Crossroads at Christmas

[mattus76]

The flashback must be 1980, but Reg is definately in 1979 as I remember kathy Staff must have had to do a pretty rush change job from his kitchen where she's cleaning plates, to be then not long after in uniform singing with meg!

you have to feel sorry for Poor Doris in a way, there are some pretty rotten bosses out there but Reg must have taken the biscuit, makes you wonder what on earth she was thinking of taking a job as Reg's personal skivvy

[paul ross]

Any1 know who wrote those stories? I feel it was either Crees or Garfield or a little of both, it wasn't Schmidt and it certainly wasn't Bowers - although having said that, Schmidt did write for the character of Alison after that time. Now that I think about it and from what we've seen on the DVDs they don't contain any of Garfield's humour. If I could recall what the other two stories surrounding the farms then that way I'll be able to make a better judgment. That story with characters Raymond Hillier/Lorna Crowther (both worked for J. Henry) - those exchanges are Garfield to a T as they're very playful - so that means he didn't write for Reg during 1980. (By the way I was told by one writer that they were 'given' stories and only had so much say in what would/could happen). The summer of 1980 saw Crees and Schmidt take their year away from the programme with Keith Miles and Gerald Kelsey taking over which muddies the waters further as by October of 80, the farmhouse was still onscreen - so Miles or Kelsey must have taken it over. The Brownlows were also onscreen and they don't sound like Garfield - meaning either Miles/Kelsey wrote for them. Garfield must have done the motel stuff but there's not much to go on with only one ep from Oct 80.

 

[DJB]

Thought this was a good time to revive this thread-in case anyone wants to add to memories of Christmas at the motel.

[Daniel Freeman]

My favourite was the Christmas party in the 70's when Diane, Jane, Archie, Mr Booth and Shughie all did turns in a 'Good Olde Days' style show. It took up most of the second half of the show (the first half was shortened to make more room for it!). Of course it ended with Meg singing 'Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas' before rushing orf to find Jill in tears in the sitting room.
I think that one outshone Meg's 'We Need a Little Christmas' in '79- although that was very nice too.

[Maria No. 1.]

I've already commented quite alot towards the beginning of this thread last year, so nothing to say further really, but I will say that I agree with you Daniel about the 1978 Boxing Day Episode.  It genuinely looked like they were all having a very very happy time at the Party.  I think it eclipsed the following years episode.  A close run thing though.

[DJB]

Thought I'd bump this thread up in case anyone wants to discuss Christmas at the motel during the festive period.

[Daniel Freeman]

The only thing I remember about the original Crossroads is what we've discussed above.
It was always cheerful/musical/comedic etc.
I don't think any of the major soaps these days would DARE to attempt that now! They've GOT to have a death, or major catastrophe in some way!
I'd love to watch Emmerdale or Corrie just have a simple 'party atmosphere' or Local Panto.......it ain't gonna happen though.
As for EastEnders - FORGET IT!! 

[DJB]

Recall reading earlier this year that the 1973 Boxing Day ep.was a "stand alone" episode that was screened across the Network-even in London which was normally showing episodes 6 months behind the rest of the country. I remember the episode which featured a visit from Vera'a parents and also had Larry Grayson as a difficult guest.

[Daniel Freeman]

Recall reading earlier this year that the 1973 Boxing Day ep.was a "stand alone" episode that was screened across the Network-even in London which was normally showing episodes 6 months behind the rest of the country. I remember the episode which featured a visit from Vera'a parents and also had Larry Grayson as a difficult guest.

Ha! Yes I've read about that. Wish someone could find that tape!! Is that the same episode with Larry dressed as Father Christmas? That photo is always shown. I cannot believe I missed this episode - I was only 13/14 years old. I used to race home from school to catch it at 4.15pm on YTV!!

[DJB]

No,Dan,the Father Christmas ep was 1972. In those pre-VCR days it was easy to miss episodes especially at a time like Christmas.

[Lucky]

So does that mean Larry Grayson apeared in both 1972 and 1973 Christmas episodes?

[Mike of CAS]

He was in it 3 times over the years.

[DJB]

So does that mean Larry Grayson apeared in both 1972 and 1973 Christmas episodes?

Yes,although sadly neither survive.