The Complete Book of Dallas: Behind the Scenes of the World's Favorite TV Program

Suzy Kalter proves she's a devoted "Dallas" fan (even posing in the Southfork kitchen wearing a dress from the show's collection) with this hardcover coffeetable book. It's a nicely put-together piece, with an introduction by show creator David Jacobs and a very robust examination of how the show hit all the high notes, as far as traditional soap / TV story structure and technique are concerned. Van Wormer talked to a lot of the key players (access to the active set -- oh, I salivate ...) and got some good quotes. She also takes the reader a step or two back, to behind the cameras, which shifts the perspective nicely as it offers a visual picture of how the show was made (extinguisher-wielding production crew members frantically putting out the fire at Southfork -- fun). This book was released by Harry N. Abrams / Lorimar Productions at roughly the same time as Laura Van Wormer's book, meaning they both cover only half of the show's run. The two books also contain many of the same show stills. But here Kalter offers synopses of the episodes, synopses into which she often injects just a little bit of attitude, which I can certainly appreciate. When you're watching a soap, after all, you can't look at things TOO seriously, and "Dallas" was certainly rich with interesting characters.

First of all the pictures are wonderful. They are enough on their own to want the book. The book outlines the way a soap opera works and the history of how the show was formed. It also has epiode summaries from some of the seasons. And it covers some topics from the shows time period. A great book. Well written and like a said, great pictures. Check it out if you are fan of the show.