The Cannell Files

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Zine
Title: The Cannell Files
Publisher: Orion Majoris Publications
Editor(s): Scott Clark
Type: letterzine
Date(s): 1984-1991
Frequency: bi-monthly, later irregularly
Size: digest
Fandom: multimedia; Stephen J. Cannell
External Links: link to online-continuation
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

The Cannell Files is a gen multimedia letterzine focusing on Stephen J. Cannell television shows (Wiseguy, Stingray, A-Team, 21 Jump Street, Greatest American Hero and Hunter, among others.). It ran for nineteen issues, the last of which was a double-issue. A few issues contain fiction. It preceded On the Jazz by several months, and King Harbor Tourist Information by over a year.

Note: All episode guides in issues 1-5 below compiled and edited by Scott Clark unless otherwise indicated. ALL episode guides from issue six on were compiled and edited by Scott Clark in their entirety.

From an Ad

CALLING ALL STEPHEN J. CANNELL FANS—If you've been sitting around, watching all the great (and awful) Cannell shows on the tube the last few years, and wishing you could share your feelings about them...now you have a forum in which to do so! We're publishing a letterzine devoted to only SJC shows, and not just one, but any and all that you care to discuss. So if you're a fan of: The A-Team, Baretta, Chase, Greatest American Hero, Hardcastle & McCormick, Hunter, The Quest, Riptide, The Rock ford Files, The Rousters, Stone, or Tenspeed & Brown Shoe, write to us. We publish every 8-10 weeks, with a special topic to center your comments around every time, so if you're interested, send a SASE for more information and the current topic. The l/z is THE CANNELL FILES, and we're: Orion/Phoenix Press, c/o Scott Clark.[1]

About the Zine's Beginnings

"I joined the main forces of fandom in early '84 and 'discovered' letterzines that year to my utmost delight. Quickly seeing that there weren't any letterzines devoted to shows I loved to watch (Greatest American Hero, Rockford Files, A-Team, Hardcastle & McCormick, etc.) and noticing that one-show letterzines tended to have a rather short shelf-life, I decided to go for a zine with broader coverage than most...all of Stephen J. Cannell's shows. Response to TCF over the years has indicated that the unusual mix of LoCs, up-to-the-minute news, current and nostalgic episode guides to the various Cannell shows, and the recent addition of short fiction and poetry has made this a very readable zine, both for old-time and new Cannell fans." [2]

Issue 1

cover of Special Preview issue, by Ann Larimer

The Cannell Files Special Preview (a.k.a. The Cannell Files 1) was published in 1984. [44 pages]

Issue 2

cover of issue 2, by Melinda Reynolds

The Cannell Files 2 [January 1985 - 48 pages]

Issue 3

cover of issue 3, by Melinda Reynolds

The Cannell Files 3 [April 1985 - 48 pages]

Issue 4

cover of issue 4, by Ann Larimer (signed by Stephen J. Cannell)

The Cannell Files 4 [June 1985 - 48 pages]

Issue 5

cover of issue 5, by Ann Larimer

The Cannell Files 5 [September 1985–84 pages]

Issue 6

cover of issue 6, by Ann Larimer

The Cannell Files 6 [November 1985–64 pages]

  • Letters of Comment from: Lorraine Bartlett, Cathy Bryson, Scott Clark, Juli Cleveland, Laura Curbishley, Judy Darnell, Jean Frame, Sue-Anne Hartwick, Ann Larimer, Ingrid Maack, Ky V. Moffett, Vicky Parsons, Melinda Reynolds, Cynthia Shannon, Jean Thrower, Liz Tucker, Judy Watson and Cathy Woldow (a.k.a. Kitty Woldow).
  • Episode Guides: A-Team partial season four episode guide, Hardcastle and McCormick partial season three episode guide, Hunter partial season two episode guide, Riptide partial season three episode guide
  • Special Features: "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines—1985-86, "The Scorecard" - weekly Nielsen ratings for Cannell series in Sept 1985, "The Cannell Canon" - Roster of Cannell series-to-date, First Annual Cannell Files Fans Choice Awards (note: not done again), Cannell Series Role Call (index to actors with regular or semi-regular roles on Cannell series)
  • Artwork from Ann Larimer (front cover -- Greatest American Hero)
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Special Year One Index

full front and back cover of Special Year One Index

The Cannell Files Special Year One Index [February 1986–8 pages]

