Customer Reviews

That Book About That Girl: The Unofficial Companion

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I remember watching Marlo Thomas's entertaining sit-com in the late 60s and early 70s and thoroughly enjoying the trials and tribulations of a young struggling actress trying to make it big in the big apple. Being re-acquainted with this delightful series via cable has made it all the more enjoybale and pertinent in the themes explored and in the witty, challenging and humorous encounters an independent woman can face. Stephen Cole has added enormously to an appreciation of this ground breaking show through great research (interviews with Thomas and the writers) as well as providing an episode-by-episode guide to what made each show so special. You will find in this book references to the time, the fashion and the special chemistry between the leads in what is one of my all time favourite television shows...Thanks, Stephen for the love that shines through every page.

I have to say I was very impressed with this book wonderfully written and assembled by Stephen Cole. It was recommended by a friend and I was pleasantly surprised with the care that was put into what should be called the "Official" book on THAT GIRL. This is perhaps the BEST book written on a classic television sitcom! There is something here for everyone. If you are even slightly interested in reading about the series and Marlo Thomas, I suggest you pick it up. Well done Stephen!

Before Mary had bad parties, before Lucy Carmicheal and Viv had their screw-ball adventures, before Janet and Chrissy stood up to Jack. And before Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia toughed it out through old age and countless dates; there was "That Girl."

Lovable Ann Marie, her nerdy yet very strong (he always seems to be punching other guys out on a count of a misunderstanding) boy friend Donald, and her worried parents are all characters in "That Girl". Ann is a girl, living on her own in NYC for the very first time. She is a struggling actress who is smart, talented, witty and determined...yet she still manages to have the poise and serenity of Samantha Stevens (when all is well on Morning Glory circle, of course).

"That" is where "this" book comes in, it was very informative in all aspects of the history of "That Girl". It went into such detail as original names of characters and original actors..etc. Marlo Thomas really seems to be a true rolemodel, she was strong, independent, and still managed to keep her poise. The actors/producers were interviewed honestly and well. A true monument to the history of TV, and one of its most ground-breaking shows.

While many observers debate the origins of feminism on television, I believe that "That Girl" was the FIRST show of its kind; to portray a single career woman defying convention and starting out on her own. Strip away the humour from this show and you see the predecessor of many of the supposed ground breaking feminist tv shows of the 60's and 70's!

Mr Cole has done an OUTSTANDING job in assembling the history of this show and while recognising the show's clever scripting and acting, draws attention to the groundbreaking issues it tackled for its time. Selected quotes from Gloria Steinman and from Marlo Thomas herself verify the credibilty of his research.

Having said that, don't let me make you think this book is necessarily a feminist manisfesto for the new millenium. It's a funny, clever and insightful companion for anyone who ever loved the show and I found myself laughing out loud as I fondly remembered moments in a show that I grew up with but have never forgotten! Well done to the author: his love of the show and its characters comes through on every page!

Well worth a read!!!

I had fairly high hopes that I would learn something new, and get some inside scoop about one of my all time favorite shows. While Stephen Cole appears to have been given access to a broad array of information, details and trivia, I somehow thought there might be more. Perhaps a little something juicy, tiny tidbits that we weren't supposed to know until now. In Cole's defense, maybe there just wasn't anything else. As he mentions in the book, the set was a happy one, everyone got along. Kinda boring, right? Even on I Love Lucy, it was always fun to know that Vance and Frawley hated one another. Rumor has it that Thomas is supposed to be difficult.....not even a mention? All in all, if you loved the show, you'll enjoy the book.

If you enjoy That Girl you will enjoy reading this book. It has the making of the show and lists all the shows in order. It is interesting to see which tv unknows were guest stars on this show. It also tells you who got to say That Girl in each show. It talks about the show came about. It is a nice companion to have along with the DVD set.

Mr.Cole has written a fun and entertaining behind the scenes look of one of the best loved sitcoms presented on television. The book is filled with facts,trivia and interviews about the making and the success of "That Girl". This book is a must for all who watched "That Girl" or for anybody who is interested in what it takes to produce a weekly televsion show. Through a series of interviews with the star,creators,producers and actors who have appeared on "That Girl", Mr. Cole has written a well crafted, fun, and entertaining book for all to enjoy.