Combat! A Viewer's Companion to the WWII TV Series (revised) [Paperback]

Jo Davidsmeyer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 18, 2002

The compendium is an armchair companion for viewing the classic television series "Combat!," starring Vic Morrow as Sergeant Saunders. "Combat!" was television's longest-running World War II drama and honored the frontline U.S. infantryman.

Airing originally on ABC from 1962 through 1967, "Combat!" followed the exploits of the fighting men of Company K's second platoon as they battled their way across Europe. A critical and popular success, "Combat!" lives on in syndication, where it continues to attract new fans.

The gritty drama attracted an impressive roster of guests, including luminaries from the past, current film stars, and the risingn stars of tomorrow. Lee Marvin, Mickey Rooney, Tom Skerritt, James Caan, Beau Briges, Sal Mineo, Eddie Albert, Frankie Avalon, Neville Brand, Charles Bronson, and more all came to "play soldier" with the men of "Combat!"

The book includes comments from Rick Jason, Dick Peabody, Tom Lowell, Pierre Jalbert, Conlan Carter, Jack Hogan, Robert Altman, Robert Blees, Georg Fenady, A.D. Flowers, and Earl Parker. The book has production notes, backstage stories, recollections of the actors, bloopers, reviews of all 152 episodes, and photos. A section of color photos of "Combat!" collectibles is also included.

The compendium is printed on high-quality paper, with a gloss color cover and over 150 photos throughout (both black-and-white and color). Softbound, 8-1/2 by 11 inches.

With a foreword written by Rick Jason (who played Lt. Hanley in the series).

Editorial Reviews

Review

... how much I'm enjoying your book. A nice spirit to it. It's good to be remembered. -- Jack Hogan, actor who played Kirby on "Combat!", from a personal letter to the author (refers to original 1997 version of the book)

About the Author

In a writing career spanning twenty-five years, Jo Davidsmeyer has been editor for several non-fiction publications (everything from real estate to internal medicine) and was creator and managing editor of Strange New Worlds, a magazine for science fiction collectors and enthusiasts.

Her articles about television and media collectibles have appeared in The Military Trader, Television Chronicles, Gateways, The New Monthly, Just Write!, Fantastic Collectibles Magazine, and many others.

She is a published and award-winning playwright, as well as an accomplished musical director. Her play "Angel," a drama about the trial and execution of a Nazi war criminal, was a winner of the Open Book/Fireside Theatre National Playwriting competition. It was produced in New York City and has enjoyed regional performances.

She organized Comboat! ‘96, a Caribbean cruise that was the first reunion of the cast since the series had ended. Two years later, she again reunited cast and fans for Recon ‘98 in the SimiValley, California, which included a tour of Franklin Canyon, where so many Combat! episodes were filmed. She is webmaster for the Combat! Fan Page, where fans have gathered for information and discussion since 1996.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Strange New Worlds; Revised edition (August 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970162421
• ISBN-13: 978-0970162427
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #815,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jo Davidsmeyer is an award-winning playwright, as well as an accomplished musical director. In a professional non-fiction writing career spanning nearly thirty years, she has been editor for several publications (everything from real estate to internal medicine) and was creator and managing editor of Strange New Worlds science fiction collectors magazine. Ms. Davidsmeyer is a certified teacher and Media Specialist in Sarasota Florida. She is delighted to be Media Specialist at Pine View School for the Gifted in Osprey, Florida. She shares house with her cat "Miss Kitty" and is currently working on science fiction YA novel.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Companion to the DVD Releases, June 2, 2005

By 

Kevin R. Austra (Delaware Valley, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Combat! A Viewer's Companion to the WWII TV Series (revised) (Paperback)

I searched for this book for years and finally located it on Amazon.com. The last time I spied COMBAT! A VIEWER'S COMPANION TO THE WWII TV SERIES, it was in a Cleveland bookstore. At that time, COMBAT! was not available on any of the cable television stations available in my area, so I left the book on the shelf.

With the recent release of the COMBAT! on DVD, I renewed my effort to find this volume. I am glad I found it because this guide is more than a bunch of episode summaries. The book is packed with behind the scenes information. The cast interviews are priceless. Please note that trivia from this guide is also used in the special features of the DVD series.

Until I read the VIEWER'S COMPANION, I always assumed COMBAT! was canceled due to the public's growing concern over Vietnam -- essentially that Cowboy and Cop shows were in, and Army shows were out. In reality, COMBAT! was canceled due to the financial mismanagement of the production company. Rick Jason's commentary clearly relates the motive for the show's demise.

Author Jo Davidsmeyer clearly has a passion for COMBAT! as this guide has been carefully assembled. If you have the opportunity to buy this book, add it to your collection.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than water in your foxhole!, January 10, 2003

By 

travers "gunner68" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Combat! A Viewer's Companion to the WWII TV Series (revised) (Paperback)

This well-written book takes the reader into every avenue of detail on the 1960s groundbreaking television show. Biographies, filmographies, episode detail, you name it this book has it. My favourite part of course are the actors' memories of what they liked and did not like about a particular episode, director, or guest star. You really get a feel for what is was like to make this weekly drama series.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No fan should be without a copy, March 5, 2005

By 

Peter J. Wedesweiler (perth, western australia Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Combat! A Viewer's Companion to the WWII TV Series (revised) (Paperback)

I recently bought season 1 - campaign 1 from Amazon and to my delight the show was just as brilliant as I remembered it as a kid. It was my favourite show when I was growing up in Australia, but when it went off the air here in the 1970's, alas it never returned.

Jo Davidmeyer's book is a great read & each time I watch an episode I read the review afterwards & it certainly adds to the experience. Its packed full of info, bloopers, photos, stories & quotes from the actors and directors.

The author has a keen sense of humour and is passionate about the show and the actors and no fan of the show should be without this wonderful book.