  • 2-page index to all content in the first six issues of The Cannell Files
  • Miniaturized reproductions of the covers of the first six issues of The Cannell Files
  • 4-page untitled "Cannell Files Finish the Story Contest #1" original fiction piece (by Scott Clark), set during the 1985 Goodhue Awards (first seen in an episode of The Rockford Files), crossing over characters from Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, Hardcastle and McCormick, and The Rockford Files. Intended to encourage writers to submit short stories that picked up on the cliffhanger ending, which would appear in future issues of The Cannell Files. No story submissions were received.
  • This short index was included with subscribers' copies of The Cannell Files issue 7

Issue 7

cover of issue 7, by Ann Larimer, hand-colored by Scott Clark

The Cannell Files 7 [February 1986 - 64 pages]

  • Letters of Comment from: Cathy Bryson, Scott Clark, Judy Darnell, Jean Frame, Narrelle M. Harris, Ann Larimer, Ky V. Moffett, Vicky Parsons and Helen Small.
  • Episode Guides: A-Team partial season four episode guide, Hardcastle and McCormick partial season three episode guide, Hunter partial season two episode guide, The Last Precinct partial single season episode guide, Riptide partial season three episode guide
  • Special Features: "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines—1981-86, "The Scorecard" (Oct 1985 to Jan 1986), "The Cannell Canon" - Roster of Cannell series-to-date
  • Artwork from Ann Larimer (front cover -- Greatest American Hero, hand colored by Scott Clark)
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Issue 8

cover of issue 8

The Cannell Files 8 [June 1986–56 pages]

  • Letters of Comment from: Elaine Batterby, Cathy Bryson, Scott Clark, Juli Cleveland, Laura Curbishley, Mysti Frank, Narrelle M. Harris, Sue-Anne Hartwick, Judy Mortimore, Helen Small and Teri White.
  • Episode Guides: A-Team final portion of season four episode guide, Hardcastle and McCormick final portion of season three episode guide, Hunter final portion of season two episode guide, The Last Precinct final portion of single season episode guide, Riptide partial season three episode guide, Stingray complete season one episode guide (except for pilot - profiled in Issue 5 above)
  • Special Features: "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines—1986, "The Scorecard" (Feb to Jun 1986), "The Cannell Canon" - Roster of Cannell series-to-date, Hardcastle and McCormick reader poll results (poll originally mailed to subscribers in January 1986), "#1 With a Bullet" -- lyrics to 7 original songs by Mike Post and Stephen Geyer, which appeared in first-season episodes of Stingray, Save Hardcastle and McCormick Campaign Update, reprint of Story Contest Starter (from the Year One Index above)
  • Artwork from Mysti Frank (cartoon, page 24)
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Issue 9

cover of issue 9

The Cannell Files 9 [Sept 1986–52 pages]

  • Letters of Comment from: Scott Clark, Mysti Frank, Ky V. Moffett and Liz Tucker.
  • Episode Guides: Baa Baa Black Sheep complete series episode guide, Riptide final portion of season three episode guide
  • Special Features: "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines—1977 and 1986, Complete list of episode titles for all Stephen J. Cannell series from 1973 to 1986, "#1 With a Bullet" - partial lyrics to "So This is Christmas/War is Over"
  • Artwork from Mysti Frank (cartoon, page 11)
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Issue 10

cover of issue 10

The Cannell Files 10 [Jan 1987–72 pages]

  • Letters of Comment from: Cathy Bryson, Scott Clark, Elyse Dickenson, Sue Doelling, Jackie Eason, Narrelle M. Harris, Ky V. Moffett, Shirley D. Sipe, Omar Velasco, Cathy Woldow (a.k.a. Kitty Woldow) and V.J. Wurth.
  • Episode Guides: A-Team complete season five episode guide, Hunter partial season two episode guide, Stingray partial season two episode guide
  • Special Features: A-Team Obituary, "The Cannell Canon" - master list of all Cannell series-to-date, "Cannell Series Role Call" - updated list of regular cast members on all past Cannell series, "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines—1975-1987
  • Original Fiction: "All Dressed Up and No Place to Go" (part 1 of 2) a Hunter short story by Jeff Macintosh [pseudonym of editor Scott Clark] -- this story was never concluded!
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Issue 11

cover of issue 11, artwork by Diane Taurins

The Cannell Files 11 [April 1987 - 80 pages (76 marked, plus 4 page insert]

