Television Books

Being female, it's difficult for me to appreciate the full context of why the Soprano's series is so appealing to men; but it surely is. To the extent that the series reflects the lives they lead, and hence, is the art by which they are most likely to identify with the dynamics, it must be successful due to its popularity. To the extent that it doesn't, it offers the opportunity to prevent lives from having to. Either way, it's a win-win situation since the positive and negative effects can be visualized and measured on the screen rather than through the high risk performance that people must try to live through to survive. Perhaps that is the series' peculiar appeal: safety and entertainment through scrutiny of what people could construe as dangerous territory involving dangerous people. To the extent that it measures a code of justice not often available to people on the outside, it serves to make the world a safer place because of its portrayals.

It's a book that contains five scripts of the best show on TV. It's more than just a TV show, it's a cultural event. It captures the modern day mafia in a brilliant, clever, dramatic, and often times funny way. If You are an inspiring writer, wishing to find a good book for form, or seeking a great work to emulate, then this is the book for You...

I bought this for my son because he is a huge Sopranos fan. However, I snatched it away from him and had a great time reviewing the scripts.
When you watch the show, the dialogue is often lost or ignored because the viewer tends to be caught up in the action. By having a script handy, you get a chance to analyze the writing style. While the plots have a great deal to do with the show's ultimate popularity, the crisp and effective dialogue which remains true to each character's development is equally important.
If you are interested in learning how to write for tv or movies, the scripts are great to analyze.

I've been waiting for the screen plays to be released ever since seeing the first season of THE SOPRANOS. The only draw back is the print doesn't seem dark enough. I hope it won't fade quickly. That said, it's still a great book and would make a wonderful gift to any hardcore fan of the show. Keep your fingers crossed that other scripts will soon follow.

The big irony is that when you read "The Sopranos: Selected Scripts from Three Seasons" expecting to have increased respect for the writers, what you come away with is even greater respect for the actors. I like to look over scripts of favorite television shows, not just to see what was changed, deleted or added to what eventually aired, but to enjoy the stage directions, where the writers work in all sorts of fun and telling details. However, compared to most other television scripts David Chase and company do not provide a lot of extra tips (neither did Shakespeare, come to think of it). Consequently, the chief attraction here for fans of the shows ends up being the dialogue that never made it to the screen along with the introduction by Chase.

Of course the introduction is insightful, albeit relatively short, as Chase talks about the creative and casting process. I particularly liked the part when he explains the multiple strands that comprise each episode (a rule clearly violated by the "College" script, which only has two) and the process by which "Soprano" scripts are written. The results are the "final" (i.e., shooting) scripts, and why the title page of each episode lists the various revisions (blue for 1st, pink for 2nd, yellow for 3rd, etc.). Unfortunately, unlike some other script collections, there are not any notations on the pages to indicate what color they are; I admit, I am curious as to what pages make it from the first draft all the way through production.

For selecting only five scripts from the first three seasons of "The Sopranos," this collection does a nice job. You have to have the "Pilot" episode and "College" is clearly the most memorable show from the first season. "The Happy Wanderer" is another pivotal episode in the show's history and "The Knight in White Satin Armor" contains one of the biggest surprises. "Pine Barrens" represents a prime example of the comic extremes of which the show is capable. So I have no complaints given the collective results. The final comment would be that it is interesting to read hour-long television scripts without teasers and four acts; just another reason to applaud HBO's efforts in this area. So, where is the script collection for "Six Feet Under"?

I read this book in one sitting. It had all of the inside info that a person should know in marketing oneself. I will be implementing the strategies in this great book! Highly recommended.

This is a FABULOUS book filled with truly "insider" and "behind the scenes" information from television producers, agents, and talent. Marta Tracy is a true pro and her wisdom and advice will not only inspire but actively help a person, brand or business grow their constituency and succeed. Terence Noonan's voice is a fresh and witty and knowing. The stories and true tales from the trenches of such personalities at Paula Deen, Nancy Grace, Fred Barnes,Tucker Calrson, Joe Tacopino and others are very insightful and simply fun to read. Thank you for the honor of working on this book!
Karen Kelly
[...]

I love this book! It has so many practical ideas. "Starring You" has all the information you need to get on TV...in one place. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to launch a brand or sell a product on TV.

The advice these two TV veterans offer is both insightful and authentic. What makes this book so distinctive is that it not only features real stories from celebrities like Paula Deen, Diane Sawyer, Isaac Mizrahi, and Nancy Grace but also features real advice from the experts behind the scenes. I found it to be very inspiring.

My pending wedding made me decide to become a fitness instructor. This book helped me decide to realize my dream and create a fitness video, and start pitching myself as a fitness expert to the media. I spent years working in TV and public relations, pitching other people.

Now I am starting a fitness website, have business cards ordered, and wrote a bio last week based on Terence and Marta's advice for finding your "backstory".

Just like The Big Idea on CNBC inspires inventors and business people to go after their dreams, this book was one of the major motivating factors in getting me to finally go after mine! I would recommend this book to anyone with the same kind of dream, or to anyone thinking of hiring a PR firm or doing media training as additional homework. They really understand the world of pitching the media and preparing yourself to go on air.

Every book i have ever read about the stars of Dawson's Creek or even just biographies i love to read anything on the stars or just things that they are in

Dear Reader,

The book of Dawson's Creek it tells about the stars. This book is a real good book because their life is the same as ower life.This book conext to these other teenagers today. The book is really great and exciting. I would read this book when I am going though the teenage systuem. Sometimes I get to watch the show but not all the time.

Sincerely,

Sport

I'm 8, and I am allowed to watch Dawson's Creek with my older sisters. I enjoyed all 8 pages of the color pictures, and I learned a lot of cool stuff about all the stars. I got the book for Christmas and I really really liked it!!!

I'm thirteen years old and I have been watching Dawson's Creek since it started. I thought this book gave tons of information about the show, what was going on in it, and all about the people who star as the main characters. This book would be great for people who want to learn more about Dawson's Creek because it is filled with so much information. I love it! :)

Calling Hilary Rice by such a nickname may seem to indicate familiarity but the fact is that after reading this incredible book, I feel as if I know Ms. Rice as personally as I would know, say, my best friend. As a big Dawson's Creek fan, I must say that Ms. Rice does the show, the characters, and the actors, a great service. If there is one book that will make people appreciate this wonderful show, it would be this one. And I would hesitate to call anyone a fan who has not purchased this book. Ms. Rice's wonderful appreciation for the show, and delightful sense of humor make this book a joy to read. I would read it again and again, if I did not have classes to attend.

This book is an excellant companion piece for all Remington Steele aficionados. Compelling and difficult to put down once started, it is a must own.

"Steele Loved" is a comprehensive look at a great television show of the 1980's. It is obvious that the author is a dedicated fan who accurately described the experiences of all those involved with the making of Remington Steele. Readers will especially enjoy the unique creativity in which the episode guide is presented.

"Steele Loved" is an excellent reference book and a keepsake for all true fans of this wonderful series.

Just when you thought it couldn't get better... last year, my favorite TV show came out on DVD and then came this fabulous book! This book is a must for any "Remington Steele" fan. It's full of fun facts and information, and was clearly a labor of love... definitely a classy companion piece to a classy TV Show.

Try this for a deep, dark secret...The greatest detective show ever, Remington Steele? It's just been immortalized in a wonderful new book by Judith Moose entitled "Steele Loved After All These Years". This 764 page book (no, I'm not kidding) is a "must have" for all Steele aficionados. It's a wonderful collector's item filled with fun facts, great quotes and a ton of pictures. Want to find out about the original concept of the series and how it progressed and developed into the show we all know and love? It's in the book. Curious as to how Pierce Brosnan and Stephanie Zimbalist were cast as the enigmatic Mr. Steele and unflappable Laura Holt? Yep, it's in there. Want to see the script for the pilot episode? It's there, too. Want to know what Pierce thought the fifth season should have been like? Uh-huh...In there! Want to hear about all the squabbles amid the cast and crew? Sorry...It's not that kind of book. (Thank goodness!)

So, what are you waiting for?! Buy this book...Kick back...Relax...And re-live a very special show in a whole new way. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

This is a must have for all Remington Steele fans. It's full of cast comments and photos that bring the whole series alive again. So many new tidbits and reviews written lovingly by the author and die hard fans fill the pages. I couldn't put it down and I was just as sad when it ended as when the series went off the air. It's further testimony to the durability of the show.

I paid for overnight shipping and did not recieve the product for 3-4 days. The product was in great condition though. Very pleased with the book itself, just not my waste of money on shipping!

A very highly recommended instruction guide and reference work for filmmaking students and aspiring filmmakers, Practical DV Filmmaking by Russel Evans (Film, Video and Multimedia Lecturer, internet broadcasting advisor and freelance writer on video production) is an informed and informative guide to minimal-budget film making, including all of the diverse "tricks of the trade" involved in the production a marketable film. Enhanced with an accompanying CD, Practical DV Filmmaking is sure to enable even the most novice filmmaker to attain a mastery of the filmmaking process for the low-budget end of the entertainment or documentary market.

The book itself is excellent and answered most of my questions. The depth of the book is in the supporting material. So many internet links to great content can take you months to read if you wanted to spend the time. Very intelligent in the layout. It gives you exercises to complete before you go to the next step and the exercises are designed to get you to know yourself as film maker and to get to know your equipment and tools (ie limitations). This book goes a long way in helping you realize yourself as a DV film maker.

This book is just filled with great advice for newcomers to video/film making.

It fully meet my needs as a starting point to clearly layout basics that one needs to take into consideration not start out blind, it really saves you time by focusing on the esential quickly.

It also helps by defining many concepts one perceptivelly understands or thinks one does.

I have bought several of the cinematography/videography books on top of the "must have" lists and by far, this is the one I can hardly stop reading.

Highly recomended, go for it, you will not regret it.

The CD included is of very little value, trial versions of software and transcripts in Word format instead of a nice multimedia just sucks.

Next time Mr Evans, have your editors work harder if they want to "include" something.

Include printable forms like storyboards and frames with the thirds rule and alike with real practical value for begginers.

Maybe spreadsheets with basic calculations...be creative, the files included are very boring, more so after going through such an entertaining and educational book.

This book is fantastic. Evans outlines everything from the direction that audio waves are received depending on which external mic is used, to the compression rate for web movies. The book is incredibly up to date, as it should be considering it just came out. The set up of the book is very much like the 'for dummies' series, considering that there are projects along the way for you to undertake to sharpen your skills, along with info and ww link boxes. Most other books out there just outline what you need to do but don't tell you how to do things. This book really tells you what is going on when your making a film, and just doesn't say, if you do this then the picture will look pretty. He gets technical, and that's what needs to be said to give people getting into this a better understanding of what they are doing . He starts off with a great intro, for those who are just getting into digital filmmaking it really outlines what needs to be done to succeed. He identifies each technical aspect that he is going to cover, and then goes on to explain how you need to get to know your camera. Its obvious that a ton of research has been put into this book, as it really tells you everything you could possibly need to know. If you buy this book first then there really is no need for any other book out there. I've read this book cover to cover 1 time so far, and plan on reading it 2 more times.

Great insight, untold stories, and unseen photographs about an extremely private man. It was quite refreshing from the self-serving tomes that celebrities have put out and continue to put out about themselves. The one thing I've always admired about McQueen (besides his obvious acting talent) was his disdain for celebrity and the fact that he remained true to himself. This book drives that home.
Excellent.

Wow, the photographs are beautiful and highly personal. It's like seeing a private photo album from this marriage. Plus the text is informative and revealing. I'm so glad this part of Steve's life is now so well documented.

It goes perfectly on my coffee table.

A fantastic book on the last years of legend Steve McQueen! Great job by Barbara McQueen and Marshall Terrill! Touching moments! Great photos!

This book takes you into the very intimate and private world of Steve McQueen between 1977 and 1980.

Consisting of approximately 150 color photos (most of which were taken by his wife Barbara McQueen) and accompanied by Barbara's recollections of their time together.

Unlike some other photobooks where you sense you are watching the star pose, this book shows you the absolutely unguarded and relaxed side of the man as he goes about his daily life, talking to friends, tinkering on his bikes, dozing in an armchair or washing down the pavement outside his airplane hanger.

These are the sort of photos you would usually never see of a movie star - Steve in the morning before he has showered, looking drowsily over a hot mug of coffee, househunting in Montana with Barbara, or lying asleep on the living room floor with his pet dog lying on top of him.

You really feel like you have stepped into Steve and Barbara's house, it is that personal.

The text accompaniment is also very entertaining and educational as Barbara shares her memories of how Steve wooed her, the initial problems he had to overcome in winning her parents approval of the relationship, his personal lessons to her on how to dismantle and rebuild a motorcycle (sadly unsuccessful) or a gun (successful), how he came to propose, and many other intimate and fun moments. Overall it takes you through their entire relationship and serves as something of an autobiography in itself.

All these photos are beautifully presented in a high gloss large coffee table book format.

Released with the first limited edition run of the book is a 45 minute audio CD of Steve verbally working through the script of the film "Tom Horn". It is fascinating to hear him talk about his vision of the film, rework the script and plan his character. You get a real sense of the epic film he wanted Tom Horn to be (but was denied due to the studio slashing the budget), and you realise just how insightful he was with film and acting. The amount of thought he puts into his role should forever dispel the notion that he just played himself on film.

Steve McQueen - The Last Mile is a very special book and no fans collection will be complete without it.

Intimate, touching, insightful, sometimes hilarious passages into the life of The King of Cool, Steve McQueen. We live in such a visual, media oriented world that we tend to get preconceived notions of who movie stars are, based on what we see. The world saw Steve McQueen as the ultimate man- handsome, macho, cool, someone they could spend their hard-earned bucks on back in the day and get their money's worth at the theater. Barbara McQueen, his widow, saw the real Steve McQueen. She got to know Steve, the family man; Steve, the man who loved the great outdoors and his morning constitutional; Steve, the great mashed potato guru, airplane and motorcycle enthusiast. "The Last Mile" shows how little we all knew of his kindness and philanthropy; how little we knew of his yearning for happiness and how he ultimately found it. The photos in this book will enchant you, leave you wanting more. One of my favorites is one where Barbara embraces Steve from behind. That photo alone is worth the book to me. Beautiful model, handsome superstar, real people worn out from what life has dealt them. You can see it in their faces. It makes me sigh everytime I see it because there's not one person I know who hasn't been to that point and had nothing left but an embrace. You will love this book and you will want more. I guarantee you.

this is my favorite book. if anyone has similar taste to me then i highly recommend them to read it. i was getting so into reading it that i never wanted it to end. to last forever. so i tried to do so by reading a limit of pages each day. i live in NYC and by reading the book i had grown a stronger love for the city and thats another reason i loved the book. the down fall of the book? well, it was and made me sad. it was kinda a depressing book. you now. like a heart-acher.

it was indeed a pleasure to read and in the future, if you do read it, i hope you injoy.

thats my review! i hope i helped!

This book was written by a very eloquent author in 1922. At 23years of age, she carefully details her struggles of growing up inpoverty on the lower east side of Manhattan. This is one of a few books that deals with the difficulties faced by immigrants of to New York around the turn of the century. Her battles are those of a poor, Jewish girl growing up without a father in tenement housing. I thouroughly recommend this book to Jews, feminists and historians.

this is my favorite book. if anyone has similar taste to me then i highly recommend them to read it.

i'm going to describe it as a story of a girl growing into a women on the streets of the lower east side of manhattan. she tells of different jobs and the boarders that her and her mother board to help pay the rent. its very hard for me to describe becuase of 2 reasons 1) you can't describe it you have to read it 2)i read it a year ago.

i was getting so into reading it that i never wanted it to end. to last forever. so i tried to do so by reading a limit of pages each day. i live in NYC and by reading the book i had grown a stronger love for the city and thats another reason i loved the book. i also loved the stories she has of her childhood. the down fall of the book? well, it was and made me sad. it was kinda a depressing book. you now. like a heart-acher.

it was indeed a pleasure to read and in the future, if you do read it, i hope you enjoy.

thats my review! i hope i helped!

Streets: Memoir Of The Lower East Side was written in 1922 and published for the first time in 1955. This remarkable memoir of a young Jewish girl's coming of age in the tenement slums of New York's Lower East Side is gritty, candid, vivid, engaging, sensitive, and streetsmart. Bella Spewack overcame obstacles of gender, background, and religious discriminations to succeed as a celebrated journalist, playwright, and screenwriter. Streets is highly recommended, articulate reading and will prove of special interest to students of American Jewish history, Women's Studies, and biographies reflecting the triumph of the human spirit over social and cultural barriers.

This is a coming of age story depicting the harrowing early life of an extraordinary talent. Told with an amazing eye for detail and a highly developed sense of humor, this is one of the most moving autobiographies I have read. Bella Spewack writes of her thirst for knowledge and determination. In later life Bella invented the Girl Scout cookie, became a noted journalist and wrote successful plays and movies. Streets tells of the difficult circumstances of her childhood.

I had the cd version of this book, and it was excelent. It gave the most in depth information I have ever seen of them. Also, it was approved by oasis so we know it's official. A MUST have for anyone who wants to know the true oasis.

This book will definitely grab your attention if you're an Oasis fan. Fanatics will love the great color photos. Even if you don't like the band, the stories (following Noel and Liam's exploits from Oasis's conception to mid-1996) will provoke astonishment, laughter, and intrigue. The background information on everything from the development of the songs to the interband relationships are highly interesting. Along Oasis's monumental rise, the brothers share their strange and expected encounters with friends like Paul McCartney, Evan Dando, John McEnroe, Ringo Starr, Micheal Hutchence, Bono, Lars Ulrich and others. My favorite part is when Liam gets into a argument with a grunge fan at Oasis's first New York show who tells Liam he'll "never amount to anything".

This highly entertaining book captures not only the spirit of one of the most influential rock bands of the 1990's, but also gives an insightful look into the emotional conflict among the band members. Intelligently written by one who has had close, personal contact with the group from their emergence on the musical scene.

This book is so trashy! I loved it! It was written by a good friend of the band, so you KNOW he's not totally honest, but it's still an exemplary biography of a wonderful band. The two Gallagher brothers are arrogant beyond belief, and their characterizations make "Take Me There" all the more fascinating. I particularly liked the stories of Evan Dando, their celebrity tag-along, as well as Noel's admissions of which songs he ripped off. Overall, this book serves as a fine introduction to a band who CLEARLY think they're better than they are (which is admittedly great anyhow!).

At last a book about Oasis where the author knows what he's talking about! Paul Mathurs has been with the band from the start and they trust him which lays the solid foundation for the best book about Oasis to date.

This book is a must for anyone interested in Oasis and highly recommended for anyone who merely has a passing interest. It charts the band from their beginning to the release of Be Here Now (the interesting years!). It is a thorough and amusing account of the band's rise to fame and the downners along the way, especially with some of the tales form America.

Mathurs writes with a knowing, chatty and humourous edge which makes this book extremely addictive and you will no doubt be shocked and amazed by some of the antics covered! The sections where Robbie Williams pops up are simply unbelievable considering recent events. The constant banter of the Gallaghers highlighted in the book is great for the comic element and the comments on the bands music (always the most important thing with Oasis) are honest and truly meant.

A great read with highlights in every chapter. Buy it.

Taxi Driver was one of the seminal films of the seventies. It broke many boundaries with its use of violence, and it was critically applauded. It was, in my opinion, one of the best films ever made. The script is fascinating, especially to read the bits which were left out of the film.

taxi driver by martin scorsese is a true masterpiece of american cinema.the screenplay written by paul schrader,is one of the best screenplays ever written.the story is about a new york city cabbie who gets tired of seeing all the criminals and scum that the city has to offer.he's a loner who is just trying to make friends and help people out.as a result of all the madness he sees on the sreets,he grows violent and courageous.recommended.

O.K. we all love the film. Martin Scorcese's portrait of a loner slowly slipping into his own obsession with the horrors of inner-city life is seminal, and is still great viewing. De Niro's performance is brilliant as are his supporting actors. However...it is not until one reads the screenplay by Paul Schrader that the film comes to life. It is written almost like a novel, with directions that give the reader new insight and appreciation into the workings of the film and Travis' state of mind. Not only is it a great compliment to the film, it is actually better than the film. When I first saw 'Taxi Driver' I was blown away (along with all those pimps and drug dealers at the end), when I read the screenplay a new appreciation of the art of screenwriting was revealed to me. If you ever want to give someone who is interesting in writing films a present, give them this. Give them the film too. Make them watch the film, then make them read the screenplay, then watch them weep.

Travis Bickle is a social pariah. He can't sleep and needs something to do, so he decides to work the night shift as a New York City cabbie. Travis ruminates (in his journal?) about his difficulties making companionships in his life as well as his dislike for all the filth on the streets. Travis's loneliness, a more concrete manifestation of his alienation problem, is a driving force for his nose dive into psychosis. He hates what he sees in the city until Betsy (Cybil Sheppard) appears as a beacon of light on the street dressed in white. His pursuit of Betsy describes his manic quest for unobtainable companionship and purity. Yet, while his behavior indicates his loneliness, Travis consistently doesn't really know why he keeps behaving badly and often sabotages his own attempts to end his loneliness. For example, his date with Betsy is made unbearable by poor choice of movie. Loneliness is the emotional manifestation of the alienation Travis experiences; it is both a source of great pain and a source of psychosis. He does not understand common social topics, such as popular music, politics or love. His failed attempt at conventional companionship with Betsy leads to his warped effort to be a knight errant for young prostitute named Iris (Jodie Foster).

Travis's descent into psychosis descent ends in a trail of destruction and blood. To save Iris from her life of prostitution, he becomes an army of one. All pimps and Mafiosos in his way die a brutal death. After an unsuccessful suicide attempt, Travis dies quietly on the couch as the authorities enter the building. Then, the strange denouement begins. The ending must be seen as a brief flash of his life. The closing scene reflects how Travis would like his life to be remembered. Director Martin Scorsese utilized a similar method in "Last Temptation of Christ" when Jesus sees his life as would be if he got down from the cross. In movie time, the scene takes about a half hour, but the scene only takes a flash to play in Jesus' head prior to his actual death on the cross. Similarly, Travis does not really become a savior or hero, but dies in a self-induced blood bath. During last scenes of Taxidriver, Travis dreams himself as a hero who makes amends with Betsy, receives a grateful letter form Iris's parents and makes friends with his fellow cabbies. The last scene is just a pre-morbid flash in his mind before his lights go out for eternity.

Taxidriver is set in the pre-Giuliani streets of New York, depicted with all its sin and psychosis. Nighttime in New York is filled with explosive violence, pervasive cynicism, and ubiquitous prostitutes. Director Martin Scorsese even indulges himself in such small details as a depiction of a street drummer, traveling gun salesman, and failed store robbery as side trips in Travis's long journey. Travis's disgust for the streets is depicted in his need to clean the semen and blood off his seats after his shift is over.

Several small events act as act harbingers to his own violent rampage. Travis is made to listen to a customer's (played by Martin Scorsese) ravings while the philandering wife's silhouette is visible from the street. The customer discloses to Travis the merits of the 357 magnum and what it will do to his wife when he shoots her. Also, while innocently shopping at a local grocery store, Travis successfully breaks up a robbery.

Awesome movie. What a cast: De Niro, Shepherd, Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle. But the best character may be the streets of the city themselves. Scorsese gives the cold pavement of New York an actual living presence in the movie. Smoke, water, blood, grit.

This positively has to be one of the best written screenplays of all cinematic history. In this text lies a story of desperation, loneliness, and insanity. Paul Schrader has not only captured the mentaility of a sociopath, but the emotions and profound thoughts of a man, driven to insanity by not being able to understand a world unlike his own. If you love well written screenplays, Taxi Driver is a must have!

I had fairly high hopes that I would learn something new, and get some inside scoop about one of my all time favorite shows. While Stephen Cole appears to have been given access to a broad array of information, details and trivia, I somehow thought there might be more. Perhaps a little something juicy, tiny tidbits that we weren't supposed to know until now. In Cole's defense, maybe there just wasn't anything else. As he mentions in the book, the set was a happy one, everyone got along. Kinda boring, right? Even on I Love Lucy, it was always fun to know that Vance and Frawley hated one another. Rumor has it that Thomas is supposed to be difficult.....not even a mention? All in all, if you loved the show, you'll enjoy the book.

If you enjoy That Girl you will enjoy reading this book. It has the making of the show and lists all the shows in order. It is interesting to see which tv unknows were guest stars on this show. It also tells you who got to say That Girl in each show. It talks about the show came about. It is a nice companion to have along with the DVD set.

I have to say I was very impressed with this book wonderfully written and assembled by Stephen Cole. It was recommended by a friend and I was pleasantly surprised with the care that was put into what should be called the "Official" book on THAT GIRL. This is perhaps the BEST book written on a classic television sitcom! There is something here for everyone. If you are even slightly interested in reading about the series and Marlo Thomas, I suggest you pick it up. Well done Stephen!

I remember watching Marlo Thomas's entertaining sit-com in the late 60s and early 70s and thoroughly enjoying the trials and tribulations of a young struggling actress trying to make it big in the big apple. Being re-acquainted with this delightful series via cable has made it all the more enjoybale and pertinent in the themes explored and in the witty, challenging and humorous encounters an independent woman can face. Stephen Cole has added enormously to an appreciation of this ground breaking show through great research (interviews with Thomas and the writers) as well as providing an episode-by-episode guide to what made each show so special. You will find in this book references to the time, the fashion and the special chemistry between the leads in what is one of my all time favourite television shows...Thanks, Stephen for the love that shines through every page.

Before Mary had bad parties, before Lucy Carmicheal and Viv had their screw-ball adventures, before Janet and Chrissy stood up to Jack. And before Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia toughed it out through old age and countless dates; there was "That Girl."

Lovable Ann Marie, her nerdy yet very strong (he always seems to be punching other guys out on a count of a misunderstanding) boy friend Donald, and her worried parents are all characters in "That Girl". Ann is a girl, living on her own in NYC for the very first time. She is a struggling actress who is smart, talented, witty and determined...yet she still manages to have the poise and serenity of Samantha Stevens (when all is well on Morning Glory circle, of course).

"That" is where "this" book comes in, it was very informative in all aspects of the history of "That Girl". It went into such detail as original names of characters and original actors..etc. Marlo Thomas really seems to be a true rolemodel, she was strong, independent, and still managed to keep her poise. The actors/producers were interviewed honestly and well. A true monument to the history of TV, and one of its most ground-breaking shows.