Murder on the Boob Tube

About the book

It’s virtually impossible to imagine anyone other than Peter Falk inhabiting the role of Lt. Columbo. But in reality several other actors played the part before him, one on stage and another in a television teleplay. And when producers set their sights on giving the detective his own series, it wasn’t Falk they had in mind … believe it or not it was a big Hollywood icon.

When Hart to Hart was being developed it was the image of a male Hollywood superstar that the writers and producers had pictured in the role, but it was unlikely he take part in a weekly series and Robert Wagner was approached about the role.

Many actresses tested for would-be angels for the Charlie’s Angels phenomenon of the 70s when Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Farrah Fawcett became television superstars. Another show whose star really set the style of the series was Jack Lord when he lead his team of police officers for a decade uncovering corruption and crime in paradise in Hawaii Five-O. But Lord was what producers wanted when they hoped to lure a major male start to weekly television.

Many other casting coups and interesting choices surrounding shows like Murder She Wrote, Mannix and others have also been reported over the years. Uncover these and other fascinating tales behind some of TVs greatest detective and murder shows on TV. Covering shows from the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90, Murder on the Boob Tube features behind the scenes tales, airing schedules, rare photos and comments from those who helped create television history. Order your copy today >>

(Official Release Date: July 5, 2010)

For Fans of classic TV Detectives

Step back to rediscover many of the classic detectives and crime dramas of the last 50 years. From the early days of TV to the memorable shows of the 60s, 70s and 80s, Murder on the Boob Tube offers a glimpse behind the scenes of iconic shows like Ironside, Dragnet, Hawaii Five-O, Charlie's Angels, Ellery Queen, Cannon, Barnaby Jones, Streets of San Francisco and countless others. With rare photos and behind-the-scenes tales readers will rediscover TV history and why we love death on the set. Soft Cover, 6x9 inches, 235 pages. $14.95 retail.

Shows detailed include:

✦ Alfred Hitchcock Presents
✦ Barnaby Jones
✦ Burke’s Law
✦ Cannon
✦ Charlie’s Angels
✦ Columbo
✦ Dragnet
✦ Ellery Queen
✦ Hart to Hart
✦ Hawaii Five-O
✦ Ironside
✦ Mannix
✦ McCloud
✦ McMillan & Wife
✦ Perry Mason
✦ Quincy ME
✦ The Streets of San Francisco

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