  • Letters of Comment from: Cathy Bryson, Scott Clark, Jackie Eason, Narrelle M. Harris, Jan Johnson, Shirley D. Sipe, Helen Small (2), Joanne Swenski and Cathy Woldow (a.k.a. Kitty Woldow).
  • Episode Guides: A-Team final season five episode guide update, Hunter partial season two episode guide, Stingray partial season two episode guide, detailed descriptions and credits for two Stephen J. Cannell pilots -- Destination America and Dr. Scorpion
  • Special Features: "The Cannell Canon" - master list of all Cannell series-to-date, "Cannell Series Role Call" - updated list of regular cast members on all past Cannell series, "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines—mainly 1987, "The Scorecard" - weekly Nielsen ratings for Cannell series February through April 1987, "#1 With a Bullet" - lyrics to nine original songs used in episodes of Stingray, by Mike Post and Stephen Geyer, plus a song used in Destination America
  • Original Fiction: "The Good of the One" an A-Team short story by Cathy L. Bryson (5 pages) [later reprinted in Face Collection]
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark
  • Artwork by Diane Taurins (front cover)

Issue 12

cover of issue 12

The Cannell Files 12 [March 1988–94 pages]

  • No Letters of Comment were included in this issue
  • Episode Guides: City of Angels complete episode guide (though only partial credits), Hunter final part of season three episode guide and partial season four episode guide, J.J. Starbuck partial season one episode guide, Sonny Spoon partial season one episode guide, Stingray wrap up to season two episode guide, 21 Jump Street complete season one and partial season two episode guide (though only partial credits), Wiseguy partial season one episode guide
  • Special Features: "The Cannell Canon" - master list of all Cannell series-to-date, alphabetically and by length of run, "Resurrection in Black and White" - extensive reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines from 1987 and 1988, "The Scorecard" - weekly Nielsen ratings for Cannell series from September 1987 to April 1988, "The Cannell Library" - first entry in an index/description of professionally published TV Tie-in novels based on Cannell series, including (this time) Baa Baa Black Sheep, Baretta and Chase, "Where Are They Now?" - report on current status of various Cannell series alumni, "Focus On..." - detailed look at the careers and credits of Cannell series actors - this issue Robert Culp and Lance LeGault, "In Times to Come" - preview of next issue
  • Original Poetry/Filksong: "Note to Actors From CBN" (sung to "Friendship" from the musical "Anything Goes" by Cole Porter) -- by Sally Budd
  • Special Inclusion: Fold-out chart chronicling the production and air history of all Stephen J. Cannell shows-to-date
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Issue 13

full front and back cover of issue 13

The Cannell Files 13 [April/May 1988 - 56 pages, plus additional inclusion]

  • Letters of Comment from: Cathy Bryson, Scott Clark, Jackie Eason, Kitty Woldow
  • Episode Guides: Hunter partial season four episode guide, J.J. Starbuck partial season one episode guide, Sonny Spoon final part of season one episode guide, Richie Brockelman, Private Eye complete episode guide, 21 Jump Street partial season two episode guide (though only partial credits), Wiseguy partial season one episode guide
  • Special Features: "The Cannell Canon" - master list of all Cannell series-to-date, alphabetically and by length of run, "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines from 1978 and 1988 (see also special inclusion), "The Scorecard" - weekly Nielsen ratings for Cannell series from September 1987 to May 1988, "The Cannell Library" - second entry in an index/description of professionally published TV Tie-In novels based on Cannell series, including (this time) books and comic books based on A-Team, "In Times to Come" - preview of next issue
  • Special Inclusion: additional news articles for "Resurrection in Black and White"
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Issue 14

cover of issue 14

The Cannell Files 14 [June/July 1988–60 pages, plus additional 59-page supplement]

