The MMC Podcast looks at "The Girl, The Gold Watch, and Dynamite"

Early this season, we discussed The Girl, the Gold Watch, & Everything, a 1980 movie that premiered in first-run syndication in 1980. We weren't enamored with it. In fact, though there is a sequel, not only do I know we will not cover it, I'm actually worried I'll never be able to talk Mike into covering any made-for-TV movie on the podcast again.

Don't worry, though, Watchaholics! Friend of the Show Steve Cloutier and his friends at The MMC discuss The Girl, The Gold Watch, and Dynamite in their latest episode. I think they're still Steve's friends even after he suggested that one. Actually, at the beginning and end of the pod, he thanks Mike and I for requesting it. Gracious nod to our podcast or subtle way of shifting blame? I think the former, especially since these folks at the MMC watch this kind of stuff all the time. After all, one of those "M"s stands for "Masochist."

At any rate, I can assure you that Steve is as fun when discussing dreck as he is something like, oh, say, The Rockford Files. The whole crew at least enjoys taking apart the second movie based on the original John D. MacDonald movie. I think.

The movie itself, like the original, is on YouTube. Here's a taste of each one before you head over and listen to the MMC:

YouTube Spotlight: Joe Santos Is Me

Each podcast week, we take a look at one video from our video playlist here in its own post. We are discussing the 1980s TV movie The Girl, The Gold Watch, and Everything this week, and here is one of the associated clips:

Our guy Joe Santos from The Rockford Files (Shout-out to 200 Dollars a day Plus Expenses) starred in this short-lived NBC sitcom that happened to be on the night The Girl, The Gold Watch, and Everything premiered in syndication. In this one, "the girl" is Maxx, played by Melissa Michaelson, a precocious 11-year-old who surprises her dad by moving in with her bachelor father (Not to be confused with Bachelor Father). And by "moving in with," I mean her mom dumps her at his doorstep. Fun premise, huh?

Santos is a bit of a wiiiiiild and craaaaazy guy whose lifestyle is cramped by the new addition to the household, but they'll try to make this work together. Producer James Komack, NBC, and Fred Silverman couldn't make it work, together though, and it ran a mere 10 episodes from March-June 1980. It aired against The Incredible Hulk on CBS and movies on ABC.

Show Notes and Video Playlist: Episode 13-2: The Girl, The Gold Watch, and Everything

*We hope you enjoy this season's look at a TV movie. We don't give this particular one a strong recommendation, but we have fun discussing it.

*The full movie and its sequel are in our video playlist this week (See below for link).

*We talk about Operation Prime Time in our Entertainment Tonight episode, and you can read about its creator Al Masini  here.

*The Girl, The Gold Watch, and Everything premiered in many if not most markets June 13, 1980. On the podcast, you can hear what else aired that night.

*The credited writers on the theme song, "Two Hearts in Perfect Time," are Ayn Robbins and Hod David Schudson.

*John Moschitta Jr. may have talked "at regular speed" in some gigs, but I haven't seen them! Peter Kevoian, who is the actor we think resembles him in this movie, went on to appear as a fireman in two episodes of Cheers.

*The San Diego Padres finished in last place in the National League West in 1980, 19.5 gamed behind the Houston Astros.

*One of the goons is played by Peter Brown, who had a long acting career highlighted by regular roles in westerns Laredo and Lawman.

*I think we convey our attitude about the movie without much ambiguity!

*The Girl, The Gold Watch, and Dynamite premiered in 1981 and starred Lee Purcell (ss Bonnie), Morgan Fairchild, and Philip MacHale (as Kirby). 

*John D. MacDonald's original novel is readily available and as of this writing is available in a cheap ebook format!

*Please enjoy our video playlist for this episode with promos, intros, commercials, and more! ---Click below to go right to it, or you can always visit our official YouTube page for all of our past episodes and similar lists for each one of them!

Tomorrow on Battle of the Network Shows...