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FROM BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN BURBANK: A Critical History of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-in 1968-1973 | 
 enlarge | Author: Hal Erickson
Publisher: McFarland & Company
Category: Book
Buy New: $35.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  5 reviews
Sales Rank: 1360950
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 341
ISBN: 078644049X
Dewey Decimal Number: 791
EAN: 9780786440498
ASIN: 078644049X
Publication Date: August 30, 2009 (In 233 Days)
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Not yet published
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Product Description
Rowan and Martin's "Laugh-In" was one of the quirkiest and most unusual programs on television, defying definition as simply comedy, variety, or burlesque. The show had audiences laughing for six seasons and continues to make appearances in revivals, reunions, and salutes. Even with corny and now dated humor, the show's signature lines and gags are ingrained in popular American culture.This critical history of "Laugh-In" is arranged chronologically and includes background details on the show's creators and the events leading up-to "Laugh-In's" creation. In addition to an analysis of the original six seasons, the text includes information on lookalike shows that emerged after "Laugh-In's" success, and on the various resurgences of the show that continued up into the nineties. An appendix contains a complete program history with principal production credits and episode guides.
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| Customer Reviews:
"A must read for any 'Laugh-In' fan" May 8, 2006
When I was coming of age in the 1960's,one of my favorite TV shows was "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In"-It was downright hysterical-When I heard that a book had come out about the program,I knew I had to purchase it-Author Hal Erickson begins his book by listing several performers whose comedic style paved the way for "Laugh-In",such as the vaudeville team of Olsen & Johnson & Ernie Kovacs-"Laugh-In" ran from January 1968 to May 1973-Along the way,it introduced us to some truly talented individuals such as Arte Johnson,Ruth Buzzi,Goldie Hawn,& Lily Tomlin-"Laugh-In" was the top rated show from 1968-1970-However,once certain cast members started to leave,the show diminished in popularity-NBC cancelled the show in early 1973-There's an appendix in the back of the book that features a brief synopsis of each & every episode-If you're a bona fide "Laugh-In" fan,you must purchase this book.
An A+++ Book! May 28, 2005
I am a huge fan of "Laugh-In." If you are a fan also, this is THE book for you. It includes everything. The only thing missing are pictures- there are not any. However, all of the behind the scenes, inside info about the show, its history, series revival attempts (thus far- there is talk about another one,) and reunion specials, is all here. All of your questions are answered. I know mine were. Also included is a season by season episode guide, with a detailed synopsis for each episode for all of the six seasons.
This book is usually pretty expensive, but it is worth the cost. Every TV show should have a book written about it that is this wonderfully brilliant. Double thumbs up!
Another Hal Erickson gem April 5, 2000
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
It's been a year-and-a-half since Hal Erickson's "Sid and Marty Krofft" was published...too long for this reader, as Mr. Erickson is quickly becoming as vital to the world of TV history as Brooks and Marsh. The bulk of "From Beautiful Downtown Burbank" recaps the origin, growth, and ultimate demise of "Laugh-In" with Mr. Erickson's trademark savvy enthusiasm, the kind that comes only aftermonths of research and interviews. What's more, the book's appendix isn't to be missed, since you'd be hard pressed to find a more thorough "Laugh-In" episode guide anywhere (it even includes the never-been-syndicated sixth season). The lack of photographs is completely made up for by Mr. Erickson's gifted ability to recreate the show's backstage atmosphere. Can't ask for more than that in a history book... Perhaps the only question the book doesn't answer: why Ian Bernard replaced the program'soriginal theme song in the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th season, only to resurrect it in the 5th. Asking that is pure hairsplitting, though, and shouldn't dissuade anybody from doing themselves the favor of purchasing this book,a gripping read from a multi-talented writer. So until Columbia House or Rhino immortalize "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" (heck, even after they do), "From Beautiful Downtown Burbank" is the definitive tribute to a marvelous and groundbreaking program.
Comedy classic April 1, 2000
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A very worthwhile piece of literature which belongs in any library of comedy or television. It chronicals the history of one of the best and most inventive events in TV history. The book is more the history of the show than the humor but it does contain lots of the wit and the flavor.. Now I want a book of the jokes with photos. Good work.. Buy it.
VERY INFORMATIVE March 28, 2000
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
A thorough history of a legendary television classic. The book paints a picture of the popular culture of a time that will surely not be repeated. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to learn about a fascinating era or just simply wants to revisit a phenomenon long gone.
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