  • Letters of Comment from: Cathy Bryson, Scott Clark, Martha Jennings, John Merkel, Sally Smith, Kitty Woldow
  • Episode Guides: J.J. Starbuck final part season one episode guide, The Rockford Files complete season one episode guide
  • Special Features: "The Cannell Canon" - master list of all Cannell series-to-date, alphabetically and by length of run, "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines from 1988 (see also special inclusion), "The Scorecard" - weekly Nielsen ratings for Cannell series from September 1987 to July 1988, "The Cannell Library" - third entry in an index/description of professionally published TV Tie-In novels or listings of fanzine stories based on Cannell series, including (this time) listings of the fan fiction that appeared in Back-to-Back (Hardcastle and McCormick) and The Karenina Continuity Chronicles (A-Team, Greatest American Hero, The Rockford Files), "Focus On..." - detailed look at the careers and credits of Cannell series actors - this issue James Garner (part 1) and a follow-up on Lance LeGault, "Interviews" - transcriptions of appearances by Dale Robertson and Holly Robinson on The Tonight Show, "Convention Report" - MediaWest*Con 8, '"In Times to Come" - preview of next issue
  • Special Inclusion: additional 59 paged letter-sized supplement full of news articles for "Resurrection in Black and White"
  • Artwork by Scott Clark (page 15) -- This was the final issue to feature original fan artwork, on either the cover or in the interior
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Issue 15

cover of issue 15, signed by Stephen J. Cannell

The Cannell Files 15 [September/October 1988 - 68 pages]

  • Letters of Comment from: Cathy Bryson, Scott Clark, Elizabeth Ford, John Merkel, Judy Mortimore, Mike Ponte, Sally Smith, Kitty Woldow
  • Episode Guides: The Rockford Files complete season two episode guide, Sonny Spoon partial season two episode guide
  • Special Features: "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines from 1988, "The Scorecard" - weekly Nielsen ratings for Cannell series from September 1987 to September 1988, "In Times to Come" - preview of next issue
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Issue 16

cover of issue 16

The Cannell Files 16 [November/December 1988 - 96 pages]

  • Letters of Comment from: Anne Batterby, Elaine Batterby, Cathy Bryson, Marge Chamberlin, Scott Clark, Jackie Eason, Elizabeth Ford, Lee Hutton, Martha C. Jennings, Judy Mortimore, Velvet Rogers, Sally Smith, Ian Trott and Kitty Woldow
  • Episode Guides: Hunter partial season five episode guide, The Rockford Files complete season three episode guide, Sonny Spoon partial season two episode guide, 21 Jump Street partial season three episode guide, Wiseguy partial season two episode guide
  • Special Features: "The Cannell Canon" - master list of all Cannell series-to-date, alphabetically and by length of run, "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines from 1988, "The Scorecard" - weekly Nielsen ratings for Cannell series for the 1988/89 season-to-date, "The Cannell Library" - fourth entry in an index/description of professionally published TV Tie-In novels and/or listings of fanzine stories based on Cannell series, including (this time) listings of recent fanzines Small Favors (Stingray) - The Angst Cycle (Wiseguy) - The Pilot's Prayer (Riptide) - Rerun 6 - Who Rides for Justice? 1 (Riptide and Hardcastle and McCormick) and Tuesday Night (Riptide), "Focus On..." - detailed look at the careers and credits of Cannell series actors - this issue James Garner (part 2), "In Times to Come" - preview of next issue
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Issue 17

cover of issue 17

The Cannell Files 17 [January/February 1989–100 pages]

  • Letters of Comment from: Elaine Batterby, Cathy Bryson, Marge Chamberlin, Scott Clark, Juli Cleveland, Martha C. Jennings, Judy Mortimore, Sally Smith, Sue Trent and Kitty Woldow
  • Episode Guides: Greatest American Hero final update - "Greatest American Heroine" broken pilot, Hunter partial season five episode guide, The Rockford Files complete season four episode guide, Sonny Spoon partial season two episode guide, 21 Jump Street partial season three episode guide, UNSUB partial season one episode guide, Wiseguy partial season two episode guide
  • Special Features: "The Cannell Canon" - master list of all Cannell series-to-date, alphabetically and by length of run, "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines from 1988 and 1989, "The Scorecard" - weekly Nielsen ratings for Cannell series for the 1988/89 season-to-date, "The Cannell Library" - fifth entry in an index/description of professionally published TV Tie-In novels and/or listings of fanzine stories based on Cannell series, including (this time) "The Best of Crime & Detective TV" which featured entries on The Rockford Files, City of Angels, Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, Richie Brockelman, Private Eye and Baretta, "Where Are They Now?" - report on current status of various Cannell series alumni, "In Times to Come" - preview of next issue
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Issue 18

cover of issue 18

The Cannell Files 18 [March/April 1989 - 96 pages, plus 60-page supplement]

