RETRO-ACTIVE: THE BEST FROM CINEMA RETRO'S ARCHIVES
A welcome addition to the library of any fan of spy
movies or 1960s TV is I Spy: A History and Episode Guide to the Groundbreaking Television Series
by Marc Cushman and Linda J. LaRosa (McFarland, $40). This is a meticulously researched and very
entertaining look at the groundbreaking show that aired on NBC between 1965 and 1969. The show provided
the first serious dramatic role for an African American actor and helped vault Bill Cosby (previously
known primarily as a stand-up comic) into fame and fortune as a leading man. The chemistry he shared
with co-star Robert Culp was instrumental in the show's success. The series presented Culp as Kelly
Robinson, a world-famous tennis pro and Bill Cosby as Alexander Scott, his trainer. In reality, the
tennis schtick was merely a cover for their real day jobs as intelligence agencies for the
U.S. government.
Premiering during
the height of Bondmania, I Spy was devoid of the gadgetry and outlandish villains that formed the basis of so many 007-inspired series and
films. The show was the brainchild of uberproducer Sheldon Leonard, who was determined not only
to break new ground with the racial element of the show, but to also keep the storylines in the real
world. The series also benefitted from high production values. While most adventure shows depicted
exotic locales through stock footage, I Spy genuinely went to these places and provided viewers
with some grandiose scenery that was uncommon for TV series during this era. The show was characterized
by its intelligent plot lines and the wise-cracking by-play between Culp and Cosby.
Authors Cushman and LaRosa provide a treasure trove of fascinating
insights into the show that more than justify the book's high price tag. It measures in at 440 pages in
an oversized softcover format, and virtually every aspect of the series is dissected. The series was not
always a lovefest and the authors provide some engrossing stories about Culp and Cosby's battles with
Sheldon Leonard during the filming of the series' ill-conceived reunion movie in the 1990s. Having done
their homework, they also cover mini reunions between the actors on Cosby's hit sitcoms as well as the
vastly underrated 1971 feature film Hickey and Boggs. Robert Culp provides a brief foreword and
the authors acknowledge his extensive help during the writing of this book. They have also tracked down
and interviewed many other people with ties to the series, though sadly, Cosby is a
non-participant.
Only one minor
complaint about the book: we recognize that McFarland publishers specialize in publishing valuable books
with niche market appeal. This one contains a number of outstanding photos, but many are poorly
reproduced. It's often appropriate to run a photo of marginal quality if it is very rare, but
McFarland's designers should insure these are printed small rather than run as muddy, full-page
illustrations. That aside, we highly recommend this volume and extend our kudos to authors Cushman and
LaRosa, who rate an enthusiastic "Mission accomplished!" for this outstanding effort- Lee
Pfeiffer
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