Anniversary Contest

FASTEST FIRST FIVE LETTERS

#1

Why did I love Quint & Nola? Whew, where shall I begin?

I think the big draw for me was the comic relief that they provided. Soaps aren't known for being funny, but these two brought such a light-heartedness and sweetness to their scenes that it was impossible to resist. Not to say that they couldn't do drama. Tylo and Brown were pros at it all. They had that rare ability to interject dramatic scenes with humor without being phony, and vice versa. Everything about this couple was so unique. Their fantasies, their fights, and of course, that hot air balloon. It was all Quintessential Quola.

Name asked to be withheld

#2

I loved Quint and Nola because of the fantastic chemistry between Lisa Brown and Michael Tylo. Nola brought out the best in Quint. I loved her many fantasy sequences and their archeological digs and remote sequences. Their wedding was perfect in every way. I still miss them on the show to this day. Thank you.

BigSoapFan@aol.com

#3

Well, I try ;) I hated Nola before her love story with Quint (well she was the classic character you love to hate!!) then she changed when she knew Quint. I remember I loved all QUOLA's stories... I loved Nola's dreams, the journey in Tanquir, and she was involved in one of my favourite story: the one with Mona/Rebecca!!! Nola was the queen of GL in that period and I loved when she begun to investigate about Andy Ferris's death. (Ed. note: Nola never was involved in anything to do with Andy Ferris's death. The writer was probably referring to Nola investigating the mystery of the Fishing Picture.) Quint and Nola were so different (she was a "bad girl", he was a gentleman) that they were perfect together... and how to forget Nola's giving to birth of Anthony James during Tony and Annabelle's wedding!!! Quinton and Nola are one of the BEST couple on Guiding Light and I miss them very much!!!

lighthouse@email.it
Sicily, Italy

#4

How can I explain the "Quolappeal" without first stating categorically that Quinton and Nola DEFINED the ultimate romantic ideal? They had all the elements of the perfect doomed couple: the rich, mysterious man meets the poor pregnant girl and together they beat all the impossible odds and allowed true love to win. And all of it was set to Pachelbel's Canon in D.

Not to mention the fact that Nola was quirky and endearing, Quinton was breathtakingly handsome and clever... Storylines and themes were borrowed from the greatest romantic tragedies ever committed to paper (as well as an Indiana Jones movie or two)-- and to top it all off, the actors had the perfect chemistry. Back in those glorious days, not a day went by that I didn't pray for more Quola (and not a day went by when I didn't secretly fantasize that I, too, could find my own Quinton McCord-- okay, maybe minus the harem and the baggage from the past).

I don't know that I can state all of the reasons why I loved Quinton and Nola-- it would take far too long and probably too much web space to explain. But they came along at the right time and their story inspired me to go on and become a storyteller in my own right. It is more than twenty years later and when I think of the perfect romance, it's not Scarlett and Rhett or even Cathy and Heathcliff that first pop into my mind... I think of Quinton and Nola.

Happy 22nd Anniversary, Quint & Nola-- I just know you lived happily ever after!!

Phyllis DeMarco
Chicago, Ill

#5

Hello, I am a male in my early thirties and loved to watch Quint and Nola. My absolute favorite stories with them involved Nola's fantasies and the beginning mystery of Quint and Mrs. Renfield- all so theatrical. Maybe because theatre is my career is what drew me to this vivacious couple. I would love for them to return and they may lure back lapsed viewers. Our show needs them. Great website,

jrevels@cfl.rr.com

OTHER SELECTED LETTERS

LETTER WE MOST RELATED TO AND MADE US SIGH WITH NOSTALGIA
AN EXTREMELY QUOLA WORTHY LETTER!!!

Many thanks for creating this fabulous website, and providing others with the opportunity for access to Quola videos. Having been out of town on business the last few days, I only now noticed the contest, and the opportunity for a fortunate few to access such rare videos! A die-hard "first-generation" Quola fan (spanning my last year of high school and my early college years), I offer the following 10 reasons why I might be deemed worthy of viewing the romance all over again –

1. I actually minored in archaeology/anthropology as an undergrad because of Quint. Ended up winning the "Outstanding Anthropology Student" award the year I graduated. Just shows what a little motivation will do!

2. I have no tapes of major occurrances during Classic Quola because clarinet ensemble class was offered during GL on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Keep in mind, just seeing Quint was a major occurrance.

3. Missed several key episodes because I had to fight with fans of other soaps/networks because, as with many college students in those days, I didn't have a TV/cable in my room. Watching Quola involved a daily fight with GH fans who also wanted control of the TV in the dorm lobby. Let's just say I was persuasive, and even made a few converts, including my roommate.

4. I have watched no other soap regularly, then or since. Not interested.

5. Recently watched Now, Voyager again in order to remember the Quola "send-up" of the final scene. It's a Proustian thing . . .

6. Desperately hoped that Quola would leave GL immediately after their wedding, never to be heard from again, so that the storyline/history would not be spoiled by bad or insensitive writing.

