted, and lines were hastily reassigned. Blair became a snob, etc. This left Jennifer and Laura with not much to say.

In the context of the show, it's really not even all that strange that Laura and Jennifer disappeared: they were friends of Kimberly, but we never even saw Kimberly after the pilot. But their disappearance really was a sign of things to come...

I actually do believe it was a last-minute "take these three girls and just use their actual names"-type thing


Could be, perhaps they had Eve scout for talent while they were still trying to hastily develop things. She did her part, but by the time all the paperwork had been signed, they were still trying to finalize things, lol...good theory.





Molly was a "talker" more like Karen (Vanessa's friend) on The Cosby Show than the character she became.


They retained that charter part of her character and showed it a few times in season 1, which I always love seeing, lol.



Laura Shuman was spotted in "Cyrano" (or another 1970s play) in Boston, based on this info (https://wtfestival.org/main-events/cyrano-de-bergerac/).


She was? Wow...scouted out for her talent all for one line in a hurried moment! (I think it's "Thanks Mrs. Garrett!"---it's when the girls are piling up their costumes on her) She doesn't even get to ask Mrs. Garrett if she's seen her frog Leon, naive Sue Ann gets to ask that, lol.



Probably what happened is that seven girls were scripted, but partway through rehearsals, the producers saw some of the girls had more of what they wanted, and lines were hastily reassigned. Blair became a snob, etc. This left Jennifer and Laura with not much to say.


True, Blair's transformation did change everything; who knows?

She was? Wow...scouted out for her talent all for one line in a hurried moment! (I think it's "Thanks Mrs. Garrett!"---it's when the girls are piling up their costumes on her) She doesn't even get to ask Mrs. Garrett if she's seen her frog Leon, naive Sue Ann gets to ask that, lol.

It's always possible that there was a different Laura Shuman who was working as an actress in the 1970s, but this is the only one I've found.

I actually do believe it was a last-minute "take these three girls and just use their actual names"-type thing: this was the end of the DS season, they probably had very little time to put everything together. The show's producers even used a set from a recently-cancelled show, Co-Ed Fever, rather than build something new. Only Nancy's character was well developed, with the Blair role still developing, and Sue Ann's character being more of a dumb character. Molly was a "talker" more like Karen (Vanessa's friend) on The Cosby Show than the character she became.

There was no stage set, so they just rehearsed in the dorm set. The script was rough, and needed refining before NBC would agree to even a 4-episode tryout in the fall.

I suspect the producers of DS sent Eve Brandstein to check out plays in San Francisco and Boston to look for stage talent: Molly was spotted in "Annie" in San Francisco, and I believe Laura Shuman was spotted in "Cyrano" (or another 1970s play) in Boston, based on this info (https://wtfestival.org/main-events/cyrano-de-bergerac/). No idea where Jennifer Rooney came from, but it's possible she was another play actress fill-in.




I think that's what happened: NBC looked at the pilot and said, "We need better characters. Fire those two Bea Arthurs!" (That's a Three's Company reference, BTW).



Probably what happened is that seven girls were scripted, but partway through rehearsals, the producers saw some of the girls had more of what they wanted, and lines were hastily reassigned. Blair became a snob, etc. This left Jennifer and Laura with not much to say.

In the context of the show, it's really not even all that strange that Laura and Jennifer disappeared: they were friends of Kimberly, but we never even saw Kimberly after the pilot. But their disappearance really was a sign of things to come...

Wow this is fascinating! Great info. Two Bea Arthurs :lol: I saw the original pilots and they have a point.

Two Bea Arthurs :lol: I saw the original pilots and they have a point.

The TC pilots? You saw them?! Where!????

The TC pilots? You saw them?! Where!????

I think they were on Dailymotion

I think they were on Dailymotion
THANKS Lorimar!

*rushes off to see two Bea Arthurs in a TC pilot*

I think that's what happened: NBC looked at the pilot and said, "We need better characters. Fire those two Bea Arthurs!" (That's a Three's Company reference, BTW).

Two Bea Arthurs :lol: I saw the original pilots and they have a point.

I need to know the full context of this reference, because of course Bea Arthur was an amazing talent; but this makes it sound like it's insulting/demeaning to her? That doesn't add up, so I need to be clued in to the meaning behind the TC joke here, lol.

I need to know the full context of this reference, because of course Bea Arthur was an amazing talent; but this makes it sound like it's insulting/demeaning to her? That doesn't add up, so I need to be clued in to the meaning behind the TC joke here, lol.

It's pretty demeaning to poor Bea Arthur.

According to Joyce DeWitt, who co-produced the Three's Company "Unauthorized Story" (which is on YouTube), when the network suits at ABC saw the original pilots for Three's Company (which did not have Joyce or Suzanne), they hated the original two actresses, calling them "those two Bea Arthurs" (or something along those lines), in a very condescending tone.

So when I was discussing how Jennifer and Laura disappeared after the pilot, I mentioned "those two Bea Arthurs". Network execs are not known for their finesse.

But I do have to admit that Three's Company would have been very different with Maude and Dorothy in the place of Chrissy and Janet! :lol:

She was? Wow...scouted out for her talent all for one line in a hurried moment! (I think it's "Thanks Mrs. Garrett!"---it's when the girls are piling up their costumes on her) She doesn't even get to ask Mrs. Garrett if she's seen her frog Leon, naive Sue Ann gets to ask that, lol.


So, I just re-watched the episode, and here were Laura's lines:

6:56: "Oh, sorry Mrs. Garrett!"

10:00: "Mine, too, Mrs. Garrett, 'cause I'm too busy looking for my frog, Leon."

11:30: "This ruffle..."

11:38: "Thanks Mrs. Garrett!"

According to this Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerren_Keith), Laura married Diff'rent Strokes director Gerren Keith in 1985 (he must have been considerably older than her). She sadly passed away in 2002.

Oh wow, she had more lines than I thought. Granted, I think most of them were during the cacophony of girls running amuck in that room, lol.

11:30: "This ruffle..."

:lol:


According to this Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerren_Keith), Laura married Diff'rent Strokes director Gerren Keith in 1985 (he must have been considerably older than her).

Oh wow, "Mr. 227"! I forgot he did DS, but I love 227 (which sees appearances from two FOL stars!).


She sadly passed away in 2002.

Wow, that is sad...

Oh wow, "Mr. 227"! I forgot he did DS, but I love 227 (which sees appearances from two FOL stars!).

