Customer Reviews

Aloha Magnum: Larry Manetti's Magnum, P.I. Memories

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When 'Magnum, P.I.' debuted in 1980, I was a junior-high school student who, several years before, had lived in Hawai`i. By the time it went off the air in 1988, I was a college student who had lived in Hawai`i a second time. 'Magnum' isn't just an icon of Eighties TV for me ... it's an icon of my youth.

Not that I'm trying to be dramatic. I've just always thought (still do) that 'Magnum' was a really good show. And one of the best things about it, to me, was the rapport of the four main characters. Even when Thomas and Higgins were blowing up each other's possessions, you could tell they had a fundamental like and respect for one another. I always believed that was true of the four actors as well, and suspected that Tom Selleck really is a great guy. I owe Larry Manetti a vote of thanks for proving that all my suspicions were correct.

There's a lot of name-dropping in this book, but hey -- that seems to be the way Manetti has lived his life. Lots of great actors guest-starred on the series, and the author has gotten to know many more, as well. I should make it clear to any interested reader that this book is NOT an in-depth 'companion' to the series: Manetti talks about the show, obviously, and discusses some of the development of his character, Orville 'Rick' Wright, and some of his more memorable scenes and episodes. And there is a reasonably helpful episode guide at the end of the book. But it's not the author's purpose to probe the development of Thomas Magnum's psyche, trace the evolving nature of the Magnum-Higgins relationship, or fill in the 'backstory' of the various characters.

No, Larry Manetti's purpose is to tell stories. And boy, does he. I could easily picture myself sitting at a table listening to Manetti tell these stories in person. From his early life on the edges of crime to encounters (and friendships) with some of the great names in Hollywood, he takes us on a great Ferrari ride. For any 'Magnum' fan, this is essential reading.

By the way, the Steak Lorenzo recipe is great.

And if you read this review, Mr Manetti, two things:

First, please add my name to the list of those who would LOVE to see a 'Magnum' reunion movie. I know it's not up to you, but still ...

And second, if you ever make it up to Seattle, I know a great little Italian place. Let's get some friends together and talk about Hawai`i in the mid-Eighties. It'll be great.

This could have been entitled, Larry Manetti: My Life. It starts with the actor's life story. That may seem like a rip off of Magnum's name in the book, but it's not. Larry begins with his early life but when he gets to Hollywood and then Magnum P.I, it's well worth the wait. Manetti gives great insight into all of the T.V. shows characters and the fact that they got along famously from the beginning. This is a fun book. I laughed and almost cried. It sure made me want to see a movie soon. There is also a recipe section as Larry is a great cook and a section in the back with all of the episodes with facts about the episode, actors and plots. They are even dated and given episode numbers. If you loved the series and long for a movie, then you'll love this book. Larry! I hope the burns on your hand have healed.

Finally, a look behind the scenes of the best shows of the century! It makes me yearn for the old days with Thomas, Higgie-baby, T.C., Rick, Ice Pick, and, of course, the lads, Zeus and Apollo. And who could forget that Ferrari and all the babes Magnum got? The book really captures the spirit of the show. I am going to dig out of my closet my gorilla mask, Tigers' hat, and rubber chicken, and hope they make the Magnum movie soon!!!

What a fun read. I wish I could've been there. Larry's book treats us to all of the real fun and hijinks and at the same time rekindles the on-screen flavor and spirt of Magnum, P.I. Tom, Larry, Roger and John, if your listening, MOVIE..MOVIE..MOVIE.. Aloha!

I found this book on my shelf recently and re-read it. It's pretty funny and a quick, enjoyable read. I loved Magnum back in the day and still occaisionally watch the reruns on cable. Rick was a great character and Larry Manetti is a great storyteller. The recipes even look good. The episode guide is a nice bonus, since it includes comments and asides on what he remembers about most of the episodes.

I highly recommend Larry Manetti's new book to all fans of the show Magnum, P.I. The cast had a great on screen chemistry and it was nice to find out that they shared the same friendship off screen. Mr. Manetti has lived a charm life and I enjoyed reading about his associations with Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson etc. I have a question for the author: I could not find the Ringo Starr anecdote. Larry, please elaborate. Thank you!

It has been a long time since a book has been written about one of the most popular detective dramas in the history of television. Larry Manetti has written a thorough and engaging book filled with amusing stories and facts about one of my favorite television shows. I enjoy this book and I know that all of the viewers that enjoy everything about Magnum PI will also.

Aloha. Does Larry Manetti mean farewell, as I originally surmised from the title of the book? Or does he mean hello?

I found the book to be very interesting. Perhaps a little too much Manetti and to little Magnum, but nonetheless entertaining. I particularly like Larry's anectodal comments on the series epsiode guide. I've always wondered what goes on behind the scenes. But what on earth is he thinking by including his home cooking recipes? Did the publisher pay him by the page?

What I did find odd is that Tom Selleck didn't make any firsthand contributions to the book - not even the foreward. Makes you wonder, even if just a bit, just how close Larry really is/was to Tom.

Anyhow, this book is a must-read by any Magnum, P.I. fan. I am very intrigued by Larry's innuendo that a Magnum movie deal may be forthcoming. Perhaps we'll be saying Aloha Magnum in the near future.

Long live Magnum!

This was a very fun and entertaining book. If you like Magnum P.I., you'll really enjoy getting to hear about what it was like for the cast and crew to work on the show. A great walk down memory lane for any fan. Now let's keep polling Hollywood for a Magnum P.I. reunion movie with the original cast!!

A fast and fun read! Great stories and behind the scenes experiences. A must own for any Magnum fan. Hopefully, with the release of this book over ten years after the show went off the air, Universal Studios will realize that there is a HUGE and loyal following to the show, get off their rumps, and make the Magnum MOVIE already (which Tom Clancy has already penned the script for).