7. When in high school, part of my daily ritual during the academic year was asking Mom to update me on GL. I remember the day Mom said, "I know you're asking me about everyone else, but you should be asking me about Nola. She just got a job with this mysterious guy who lives in a mansion on Thornway Road. She's now the best thing on the show." I replied, "Are you kidding? They expect people to view Nola as sympathetic?" Quoth Mom, "Trust me on this one. Besides, this is our revenge for having to sit through all of that nauseating Morgan and Kelly stuff." Can't argue with that . . .

8. I was so excited during the St. Croix episodes, I couldn't sit down, I paced through the entire thing . . .

9. Does anyone else remember being filled with dread when Nola had to wait outside the tent in Tanquir, fearing that Quint would reject her because she had told Henry that he was his son? After all of the setbacks, we simply couldn't take another one.

10. Does anyone remember feeling silly (in retrospect) for dreading #9, because Quint understood her -- just as he forgave her for her past, and for spying on him?

Finally, a bonus point -- I've never before responded to a query such as this on a website. I suppose that all it required was sufficient motivation!

“A Lurker”
Blacksburg, VA

MOST DRAMATIC LETTER & TOTALLY IN THE TONE AND SPIRIT OF RETRO QUINT & NOLA

The story of Quint and Nola captivated me like no other in the past 24 years of soap opera watching. Not only were the storylines creative and richly written, the actors were superb. The stories woven around Quinton and Nola were innocent and romantic - and their characters were interesting and unique (a foreign concept in today's interpretation of soap operas.) The clinching lure for me was that Quinton was an archaeologist. I to aspired to such heights of academia and adventure until I realized it helped greatly to be independently wealthy. Sadly I have to realize this career vicariously now - though it would be much easier if there was such a character on Guilding Light like this today.

There are so many images that I remember from the Quint and Nola story - the wonderfully dark and mysterious house guarded by the Du Maurier-esque Mrs. Renfield, Vanessa and Nola appearing in the same Scarlett O'Hara dress at their engagement party, the "missing bodice" of the wedding dress (ed.note: There is nothing on our tapes about the bodice of Nola's dress missing, but there was a problem when Bea tried to make Nola's wedding gown, but she couldn't sew. Maureen, with the help of Lola and friends, saved the day at the last minute and presented Nola with a beautiful gown.), the wonderful departure from the wedding in the balloon - too many more to list here. Then we all participated in the naming of their first child together. I hold these characters and their story to the apex of soap-operadom - surpassed by none in my almost quarter century of devotion and loyalty to Guiding Light and As The World Turns (especially in these meager times.)

Fare thee well Quinton and Nola. To me you shall eternally be riding away in a hot air balloon, off to discover new lands and ancient cultures.

tomandmonietal@sbcglobal.net

LETTER FROM ONE OF THE MOST LOYAL QUOLA FANS WE KNOW

For me, there are so many reasons why I love Quinton and Nola that it's hard to narrow it down to just a few. Let's just say that they were and always will be THE MOST UNIQUE couple that has ever graced daytime TV and always will be. Most of it comes down to Michael Tylo and Lisa Brown's unique portrayal. But it also has to do with the very unique vision that Doug Marland had in creating this very romantic, mysterious and downright humorous couple.

Kathy Ford
Pittsburgh, PA

EVEN GUYS LIKED QUINT & NOLA LETTER

My whole family watched Quint & Nola. It was kind of fairty-tale..yet true to life. They were always meant to be and their story played out beautifully. You felt these two characters were real. The audience loved them.

Brad Haddad
Worcester, MA

LETTER THAT ACKNOWLEDGES QUINT’S LOVE FOR ANASTASIA AS HIS OWN

Hello,

I have to say that I loved Quint & Nola when they were on the Guiding Light and I miss them very much. I always felt Nola was missing something in her life "Quint". Nola chased after Kelley for many years and tried to get him when she got pregnant with Floyd's baby but Kelley loved Morgan and that left Nola out in the cold. Then one day she met her soul mate, Quint. They made the perfect couple. They had a bumpy start but their romance was one not to be missed, you fell more in love with this couple as you watched them grow together. Quint loved Nola's baby like she was his own and bonded with her and it made me love him even more. Their romance was one like in a Fairy Tale, like Nola always dreamed of. My love goes out to them and I miss them dearly. I am always hoping that Quint & Nola will one day come back to visit Springfield so we can see them, if only few a short while.

A huge Quint & Nola fan,
Darlene Evans
Tempe, AZ

LETTER THAT ACKNOWLEDGES CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS AT GL

Hi, I'd love to get a copy of that tape of Quint and Nola. Guiding Light has become an unwatchable mess these days and I'd love to watch some classic moments from the show in it's glory days.

Please tell me I'm not too late to relive the magic of the show!

Christine

THIS LETTER WAS A WINNER BECAUSE WE LOVED NOLA’S SIGHS TOO AND DIDN’T THINK ANYONE ELSE NOTICED!!! ALSO MADE THE DARK SHADOWS COMPARISON

Nola with a bandanna on her head in Roger Thorpe's room in the Reardon Boarding House is my first memory of Nola. I think she was supposed to be dusting, but like I came to love Nola, she was snooping instead.