I fondly remember 227, but I haven't seen it in many, many years.


Wow, that is sad...

Yes. At least Laura and Gerren had a long, happy marriage together.

Check it out---above the fireplace in the first rendering of the common room is a portrait of a lady from years gone by. Who is she? Was she the founder of the Eastland School for Girls? Was she that dorm's first housemother? Was she a great financial supporter of the school? Was she one of the first year's students?

We may never know, and her picture is forever gone after this episode...

-

Check it out---above the fireplace in the first rendering of the common room is a portrait of a lady from years gone by. Who is she? Was she the founder of the Eastland School for Girls? Was she that dorm's first housemother? Was she a great financial supporter of the school? Was she one of the first year's students?

We may never know, and her picture is forever gone after this episode...

-
I've been wanting to get to this post all day, but haven't had the chance. Now I do! *rubs hands*

Considering that the painting leaves at the same Mr. Crocker leaves, and considering his huge ego, I suspect it is one of his ancestors, which he insisted on keeping on the mantle.

BTW, I discovered Mr. Crocker left after far less than a full year at Eastland: in TGS, Kimberly tells the DS gang that he's new. This is in May 1979. By August, he had been replaced by Mr. Bradley. :lol:

Glad I provided you with a goal today, lol.

Considering that the painting leaves at the same Mr. Crocker leaves, and considering his huge ego, I suspect it is one of his ancestors, which he insisted on keeping on the mantle.

lol, well I'll believe in my fan Eastland universe that is a lady connected with Eastland. If it were an ancestor of Howard's (another Howard! lol), would he have enough portraits for each dorm? Would he have different ones for each dorm? (probably, if that were the case, lol) Besides, I think she looks too nice to be related to him. :lol:


BTW, I discovered Mr. Crocker left after far less than a full year at Eastland: in TGS, Kimberly tells the DS gang that he's new. This is in May 1979. By August, he had been replaced by Mr. Bradley. :lol:

Heh...what a "crock"! ;)

When I worked at Grey's Anatomy in 2011, I met a fellow actress who told me she was in this Pilot! Her Uncle was a producer, I think, on this and many other series, so she was a featured girl in the common room. She was the girl who did the flip. Her name is DeJanine. I lost touch with her though after that point.

When I worked at Grey's Anatomy in 2011, I met a fellow actress who told me she was in this Pilot! Her Uncle was a producer, I think, on this and many other series, so she was a featured girl in the common room. She was the girl who did the flip. Her name is DeJanine. I lost touch with her though after that point.

Hey Mark!

Thanks for sharing this story. There are actually two girls doing flips in the common room (both with pigtails), so I'm not sure which one DeJanine is. But it's cool that you shared the story. I always wondered how those girls got this gig, and so it's cool to know that one was the niece of a producer. I suppose other background girls got gigs by being connected, as well.

She has blonde hair. I don't have the scene in front of me. But I know she had blonde hair. She was in the front of the couch I think when she did the flip. I think she stood on her hands. Her Uncle has passed away. It was prior to 2011 as I asked if he was still producing and she said he had passed on. She also told me she was in Oh, God Book II and was surprised I loved that movie or even knew of it. She was in the birthday party scene at the Chinese restaurant (which wasn't upclose) when Tracy was there at the beginning with her Dad, then the deleted scene in the park with George Burns as an Ice Cream Man. But She was in the front of the camera doing the flip. I'm pretty sure it was a flip and handstand.

She has blonde hair. I don't have the scene in front of me. But I know she had blonde hair. She was in the front of the couch I think when she did the flip. I think she stood on her hands. Her Uncle has passed away. It was prior to 2011 as I asked if he was still producing and she said he had passed on. She also told me she was in Oh, God Book II and was surprised I loved that movie or even knew of it. She was in the birthday party scene at the Chinese restaurant (which wasn't upclose) when Tracy was there at the beginning with her Dad, then the deleted scene in the park with George Burns as an Ice Cream Man. But She was in the front of the camera doing the flip. I'm pretty sure it was a flip and handstand.

There are two blonde girls doing flips and handstands in "The Girls' School" pilot. They are dressed similarly, with blue and white ribbons in their hair.

I do see her credits on IMDb (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1262452/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t46), and she's got an impressive list of background work. She is listed as a production assistant for some later FOL episodes (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078610/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast), too, which is very cool. She's the great-grand daughter of the founder of Paramount Pictures, according to this (https://www.productionhub.com/profile/djanine-kinglasky), and she can be contacted through ProductionHub or Lasky Productions (http://www.laskyproductions.com/3.html).

I think one in dark blue. She told me she did a flip in front of the camera and the hand stand. She can be seen when Tootie is talking to Mr. Crocker after crashing.

I wish we could see a script for this episode, because I'm curious how we spell Mr. Crocker's nickname: is it "The Croc" like a crocodile, or is it "The Crock" like "What a crock!" :confused: It could be either.

Or maybe both!

I agree about wanting to see scripts. So many questions could be answered!

Or maybe both!

I agree about wanting to see scripts. So many questions could be answered!


ikr?? By the by, my post was inspired by you, because I noticed you were referring to him earlier in this thread as "The Crock", while I was using "The Croc".

ikr?? By the by, my post was inspired by you, because I noticed you were referring to him earlier in this thread as "The Crock", while I was using "The Croc".

I'm not sure if he's a crock or a croc, but either way, he seems ill-suited to the duties of headmaster.

Kim Fields is on Celebrity Family Feud right now!

Kim Fields is on Celebrity Family Feud right now!

Aww! I missed it! Guess I'll have to catch it on YouTube!

Did she say/do anything interesting?

Aww! I missed it! Guess I'll have to catch it on YouTube!

Did she say/do anything interesting?

Didn’t watch because I was watching something else, but found out via the XFINITY Stream app.

Check it out---above the fireplace in the first rendering of the common room is a portrait of a lady from years gone by. Who is she? Was she the founder of the Eastland School for Girls? Was she that dorm's first housemother? Was she a great financial supporter of the school? Was she one of the first year's students?

We may never know, and her picture is forever gone after this episode...

-

In the final episodesthe Facts of Life, The Beginning of the End, We find out Eastland was founded by Jeremiah Eastland founded the school. They had a picture of him hanging up on the office.

In the final episodesthe Facts of Life, The Beginning of the End, We find out Eastland was founded by Jeremiah Eastland founded the school. They had a picture of him hanging up on the office.

Ahh, good catch, thanks!