  • Letters of Comment from: Elaine Batterby, Cathy Bryson, Scott Clark, Carol Cox, Martha C. Jennings, Judy Mortimore, Sally Smith, Sue Trent and Kitty Woldow
  • Episode Guides: Hunter partial season five episode guide, 21 Jump Street partial season three episode guide, UNSUB partial season one episode guide, Wiseguy partial season two episode guide, including the Liberty Arc
  • Special Features: "The Cannell Canon" - master list of all Cannell series-to-date, alphabetically and by length of run, "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines from 1988 and 1989, "The Scorecard" - weekly Nielsen ratings for Cannell series for the 1988/89 season-to-date, "Where Are They Now?" - report on current status of various Cannell series alumni, "In Times to Come" - preview of next issue
  • Special Note: As an April Fools prank, this issue's Wiseguy episode guide featured a fake four-episode arc of Wiseguy inserted into the guide just in front of the music industry arc. This "Liberty Arc" was written by TCF regulars Sally Smith and Kitty Woldow (with a little creative consulting from TCF editor Scott Clark). The "Liberty Arc" would have starred Nick Mancuso, Edward James Olmos, Meg Foster, Anthony Zerbe, Peter Coyote and John P. Ryan. The plot involved a car manufacturing company, run by brothers Mancuso and Olmos, trying to produce an innovative 'steamer' car. The upstart company's livelihood is threatened by a corrupt Senator (Zerbe) and mysterious forces at an oil conglomerate. A fake TV Guide ad was dummied up and accompanied the fake episode guide. Not enough explanation was given to readers to warn them about the fake arc, and some Cannell Files readers were fooled into thinking it was legitimate, leading them to contact their local CBS affiliates to ask why those episodes had been locally pre-empted!
  • Special Note #2: In addition to the 30 pages of "Resurrection in Black and White" news clippings in this issue, subscribers also received a 60-page letter-sized supplement filled with additional news clippings. The supplement was available as a separate back-issue order. This makes this issue, officially, the largest issue of The Cannell Files ever produced.
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

Issue 19/20

cover of issue 19/20 - the final issue

The Cannell Files 19/20 [March/April 1991 - 112 pages in two sections]

  • Letters of Comment from: Elaine Batterby, Cathy Bryson, Lynn Campion, Marge Chamberlin, Scott Clark, Martha Jennings, Judy Mortimore, Sally Smith, Sue Trent and Kitty Woldow
  • Episode Guides: Booker complete one season episode guide, Broken Badges complete one season episode guide, Hunter partial season five episode guide and complete seasons six and seven episode guides, The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage partial single season episode guide, Scene of the Crime partial single season episode guide, Top of the Hill complete episode guide, 21 Jump Street partial season three episode guide - full season four episode guide and partial season five episode guide, UNSUB conclusion of single season episode guide, Wiseguy partial season two episode guide and complete seasons three and four episode guide (at least those aired by CBS)
  • Special Features: "The Cannell Canon" - master list of all Cannell series-to-date, alphabetically and by length of run, "Resurrection in Black and White" - reprints of Stephen J. Cannell series-related articles from a variety of mainstream magazines from 1989 to 1991, "The Scorecard" - weekly Nielsen ratings for Cannell series for the full 1989/90 and the 1990/91 season-to-date, "In Times to Come" - preview of next issue
  • Special Note: This issue came in two digest-sized portions, with the same cover - Part 1 was pages 1–80, Part 2 was 81-112
  • Editorial ("The Bent Barrel") by Scott Clark

References

  1. ^ from Sweet Justice #1 (May 1985)
  2. ^ from Pop Stand Express #17
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