Falcon Crest
1 9 8 1 - 1 9 9 0 (USA)
220 x 60 minute episodes
There have been enough dead bodies in this tempestuous tale of
North Californian vineyards to drive a pathologist to drink. Those
that haven't died have had numerous narrow escapes as buildings
suddenly explode or catch fire, cars and planes crash and wronged
parties run amok with machine-guns. Throw in the odd drowning and even
the occasional death from natural causes, and you've got a fair
picture of life in the fictitious Tuscany Valley.
The most important person in the valley is Angela Channing, around
whom most of the action (and a lot of the attempted murders) revolve.
Angela looks like an up-market Ma Sugden of Emmerdale Farm -
but without the ironing board.
She is the tough, all-conquering boss of Falcon Crest Wines who
schemed to swindle her nephew Chase Gioberti (sounds like a kids party
game!) out of his birthright. Chase had inherited 50 acres of vineyard
from his late father, Jason, but Angela wanted the land and was
prepared to go to any lengths to get it.
Made by Lorimar (the Dallas and Knots Landing
producers) and filmed in California's Napa Valley, Falcon Crest was
first shown in America in December 1981. It continually tried to
outgun Dallas and Dynasty and after a sticky start, did
do extremely well.
Other major characters in Falcon Crest were Chase's
writer-wife Maggie Gioberti, ruthless newspaper proprietor Richard
Channing (who discovered that he is the son of the woman he hates,
Angela Channing, and is fighting to gain control of Falcon Crest),
Angela's evil playboy grandson Lance Cumson who was once convicted of
trying to murder his dear old granny, and Lance's ex-wife, the equally
shady Melissa.
The malevolence of the Falcon Crest plots seemed to spread
to some of the cast. Reports of open warfare frequently leaked out.
Robert Foxworth had a chance to direct episodes which led to Jane
Wyman asking to direct. Her request wasn't granted but when he
directed she got a directors salary! Jane Wyman and Lana Turner's
relationship became so hostile that their scenes together were filmed
separately and a split-screen technique was used.
The series featured a stellar cast, including Morgan Fairchild,
Gina Lollabrigida, Rod Taylor, Cesar Romero, Kim Novak and Jane Badler
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