General Hospital

Kin Shriner Recalls Legendary General Hospital Scribe Douglas Marland

Published by
Michael Maloney

Veteran General Hospital fans recall the show exploding onto the pop culture scene in the late 1970s/early 1980s. While producer Gloria Monty revolutionized GH — and the industry — with innovative production values, there’s a showbiz adage that goes ‘if it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage!’

Kin Shriner Recalls GH Scribe Douglas Marland

During a recent GH Fantasy Events with Kin Shriner (Scotty) and Will deVry (ex-Julian), the former was asked about legendary scribe Douglas Marland, who was tasked with saving the show from cancellation when the then-low-rated serial was dropping in the ratings.

Marland infused GH with must-see stories and new characters including the Quartermaines, Bobbie Spencer, and many others while making sure that OG characters Steve (John Beradino) and Jessie (Emily McLaughlin) continued to play roles integral to the show’s stories.

“I have wonderful memories of Douglas Marland,” Shriner said during the GH fantasy event. “He was very fond of the Scotty character. Doug had a beautiful home in Connecticut. Every time I went to New York, he’d invite [me] out to his estate. He always wanted to talk about the show, the characters. He wrote every character from the ground up.”

Marland’s stay in Port Charles was brief — about two years. But the characters he created remain a part of the show today. “He created Bobbie Spencer [Jacklyn Zeman and the triangle] with Scotty and Laura…” Kin Shriner recollects. Towards the end of Marland’s first year on the show, he introduced the character of Bobbie’s brother Luke (Anthony Geary).

Clash Of The Titans

Alas, Marland and Monty clashed over story direction and so Marland left the ABC serial not long after Laura (Genie Francis) and Scotty (Kin Shriner) were wed in the summer of 1979. “Then, he went to Guiding Light and [later,] As the World Turns. Doug and Gloria fought a lot over what he wanted to do and what she wanted to do. There were issues but while Doug was [at GH] he really formed that show.

“Doug was the best,” Kin Shriner concludes, adding that Marland was an actor before going into writing. “I was on [the GH] set [in 1993] when we were told he had passed away.” For more info on how to attend upcoming GH Fantasy Events, click here.

General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Port Charles, check out all the latest that’s been posted on GH spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.

Load more...
Share
Published by
Michael Maloney
Tags: General Hospital Kin Shriner Scotty Baldwin

Recent Posts

  • News & Rumors

Young and the Restless’ Kate Linder & Friends Join Forces For After Breast Cancer Charity

The Young and the Restless star Kate Linder is hosting a charity fundraising brunch in… Read More

11 hours ago
  • News & Rumors

Jason And Drew Headed Toward Another Fight On November 21 General Hospital

An unexpected request in Sam's will has left Jason and Drew ready for another fight… Read More

11 hours ago
  • The Bold and the Beautiful News

Loyalties Tested On November 21 Bold and the Beautiful

The Forrester wars are testing relationships. Read More

11 hours ago
  • General Hospital Spoilers

General Hospital Spoilers November 22: Jason Leans on Dante for Advice

What's on the table here? Does Jason ask Dante for parenting advice or is this… Read More

12 hours ago
  • News & Rumors

From General Hospital to Fame: Nicholas Chavez Dishes on Life in the Limelight

Nicholas Alexander Chavez has been catapulted into fame, and is enjoying every minute of it. Read More

12 hours ago
  • News & Rumors

Why Diane Is The Cause Of Kyle’s Problems On Young and the Restless

Diane needs to realize the pain she's caused since her return to Genoa City. Read More

13 hours ago