Teaser:

As a beauty contest finalist competing for the title of "Miss Deep South", Sam must uncover the reason that his pageant roommate -  a beautiful, sweet girl with a lot of promise - disappears off the face of the earth before the pageant ends.

Audio from this episode:

Al: You're Miss Sugarbelle.

TV Guide Synopsis
Place
Leap Date
Name of the Person Leaped Into
Broadcast Date
Synopsis & Review
Music
Project Trivia
Sam Trivia
Al Trivia
Al's Women
Al's Outfits Worn in the Episode
Miscellaneous Trivia
Bloopers
Guest Stars
Guest Cast Notes
Guests Who Appeared in Other Episodes of Quantum Leap:
Say what?
Quotable Quotes
Best Scene
Awards
Production Credits
Podcasts

TV Guide Synopsis (TVGuide.com):

Sam (Scott Bakula) gets himself into a real beaut: he's a pageant contestant who must keep a competitor from making a tragic decision. Connie: Heather McAdam. Peg Myers: Nancy Stafford. Clint: David A. Brooks. Vicky: Julie Ann Lowery. Judge: Hugh Gillin.

TV Guide Synopsis (Original):

Sam (Scott Bakula) gets himself into a real beauty as Miss Sugar Belle in a Southern pageant, he must prevent a fellow contestant from making a tragic decision that will send her into oblivion.

Leap Date:

June 7, 1958

Synopsis & Review:

Sam leaps into a girl called Darlene about to board a bus. He meets Darlene's mother, who wishes him luck and gives Sam a tiara and a sash reading "Miss Sugar Belle", making Sam realize he's on his way to a beauty contest.

Sam arrives at the 35th Miss Deep South pageant, which is being held in a hotel, and meets Peg Myers (Nancy Stafford), the Pageant Coordinator and Miss Deep South 1946, who promptly tells Sam that he walks like a man. After a failed attempt to walk with more grace, Miss Myers leaves Sam to ponder the "step and glide". He looks into a mirror in the hotel lobby and sees a pretty, young brunette. Sam is then nearly knocked over by Connie Duncan (Heather McAdam), Miss Corn Muffin, a blond farm girl from Buford City. She recites her "what it means to become Miss Deep South" in front of Sam, who smiles politely. Sam and Connie meet Clint Beaumont (David Allen Brooks), the Pageant photographer. He flirts with Connie and asks if she's ever done any modeling. She says no but expresses a desire to do modeling. He hints that her wish may come true.

Orientation begins and Miss Myers welcomes the girls by saying each girl brings "something unique to the pageant". Al appears and says "Yeah. Like jockey shorts." Al gives Sam the facts about his leap and says that Darlene finishes third. Sam expresses a desire to leap as soon as possible. Al leaves to try to gather more data and "speed up Ziggy". He suggests that Sam smiles. Miss Myers, seeing Sam talking to thin air, asks him to describe what becoming Miss Deep South means to him. Sam stumbles his way through his answer. Backed into a corner, he steals Connie's answer saying "it would be an honor and a privilege" to become Miss Deep South. He apologizes to Connie, who is now his new roommate for the duration of the pageant.

Connie is impressed by the quality of her lodgings and marvels at the television set. Sam asks Connie about her motives to compete in the pageant. She says she has dreamed of being on TV or in the movies ever since being in a high school production of "Our Town". She says she doesn't want the world to pass her by.

Connie begins to change into her formal in front of Sam. Al returns and attempts to watch Connie change. A horrified Sam blocks Al's view, to which Al calls him a prude and they take their conversation into the bathroom. Though he is still sketchy on the details, Al reports that Ziggy says that Connie doesn't finish the contest and she disappears.

Sam and the other contestants practice the dance number for the pageant, each in hoop skirts. Sam stumbles through the dance steps and has a difficult time with his introduction. Miss Myers, frustrated with Sam's lack of poise, dismisses the girls to change for their pre-pageant interviews. Al appears and mocks Sam's hoop skirt get-up. Connie tries to encourage Sam, but leaves for an appointment with Beaumont, who claims to have connections to Hollywood. Al reveals that a nude picture of Connie appears in a calendar a month after the pageant.