That was the story in the final episode in 1988; I wonder if they had anything different back in mind in 1979? Interesting...

Huh. I'm kind of sad that Eastland wasn't founded by a woman.

Huh. I'm kind of sad that Eastland wasn't founded by a woman.

That's kinda how I felt too, but then again, it was founded back in the day when women weren't in the same league as us guys (at least, in the view of guys back then, lol). But, then again, some great achievements were still made by women back then.

These are for you RetroGuy2000:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zHTEZ41VUPQ

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7XRpLHTLLx8

These are for you RetroGuy2000:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zHTEZ41VUPQ

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7XRpLHTLLx8

Hahaha, "She old!" :lol:

Wow, it's "Tootie" and "Diane"! Cool!

I may not be RetroGuy2000 (okay, I'm not RetroGuy2000, lol), but thanks for sharing these Mikaela!

Hahaha, "She old!" :lol:

Wow, it's "Tootie" and "Diane"! Cool!

I may not be RetroGuy2000 (okay, I'm not RetroGuy2000, lol), but thanks for sharing these Mikaela!

You’re welcome!

So Tootie is also Diane as well?

You’re welcome!

So Tootie is also Diane as well?

No, Tootie Ramsey's real name is Dorothy, but I was referring to Kim's mom, Chip, who played Tootie's mom Diane! :)

These are for you RetroGuy2000:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zHTEZ41VUPQ

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7XRpLHTLLx8

Wow! Thanks Mikaela!

These clips are great!

It's awesome seeing Chip Fields (aka Diane Ramsey)... but I wish Kim had brought her Aunt Pat as well! does anyone know who the other family members are?

That's kinda how I felt too, but then again, it was founded back in the day when women weren't in the same league as us guys (at least, in the view of guys back then, lol). But, then again, some great achievements were still made by women back then.

Yes. I know some women had founded some girls' schools back in the day, and so I'm a little disappointed Eastland wasn't founded by a woman. This show really was about empowering women, and so it's strange to me that the writers would choose to make Eastland founded by a man. (Then again, the later years of this show were far different than the beginning years, and a lot seems to have been forgotten over the years. I wouldn't be surprised if that painting of that woman wasn't intended to be the founder, but her picture disappeared and it never got addressed until the end of the series).

I may not be RetroGuy2000 (okay, I'm not RetroGuy2000, lol)

Thanks for that clarification; I was starting to wonder. ;)

But with at least one person on the board admitting to thinking we're the same person, it's good to clarify! :lol:

Yes. I know some women had founded some girls' schools back in the day, and so I'm a little disappointed Eastland wasn't founded by a woman. This show really was about empowering women, and so it's strange to me that the writers would choose to make Eastland founded by a man. I wouldn't be surprised if that painting of that woman wasn't intended to be the founder, but her picture disappeared and it never got addressed until the end of the series.

Exactly, I'm with you word-for-word.


(Then again, the later years of this show were far different than the beginning years, and a lot seems to have been forgotten over the years.

Yup, spring of 1988; unfortunately, too much time and too many people had gone since 1979 - 1983.

Thanks for that clarification; I was starting to wonder. ;)

Bwahahaha! :lol:

That reminds me of The Great Muppet Caper where Kermit and Fozzie play newspaper reporters. They're "twins", and it's apparently hard to tell them apart if Fozzie has his hat off, haha.

Kermit: "No, I'm Kermit. He's Fozzie."

Newspaper Boss: "Oh, right...the hat."

:lol:


But with at least one person on the board admitting to thinking we're the same person, it's good to clarify! :lol:

He said he had to keep reminding himself "it's not just one guy having a conversation with himself." :lol:

That reminds me of The Great Muppet Caper where Kermit and Fozzie play newspaper reporters. They're "twins", and it's apparently hard to tell them apart if Fozzie has his hat off, haha.

Kermit: "No, I'm Kermit. He's Fozzie."

Newspaper Boss: "Oh, right...the hat."

:lol:

Haha! Cute! It's been too long since I've had a Muppets binge...

Haha! Cute! It's been too long since I've had a Muppets binge...

1955-1990, "the Jim Henson era". The Golden Age of the Muppets. :)

I'm currently :read:ing Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street---for the 3rd time. lol

:read:ing makes me :D

1955-1990, "the Jim Henson era". The Golden Age of the Muppets. :)

I'm currently :read:ing Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street---for the 3rd time. lol

:read:ing makes me :D

Does that book ever explain why they got rid of characters like Mumford and Prairie Dawn?

Street Gang was a good book. I remember reading it a long time ago.

Does that book ever explain why they got rid of characters like Mumford and Prairie Dawn?

They never got rid of them! :lol: Well, at least, in the sense of infamously getting rid of them, such as Don Music (which is explained in more than one Sesame tome). But as for Mumford, well, I can actually see what you mean by "having gotten rid of" him, but the "fact" is he was just never recast after his performer Jerry Nelson passed away; for whatever reason, he has never been recast. But Prairie Dawn is still around. In fact, Street Gang details how she got her name, which is something I always wondered.

Street Gang was a good book. I remember reading it a long time ago.


It's stupendous. I can :read: behind-the-scenes Henson/Muppet/Sesame books over and over and over again and never get tired of them.


I am a voracious Henson :read:er!

It's stupendous. I can :read: behind-the-scenes Henson/Muppet/Sesame books over and over and over again and never get tired of them.


I am a voracious Henson :read:er!

The Sesame Street 40 Years book looks wicked good.

The Sesame Street 40 Years book looks wicked good.

It is very good. They concentrate on a lot of things from the then-40th season, of course, but it is still very good. And the user-friendly (vastly shorter) Sesame Unpaved is a wonderful SS souvenir book of the show's then 30th anniversary. Great visuals everywhere.

They never got rid of them! :lol: Well, at least, in the sense of infamously getting rid of them, such as Don Music (which is explained in more than one Sesame tome). But as for Mumford, well, I can actually see what you mean by "having gotten rid of" him, but the "fact" is he was just never recast after his performer Jerry Nelson passed away; for whatever reason, he has never been recast. But Prairie Dawn is still around. In fact, Street Gang details how she got her name, which is something I always wondered.

I'd forgotten all about Don Music. But Prairie Dawn, I know, was gone for many seasons. A quick check of IMDB shows she was gone for many years, although the listing is obviously not complete.Mumford was a personal favorite; I didn't know they just failed to recast after his actor's death.

