Looking Back. at Live Television and Other Matters [first edition]

Mann, who has been directing some form of film (TV or motion picture) since 1949, here chronicles his fascinating career. Best known as the award-winning director of Marty, Mann worked on early live TV series and in later years directed scores of made-for-TV movies. His best work infused dramatic productions with a documentary quality, influencing a genre somewhat derisively referred to nowadays as "docudrama." Here he discusses the dynamics of network production, extolling the virtues of his colleagues but also recounting run-ins with irascible writers, uncooperative unions, self-absorbed stars, and petulant producers. Mann does not pine for the "good old days," but comes across as a man who evolved with the medium while keeping his integrity intact. Although the writing is occasionally pedestrian, Mann infects readers with his enthusiastic personal take on early television. With rare stills from live productions, excerpts of reviews, and a listing of the author's extensive credits; recommended.?Jayne Plymale, Aiken, SCCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.