All this week, we're looking at classic daytime soaps. I know I was planning on following up on something else last week, but we'll get back to it another time.
We've done reviews on soaps in the past, but as there are now four daytime soaps on the air, and all but one unable to continue with original programming due to COVID-19, let's take a time trip.
First up is The Secret Storm, which ran for exactly 20 years on CBS (1954-74), usually buried at the bottom of the lineup. It's standard fare of the day, with all of the usual elements. Series creator Roy Winsor also developed Love of Life three years earlier, also for CBS, and Search For Tomorrow, which aired on CBS & NBC until it was cancelled by the latter network in the mid-80's. While Search was developed for Procter & Gamble's TV division, the others were made for rival American Home Products (later absorbed into ConAgra), the original makers of Chef BoyArDee canned pasta.
Some notable names associated with the series included Joan & Christina Crawford (Joan, in her 60's, subbed for her young daughter for a time in 1968, which had to be some feat), Linda Purl, Gary Sandy, and organist Eddie Layton, better known for his many years in the same role with the Yankees.
Following is a sample 15 minute episode, complete with commercials, from 1960:
Announcer Ken Roberts also handled the same chores on Love of Life until its cancellation in 1980.
No rating.
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