Published in 1977 the book looks into TV shows viewed on TV up to that point. Coincidentally most of the trend-setting and genre shows were pretty much established by then.
Lovers of classic TV shows from the 1950s to the 1970s are sure to spot a few favorites. Plus, it’s a lot of fun looking at the old shows and reading about how they came about.
Most young readers may not recognize many of the shows but take my word for it-there were all ground-breakers and trendsetters.
Happy Days, Columbo, Perry Mason, Cannon, Superman and Star Trek are just a few of the series written about inside the book.
What I especially like about this book is the amount of research that was put into it.
TV is a very difficult subject to research, especially as it concerns its early days.
Oh sure, schedules and the names of the shows and their stars are easy to find.
But, to detail how the shows were produced, obtaining inside scoops and getting the dope on the actors and actress along with the directors is another thing altogether.
Early TV, much like the early movie industry at that time, kept a tight rein on the personal lives of its stars. Any shenanigans, troubles on the sets or other more personal occurrences or choices were mostly kept secret.
It wouldn't do for a show to be steeped in controversy. It wouldn't do to lose face with he public and jeopardize a show.
Today’s TV audience thrives on gossip and controversy. Up until a couple a decades ago, that was not the case-mostly.
The book is filled with archival photos, interesting historical text, and in-depth examinations of what went on before and behind the camera lens and how each show reflexed the times in which they were made.
If you are a TV buff I highly recommend this book. It’s insightful, entertaining and extremely well done.
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