Love to Love You Bradys: The Bizarre Story of The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (Paperback)

~ Ted Nichelson (Author), Susan Olsen (Author), Lisa Sutton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[Susan Olsen] bravely relives this disco-era cautionary tale while dissecting the singing-and-dancing Brady's pop culture impact in her new behind-the-scenes tell-all."  —Retroality.tv

"Undeniably, a head-scratchingly hilarious celebration . . . Love to Love You Bradys is the Wisconsin Death Trip of the disco era—strange, awful and utterly, guilt-inducingly fascinating."  —Salon.com Critics' Picks

"An incredibly detailed account of exactly how this TV debacle came to be be."  —AfterElton.com

"Full of photos, the book is a colorful document of a television show so bad, it's legendary. Most good shows don't get treatments this detailed."  —Bookgasm

Product Description

Chronicling a production rife with conflicts—from drug addiction and power struggles to sexuality and weight issues—this behind-the-scenes history of the rarely seen Brady Bunch Variety Hour investigates how the show was conceived, produced, and ended up ranked one of the “Worst Shows of All-Time.” Featuring hundreds of never-before-published photos and interviews with cast, crew, and production staff, this colorful retrospective details how the spin-off ultimately shattered the Brady’s perfect image and forever scarred their television legacy. After decades under lock and key, the story behind the most disastrous offering in television history is revealed in full Brady detail.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Ecw Press; First Printing edition (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550228889
• ISBN-13: 978-1550228885
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #34,870 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The amazing untold story..., August 26, 2009

By	Vinnie Rattolle - See all my reviews

The original "Brady Bunch" sitcom has been written about endlessly, but little attention has been paid to any of the subsequent spin-offs... until now, and it's a pretty incredible story! With its tacky sets and costumes, painful song and dance sequences, corny writing and camera-mugging galore, "The Brady Bunch Hour" is more reviled and beloved than any of the subsequent Brady incarnations. It's quite unusual for a show that filmed a grand total of nine episodes to be remembered over 30 years later, let alone be the subject of an entire book -- but the book is jam-packed with interesting info, interviews and remembrances, and tons of rare and never before seen pictures!

The book answers burning questions such as: Why wasn't Eve Plumb involved in the show and which famous socialite nearly replaced her? Which guest-star staggered through a taping drunk? Whose coochie did Chris Knight sneak a peek at? What happened to guest-star Lee Majors' steak? Which Brady became hostile with their co-stars during tapings? Which Brady was nearly reduced to tears by executive producer Marty Krofft? What did they fill the swimming pool with? Which Brady did Fake Jan sleep with... and which one did she WANT to sleep with? Why was Hollywood legend Natalie Wood at a taping? How do Paul Shaffer and Chevy Chase fit into the grand scheme of things? Which series regulars couldn't stand each other? What happened when series writer Bruce Vilanch asked to see guest-star Milton Berle's infamous endowment? Which Brady kid can be seen flipping the bird in an episode?

In addition to all of that, there's an episode guide that includes details on flubs and other things to look for, info on each of the guest stars and cast/crew's remembrances of them, production sketches, script excerpts and much more!

For any fans of The Brady Bunch and/or Sid & Marty Krofft, the book's a must-read!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for KROFFT and BRADY Fans Alike!, August 20, 2009

By	L. Latouf "xgdfalcon" (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I read this 300 page book in one sitting....I just couldn't put it down. This 'coffee table book' is also jam packed with great pictures. The side notes by Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady) really put it over the top.

If you have any interest in the Brady Bunch, Sid and Marty Krofft, or just TV show business in the 70s in general, this is the book to get. This is the story from start to finish on how the Brady Hour came to be, and how it faded away. I loved every minute of it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a train wreck to treasure, October 2, 2009

By	T. Shane Couch - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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So much fun to read. I bought the dvd a couple years ago being an avid Brady fan, and watched our pillar Mike Brady sing disco songs and try to dance. It was horrible. Then I bought this book (being an avid Brady fan) and now watching the show is way more interesting, seeing all the goofs that didn't get edited (Greg totally taking a spill in a roller skating scene, fake Jan gradually losing her hair bow throughout the number then it's back in, etc.). I thought the portion in the book dedicated to the Kroftettes would be drawn out and boring, but they come across as being some of the hardest working people in show biz at the time doubling as dancers and enduring that swimming pool and all that entailed. Even if you've seen the show and agreed with TV Guide that it should be in the top 10 of worst TV shows of all time, if you're a Brady fan, you'll love getting the inside scoop on the actors who played the characters you love.