Four Star Television Productions

It’s no secret that I am a big fan of the classic TV series from the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s and some ‘80s-especially Westerns and Crime series.

Here are just of a few of my favorite series:  The Rifleman, Zane Grey Theatre, Burke’s Law, Wanted:  Dead or Alive and Richard Diamond.

I also enjoyed many of the comedies, variety shows, anthology series, kids shows and other genres.

Those decades saw some of the most interesting, often groundbreaking and innovative shows ever seen on TV.  Plus, there was such a variety!

Movie studios and production companies realized that TV was a virtually untapped territory ripe for ideas and especially ad revue.

While there were many production companies, there were those companies that distinguished themselves by their quality work, variety of genres and their business expertise.

One such company was Four Star Television Productions.

Author Richard Irvin and BearManor Media have compiled a comprehensive look at the history of the business, series and pilots of the iconic Four Star Television Productions company from 1952 to 1989.

Beside aired TV shows and specials, the book looks at the pilots produced, crossover promotions and the men and women behind the company.

Many of the shows and pilots are examined in detail, as are many of the special productions.

The book is a fascinating expose on the who, what, how, when and where of the TV industry.

Readers learn all about what goes on in front of and behind the camera as well as the inner workings of the industry.

I found it especially interesting as it pertained to some of my favorite shows and I was able to pick some interesting unknown facts and tidbits.

Vintage photos, some personal recollections and insider information round out the book and make it an enjoyable romp down Memory Lane.