Once she realizes what the photos are for, Connie drops out of the pageant in shame. Sam suggests that he just stick with Connie to prevent her from ruining her life so he can leap out, however it turn out to not be that simple as there's a second part to the leap; in the original history, Darlene placed third and used the prize money to go to college after which she became one of the first female cardiologists. Therefore, as well as saving Connie, Sam must ensure he manages to still place at least third in the contest

Back in Sam and Connie's hotel room, Connie buzzes happily about her impending appointment and her dreams of making it big. Sam attempts to talk her out of going to Beaumont's room, but she storms out. Sam follows her down the hall and bumps into Miss Myers, who reminds Sam of his pre-pageant interview. The interview goes fairly smoothly, although Sam balks at being asked for his measurements.

Connie meets with Beaumont in his room. He hints that she needs to loosen up and “help him out” in order for her photos to make it. She initially resists but he persuades her to pose nude by claiming hundreds of other girls would pose for him if she wouldn't. He also says “I won’t shoot anything that would embarrass [her]”.

Meanwhile, Sam performs Cuanto le Gusta in a pre-pageant rehearsal wearing a Carmen Miranda-like outfit, complete with a huge fruit hat. Al feeds him the lyrics and dances with him on stage. Miss Myers cuts Sam performance short, politely but firmly. Sam tells Al in the elevator it was “the most humiliating experience of [his] life”. Al gets distracted by a cute blond that boards the elevator after Sam and follows her to the lobby, leaving Sam. Sam returns to his room and finds Connie sitting in the shower rocking back and forth and crying.

After Connie calms down, she tells Sam that even though he "didn't get his way" she still feels dirty. She figures her only option is to leave the pageant. Sam says he'll get the pictures back but only if she'll stay in the pageant. Miss Myers comes to the room to chide Connie for her absence at the talent rehearsal and to remind Sam of the photo shoot by the pool. Connie gets out of the shoot by claiming illness.

Sam shows up in a swimsuit and heels to the shoot. After several group shots, Beaumont hits on Sam, much to Sam's disgust. Sam confronts Beaumont about taking advantage of Connie and attempts to take his bag of film. Miss Myers, seeing the commotion, takes charge of the bag, at Sam's behest. Unfortunately, Miss Myers says that the contestant on the film will be disqualified.

Connie begins to storm out of the hotel, citing that at least Beaumont won't hurt anyone else. Al points out that Beaumont has picked another girl to photograph. Sam leaves Al with Connie and tries to convince Miss Myers to give Connie another chance. She refuses, claiming that Connie went along with it. Sam puts two and two together and realizes that Miss Myers was taken advantage of by Beaumont as well. Miss Myers bursts into tears saying that he said “I won’t shoot anything that would embarrass [her]".

Connie confronts Beaumont and says at least he doesn't have her pictures. But Beaumont does have the film and suggests having a drink in his room in exchange for the pictures. Al warns Sam, who is still with Miss Myers of the danger Connie is in. Sam rushes to Beaumont's room and throws several punches before hanging Beaumont out of the window by his legs to get the location of the film. Connie grabs the film and Sam pulls the Beaumont back in and he and Connie and exposes, therefore ruining, the film. Miss Myers fires Beaumont and informs Connie that she is still in the pageant.

Sam, much to his dismay, has still not leaped even after helping Connie get back into the competition. He waits nervously in the wings of the stage in his Carmen Miranda outfit. Al informs him that he is holding on to fourth place, which causes Sam to change his talent from Cuanto le Gusta to a raucous rendition of “Great Balls of Fire”, which electrifies the crowd and the judges.

The judges reach a decision and Sam doesn't place third as he expects. As Sam despairs that he's cost Darlene her bright future, Al reassures him and tells him that Connie returns home and leads a good life by starting a community theatre group. Just then Sam and Al are astounded when they hear that Sam has managed to win the whole competition. Sam is presented with his tiara, flowers and cape and is led down the catwalk to the huge applause of the audience. As he enjoys the atmosphere, Al suddenly notices that Sam is crying. When Al questions if he is ok, Sam responds that he wishes his sister could be there to see it. On that note, Sam leaps. Source

Personal Review by RoseAnn Erks:

This episode is very good. It is very humorous. It gives you an insight on how much stuff a woman goes through when they are getting ready for a beauty pageant. It shows how much work it takes to do things and makes an important statement about who you are.

Music:

"Cuanta La Gusta" performed by Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell

"Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis and performed by Scott Bakula

"I’m Walkin’" by Ricky Nelson

"Splish Splash" by Bobby Darin

Project Trivia:

The gummi bear handlink is seen again before it's proper introduction in "The Great Spontini."

An elevator appears to be used in the Imaging Chamber to move Al up and down. Or perhaps it's just Ziggy projecting his image vertically.

Sam Trivia:

Sam says he hasn’t seem a black and white television like this since he was a little boy. 