I'd forgotten all about Don Music. But Prairie Dawn, I know, was gone for many seasons.

mmmm, I dunno about that...Fran Brill created the character and performed her from 1971 - 2015, and then Stephanie D'Abruzzo picked up with her from 2016 to the present (as of this posting).

IMDB is weird about credits. Sometimes I look up actors from favorite shows, and they're only listed for a handful of episodes, when they were really a main cast member. Odd.


Mumford was a personal favorite; I didn't know they just failed to recast after his actor's death.

I'm sorry to "pull a Christopher on you", but please make sure you don't call them "actors" :nonono: ; performers, or puppeteers, or even Muppeteers, but not actors.

So Mumford was one of your favorites? Interesting...I started a (verbal) fight in my senior year of high school when I was telling my classmates Mumford's phrase was "A la peanut butter sandwiches!", but they fought with me that it was "A la peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!"---ohhhh, if only the Internet had been around!* I could have "shown them"! lol

*(well, it was around, but not at schools, and not as widespread yet)

mmmm, I dunno about that...Fran Brill created the character and performed her from 1971 - 2015, and then Stephanie D'Abruzzo picked with her from 2016 to the present (as of this posting).

IMDB is weird about credits. Sometimes I look up actors from favorite shows, and they're only listed for a handful of episodes, when they were really a main cast member. Odd.

Prairie Dawn was barely shown for many years. This was mostly during the Elmo's World craze. There are blogs about this (https://kotaku.com/how-elmo-ruined-sesame-street-1746504585).


I'm sorry to "pull a Christopher on you", but please make sure you don't call them "actors" :nonono: ; performers, or puppeteers, or even Muppeteers, but not actors.

I've got a voice actor friend who would disagree with you. He prefers the term actor.


So Mumford was one of your favorites? Interesting...I started a (verbal) fight in my senior year of high school when I was telling my classmates Mumford's phrase was "A la peanut butter sandwiches!", but they fought with me that it was "A la peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!"---ohhhh, if only the Internet had been around!* I could have "shown them"! lol

*(well, it was around, but not at schools, and not as widespread yet)

It was definitely just "peanut butter sandwiches", although there might have been a single "jelly" episode, from what I recall.

Prairie Dawn was barely shown for many years. This was mostly during the Elmo's World craze. There are blogs about this (https://kotaku.com/how-elmo-ruined-sesame-street-1746504585).

Oh, well there's your answer! The "E" word! He purged so much when he blew up on the show, ugh...


I've got a voice actor friend who would disagree with you. He prefers the term actor.

No, I'm being very specific: when it comes to puppeteering, puppeteers are not actors (this is covered in Muppet/Henson books and documentaries). They are performers, or puppeteers, or (unofficially, in the Henson organization) Muppeteers. Fran Brill and Jerry Nelson speak of their lives pre-Henson, when they were actors and that was the path they sought. But then they became puppeteers. They are only actors when they are acting themselves on screen, or, yes, if they were voice over actors like your friend, who (I assume) does not puppeteer. But when you are puppeteering, you are not an "actor"; it is a definite distinction.

Now, you can be an actor who becomes a puppeteer, or a performer who does acting and puppeteering, but with the puppets, they are strictly puppeteers or performers.


It was definitely just "peanut butter sandwiches", although there might have been a single "jelly" episode, from what I recall.

I think you're right, like in his first appearance, or perhaps few.

Oh, well there's your answer! The "E" word! He purged so much when he blew up on the show, ugh...

I thought maybe there was an official answer, but yeah, I think you're right.


No, I'm being very specific: when it comes to puppeteering, puppeteers are not actors (this is covered in Muppet/Henson books and documentaries). They are performers, or puppeteers, or (unofficially, in the Henson organization) Muppeteers. Fran Brill and Jerry Nelson speak of their lives pre-Henson, when they were actors and that was the path they sought. But then they became puppeteers. They are only actors when they are acting themselves on screen, or, yes, if they were voice over actors like your friend, who (I assume) does not puppeteer. But when you are puppeteering, you are not an "actor"; it is a definite distinction.

Now, you can be an actor who becomes a puppeteer, or a performer who does acting and puppeteering, but with the puppets, they are strictly puppeteers or performers.

Thanks for the info. I wasn't aware of the puppeteering distinction. My friend is a voice actor, and he's very adamant that he is an actor because he tends to be screwed over by producers otherwise.

I thought maybe there was an official answer, but yeah, I think you're right.

As huge a Henson/Muppet fan as I am, I am EXTREMELY thankful I grew up with Sesame Street when it was an all-inclusive ensemble of a street. Not "The Elmo Show" with some others here and there.


Thanks for the info. I wasn't aware of the puppeteering distinction. My friend is a voice actor, and he's very adamant that he is an actor because he tends to be screwed over by producers otherwise.

It seems I've heard "voice over artist" more than "voice actor" or "voice over actor", but yeah they're definitely actors.

As huge a Henson/Muppet fan as I am, I am EXTREMELY thankful I grew up with Sesame Street when it was an all-inclusive ensemble of a street. Not "The Elmo Show" with some others here and there.




It seems I've heard "voice over artist" more than "voice actor" or "voice over actor", but yeah they're definitely actors.

I was one of the people who grew up with "The Elmo Show".

I was one of the people who grew up with "The Elmo Show".

Well, I hope you at least liked Elmo then, lol. :)

Well, I hope you at least liked Elmo then, lol. :)

I loved him when I was younger. :)

Good! See, I came from the time before Elmo was on the scene, so I loved what I saw pre-Elmo. Since you grew up with Elmo, that's nice that you loved him. :)

Elmo was the Urkel of Sesame Street: taking over most of the show, and leaving other characters with little to do. In 2016, long-time cast members Bob, Luis, and Gordon were "let go" from the show (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-sesame-street-loses-three-characters-20160728-snap-story.html#) after retooling. Elmo, of course, remains.

Elmo was the Urkel of Sesame Street: taking over most of the show, and leaving other characters with little to do. In 2016, long-time cast members Bob, Luis, and Gordon were "let go" from the show (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-sesame-street-loses-three-characters-20160728-snap-story.html#) after retooling. Elmo, of course, remains.

Well I know 4 girls who were let go who can empathize! (except, those girls weren't on their show for nearly 50 years, lol [!] )

Well I know 4 girls who were let go who can empathize! (except, those girls weren't on their show for nearly 50 years, lol [!] )

Yeah, I know. Fired after 40 or 50 years of being on a show... That'd really grind my gears...