The Nola and Quint love story and mysteries are what truly got me glued to Guiding LIght and have kept me watching the show to this day. She made me laugh, cry, and always want the best for her. I loved her sighs, her fantasies, and especially the love that emerged between her and Quint. Nola also gave us the chance to enjoy other characters. I loved her with Grace, Mrs Renfield, Henry, and of course Vanessa. As a child I used to watch Dark Shadows with my sister and was always very scared. What a treat to have Joan Bennett come to town and meet Nola. No matter what Nola did she made me watch her. I even wanted to take part in Nolarobics! Long live Nola and Quint.....I meant don't we all wanna go off in a hotair balloon!

mfmorganddc@aol.com

LETTER TO LISA BROWN THAT MENTIONS OUR WEBSITE!!!!
WE LIKE THE ATTENTION AND MENTION!!

Oh gosh how and where to begin? Well for starters here’s a letter I wrote to Lisa Brown a few years ago:

July 24, 2001

Dear Lisa,

I have been a fan of yours for 20 years and I wanted to take the time now to finally thank you for the joy of watching your performances as Nola and Iva. I was only about 13 when Nola first appeared on GL, but for some reason that character, and you as an actress, struck an emotional chord in me that has lasted a lifetime. I was disappointed when Nola’s run came to an end, but then I was pleased when Douglas Marland created another wonderful character for you to play. I have now been watching you for 20 years and there is no other actress that has ever moved me in her portrayals as you have. I understand from articles I’ve read that you are now more involved behind the scenes. Even so, I still look forward to your return visits as Iva. I must say that I was moved to tears when Martha Byrne won her Emmy this year and the camera showed you crouching in the aisle to get a closer look at the person you are obviously so fond of. When you are both on screen, your off-screen love for one another is evident, and you bring out the best in each other’s talents.

Sometimes when there is nothing on TV worth watching, I will get out my old tapes of ATWT and marvel at Mr. Marland’s storytelling. It’s then that I wish VCR’s had been mass marketed just a few years sooner – what a collection that would be, the finest storytelling and fine actors bringing it to life. There is also a Quint & Nola web site which I was thrilled to find that has recaps, photos and sounds from that storyline. It’s amazing to think that after 20 years, other people have not forgotten what a special story that was – another credit to your and Mr. Marland’s talents.

Again, thank you for allowing me the privilege of watching your portrayals of two beloved daytime characters. I could never give back to you what you have given to me. Since your birthday is near, though, I thought I’d take this opportunity to write and wish you a day filled with the people and things that you love the most, and continued success in your professional life.

Peace and Love from a sincere and loyal fan,

Melissa Hall

I could relate to Nola since she was wanting a better life for herself. And as a teen-aged girl, Quint set the standard by which all other men would just have to measure up. (My husband has just shook his head at reading that sentence over my shoulder, LOL) I actually met Michael Tylo twice in 1983 and what an incredible event that was. How did their story impact me? Well how about this: my wedding dress looked a LOT like Nola’s. And how about this? I remember wondering what their “song” was, and a friend said it was the theme song to the movie “Ordinary People.” So of course I had to see Ordinary People, and decided I wanted to be like Judd Hirsh’s character in that movie. So I majored in psychology in college, got my masters and practiced for several years all because of where their theme song led me. (To be fair, the Carrie multiple personality storyline kind of influenced me in that direction as well.)

I didn’t have a VCR in those days, but I got into the habit of taping on an old radio shack audio recorder anything I considered to be an important scene, like anytime Pachelbel’s canon would play. You could hear me BAWLING MY EYES OUT on the tape of their wedding. I still have that tape somewhere but I doubt it still plays.

Like all fans I could go on and on – my thanks to our content editor and webmaster who have brought back so many memories.

Melissa Hall
Lexington, KY

“SO EARLY 80s TO RECORD AUDIO ON OLD CASSETTE PLAYER” LETTER
AND PSEUDO SUCKED

My friend and I were GL junkies back in the early 80's. When Quint and Nola came on the scene, the addiction only got worse. Since neither of us had a VCR, we used to audio tape the show and listen to it over and over again.

Michael Tylo and Lisa Brown had such chemistry...a fact I recognized at twelve years old, even if I couldn't put a name to it. Quint and Nola shaped my ideas of romance in my pre-teen and teen years, and I still think of Michael Tylo as my idea man (a fact my husband understands).

My friend and I had lost touch after high school, but she contacted me during the pseudo Quola years in the 90's to discuss how upset we were about the storyline. Not only the fact that Michael and Lisa weren't together at first, but also that supposedly Quint had cheated on Nola...something any true fan knows would never happen.

I love your website and enjoy reading the old scenes and watching the video.

Tina
Scranton, PA

“LISA BROWN, THE P&G QUEEN OF THE 80s AND 90s” LETTER

Hi. I am a fan of Lisa Brown and have followed her career. She has been my favorite for the past 20 years. I have had the pleasure of meeting both her and Michael Tylo. What a great treasure it would be to have a video of their amazing work!

Marilyn
Memphis TN