The Helpers' Network GAZETTE - August 1994
a monthly newsletter for friends of "Beauty and the Beast"

This is the news roundup from Nan Dibble and Helpers' Network. Call the Central Hotline at 513-961-3317 or the East Hotline at 201-779-6040.

$1.25 per issue x months to 12/94 to Helpers' Network, 379 Amazon Ave., Cincinnati OH 45220-1148; free to other sources of B&B information. Information here can be freely copied or shared. Advertising rates: + page, $5; 1 page $10; 2 full sides, $15.00; classifieds FREE. E-mail beastfan@aol.com if you want to place an ad in this version of the classifieds, or if you need addresses for anything mentioned here.

WILL LINDA GO WHERE NO ONE HAS GONE BEFORE?
This story has developed by stages, and it seems it's not over yet. In an article to the New York Post relayed by helper Margaret Orlep toward the end of August, it was announced that the casting for the lead in the new Star Trek series, "Star Trek: Voyager", had narrowed to two candidates and that a decision was imminent. One of those candidates was Linda Hamilton. Nan waited for definite news before reporting the possibility. Fortuitously, she caught on Entertainment Tonight the announcement that the lead in "Star Trek: Voyager" was to be Genvieve Bujold. Linda Hamilton, other sources claimed, had been offered the role and turned it down because she didn't like the grinding work that being a part of a weekly series inevitably involves and because the commitment would be too restricting on her movie career. Articles in the Star and other tabloids profiled the French- Canadian actress as the successor to Jean-Luc Picard. Then it was abruptly announced (as relayed by helper Laura Hardy) that Bujold had withdrawn...claiming, like Hamilton, that series work was just too demanding. (Nan is skeptical: Bujold knew it was series TV when she initially agreed, after all. But it's a face- saving, unremarkable excuse that's often used...) So now the Star Trek casting people are, not quite back to square one, but back to their last crop of finalists...presumably including Linda Hamilton, who has been known to change her mind on occasion. So we'll all keep our eyes open for further developments about this in the weeks to come. (NOTE FROM BEASTFAN: It was recently announced that Kate Mulgrew would be taking control of the helm.)

PILOTS AND VIDEOS SURFACE IN AUGUST
Double Exposure, the R-rated suspense thriller Ron Perlman starred in last year, showed up on pay-per-view in many parts of the country in August. It's also out in some video rental stores. Through the kindness of helper Vivian Liebgold, Nan has a tape of the movie and can make copies for whoever can't get it otherwise. Some scenes are graphically sexy (none with Ron, alas), so take that into consideration.

The pilot for "Arly Hanks", co-starring Kate Jackson and Ron Perlman, unexpectedly aired in August on CBS. It's about a small-town sheriff (Jackson) and her nemesis, the good-ol-boy-in- three-piece-leisure-suit, philandering, devious mayor (Perlman). Everybody agrees it's awful, but Ron seems to have a lot of fun doing it and it's a rare comic outing for him. It's not hard to see why it wasn't bought, but then again, Nan assumes there are those besides her who are mystified about who watches the shows that are bought. Anyway, helper Darlene Sullivan considers it worthwhile if only for the pleasure of watching Ron Perlman walk away. Think about it...Ron peeks out from behind trees and at several points rolls his eyes most charmingly. "Arly Hanks" is unlikely to show up on video in our lifetimes...or on TV again, either. So, if you missed it, Nan will make you a video...and you can always recycle the tape afterward. So there's something to be said for the baseball strike after all: if the pennant race were still on, we might never have seen this pilot.

Also filling in for baseball in August was Ron Koslow's Running Delilah, the unsold pilot he did after the short-lived series "My Life and Times". Credit goes to Mary Ann Sherman for first spotting the item in TV Guide and more credit for relaying the news to Nan so Nan could tape it. This two-hour crime thriller was SF overtones (the female protagonist becomes a cyborg, a la the 6 Million Dollar Woman, after extensive injuries) has music by Lee Holdridge, composer of B&B theme, and some other familiar names surface in the credits. But it's an action movie, without discernible romance, shot in Europe. Though it's out in some video stores, it's rather hard to find, Nan's been told. So, if you missed it and want it for your collection of Koslow-i-ana, Nan can make copies.

