Its series title mentioned women, but its top three stars were men! It pioneered a new kind of story-telling with its pilot episode; its last episode was years ahead of its time. Many thought it doomed to failure - it became one of the 1968-69 season's biggest hits! It was the 1968-70 ABC-TV/Screen Gems series, HERE COME THE BRIDES! In 'Gangway, Lord! (The) Here Come the Brides Book,' readers will learn how the approach series star Robert Brown took to his role changed the dramatic direction of the series. They will learn of the practicality of up-and-coming television superstar David Soul. Of the extraordinary opportunity handed to leading lady Bridget Hanley through the role of New Bedford bride 'Candy Pruitt.' Featuring profiles of the series' creators, regulars and semi-regulars, a mini-history of 1960s and '70s television, and a chapter on HCTB's extraordinary and deeply devoted fan base, 'Gangway, Lord! (The) Here Come the Brides Book' takes the reader back to the days of the series' original run, illustrating the show's popularity and impact on a week by week basis through a look at its competition, the appearances of its stars on talk shows and game shows, the number of fan magazine articles published on teen superstar Bobby Sherman and the rest of its cast. Including commentary and 'making of the episode' anecdotes from guest stars, guest writers, and guest directors, 'Gangway, Lord! (The) Here Come the Brides Book' offers very strong evidence that the 1960s and '70s was truly THE REAL GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION!
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
First of all, let me say this wasn't a bad book. However, my major complaint was it contained too much information on people I cared nothing about and half of the book had absolutely nothing to do with "Here Come the Brides".
The author interviewed the available remaining cast and crew of the show, primarily Robert Brown (Jason Bolt), Bridget Hanley (Candy Pruitt), William Blinn (story editor), Susan Tolsky (Biddie Cloom), several guest stars and assorted obscure loggers and brides. The first 300 pages of the book consist of cast and crew biographies covering their entire careers. While each does provide some interesting stories of their time on "Brides", a major portion of each chapter deals with their career experiences outside of the show. When reading of executive producer Bob Claver's experience with Captain Kangaroo, Robert Brown's theater days, Bridget Hanley's annual 4th of July parties with husband/director E.W. Swackhamer, and everyone's unending praise of Michael Landon (on either "Bonanza" or "Little House") I wondered what all that had to do with "Here Come The Brides". And those from the major cast that weren't interviewed (Bobby Sherman), briefly interviewed (David Soul) or are deceased (Joan Blondell, Mark Lenard, Henry Beckman) were given only a few pages of the usual standard fare that can be found in any reference source or website on those actors. I can only equate it to buying a book on "Charlie's Angels" only to find half the book contains stories about Kate Jackson's experiences on "The Rookies".
The second half was an episode guide and unfortunately the same thing happened here. Included was a brief description of the episode, followed by notes, biographies and commentary. The most interesting and informative comments came from story editor William Blinn, who actually seemed to remember specific episodes and was able to lend some insider insight into the "why's and wherefore's" of what was done. The best guest star interviews were from Don Pedro Colley (Ox, The Stand Off) and Lou Antonio (Telly in both Greek episodes, plus director of two other episodes). The balance of the commentary, primarily from Hanley, Tolsky, Mitzi Hoag (Miss Essie) and the occasional guest star were mostly general impressions of the actors or the production ("she was nice" or "it was fun") or experiences they had with the actors prior or subsequent to "Brides" ("we were friends" or "I worked with him/her in..."). But then we were once again subjected to more dry biographies of guest stars, writers, directors and other related folks (to say nothing of endless pages on guest stars Angel Tompkins and Lynda Day George...who both got more coverage than Bobby Sherman or David Soul). And again...only about half of what was presented had anything to do with "Here Come the Brides".
In my opinion the author focused too much on the careers of the people who made the show (and their experiences outside of "Brides") and not enough on the characters and storyline of the show itself. It felt as if the author acquired all these magnificent tales during the course of his interviews and didn't want to waste them. Therefore the book was written to fit the show around the interviews rather than using the interviews to enhance a book being written about the show. As a result, those not interviewed were hardly given more than a passing mention compared to Brown, Hanley and other insignificant actors and crew. This was especially true in the case of Bobby Sherman, who as Jeremy Bolt was the breakout star of the series and should have been a major part of any book devoted to this show. Don't get me wrong, there ARE very good and interesting stories and revelations. However they are often difficult to find because they are buried in otherwise extraneous information which was so dry and technical it was often difficult to plod through.
Unfortunately, after 40+ years since its TV debut, this will probably be the only book written on this series so there are really no other serious options to consider.
The author interviewed the available remaining cast and crew of the show, primarily Robert Brown (Jason Bolt), Bridget Hanley (Candy Pruitt), William Blinn (story editor), Susan Tolsky (Biddie Cloom), several guest stars and assorted obscure loggers and brides. The first 300 pages of the book consist of cast and crew biographies covering their entire careers. While each does provide some interesting stories of their time on "Brides", a major portion of each chapter deals with their career experiences outside of the show. When reading of executive producer Bob Claver's experience with Captain Kangaroo, Robert Brown's theater days, Bridget Hanley's annual 4th of July parties with husband/director E.W. Swackhamer, and everyone's unending praise of Michael Landon (on either "Bonanza" or "Little House") I wondered what all that had to do with "Here Come The Brides". And those from the major cast that weren't interviewed (Bobby Sherman), briefly interviewed (David Soul) or are deceased (Joan Blondell, Mark Lenard, Henry Beckman) were given only a few pages of the usual standard fare that can be found in any reference source or website on those actors. I can only equate it to buying a book on "Charlie's Angels" only to find half the book contains stories about Kate Jackson's experiences on "The Rookies".