Good! See, I came from the time before Elmo was on the scene, so I loved what I saw pre-Elmo. Since you grew up with Elmo, that's nice that you loved him. :)

Which character was your favorite?

Which character was your favorite?

My favorite "Sesame Street" character? Well, we should probably take that kind of talk to the thread on this board about "Facts" and "Sesame Street". :)

My favorite "Sesame Street" character? Well, we should probably take that kind of talk to the thread on this board about "Facts" and "Sesame Street". :)

Yes. On the other hand, do you think you can help me out with this? http://sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=375001 :)

My favorite "Sesame Street" character? Well, we should probably take that kind of talk to the thread on this board about "Facts" and "Sesame Street". :)

That's just what I'll do.

Got some very exciting news!

http://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/facts-of-life-star-nancy-mckeon-pairs-with-val-chmerkovskiy-for-dancing-with-the-stars/ar-BBMUcSM?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=iehp

WHOA! 2 things I never noticed before about this episode---there's "2 more Tooties"! (in a way, lol) :

1) Tootie's not the only roller skater! There's a girl in a lavender shirt and pink shorts who's also roller skating in the first dorm scene!

2) Tootie's also not the only African American girl! There's another African American girl in that same first dorm scene, who's twirling a baton!

Wow!

-

WHOA! 2 things I never noticed before about this episode---there's "2 more Tooties"! (in a way, lol) :

1) Tootie's not the only roller skater! There's a girl in a lavender shirt and pink shorts who's also roller skating in the first dorm scene!

2) Tootie's also not the only African American girl! There's another African American girl in that same first dorm scene, who's twirling a baton!

Wow!

-

Hey! Nice find! :lol:

Felice always said everyone on the set roller skated, not just Tootie, and now we have evidence!

The one that started it all!

The FOL backdoor pilot which was the season 2 finale of Diff'rent Strokes. Back when Eastland was "Eastlake", and the headmaster was Harold J. "The Croc" Crocker.

I totally forgot there was an exterior shot of the dorm! (and it totally doesn't match with the front door exterior set with the wall that juts out from the side in those close-ups here and in season 1, lol) And look at what a dorm it is---it definitely can house more than 7 girls. In fact, do you know how many girls it houses?

23!! :lol:

No wonder Warren Littlefield's math is so off! Maybe he just remembered seeing this episode, and a few season 1 FOL shows, and got it all mixed up. ;)

Thanks to Tootie's panning shot of her out-of-control skating streak, I was able to get a count of all the girls, minus 3 that aren't in the shot (Blair, Laura, Ballerina-Looking-Gal [BLG] ), but I have #ed those three girls 21, 22, and 23 in the 4th photo here---and I also called out girl #12 as well, since you can't see her in the first numbered photos I posted, but she is just behind "The Croc" in the second of those numbered photos.

You will also notice two end tables I pointed out which did not survive the casting call to the full first season. :lol:

Welcome to Eastlake!

Perhaps some of the furniture was leftover from "Coed Fever".

Yeah, Cindy and Natalie were much more entertaining than Jennifer and Laura.









No; are you? You ask! :lol:





Oh, yikes! lol



And yeah, it's nice that there were some lasting friendships. I remember seeing "behind-the-scenes" photos of the girls at birthday parties (Lisa's, maybe?), and I remember seeing at least Felice of the Lost Girls at one of them.

Mrs. Garrett warned Felice never to go down to the basement, but Felice just would not listen. As a result she got fired when she was in the basement.

Some of the furniture in the backdoor pilot may have been left overs from "Coed Fever".

I've always wondered how it would like been, if instead of JO they got CINDY or NANCY as the one to challenge BLAIR? I don't think it would have worked with MOLLY cos she was closer to TOOTIE and NAT's age, but NANCY was BLAIR's age and CINDY a year younger, so it would have worked.
But we'll never know....What a shame that it's left in the air! (or our imagination)

but NANCY was BLAIR's age and CINDY a year younger

Cindy was kind of a year and a half younger than Blair, Nancy, and Sue Ann. In "Rough Housing" she says she's 14, but then she largely seems Natalie's age, and she's 13.

Cindy was kind of a year and a half younger than Blair, Nancy, and Sue Ann. In "Rough Housing" she says she's 14, but then she largely seems Natalie's age, and she's 13.

But BLAIR, NANCY and SUE ANN were only 15 on season 1 (it says on the pilot that BLAIR was 14, same age as KIMBERLY on 'different strokes');)

Cindy was kind of a year and a half younger than Blair, Nancy, and Sue Ann. In "Rough Housing" she says she's 14, but then she largely seems Natalie's age, and she's 13.

Julie Ann Haddock was 14 when Rough Housing was filmed, so the ages of the actress and character matched.

But BLAIR, NANCY and SUE ANN were only 15 on season 1 (it says on the pilot that BLAIR was 14, same age as KIMBERLY on 'different strokes');)

I don't remember Blair's age ever being said in "The Girls' School" or "Rough Housing". If it is, I can't think of where it is. But yes, Blair, Nancy, and Sue Ann are clearly 15 in season 1 because Mrs. Garrett says "They can't drive til they're 16!" in "The Facts of Love".

I think the only ones whose ages were specifically mentioned was Cindy and Natalie (whose age matched the actresses that played). Tootie was 12 for 3 straight years (1979 to 1981). I think I remember that Lisa's birth year back then was listed as 1965 when in fact years later it would change to 1963. I think there was one episode in season 1 where Blair mentioned that she was a sophomore.

Tootie was 12 for 3 straight years (1979 to 1981).

2 straight years. '79-'80 is one year, and '80-'81 is another year.


I think there was one episode in season 1 where Blair mentioned that she was a sophomore.

I think that may be in "Emily Dickinson"? But that doesn't jibe with her being only 15.

2 straight years. '79-'80 is one year, and '80-'81 is another year.




I think that may be in "Emily Dickinson"? But that doesn't jibe with her being only 15.

Tootie was also 12 in the Different Strokes Girls School episode. 1979, 1980, 1981 3 straight years.

Tootie was also 12 in the Different Strokes Girls School episode. 1979, 1980, 1981 3 straight years.

Right, like I said, 2 years: '79-'80 is one year, '80-'81 is two years, not three.

She could have turned 12 right before "The Girls' School" and turned 13 right after "Brian & Sylvia".

