Customer Reviews

"Route 66" The Television Series 1960 - 1964

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It is indeed high past time that "Route 66", possibly the finest drama ever produced for the medium of television, had a book devoted to it just as many other classic television series have had. However, while author James Rosin has finally filled that long-empty niche, his effort somewhat falls short of what one might have hoped for.
While Rosin does give us an excellent introductury essay, full of useful background information and utilizing a plethora of quotes from a variety of sources, this term-paper length chapter (along with a very nice photo section) pretty much consists of the sum and parcel of the entire book. There is an epsiode guide with detailed plot summaries for all 116 episodes, but Rosin appears to have copied this verbatim from Columbia/Screen Gems promitional material. Since those original materials were based on shooting scripts and story outlines and not on the actual on-screen results, many contain inaccurate plot details and plot elements unpresent in the actual episode. Rosin acknowledges this when he gives notice ""A conscientious effort was made to ensure that each episode summary was as accurate as possible. However, in some instances, minor plot details and descriptions may have been revised that I was unaware of." Huh? Has Rosin seen all the episodes or not? One would expect an author writing an in-depth study of a television series to do the following: (1) Attentively watch each individual episode of that series, (2) Write their own episode summaries for the book and not just copy them from pre-extant sources, and (3) provide their own observations and critical commentaries on each individual episode. This is what good televsion scholars such as Marc Scott Zicree, Ed Robertson and John Kenneth Muir do with their respective highly-polished and thorough books on various television series. Rosin's book comes out looking very deficient when compared with one of those three authors.
I don't wish to be to terribly negative as I am excited that there is ANY book out there devoted exclusively to this marvelous and unjustly-neglected program. However, I felt it incumbent upon me to point out the relative lack of substance it contains. I've read an as yet unpublished manuscript of a book on the series by another author, and that one does a much better job of analyzing each individual epsiode and the cultural impact of the series as a whole. This particular Route 66 fan can't help but wish that that one had been the manuscript issued between the professionally printed covers instead.

I enjoyed reading Route 66: The Television Series 1960-64 by James Rosin and found it to be a nice companion book to the recent DVD release.

It is full of interesting commentary from series stars Milner and Maharis plus others, which include directors, producers and several guest stars. It also contains lots of promotion and still photos that reproduce nicely, and a good bio section at the back that includes all the people associated with the show that contributed to the book. The plot summaries for all 116 episodes are one page, and fairly concise and to the point. It looks like some were written by Rosin and some were drawn from studio press releases when he might not have been unable to see the individual show. I noticed that in some of those, there were minor plot details that differed from the completed show I watched. Maybe they were revised during filming or left on the cutting room floor, but in no way did they detract from his overall summation and my understanding of the storyline (and again they seemed minor). While there may be some who would prefer more analysis and review of each episode, I actually prefer to read the story outlines and decide which ones I would like to watch and get into. This book allows the reader to do that. It's an easy read and a nice little book for your coffee table.

Had a fun time reading this book, reliving this classic television series, its characters and stories.

What a treat to read Jim Rosin's book on one of the most unique "ground-breaking" TV shows ever presented. His access to many of the original cast and crew gives this offering a credibility beyond question.

Each one of the shows stars (Milner and Maharis) and several of the guest stars are interviewed and give a good deal of personal insight on what made this series work--and work so well (who would have ever thought that Milner actually broke Lee Marvin's nose!).

I was especially thankful for the complete show-by-show synopsis. This is great for those of us who would like to order copies of our favorite episodes.

If you were a fan of "Route 66," you're going to love this book--its history, its photos, its story-telling. If you never saw the show, get ready, because after reading this little book, you're probably going to become a fan.

Here is the consumate book on the trendsetting TV series. I spent my early years watching the two guys collar crooks and rescue fair damsels then leap into their sleek Corvette and race on down the road. I never met George Maharis but got to know Martin Milner quite well. It was fun sitting around listeneing to his yarns about the series. Rosin does a wonderful job of reminding us of those enthralling episodes.

I just recently drove on Route 66, through New Mexico and Arizona. When I got home I reread ROUTE 66: THE TELEVISION SERIES 1960-1964. I enjoyed the book even more the second time! It is a fun look back for me and the other "baby boomer" fans at the television series ROUTE 66. The show featured excellent writing, acting and it was filmed against the backdrop of America. It was a show about the varied people of our country and that is what made the series so unique. Buz Murdock (George Maharis) and Tod Stiles (Martin Milner) were handsome, appealing characters who were concerned and caring men. The Corvette represented a "sense of independence and a spirit of adventure."

Jim Rosin's book contains many interviews with the two stars - Maharis and Milner, guest stars Anne Francis, Nehemiah Pursoff and Nancy Malone, Media Historian Mark Alvey, Production Executive Sam Manners, and Directors Arthus Hiller, James Sheldon and Alvin Ganzer. Their comments are smoothly mixed with text information. I especially enjoyed the photographs and behind-the-scene snapshots.

Rosin certainly did his homework by including a Biography section of all the actors, writers, directors, and production staff highlighted in the text. Some of the other books I have seen on vintage television series may have been a bit more in-depth, but I like the simplicity of this book. Enjoy the ride with Tod and Buz!

For all you Movie/TV Historians. Nice Addition to your library. Episode by episode. Comments from Front of the camera and behind. A truly informative piece.

I really enjoyed this book as will anyone old enough to have seen the series when it first aired or when it was repeated on cable in the late 1980s. A fun look back at the show and TV production of the time.

Thoroughly enjoyed this trip down Memory Lane. For Route 66 fans or anyone who enjoys those breakthrough TV series of the 60's, this book is a Must-Have. Comprehensive with summaries for every episode, commentary from stars and many (surprising) guest stars, and many others behind the scenes. Lots of pics! Enjoy the memories!

Wow...talk about your trip down memory lane.
Even if you don't own a Corvette you can reminisce about your favorite TV Series, Route 66 with Jimmy Rosin's new book. Tod and Buz didn't need cash to have a great experience and neither do you when you read this well organized, artfully crafted book. A treasure trove of information for Route 66 fans all over the world. TV at its best and reading at its bestest!