The second half was an episode guide and unfortunately the same thing happened here. Included was a brief description of the episode, followed by notes, biographies and commentary. The most interesting and informative comments came from story editor William Blinn, who actually seemed to remember specific episodes and was able to lend some insider insight into the "why's and wherefore's" of what was done. The best guest star interviews were from Don Pedro Colley (Ox, The Stand Off) and Lou Antonio (Telly in both Greek episodes, plus director of two other episodes). The balance of the commentary, primarily from Hanley, Tolsky, Mitzi Hoag (Miss Essie) and the occasional guest star were mostly general impressions of the actors or the production ("she was nice" or "it was fun") or experiences they had with the actors prior or subsequent to "Brides" ("we were friends" or "I worked with him/her in..."). But then we were once again subjected to more dry biographies of guest stars, writers, directors and other related folks (to say nothing of endless pages on guest stars Angel Tompkins and Lynda Day George...who both got more coverage than Bobby Sherman or David Soul). And again...only about half of what was presented had anything to do with "Here Come the Brides".
In my opinion the author focused too much on the careers of the people who made the show (and their experiences outside of "Brides") and not enough on the characters and storyline of the show itself. It felt as if the author acquired all these magnificent tales during the course of his interviews and didn't want to waste them. Therefore the book was written to fit the show around the interviews rather than using the interviews to enhance a book being written about the show. As a result, those not interviewed were hardly given more than a passing mention compared to Brown, Hanley and other insignificant actors and crew. This was especially true in the case of Bobby Sherman, who as Jeremy Bolt was the breakout star of the series and should have been a major part of any book devoted to this show. Don't get me wrong, there ARE very good and interesting stories and revelations. However they are often difficult to find because they are buried in otherwise extraneous information which was so dry and technical it was often difficult to plod through.
Unfortunately, after 40+ years since its TV debut, this will probably be the only book written on this series so there are really no other serious options to consider.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Ronnie
Amazon Verified Purchase
Jonathan Etter has certainly done his homework!
This tribute to the '68-'70 television show "Here Come the Brides" is filled with interviews from the folks who knew this show and its history better than anyone -the existing members of the production team, cast and crew members and guest stars. The artists we've lost over the years, Hoke Howell, Hal Eglund, Joan Blondell, Mark Lenard, Henry Beckman and director E.W. Swackhamer, weren't forgotten but are remembered by their co-workers with honesty, humor and respect.
If you enjoyed "Here Come the Brides" I'll bet the mountain that you'll find this information packed book worth having.
This tribute to the '68-'70 television show "Here Come the Brides" is filled with interviews from the folks who knew this show and its history better than anyone -the existing members of the production team, cast and crew members and guest stars. The artists we've lost over the years, Hoke Howell, Hal Eglund, Joan Blondell, Mark Lenard, Henry Beckman and director E.W. Swackhamer, weren't forgotten but are remembered by their co-workers with honesty, humor and respect.
If you enjoyed "Here Come the Brides" I'll bet the mountain that you'll find this information packed book worth having.
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Connie
Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is wonderful. There has been so much information gathered on this book and it is great. Here Come the Brides was a great series, so wholesome and one the whole family can enjoy. I would love to see the second season come out on DVD. I know there are alot of people looking for this to happen. Jon has done a wonderful job and I would like to give him a gracious "thank you" for everything he has done and giving us a book we can enjoy for years to come.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
HCTB book
I have been a long time fan of Bobby Sherman and this book is great!!!!! I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the show.
Published 11 days ago by welsh5284
2.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Most Frustrating Reads Ever
This book is incredibly frustrating to read--it is so poorly written and edited that those of us who love Here Come the Brides almost want to give up after the first few pages. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Mediaman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still Hungry !
I fell in love with this series from the very first episode. I was such a serious ballet student back then, I had classes almost every night of the week and on Saturday. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Constance
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not what I thought it would be
It was not a bad book in particular. But it did not do the cast or show itself justice either. It was somewhat disjointed in spots and often seemed to get off track. Read more
Published on April 18, 2011 by no name
1.0 out of 5 stars
YUCK!!!! This is a terrible book!!!!
Here Come The Brides was one of my favorite shows of the 60s next to The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction. Read more
Published on March 25, 2011 by Michael Townsend
2.0 out of 5 stars
Just Doesn't Deliver
I'll just say I agree with the reviewer 'Nuts and Bolts'. While I enjoyed the bits and pieces of memories from the set that were tucked here and there, the major portions of the... Read more
Published on May 1, 2010 by BarbM
5.0 out of 5 stars
loved the book
Loved the book which brought back so many memories of this short lived televsion show - Wish they would come out with the season 2 DVD soon
Published on April 6, 2010 by Susan Leshen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very pleased with this book
As a fan of Bobby Sherman when he was on "Here Come The Brides" I was thrilled to see this book. While I wish more was included about Bobby, there may be a simple explaination. Read more
Published on February 23, 2010 by Cat Lover
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent research!
As I read this book I am totally struck by the amount of research Mr. Etter has done on everything dealing with "Here Come the Brides" and the subject of television in general. Read more
Published on February 19, 2010 by Peggy Kuntzelman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worthwhile Purchase
If you are a fan of the TV series Here Come The Brides then this would be a book you do not want to miss. Read more
Published on January 9, 2010 by Parker
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