I think the only ones whose ages were specifically mentioned was Cindy and Natalie (whose age matched the actresses that played). Tootie was 12 for 3 straight years (1979 to 1981). I think I remember that Lisa's birth year back then was listed as 1965 when in fact years later it would change to 1963. I think there was one episode in season 1 where Blair mentioned that she was a sophomore.

In my opinion and because FOL was retooled, the writers kind of got mixed up in the girl's age, so this is what i think:
On season 1: TOOTIE was 11, NAT 12 & BLAIR 15.
I'm positive about it, cos on season 2 it is stated that TOOTIE is 12, so NAT (being a year older) would be 13 & BLAIR says clearly that she's 16 (same as JO on the episode 'teen marriage).
Does anyone agree?:talk:

In my opinion and because FOL was retooled, the writers kind of got mixed up in the girl's age, so this is what i think:
On season 1: TOOTIE was 11, NAT 12 & BLAIR 15.
I'm positive about it, cos on season 2 it is stated that TOOTIE is 12, so NAT (being a year older) would be 13 & BLAIR says clearly that she's 16 (same as JO on the episode 'teen marriage).
Does anyone agree?:talk:

They listed the ages of Tootie, Cindy, and Natalie in season 1. Tootie was 12, Natalie was 13, Cindy was 14.

Tootie was 12 in May of 1979. So Tootie was 12 for two years (like "two TV seasons"), Natalie was 13 for two years (the first two seasons), Blair was 15 in season 1 but was 16 by TM in season 2.

Tootie was 12 in May of 1979. So Tootie was 12 for two years (like "two TV seasons"), Natalie was 13 for two years (the first two seasons), Blair was 15 in season 1 but was 16 by TM in season 2.

Like i said: the writers clearly made a huge mistake, because how can you be 12 for two seasons? In my opinion and because of the reboot they overlooked the fact that kids do grow up, so once again and if FOL had continue:confused: with the 7 girls, the ages would have been: TOOTIE 12 on season 1, NAT 13, BLAIR 15
and on season 2: TOOTIE is 13, NAT 14 & BLAIR 16?
To be honest that's wrong cos TOOTIE looked closer to 10 or 11 on season 1 & NAT 12 + BLAIR 14 or 15....

Like i said: the writers clearly made a huge mistake, because how can you be 12 for two seasons? In my opinion and because of the reboot they overlooked the fact that kids do grow up, so once again and if FOL had continue:confused: with the 7 girls, the ages would have been: TOOTIE 12 on season 1, NAT 13, BLAIR 15
and on season 2: TOOTIE is 13, NAT 14 & BLAIR 16?
To be honest that's wrong cos TOOTIE looked closer to 10 or 11 on season 1 & NAT 12 + BLAIR 14 or 15....

Kim Fields was 10 in season 1. Mindy was 13. Lisa was 16

Kim Fields was 10 in season 1.

She was even 9 in "The Girls' School".

Wrong: there is only 4 years difference between TOOTIE and BLAIR not 6 lol! (in real life yes but not on the sitcom lol!)
And in my opinion: JO got on better with NAT (both street kids who enjoy a challenge) & TOOTIE with BLAIR (both love fashion and are totally hopeless romantics!)

Wrong: there is only 4 years difference between TOOTIE and BLAIR not 6 lol! (in real life yes but not on the sitcom lol!)

No one said there were 6. I said Kim Fields, the actress, was 9 in "The Girls' School". While Kim was 9, her character Tootie was 12.

Tootie aged differently than the other girls. She is probably going on to 30 now while the other girls are in their 50s.

I wonder what role Julie Ann auditioned for in Girl's School? I am surprised that they past her over for Jennifer, Laura, and Leon. But then again, the producers showed over and over that they wouldn't know talent even if they tripped over it.

I wonder what role Julie Ann auditioned for in Girl's School?

You will soon find out, for it's revealed in BCD!

You will soon find out, for it's revealed in BCD!

Oooh! Interesting. I’m guessing Nancy or Blair, side note: no wonder Nancy became wall paper, they added two girls to the cast

In my opinion, Julie Ann remains the most beautiful of the girls. She was really beautiful in The Little Chill

Oooh! Interesting. I’m guessing Nancy or Blair, side note: no wonder Nancy became wall paper, they added two girls to the cast

Or they had Cindy and Natalie replace Jennifer and/or Laura. The only two named girls in The Girls School who didn't make it to Rough Housing. There was Leon too, but he probably ended up in Miss Mahoney's science lab.

Like i said: the writers clearly made a huge mistake, because how can you be 12 for two seasons? In my opinion and because of the reboot they overlooked the fact that kids do grow up, so once again and if FOL had continue:confused: with the 7 girls, the ages would have been: TOOTIE 12 on season 1, NAT 13, BLAIR 15
and on season 2: TOOTIE is 13, NAT 14 & BLAIR 16?
To be honest that's wrong cos TOOTIE looked closer to 10 or 11 on season 1 & NAT 12 + BLAIR 14 or 15....

Kim was 10 in season 1 (9 when Girls School was taped), Mindy really was 13 (matching the age of Natalie), and Lisa was actually 16.

In my opinion, Julie Ann remains the most beautiful of the girls. She was really beautiful in The Little Chill

Though it took a little while to get used of seeing her without her trademark braids. And it just was not FOL she wore braids. She had braids in Wonder Women, Little House on the Prairie.

Or they had Cindy and Natalie replace Jennifer and/or Laura. The only two named girls in The Girls School who didn't make it to Rough Housing. There was Leon too, but he probably ended up in Miss Mahoney's science lab.

Maybe, but Laura and Jennifer were more wallpaper in that ep than even Nancy

Though it took a little while to get used of seeing her without her trademark braids. And it just was not FOL she wore braids. She had braids in Wonder Women, Little House on the Prairie.


Yes, i remember JULIE ANNE HADDOCK from 'Wonder woman' and 'Little house on the prairie' (i didn't know FOL back then) and i always thought she was beautiful.:happyface

In my opinion, from order the most beautiful girls on FOL were:

1. BLAIR
2. NANCY
3. CINDY
4. SUE ANN
5. TOOTIE
NAT and MOLLY were prettier later on as teenagers.

PS: i know most people vote for SUE ANN, but i found that NANCY had a lot of resemblance with BROOKE SHIELDS, so she was gorgeous!