Any of these videos available for $8.50 from Helpers' Network.

HELPERS TO THE RESCUE!
Nan found that she'd worn out the heads of her two very good original VCRs in three years of taping thousands of videos for the fandom...and by the way, she's now looking forward to doing, for the first time, the entire series for a fan in Japan. That's what the machines are for.

Anyway, having replaced one machine last November, Nan was facing the problem of how to replace the other. In early July, while buying her usual two dozen tapes, Nan found the perfect replacement, discounted-a floor sample Panasonic Super-VHS, 4 heads, stereo. Exactly what was needed. Nan put a deposit to hold it and put an appeal on the hotline for help in paying the remaining $300 on a machine that normally retails for about $800. Practically like lightening, by the time she'd returned from TunnelCon, enough donations had arrived to let her pick up the machine. It's now in service copying things like Ron Perlman's Double Exposure.

Nan was touched, astonished, and gratified by the speed of the response and the value others apparently put on having a reliable source of videos available to anyone, anywhere, cheap. Contributors to the VCR fund were: Joan Colbert in GA, Irene Marie Wong Seen in Quebec, Lyn Roewade in Ontario, Lynn Kramer in CT, Carolyn Wilcox in MO, Lois Roberts in PA, Marcia Kleinman in CT, Donna Hill in CA, Sherri Schultz in PA, Nan's unmet neighbor Kathy Deltufo in OH, and last but firstest with the mostest, Marion Kozlowski in CT. And there was the odd five or ten stuck into notes and orders, donations Nan didn't keep a record of. To all who contributed, both those named here and any that aren't, know that your kindness is appreciated and is helping keep the series and related videos available.

By the way, Nan still has "Dial-A-Beast" (Vincent's Letters to Catherine) audiotapes...not for sale, respecting Republic's wishes, but to give away. If you're so minded, include a small donation to cover tape cost and mailing. A handsome transcript, on parchment, comes with the tape. On request, Don Davis' Hyperspace (the B&B portion) can be put on the other side.

BOOKS FROM CINEMAKER (SNORE)
Still waiting for Bright Spirit Descending (sigh) which is expected any day now... Jana Ondrechen's Official B&B Annotated Guidebook should go to the printer in late September (Jana's currently checking galleys, a necessary stage before any book is printed) and be published, at the earliest, about late November (roughly 8 weeks, once it goes to the printer). Bright Spirit, by Nan, is $11.45; the pre-publication price of the Guidebook is still $22.45 until it is published.

Nan still has a few hardback copies (about 10) of the first two books, her Beyond Words, Beyond Silence and Prosser/Swope's Lost Yesterdays, Impossible Tomorrows. If you really wanted a hardback but couldn't get one, this is about your last chance. The hardbacks are $18.45 each; send all orders for Cinemaker books to Helpers' Network.

SIGHTINGS
Helper Darlene Sullivan reports hearing the rich voice of Tony Jay, Paracelsus, on Infiniti car commercials. Bruce Willis' The Color of Night has Lance Henriksen (Snow) in it. Armin Shimerman has a small part in the elegant thriller Slaughter of the Innocents (a video starring Scott Glenn and a resourceful little kid who foil a mountain-man serial killer who has delusions of being Noah-hardly any onstage grue, but some highly deteriorated human remains...Recommended by Nan as enjoyable. Tireless star- spotter Karen Morgia had a rare sighting of Julie Carmen (Luz Corrales in "Ozymandius") in a new USA TV movie, Seduced by Evil starring Suzanne Sommers. Karen also spotted Edward Albert in Red Sun Rising on HBO. Teri Hanaur has been spotted in a current Federal Express commercial (trying to talk on the phone to an elderly Japanese gentleman whose only English is "Hello. How are you?")

