Amazon Category:  Arts/Entertainment Publisher: Billboard Books ISBN-10:  0823089339 Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 288 Copyright: Oct 1, 2006 ISBN-13: 9780823089338 A look behind Paramount Television's stellar sitcoms, told by those who were there. The sitcoms produced at Paramount Television during the golden years of 1974 to 1984 were a springboard for sophisticated comedy and successful entertainment careers. Featured are the behind-the-scenes stories from Happy Days, Mork & Mindy, Taxi, Laverne & Shirley, Cheers, Family Ties and several other premium shows. Not only did the creative talent of Paramount Television enjoy a unique environment; their shows culminated in programming that forever set the standard by which sitcoms would be judged.

Billboard Books
It was the best of times, it was - well, the best of times! In the decade between 1974 and 1984, the Paramount lot was a cauldron of creativity, talent and innovation. "Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley," "Mork & Mindy," "Taxi," "Cheers," "Bosom Buddies", "Family Ties" and many other television series were produced there during an unparalleled flurry of madcap inspiration and accomplishment.

In the interim between the debut of "Happy Days" and the final episode of "Cheers," many of the entertainment industry's biggest stars, best writers, most skilled directors and most successful producers were discovered or their already established talents nurtured, lifelong friendships and renowned professional alliances were created, and the landscape of the television sitcom was definitely altered. The talent was tremendous: Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, Martin Short, Michael J. Fox, Henry Winkler, Penny Marshall, Andy Kaufman, Donna Pescow, Danny De Vito - actors who would become superstars, many appearing in their first starring roles.

Through a series of intimate and revealing interviews, her own firsthand knowledge and exhaustive research, former Paramount television publicist Marley Brant takes us behind the scenes of these legendary shows for an up-close and personal look at the talented people who brought them to life. Brant examines the personal and professional roots of the creative talent, the evolution of the shows, the intricate relationships among cast members, and the creation of some of the most popular episodes, as well as taping sessions, guest stars, and where the actors and crew are today. Packed full of insider information, anecdotes, cast lists, biographical facts and little-known or previously unpublished stories, Happier Days is the definitive chronicle of some of the most creative sitcoms of all time.
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