Sam doesn’t know who Carmen Miranda is. 

Sam plays "Great Balls of Fire" on the piano. 

Sam remembers his little sister Katie.

Al Trivia:

Al knows the lyrics to "Cuanta La Gusta" and helps Sam with the words and dance.

Al appears in the episode 9 times. The imaging chamber door opens once.

Al’s Outfits Worn in the Episode:

Al’s first outfit is a silver jacket, blue shirt, grey pants, and a black tie. 

The second outfit is black pants, a black vest with silver dots, green, brown, orange, white colored shirt, and a shiny bronze tie.

Al's Women:

All beauty pageant contestants, especially the one going into the elevator!

Miscellaneous Trivia:

A TV Guide ad superimposed Bakula's head onto a woman's body.

It is the 35^th annual Miss Deep South pageant.

Pageant contestant Cheryl Birch was named for Universal’s Director of Business Affairs.

Quantum Leap has been translated in many different languages. Have a look at this clip in Spanish!

Most of the episode was filmed at the Los Angeles Ambassador Hotel, which closed in 1989. It has since been demolished.

The credits scroll at the end of this episode over the complete video of Sam doing his winning walk.

Bloopers:

Guest Stars:

Heather McAdam as Connie Duncan (or Douglas)
Nancy Stafford as Peg Myers
David A. Brooks as Clint Beaumont
Julie Ann Lowery as Vicky Jenkins
Hugh Gillin as Contest Judge
Linda Hoy as Arlene
Marte Boyle Slout as Thelma (female judge)
Martin Clark as Master of Ceremonies
Karen Moore as Cheryl Lynn Birch
Janeen Rae Heller as Beauty Contestant Sawyer
Cynthia Windham as Missy
Luann Lee as Girl at Elevator
Theresa Ring as Darlene Monte (Mirror image)

Guest Cast Notes:

Heather McAdam as Connie Duncan (or Douglas): Heather McAdam was born on January 24, 1968. Heather is an actor, known for Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990), Sisters (1991) and Touched by an Angel (1994). Heather has been married to Todd Kessler since September 4, 2011. They have three children.

Nancy Stafford as Peg Myers: Nancy Stafford was born in Wilton Manors, Florida, a suburb of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where she was raised in a Southern Baptist family home. She has starred in many TV shows, such as Riptide (1984), Remington Steele (1982), Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983), Who's the Boss? (1984), Hunter (1984) and Quantum Leap (1989). She also guest-starred on an episode of Magnum, P.I. (1980). Her biggest claim to fame on television was with Andy Griffith on Matlock (1986). She also guest-starred in many shows in the late 1990s such as ER (1994), Frasier (1993), Babylon 5 (1993), Baywatch (1989) and The Mentalist (2008). Additionally, Stafford played "The Lady in the Park" in the 2004 Award-winning short film, The Proverb (2004), along with her friends, Jeff Andrus and Scott Waara. Best known by the public as Ben Matlock's law partner, Michelle Thomas, on TV's Matlock (1986), Nancy spends much of her time as an author of spiritual books and a public speaker. A skin cancer survivor at 24. Her acting mentor is the late Andy Griffith. Miss Florida 1976.Credits Andy Griffith as her favorite acting mentor/best friend.

David A. Brooks as Clint Beaumont: David Allen Brooks was born on January 9, 1947 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Manhunter (1986), Cast Away (2000) and Crusade (1999).

Julie Ann Lowery as Vicky Jenkins: Julie Ann Lowery is known for Quantum Leap (1989), As the World Turns (1956) and They Came from Outer Space (1990).

Hugh Gillin as Contest Judge: Hugh Gillin was born on July 14, 1925 in Galesburg, Illinois, USA. He was an actor, known for Back to the Future Part III (1990), Psycho II (1983) and Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988). He was married to Janet R Mackey and Mary Constance Nettels. He died on May 4, 2004 in San Diego, California, USA.

Linda Hoy as Arlene: Linda Hoy is known for True Crime (1999), Pink Cadillac (1989) and Quantum Leap (1989). She guest starred in two unrelated television series featuring a regular character named Sam Beckett: China Beach (1988) and Quantum Leap (1989).

Marte Boyle Slout as Thelma (female judge): Marte Boyle Slout was an actress, known for That's My Bush! (2001), Quantum Leap (1989) and Road Ends (1997). She died on September 22, 2019.

