Here on Gilligan's Isle

Boy, these Castaways really influenced a generation! After getting the book, and reading a few paragraphs before going to sleep, I had dreams about the "characters" all night. I think, even if the show would be considered somewhat "lowbrow art" if having any merit in this area, might lead a possible procession of "Life imitating Art"!!!

Millions around the world know him only as "The Professor" on Gilligan's Island. However, before taking the role that would change his life, Russell Johnson was already an established actor in both film and television. In this wonderful book, Johnson tells his life story in a modest and entertaining fashion. His good nature, and sense of fairness is evident throughout. The book covers Johnson's life as "Professor Roy Hinkley", his remembrances of the Gilligan's Island years, and thoughts about his fellow island castaways. The book has a multitude of terrific photos, many from behind the scenes. With nothing mean-spirited to say, this is a warm "feel good" read, that is over much too quickly. There are many fascinating stories of interest to hardcore fans. Perhaps the most significant for the author, concerns the pilot episode. Shot in 1963, but never aired until 1992, the pilot featured different actors as The Professor, Ginger and Mary Ann. Circumstances led to the recasting of these roles with Johnson, Tina Louise and Dawn Wells.Most fans know that the show's theme song was re-recorded for the second season to include "The Professor and Mary Ann". But in this book we learn that the musical group that performed the second version, later appeared on the program as the rock group "The Mosquitoes". Johnson devotes some time to the assortment of guest stars that visited the island, and the issue of censorship. Also covered are the post series years, and the events leading to the rescue movie, and other related Gilligan's Island projects. The "Ship's Log", a brief summary of the 98 episodes, concludes this thoroughly enjoyable book that all fans of the series will appreciate.

When I was growing up during the time this show was airing, one of the standard questions among my teenage friends was, who did you have a crush on, Ginger or Marianne? Interestingly, there was almost universal agreement that, although Ginger was hot, Marianne had that girl-next-door wholesomeness and sex appeal, and so she got the vote.Almost 35 years later this same question came up at a lunch with a bunch of my work associates, most of whom are middle-aged computer geek types or engineers like me. The funny thing was, everybody agreed they still liked Marianne. I guess some things never change.But after her, the Professor was my favorite character on the program, and years later, when I was a college instructor briefly myself, I attributed it at least partly to the example Russell Johnson set on this show, as silly as that might sound. That maybe, and the original Star Trek, which made science and technology glamorous and sexy and very ungeeklike.Well, for all those who loved this show like I did and were in some way inspired to do something in their lives because of it, this book is full of great behind-the-scenes stories and trivia about every aspect of the show and characters. This book will be appreciated by all fans of this classic American 60's comedy series.

The first page of my book reads: "To my Great neice Kim--from your Uncle--Russell Johnson The Professor, Love to you" This is a wonderful book and the behind the scenes info is so way cool!!

Of the books on GILLIGAN this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. It's written by a pro who knows 60's TV (Steve Cox) and from an actor's viewpoint, which is a must. The other books are barely readable; this is a quick, fun read and one which is surprisingly moving. Worth the search for it and worth the wait to find. If you love the show, this is your book. Find it!