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Title: The Addams Chronicles: An Altogether Ooky Look at the Addams Family by Stephen Cox, John Astin ISBN: 1-888952-91-1 Publisher: Cumberland House Pub. Date: 01 October, 1998 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $20.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.75 (4 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Behind The Laughs: A Look Inside The Addams Family
Comment: In the mid sixties (1964-1966), there was a tv show about an unusual family that was a far different bunch than "The Brady Bunch", than the soap-clean "Leave It To Beaver" and "Donna Reed" shows. Although genuinely witty and humorous, it was the Addams Family that first marked the foundation for comic disfunctional families that would come later. The Addams Family were the original Osbournes. Their eccentric personalities, their abnormal tastes and behavior, which they were very comfortable with, seemed strange to "outsiders" with the more conventional and normal 60's home life. Although I did not grow up watching "The Addams Family" or "The Munsters", it is refreshing to look back at the success of this show. Cox and John Astin (who played Gomez) provide us with colorful photos and illustrations, as well as commentary by the cast, and chronicles the Addams, and the behind the scenes magic.
John Astin portrayed Gomez Addams, the father and head of the household. John Astin had already appeared in films in the fifties, including Westside Story, and in the show, provided much of the wit and humor. Gomez was a wealthy lawyer, although dressed in a gangster suite, smoked cigars frequently and indulged in all kinds of oddball activities: he wrecked his electric toy trains, he practiced Zen Yoga standing on his head, he swung on a chandelier, he fenced with Morticia and also danced the tango. He would always become aroused when Morticia spoke a single word of French (and ocassionally a Yiddish word).
Morticia Addams was played by 50's film actress Carolyn Jones, who was ending her marriage to Aaron Spelling during the syndication of the show. Morticia was mysterious, beautiful, vibrant and intellectual. She painted abstract art, dressed in that tight-fitting long, ... black dress, and was quite proud (her nuances included crossing her arms in an Indian-style fashion and speaking with firm authority). She raised two children, Pugsley and Wednesday (Ken Weatherwax and Lisa Loring), who were taught to be secure in their strangeness- Pugsley playe with various dangerous wildlife and Wednesday had the comic lines "It's so nice and gloomy" and was attached to a headless Marie Antoinette doll.
Lurch, the zombie-like, seven feet something butler, was portrayed by Ted Cassidy. He was striking, Frankenstein-like and had a deep, "throat" voice (You rang ?) and would always intimidate house guests. Although seemingly devoid of personality, Lurch had his moments- i.e. the episode in which he becomes the head of the household to impress his visiting mother, and the episode in which he becomes a recording artist and sings like a Beatles rock star. Uncle Fester was played by Jackie Coogan. Fester was a lonely, lovestruck balding man with a taste for pain (he would sleep in a bed of needles) and could light up a light bulb in his mouth. Others in the family were Thing, a severed hand that was alwayst "at hand" for small favors- answering the phone, getting the mail, opening up a bottle of champagne, etc. And then there was Cousin Itt, a hairy, shapeless creature with an incomprehensible language and funny high voice.
The Addams was a fun show to watch, keeping a generation of audiences full of laughter, perhaps making people forget the troubles that the 60's brought. It would still be fun to watch today- recently, a "New Addams" family show was given for a small run on cable tv and of course, the old series inspired the movies starring Raul Julia, Angelica Houston and Christina Ricci.
Rating: 5
Summary: THE book to have on a TV show!
Comment: You'll be blown away at how author Cox has assembled so much information, trivia, interviews, and more on "The Addams Family" legacy. The color section in the center of the book is like eye-candy. You'll see this material no where else, I'm sure. I've collected Chas. Addams and "Addams Family" for years and this is the best book. The added bonus about "The Munsters" was interesting, as was the wonderful Foreword by John Astin--my favorite Gomez. Inside are more than 200 pictures which explore the entire Addams lineage plus behind-the-scenes photos which will blow you away. THE book to have on a TV show, without a doubt.
Rating: 5
Summary: The definitive "Addams Family" reference book
Comment: Steve Cox's 1991 tome "The Addams Chronicles" is easily the most comprehensive book ever issued concerning the show, having already gone through two printings. Some seven years after the original's debut, Cox has re-visited the manuscript and updated it, with incredible results.
In an age where reference books are published in such huge numbers, it is wonderful to see a publication that genuinely earns its place on a fan's bookshelf. This is not a feeble attempt to justify a reprint, nor is it a half-hearted revision. Instead, it manages to remain true to the original, whilst also appearing fresh and new. The photographs alone will be enough to stun most fans ("The Addams Family" filmed on a closed set, and photographs have always been limited, with colour shots nearly non-existent). From the previously unpublished colour shots adorning the cover, to the jaw-dropping colour insert, the clarity and beauty of these photographs represents an unprecedented collection, and exceeded all of my expectations. The black and white shots disappoint no less, offering an incredible array of previously unpublished shots, including an ultra-rare picture of creator Charles Addams visiting the set, along with numerous other treasures.
Aided by Cox's easy-going, informative prose (a couple of niggling typos aside), this book is a joy from cover-to-cover, and triumphantly re-asserts "The Addams Chronicles" reputation as the primary text concerning the show.
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Title: The Beverly Hillbillies: A Fortieth Anniversary Wing Ding by Stephen Cox ISBN: 1581823029 Publisher: Cumberland House Pub. Date: 27 February, 2003 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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Title: The Hooterville Handbook : A Viewer's Guide To Green Acres by Stephen Cox ISBN: 0312088116 Publisher: St. Martin's Press Pub. Date: 15 March, 1993 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
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Title: Dreaming of Jeannie : TV's Prime Time in a Bottle by Stephen Cox, Howard Frank ISBN: 0312204175 Publisher: Griffin Trade Paperback Pub. Date: 18 March, 2000 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
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Title: Bewitched Forever: The Immortal Companion to Television's Most Magical Supernatural Situation Comedy by Herbie J. Pilato, William Asher ISBN: 1930819072 Publisher: Tapestry Press Pub. Date: July, 2001 List Price(USD): $16.99 |
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Title:Addams Family:Meets Vips/Lurch Dance ASIN: 630223171X Publisher: Republic Studios Pub. Date: 23 October, 1991 List Price(USD): $9.98 Comparison N/A, buy it from Amazon for $9.98 |
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