Martin Clark as Master of Ceremonies: Martin Clark, although born in Cleveland, Ohio, spent only six months of his life there and has never returned. He was raised in Winnetka, Illinois and attended the nationally renowned public high school, New Trier, which boasts such graduates as Ralph Bellamy, Roy Fitzgerald (Rock Hudson), Charleton Heston, Bruce Dern, and Anne-Margret Ollson (Anne Margret). While attending New Trier he apprenticed for 3 years at Showcase Theatre, a year round full Equity Theatre in Evanston, Illinois. He took small roles in 14 plays during those years, appearing with such stars as Harvey Korman, Mark Drainer, and Hope Summers. He then went on to study Theatre Arts at Carnegie Tech, Pittsburgh; Goodman Theatre, Chicago, and the Pasadena Playhouse. His career broke in the stage production of Detective Story with Charleton Heston and has included over 150 Equity productions including tours of "The Music Man" as Prof. Harold Hill, "Burlesque" with Bert Lahr, and "The "Fifth Season" with Chico Marx and Leo Fuchs. He has made a small career out of playing Ronald Reagan in TV's "Not Necessarily the News", "Rap Master Ronnie" at the San Diego Repertory Theatre; the longest running musical in that theatre's history, and the award winning "The President Will See You Now" in Los Angeles. Martin did 5 voices as well as the comedy track "Holoticks" in the Grammy Award nominated comedy record album, "The Great American Song and Dance". He has appeared extensively in classical theatre including "Richard,III"; "As You Like it"; "Troilas and Cressida"; Julias Ceasar"; "Henry V" etc., at regional theatre throughout the U.S. He is currently a member of the prestigious Los Angeles Classical Theatre Lab.

Karen Moore as Cheryl Lynn Birch: Karen Moore is known for Quantum Leap (1989), Mutual Needs (1997) and The Belt (1989).

Janeen Rae Heller as Beauty Contestant Sawyer: Janeen Rae Heller is known for Quantum Leap (1989), The Tracey Ullman Show (1987) and Home Improvement (1991).

Cynthia Windham as Missy: Cynthia Windham is one of loveliest human beings that you will encounter. During the majority of her life, her own incentives have moved her to to feed the homeless, rescue animals, and help young child actors in Hollywood find their way. A former child acting coach who also spent time working with Virgil Frye, Cynthia is also a graduate of USC film Southern California, with a degree in critical study and a minor in production. She has appeared both on and off screen in the film industry regularly since the nineteen eighties, and has recently moved into the realm of producing with her husband, Allistair Wyndham.

Luann Lee as Girl at Elevator: Lovely, vibrant, and shapely blonde knockout Luann Lee was born on January 28, 1961 in Santa Monica, California. She graduated a year early from Thousand Oaks High School in Thousand Oaks, California. At age twenty-one Luann achieved her license and training as one of the youngest Metropolitan Life insurance agents. Lee eventually left the Met to be a national sales representative for a marketing firm and then went on to become a marketing director for another firm. Luann was the Playmate of the Month in the January, 1987 issue of "Playboy." At age 25 she was performing at Maxim Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada as one of Playboy's Girls of Rock'n'Roll. Luann has appeared in a handful of "Playboy" videos and has small roles in the films "Beverly Hills Cop II" and "Terminal Exposure." Moreover, Lee made guest appearances on episodes of the TV shows "Married With Children," "Quantum Leap," and "Malcom & Eddie." Luann has since gone on to work for over ten years in the entertainment industry in live television: She's not only worked for such major networks as FOX, FX, and CBS, but has also served as the co-host of several shows that include "That's Life," "The Pet Department," "Back Chat," and the game show "Night Games." In 2000 Lee was the U.S. Entertainment editor for "OK!" magazine. In addition, Luann was the co-host of the weekend radio program "Luann on the Loose" and even appears as a TV news reporter in the big budget mainstream disaster epic "Volcano." She lives in Los Angeles, California. Playboy Playmate of the Month January 1987. Graduated a year early from Thousand Oaks High School, Thousand Oaks, California. At 21 had achieved her license and training as one of the youngest licensed Metropolitan Life insurance agents.

Theresa Ring as Darlene Monte (Mirror image): Theresa Ring got her start when she competed in the 1984 Miss USA pageant, representing both her hometown of San Diego and home state of California. Over the next few years she appeared in the Mexican "narco" action feature New Drug City and was seen on American TV as a prize model on such game shows as Strike It Rich and Card Sharks. In 1987, she appeared on the talent competition show Star Search (hosted by Ed McMahon) winning the grand prize as a spokes model champion. Following that she pursued both modeling and acting, landing roles in features like Dangerous Curves (1988) as well as TV guest spots on shows like Freddy's Nightmares, Empty Next and Quantum Leap.

