From 1955 to 1957, Science Fiction Theatre, a semi-documentary series, explored the "what ifs" of modern science. Placing an emphasis on science before fiction, television viewers were treated to a variety of complex challenges from mental telepathy, robots, man-eating ants, killer trees, man's first flight into outer space and the possibility of visitation from outer space. Hosted by Truman Bradley, a former radio news commentator, Science Fiction Theatre became an influential program for the time, courtesy of Ivan Tors, a man with a healthy regard for science and nature.
Hollywood actors Gene Barry, Ruth Hussey, Gene Lockhart, Basil Rathbone, Howard Duff, William Lundigan and Vincent Price are but a few who lent their talents. This 530-page book documents the entire history of the television program with biographies about Fred Ziv, Ivan Tors and Truman Bradley; behind-the-scenes production details; and an episode guide for all 78 episodes including dates of production, fake science props, cast list, salary fees, location shooting, and much more!
I am not exaggerating about the details. The talent fees for every actor who appeared on the series is provided. The dates of production, location shooting, behind-the-scenes trivia, original story treatments and plot proposals that later became actual shooting scripts, and much more. The photographs are magnificent. All behind-the-scenes photos reveal the inner workings of the series and this is the cream and sugar on a meats and potatoes book. Grams continues to set the standard of how books on retro television should be written and published.
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