In my opinion, from order the most beautiful girls on FOL were:

1. BLAIR
2. NANCY
3. CINDY
4. SUE ANN
5. TOOTIE
NAT and MOLLY were prettier later on as teenagers.

PS: i know most people vote for SUE ANN, but i found that NANCY had a lot of resemblance with BROOKE SHIELDS, so she was gorgeous!

Nancy was indeed gorgeous, but for me, growing up, the cutest girls were Cindy and Sue Ann. I had such a crush!

It's funny you mention it, because there are sooo many early 1980s newspaper interviews with Felice, where the reporter mentions her resemblance to Brooke Shields. And I believe Felice was a stand-in or body double for Brooke on one or more films.

Nancy was indeed gorgeous, but for me, growing up, the cutest girls were Cindy and Sue Ann. I had such a crush!

It's funny you mention it, because there are sooo many early 1980s newspaper interviews with Felice, where the reporter mentions her resemblance to Brooke Shields. And I believe Felice was a stand-in or body double for Brooke on one or more films.

There were rumors that Felice did the nude scenes for Brooke Shields in Blue Lagoon, but that turned out to be false. Another body double did it and her name is on the internet.

There were rumors that Felice did the nude scenes for Brooke Shields in Blue Lagoon, but that turned out to be false. Another body double did it and her name is on the internet.

Really? I have seen the Blue Lagoon statement about Felice enough times that I believed it, but I'm glad to know it wasn't actually her. If it had just been on the Internet, I would have taken it with a grain of salt. But I had seen enough articles in legitimate newspaper articles that I truly believed it.

But I believe what you say; it's just that there has been enough mention of it in print that it sounded believable.

Really? I have seen the Blue Lagoon statement about Felice enough times that I believed it, but I'm glad to know it wasn't actually her. If it had just been on the Internet, I would have taken it with a grain of salt. But I had seen enough articles in legitimate newspaper articles that I truly believed it.

But I believe what you say; it's just that there has been enough mention of it in print that it sounded believable.

Here is the link for the woman who was actually the body double for Brooke Shields in the Blue Lagoon. https://kathytroutt.wordpress.com/2009/10/18/postcard-underwater-nude-fiji-blue-lagoon-stand-in/

Here is the link for the woman who was actually the body double for Brooke Shields in the Blue Lagoon. https://kathytroutt.wordpress.com/2009/10/18/postcard-underwater-nude-fiji-blue-lagoon-stand-in/

Thanks!

It always made me uncomfortable that Brooke Shields' mother really pushed for Brooke to do underage nude scenes (it's well documented that Brooke did appear nude in Pretty Baby, which of course was the inspiration for FOL episode "Pretty Babies"), so I'm glad an over-18 stand-in was used for Blue Lagoon. I'm also glad Felice didn't get involved in that.

:2bump for cfr! He's finally gonna get to see "the one that started it all"! :)

:2bump for cfr! He's finally gonna get to see "the one that started it all"! :)

Is this 9 page thread all about that one episode? Wow. I'll have a look through after seeing it.

Yes, it is! I understand you may wanna post your own thread of your thoughts fresh after finally seeing it, but I thought you mind find some interesting things in here to comment on after you've watched it too. :)

Yes, it is! I understand you may wanna post your own thread of your thoughts fresh after finally seeing it, but I thought you mind find some interesting things in here to comment on after you've watched it too. :)

This is a better place since it's dedicated to that episode so i'll come back here after I see it. I'm sure valentina will find it. :lol::lol:

Lol, see ya then! Enjoy! :wave:

Paging cfr! Paging cfr!

He's not come back yet!

You've just seen TGS! And with yourself all holed up at home, I thought you'd be THRILLED to have NINE PAGES of a thread to read!

We've love to hear you chime in on some of this discussion! :D

Paging cfr! Paging cfr!

He's not come back yet!

You've just seen TGS! And with yourself all holed up at home, I thought you'd be THRILLED to have NINE PAGES of a thread to read!

We've love to hear you chime in on some of this discussion! :D

Ok hold on. I'll get through em...it's NINE freaking pages lol. And i'm multitasking here! :lol::lol:

This is a better place since it's dedicated to that episode so i'll come back here after I see it. I'm sure valentina will find it. :lol::lol:


I forgot to ask you: did you watch the rest of DS or just 'The girls school' episode?:wave::wave::wave:

I forgot to ask you: did you watch the rest of DS or just 'The girls school' episode?:wave::wave::wave:

The dvd just came today and I just watched the Girl's School. I'm not really a big DS fan...but if you recommend any episodes that focus on Mrs. G, i'll give them a look.

EDIT: Ok, I just finished all 9 pages! Even the Sesame Street talk lol.

I still have to see season 1 because all this talk about those damn Lost Girls still confuses me! I have to get to know them more, but damn you guys know EVERYTHING about them! It's amazing what an impact that first season had on some fans! I'm sure it must make them feel really good and a nice consolation to being booted off the show.

The dvd just came today and I just watched the Girl's School. I'm not really a big DS fan...but if you recommend any episodes that focus on Mrs. G, i'll give them a look.

Yes valentina, cfr told us in another thread he's not a DS fan, and only wants the set for this episode. :)

cfr, Mrs. Garrett has 1 episode about her on the season 1 set. And if you ever see the season 2 set, she has one episode about her there too.

And guess who Mrs. Garrett mentions on DS??

HER SISTER BEVERLY ANN!!

:brent


EDIT: Ok, I just finished all 9 pages! Even the Sesame Street talk lol.

:lol: There's SS talk in here?? Now how did that happen?? :crazy:


I still have to see season 1 because all this talk about those damn Lost Girls still confuses me!

Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't realize we went on that much about them "post-TGS"!


I have to get to know them more, but damn you guys know EVERYTHING about them!

:rofl:

Now you've got me wanting to go back and read the thread again! And I think I will! :lol:


It's amazing what an impact that first season had on some fans! I'm sure it must make them feel really good and a nice consolation to being booted off the show.

It really is amazing. :nod:

I still have to see season 1 because all this talk about those damn Lost Girls still confuses me! I have to get to know them more, but damn you guys know EVERYTHING about them!

We definitely don't know EVERYTHING, but we have treasured what we've come across, whether it was a rare Molly interview where she mentioned her FOL experience, or a news report on Julie Pie where she discussed her time on FOL and showed pictures of her scrapbook, or Julie Anne being interviewed for the Season 1 DVDs, or Felice talking about meeting Baryshnikov...

Some of us even have the rare privilege of having our content reused by the Lost Girls themselves!

(I also have access to a database of newspaper articles so I can pull up any historical article about them.)