WANNA BE A HELPER?
Helpers' Network has filled almost all of the "Charter Memberships" of those who can proudly claim to have been with it from the beginning. Nan hopes all Charter Memberships will be taken by the end of the year. Helpers help in more than name, more than receiving a certificate. They're gradually networking with one another, forming special friendships, finding new ways to Keep the Dream Alive for themselves and for others: the purpose of Helpers' Network.

The premiums, for those joining or renewing, are either (A) a year of the Gazette or (B) 6 months of the Gazette and the choice of a t-shirt (pale blue, with a heart on the sleeve) or a handsome (really!) navy canvas totebag, each with the HN logo. Nan's tote, which she takes to work every day, has already sparked interest and a few questions from co-workers. Non-members can get either a t-shirt or tote for $20; for current members, each is $18; or if you're joining or renewing, they come as a part of your membership, at your request. Tees come in L (18) XL (20) or XXL (22). The totes are one size fits all. If Nan runs out, there'll be a new run of tees and totes to fill current orders at the end of October.

Membership in Helpers' Network is $25 per year. You know when you're due to renew. If you're re-upping for 1995, remember to tell Nan what premium you want-a year's Gazette subscription, or a t-shirt or a tote. All current memberships will be included in a drawing on New Year's Eve. The prize is a one-of-a-kind clear glass mug etched with the B&B logo on one side and a Beth Blighton portrait of Vincent on the other: very lovely!

NOTICES & FACTOIDS
The summer Q-fer (Helpers' Network Quality Fanzine Review) is available: $8 full, $5 update, from Helpers' Network.

CALENDARS
Four 1995 B&B calendars are available. Calendars one and two are Classic, from poet Pat Leslie and award winning artist Sandra C. Shelton. Calendar one, titled "Like Magic," is G rated; calendar two, titled "Chamber Music," is R rated (Nan's view: PG-13). Each has over 14 illustrations and poetry from Pat Leslie. Each costs $17 US, $18 CAN, $20 EUR in US funds. Order from Pat Leslie, 1649 Wimbledon Dr., Walled Lake, MI 48390.

Austrian fan artist Rosemarie Hauer offers two calendars, one Vincent/Catherine, one Vincent/Diana, both G rated and lovely, with poetry by Rosemarie and Katarina Relf. Specify which one you want. Each is $15 for US/CAN, ATS 140.00 or 8.00 or $12.00 or DM 20.00 EUR. (cash only, please) to Rosemarie Hauer, Muhlgasse 20/5, A-2560 Berndorf, Austria.

Australian fans have produced a really charming 1995 diary with stories and poetry by Glenys Walker, Sandra Elliot and Janet Southam, and splendid artwork by Kathy Fidge and Sandra Elliot, full of memorable B&B dates, birthdays of cast members, musings, factoids, and lots of space for you to write in. It's thick digest sized, spiral bound, over 100 pages. Price: $14.00. Send cash only; or you can get an International Money order or American Express Money Order in Australian funds, in which case the price is $18.50 Australian. Send to Janet Southam, 13 Kitto Crescent, Aldinga Beach, S.A., Australia 4173.

A reliable source reports that Ron Perlman has finished filming on City of Lost Children in France. In Paris, he hooked up with David Schwartz, returning from a British B&B convention. They're vacationing together in Italy on their way home. Isn't that nice to imagine? And David can tell Ron what a nice, sane bunch of people we fans really are, contrary to whatever impression Ron may have gained of us in the past. We're much calmer now: only occasionally do we drool over a view of him walking away...

Well known B&B fan artist Sue Krinard's first novel, Prince of Wolves, a fantasy romance, has just been published by Bantam Books. Lovely woman braves the rugged Canadian Rockies with her handsome, enigmatic guide...who happens to be a werewolf. Sounds B&B-ish, doesn't it? You can find it at bookstores. Thanks to Liz Helm for alerting us.