Guests Who Appeared in Other Episodes of Quantum Leap:

Robert Harris Duncan, the choreographer for this episode, wrote "Running for Honor."

Cynthia Windham played Sister in "Hurricane."

Julie Ann Lowery played Ellie LaForge in "Lee Harvey Oswald"

Say What?

The word "Miss" on the sash is hidden instead of displayed properly.

The episode of "Leave It To Beaver" showing on the television did not actually air until several months later.

Stock footage from the 1980's era movie "Streets of Fire" was used during the episode. The hairstyles are very 70's/80's and the fact that multiple races were dancing together would not have happened in the 1950's.

The photos used to find out Connie had posed for nude photos was developed seemingly too quickly. The one-hour photo process didn't begin until the 1970's.

The Jerry Lee Lewis tour poster that out points out is "next week" says June 24th on it - over two weeks after the leap date.

The real Miss Deep South: Say WHAT?:

Quotable Quotes:

This isn't on the program! What the heck is she doing up there?
Oh lighten up, Harlan, it's rock and roll, and I like it!
-- the pageant judges describing Sam's performance in the talent contest, "Miss Deep South"

You shake my nerves, and you rattle my brain...
That kind of love drives a....er, WOMAN insane.
You broke my will, oh what a thrill
Goodness, gracious, Great balls of fire!
-- Sam, "Miss Deep South"

Smile!
-- Al, "Miss Deep South"

She had a major league set of gun turrets. ... That was a complement!
On what planet?
-- Al and Sam, "Miss Deep South"

I haven't seen a black and white set like this since I was a little ... girl.
-- Sam, "Miss Deep South"

You know, you're really a prude!
-- Al to Sam, "Miss Deep South"

Zippers were a brilliant invention.
-- Al, "Miss Deep South"

You see that, even as a hologram I'VE GOT IT.
-- Al, "Miss Deep South"

Don't tell me, let me guess, Scarlett O'Hara on steroids.
-- Al, "Miss Deep South"

Where did you learn to ...
4H club.
-- Connie and Sam, "Miss Deep South"

I felt alive - like I had electricity shootin' all through my body . . . you ever felt that way?
Yeah, once or twice.
-- Connie and Sam, "Miss Deep South"

So ... what are you measurements?
Why?
-- The pageant judge and Sam, "Miss Deep South"

That was the most humiliating experience of my life.
-- Sam, on the 'talent' contest, "Miss Deep South"

Just hang in there Connie, the cavalry's coming.
-- Al, "Miss Deep South"

I'm sorry, was that your foot? ... Watch your head! ... I'm sorry ...
-- Sam to Clint, "Miss Deep South"

Stay with her Al.
Like white on rice lil darlin'.
-- Sam and Al, "Miss Deep South"

"I just wish Katie could be here to see this."
-- Sam, "Miss Deep South"

Best Line:

"Where’d you learn to… Um, the 4-H club."

Production Credits:

Theme by: Mike Post
Music by: Velton Ray Bunch
Co-Executive Producer: Deborah Pratt
Co-Executive Producer: Michael Zinberg
Supervising Producers: Harker Wade, Robert Wolterstorff
Co-producers: Paul Brown, Jeff Gourson
Produced by: Chris Ruppenthal
Created by: Donald P. Bellisario
Written by: Tommy Thompson
Directed by: Christopher T. Welch

Executive Producer: Donald P. Bellisario
Associate Producer: James S. Giritlian
Executive Story Editor: Tommy Thompson
Director of Photography: Michael Watkins
Production Designer: Cameron Birnie
Edited by: Jerry Temple
Unit Production Manager: Ron Grow
First Assistant Director: Ryan Gordon
Second Assistant Director: Rob Mendel
Casting by: Ellen Lubin Sanitsky
Set Director: Robert L. Zilliox
Costume Designer: Jean-Pierre Dorleac
Costume Supervisors: David Rawley & Donna Roberts-Orme
Choreographer: Bobby Duncan
Sound Mixer: Mark Hopkins McNabb
Stunt Coordinator: Diamond Farnsworth
Sound Editor: Paul Clay
Music Editor: Donald Woods

Panaflex ® Camera and Lenses by: Panavision ®

This motion picture is protected under laws of the United States and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, distribution or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution.

Copyright © 1990 by Universal City Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The characters and events depicted in this photoplay are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Bellisarius Productions and Universal, an MCA Company

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