Shelley with Alec Baldwin
and Jim Metzler in a promo pic
for Cutter To Houston, 1983
Cutter to Houston was TV series about three young doctors recruited to run a small hospital in the fictional rural town of Cutter, Texas. Shelley Hack played Dr. Beth Gilbert, an ambitious surgeon on temporary assignment in Cutter. Beth aspired to become a heart surgeon in Houston. Jim Metzler played idealistic GP Dr. Andy Fenton, who grew up in Cutter and was glad to be back in the town that financed his medical education. Alec Baldwin played internist/ladies man Dr. Hal Wexler, who was getting through his probation, having been relegated to Cutter for being a little too fast and free with his prescriptions.
Shelley with Alec Baldwin
and Jim Metzler in a TV Guide ad
for Cutter To Houston, 1983
Cutter to Houston began airing in the fall of 1983. Although it received mixed reviews, it had great promise; plus, the cast had an easy rapport and had enough talent to carry an hour-long drama. Prior to the series, Shelley had already proven that she had acting chops, having received great reviews for her work on stage, as well as the big screen. Jim Metzler had a Golden Globe Award nomination under his belt. Alec Baldwin had come from a two-year stint on a daytime soap opera. Buried in a bad Saturday night timeslot, Cutter to Houston had a hard time finding an audience. Also, it seemed to have lost network confidence early on. It was first aired on October 1, 1983; and after 4 original episodes, it was announced cancelled by October 29, 1983. Replays and three more original episodes were aired until December 31, 1983. There were two more completed episodes; but they weren't aired during the show's initial 1983 run.
Shelley with Alec Baldwin
and Jim Metzler in a promo pic
for Cutter To Houston, 1983