People have asked how they should review their Gazette subscriptions, given that many people, at Nan's request, subscribed through December 94 and then Nan added on a month to make up for there being no separate June Gazette. The Gazette is $1.25 an issue. Whenever your renewal is coming up (and your label will tell you when your last issue is), multiply the months remaining to December of 1995 by $1.25 and that's your year's subscription. Of course you can subscribe for fewer issues, if you want to.

Longtime fan, Deb Bichel, is wondering what you think! She attended her first convention this year in Las Vegas and found that she was very curious about other fans' widespread opinions on Beauty and the Beast. Consequently she has prepared a questionnaire, responses to which she will publish is booklet format. Deb would like to have this available to fans by next year's convention. The cost is undetermined at this time, but will only include Deb's cost to produce it plus an additional few dollars to be earmarked for the charity chosen for "A Distant Shore." Deb would love to send you a copy of the questionnaire. You can leave her a message with your full name and address by calling 402-334-9342 or you can write her at P.O. Box 37161 Omaha, NE 68137-9998. You can also receive a copy of the Questionnaire through the Internet at c2h6ofree@aol.com (or c2h6ofree if you are on AOL). Let's show her how many fans are out there!

CLASSIFIED
Free classified ads available for anything you can write on a standard 3x5 card. Send to Helpers' Network by/before the middle of the month. (or e-mail beastfan). Ads run once unless renewed.

Used Zine Sale: Our of space! Extensive collection of B&B fanzines priced to sell. Many long out of print. Please SASE to E. Helm, 245 W. Loraine St., #129, Glendale, CA 91202.

ALSO IN THE GAZETTE
Were copies of articles from various newspapers which I will describe in short:

An article from the Pensacola New Journal submitted by helper Laura Hardy dated 8/31/94 addressing how actors have found a way to make a little money while not in front of the cameras or on stage by doing voice-overs at a pay scale of $504 and up, depending on the number of runs of the particular show and minutes involved. "Ron Perlman, whose face was not really seen when he portrayed the Beast on TV's 'Beauty and the Beast,' will be completely incognito as the villain Graft on the new 'Phantom 2040.'

A photo from the Star dated 8/9/94 of a blond Linda Hamilton laughing with Sharon Stone.

A photo and accompanying article from Entertainment Weekly dated 8/26/94 about Linda's new movie, Silent Fall. The photo shows Linda in a Halloween costume, as a witch, along with Richard Dreyfuss and Ben Faulkner.

A snippet about the Sci Fi Channel being named 1994 Programmer of the Year by the National Cable Television Cooperative.

And two articles from the 7/28/94 edition of the Hollywood Reporter. One is about Wayne Huizenga, owner of Blockbuster, and his plans to open Blockbuster Park, a tourist attraction to be located in Miramar, Florida and the protests of the citizens of that city.

And the other is about the "battle plan of Republic", which reads in part: "In addition to beefing up theatrical productions, Republic will try to find two direct-to-video projects the company can produce itself...Republic will also continue to release original films produced for pay TV by Viacom and Showtime."

I am not trying to jump the gun here, but could this mean something to us?

And this enjoyable attempt by Nan:
Remember, Blockbuster owns Spelling Entertainment, which has merged with Republic, which owns (mostly) Beauty and the Beast...and Wayne Huizenga owns Blockbuster and is on the board at Viacom, with which he's still playing footsie, though the two megacompanies haven't merged as first planned when Viacom got Blockbuster's help in taking over Paramount (owner of, among other things, Star Trek). All clear?

Also included was a flyer for "A Distant Shore: The Fairy Tale Continues...", the 1995 Beauty and the Beast convention to be held in Los Angeles. I am in the process of typing a computer version of the flyer, so if any of you are interested in receiving it, please e-mail me.

The End.