Latest News from The Interviews

"I Dream of Jeannie" and "Patty Duke Show" Creator Sidney Sheldon Dies at 89

 Wed, 01/31/2007 Sidney Sheldon, best-selling author, Oscar ® -winner, and writer of classic television series died yesterday. The Archive of American Television interviewed Sidney Sheldon on March 30, 2000. Interview description: Sidney Sheldon was interviewed for two-and-a-half hours in Beverly Hills, CA. Sheldon recalled his early years in Hollywood as a screenwriter for feature films, and the success he achieved in that field, culminating in his win of the Academy Award for The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer...

"I Love Lucy" writer Bob Carroll, Jr. Dies at 88

 Sun, 01/28/2007 We're sad to report that Bob Carroll, Jr. who, along with writing partner Madelyn Pugh Davis (and producer Jess Oppenheimer) wrote some of the classic episodes of "I Love Lucy," including "Lucy Does a TV Commercial" and "Job Switching" died today at age 88. Carroll with Davis taking a break in Desi Arnaz's office. The Archive of American Television interviewed Carroll along with his writing partner in 1997. Carroll and Davis spoke of their 50-year writing career that included writing for Steve...

"Guiding Light" Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary!

 Thu, 01/25/2007 "The Guiding Light" debuted on NBC radio on January 25, 1937 and ran as a fifteen-minute program through 1956 (switching to CBS in 1947). In 1952, the daytime serial made its way to CBS television, where it has become the longest running program in broadcast history . The series was created by Irna Philips, dubbed the "Queen of the Soap Opera" (who was also responsible for television's As the World Turns and Another World ). She was a great influence on later daytime producer/creators (and...

Far Out New Book! "TV's Grooviest Variety Shows of the '60s and '70s"

 Tue, 01/23/2007 Another terrific TV history book has made its way onto bookstore shelves -- Telly R. Davidson's TV's Grooviest Variety Shows of the '60s and '70s (Cumberland House, $22.95). The book consists of well-researched, fun and detailed chapters on the REALLY famous variety shows ( Ed Sullivan, Lawrence Welk, Dean Martin, The Smothers Brothers, Carol Burnett, Laugh-In, Flip Wilson, and Sonny and Cher ), and includes shorter listings on many others like Donny & Marie, Sha Na Na, The Jim Nabors Hour...

Producer Martin Hoade's Interview is Now Online

 Mon, 01/22/2007 Producer Martin Hoade's seven-part interview is now available for viewing on Google Video. Mr. Hoade produced NBC's Sunday morning religious program wheel and provides much insight on the topic of how aspects of religion were portrayed on network television. Interview description: In his 7-part (each 30-minute segment is posted separately) oral history interview, producer Martin Hoade (1916-2006) recalls his early days in television working for NBC, on programs such as newsreels and political...

For Golden Girls Fans in Los Angeles, the Sequel

 Sat, 01/20/2007 Join author Jim Colucci for a look inside the world of The Golden Girls this Sunday, January 21st, 2 PM at the Santa Monica Public Library (601 Santa Monica Blvd). We attended his last book signing ( Archive of American Television: For Golden Girls Fans in Los Angeles) and are happy to report that Jim is an engaging speaker and really knows the show. Also planned, a panel discussion focusing on the show's enduring appeal to the gay and lesbian community with writers Marc Cherry, Stan Zimmerman...

Larry Rhine's Archive of American Television Interview Is Now Online!

 Wed, 01/17/2007 Writer Larry Rhine wrote or co-wrote several of television's most classic sitcom episodes including The Brady Bunch 's "The Subject Was Noses," The Odd Couple 's "Felix Remarries" (the series finale), and All in the Family 's "Archie the Hero." His full interview is now posted online. Click here to access Larry Rhine's 8-part Archive of American Television Interview . Rhine was one of Red Skelton and Bob Hope's writers. Larry Rhine on writing for Red Skelton (Excerpt from Part 4): "He didn’t...

Lee Grant's Archive of American Television Interview is Now Online!

 Wed, 01/10/2007 Actress/Director Lee Grant's interview is now posted on Google Video. Click here to access all interview segments. Interview Description: In her seven-part (each 30-minute segement is posted separately) oral history interview, actress/director Lee Grant discusses her long and distinguished career in stage, television, and film. She describes her breakthrough role in the stage and film versions of Detective Story . She talks about her early television work in the anthology series The Play’s The...

David Shaw's Archive Interview Is Now Online!

 Thu, 01/04/2007 Writer David Shaw's five-part interview is now available for viewing on Google Video. Shaw was one of the most prolific writers during television's "Golden Age." In part 2 of his interview, David Shaw talks about his work as a writer on Philco-Goodyear Playhouse , one of the key dramatic anthology series of the "Golden Age," for which he wrote the most teleplays of any single writer. From Part 3: Q: There was a term called "kitchen sink" dramas. What did that refer to? A: It referred to many of...

A New Book by the Author of "The Box"

 Thu, 01/04/2007 Anyone interested in the history of television, has undoubtedly come across the book, The Box: An Oral History of Television, 1929-1961 by Jeff Kisseloff, published in 1995 (Penguin Books). For the book, Jeff interviewed over 300 individuals involved in all aspects of early television -- the audiotaped collection of interviews now resides at the Archive of American Television. What most people don't know, is how instrumental Jeff was in the early days of the Archive, particularly in guiding us...