Plus, we've seen the 23 FOL/DS episodes they appear in a few times, considering some of us saw the episodes as they aired, and again in daily syndication, then again on N@N and Hallmark Channel, then on YouTube, DailyMotion, and DVD. :lol:



It's amazing what an impact that first season had on some fans!

They were some of our favorite characters! And we had NO IDEA they were being written off.


I'm sure it must make them feel really good and a nice consolation to being booted off the show.

Julie Anne recently said it's nice occasionally being recognized. Which is great, because I adore her work. She was so special, and had this wistful, willowy quality that you just don't see often on TV.

Retro, I also just realized, with some of the "Sesame" talk we had, some of the old school favorites in the show's first few years who got "retired" from the show, like Don Music, Roosevelt Franklin, and Harvey Kneeslapper---are like---"Muppet Lost Girls"! :lol:

Retro, I also just realized, with some of the "Sesame" talk we had, some of the old school favorites in the show's first few years who got "retired" from the show, like Don Music, Roosevelt Franklin, and Harvey Kneeslapper---are like---"Muppet Lost Girls"! :lol:

The Lost Muppets?! :lol::lol::lol::lol:

We definitely don't know EVERYTHING, but we have treasured what we've come across, whether it was a rare Molly interview where she mentioned her FOL experience, or a news report on Julie Pie where she discussed her time on FOL and showed pictures of her scrapbook, or Julie Anne being interviewed for the Season 1 DVDs, or Felice talking about meeting Baryshnikov...

You're meaning the actresses, but I took him to mean the characters. :) :crazy:


Some of us even have the rare privilege of having our content reused by the Lost Girls themselves!

And getting "likes" from them, and questions answered by them!



They were some of our favorite characters! And we had NO IDEA they were being written off.

So surreal to think about!


Julie Anne recently said it's nice occasionally being recognized. Which is great, because I adore her work. She was so special, and had this wistful, willowy quality

Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were Retro---hi Ms. Brandstein! :wave:

The Lost Muppets?! :lol::lol::lol::lol:

Yup! On the show' in its early days, beloved by many old school fans, then suddenly not appearing with no explanation, but held in the hearts of those who loved them---wow!

And getting "likes" from them, and questions answered by them!



Yes indeed! :)


Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were Retro---hi Ms. Brandstein! :wave:

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

What can I say? When Eve Brandstein's right, she's right. :lol: The woman cast actors and actresses for decades; she knows willowy when she sees it!

And guess who Mrs. Garrett mentions on DS??

HER SISTER BEVERLY ANN!!


Too bad she wasn't asking Mr. Drummond for time off to go to her funeral. :lol:

But that is a great nod to their continuity. I like when the writers stay true to little pieces of facts like that years later.

Some of us even have the rare privilege of having our content reused by the Lost Girls themselves!

That's really cool! So they're aware of the huge fan base they have here on these boards? I like that. :)

Too bad she wasn't asking Mr. Drummond for time off to go to her funeral. :lol:

But that is a great nod to their continuity. I like when the writers stay true to little pieces of facts like that years later.

Definitely. That continuity made FOL a cut above.

Too bad she wasn't asking Mr. Drummond for time off to go to her funeral. :lol:

But that is a great nod to their continuity. I like when the writers stay true to little pieces of facts like that years later.

It is...but I expected you to fly off the handle in a fiery rage that she was mentioned in the '70s on a show before FOL! :lol:


That's really cool! So they're aware of the huge fan base they have here on these boards? I like that.

Sadly, I don't know that they're aware of this board---otherwise, WE would have been in the documentary!! (well, at least as mentions and screenshots from the board, lol)

Sadly, I don't know that they're aware of this board---otherwise, WE would have been in the documentary!! (well, at least as mentions and screenshots from the board, lol)

Ahahahahahahaahahahah!
:lol::lol::lol::lol:

Ahahahahahahaahahahah!
:lol::lol::lol::lol:

I was honestly secretly HOPING and PRAYING that "we" would be in that Reelz production!! I fantasized about Lost Girl actresses talking about the impact of the show and using OUR BOARD as the prime example of the continuous, non-stop love for the show, and for their characters! :loveya:

Damn all that footage and all of the Molly interview landing on the cutting room floor!! :mad:

;)

I was honestly secretly HOPING and PRAYING that "we" would be in that Reelz production!! I fantasized about Lost Girl actresses talking about the impact of the show and using OUR BOARD as the prime example of the continuous, non-stop love for the show, and for their characters! :loveya:

Damn all that footage and all of the Molly interview landing on the cutting room floor!! :mad:

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

^---Come on, you know you hoped too!! :lol:

^---Come on, you know you hoped too!! :lol:

I never even thought of it. :lol:

^---How could you not?!? :lol:

Can I have the name of this extra in this episode? She rides roller skates and she looks younger than Kim Fields. I think she might be the only school girl extra in this episode born after 1970.

Also,how old are all of the extras? Are any of the extras born in 1961 or 1962 specifically?

Most of the girls in this episode were born after 1960 obviously

Eva casting director, do you have the names of all these girl extras on your call sheets? I need to get their ages.

I think that little girl was about Tootie's age back then: 10 years old, and definitely her and Tootie were the only ones that were were still kids (and NOT teenagers like the rest)

Kim Fields was 9 during filming of the episode (early 1979). Is it possible that girl was 8 (as in born in early 1971) or about to turn 8 during filming?

She looks like Nicole Swasay Seaton that girl, can you tell me who she is (she is under 10)

She might be Nicole Swasay Seaton (who was born Feb 1971).

Kim Fields was 9 during filming of the episode (early 1979). Is it possible that girl was 8 (as in born in early 1971) or about to turn 8 during filming?

She looks like Nicole Swasay Seaton that girl, can you tell me who she is (she is under 10)

She might be Nicole Swasay Seaton (who was born Feb 1971).


I have NO idea who the girl is, and to be honest i hardly paid any attention to any of the extras: i am way to focus on all the main FOL girls (especially Blair as the rebel she was back then):D:D:D

I think that little girl was about Tootie's age back then: 10 years old, and definitely her and Tootie were the only ones that were were still kids (and NOT teenagers like the rest)

Molly just turned 11 during when it was filmed.

Molly just turned 11 during when it was filmed.


Oh yes, how could i forget Molly: she was just a kid asking Mrs G about candy bars, while the headmaster was away hee hee hee!:crazy::crazy::crazy: