![]() It's a good book, but one that could have been enhanced by a good editor.Critics had a field day lambasting Schwartz’s shipwreck saga when it debuted. There is also some insight into the writing of the theme song. Some of them involve the casting of the 7 characters who we all know and love from the popular sitcom. There are some terrific moments throughout this story. Instead, he decided to start the story at the CBS headquarters in a big executive meeting with many names that have been lost to time with no descriptions of these men, or background on their pedigree. He could have opened the book with chapter 2 where he comes home from a big meeting at CBS TV and talks with his wife about how the meeting went. The book probably could have opened with chapter 3 about where Schwartz came up with the idea for Gilligan's Island. He was a script writer, but not an author in the traditional sense. Sherwood Schwartz was a talented creator of two of the most popular shows in American television. If you enjoyed Gilligan's Island or are interested in learning about the challenges of producing a TV show in the 1960's this is a great little book to spend your time between its pages.įrom the opening chapter of this book, two things were clear:ġ) The author had a lot of information to share with us about the making of one of TV's all-time classic shows.Ģ) This author was not familiar with the process of writing a book to hold our interest from start to finish. It got you into the conversations quicker rather than having a lead-in to each meeting he would have. At first it seems a little repetitive but as I read I started to really like that technique. ![]() Schwartz often starts chapters with dialogue or a conversation in progress to hook the reader. In many ways, it was lucky to get produced even back in the '60's! ![]() Times have changed and, as Schwartz opines in later chapters, Gilligan's Island wouldn't get produced in today's world (this book was written and published in 1994). Its a fascinating peek behind the curtain of producing a TV series in the 60's. Such is the "reality" of Hollywood.Īs I kept reading I couldn't put the book down, reading the whole thing in a weekend. Some of the executives he describes are so off the wall they almost seem like caricatures or stereotypes, rather than real people. Don't let that change your mind about giving this book a read. Schwartz was a TV producer and often spent much time dealing with network and studio executives and that's a large part of what his story involves. However, I knew that this wasn't Gilligan's Island from a cast member's perspective or even that of a director. There is some of that, including a chapter dedicated to life on the set. Just like his shows, Gilligan's Island among them, he is focused on people, not picturesque descriptions or wading in a sea of nostalgia.Īs I got further into the book I was, initially, somewhat disappointed that this wasn't more of a behind the scenes during the production of the episodes themselves. It has a certain folksy charm to it in the way he relates stories of people, from TV executives to cast, crew and even his wife. I love Sherwood Schwartz's style of writing. So, you ask, if this show was so good, why did it only last 3 seasons? And one of those feel-good comedies at that, not like those today whose punch line is usually a disparaging remark at the cost of one of its characters.Įven though this show was constantly shuffled around on the schedule, it consistently made top numbers in viewing. However, I think these people neglected to remember this was a COMEDY. Well, if you took this show in a literal sense, then yes those points are valid. Not only did the guy in charge of the network NOT like it, the critics consistently ripped it apart from being completely unreal and silly. Considering all the hoops Sherwood Schwartz had to jump through, along with the timing of the presentation (or fate, if that's what you believe), I'm surprised this show made it on-air at all. If you think having a good idea and getting it on air simply because it is a good idea is the way it goes, you are very wrong. So, to finally read how the show came about, how it was sold to a network and how all the actors were hired was just the cherry on top. I think these episodes are the best stress reduction therapy going. Fast forward, I still really like the show. I grew up watching Gilligan's Island and really liked it as a kid.
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