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Television Introductions: Narrated TV Program Openings since 1949
Television Introductions Narrated TV Program Openings since 1949 Author:Vincent Terrace Since the beginning of network television, many shows have been preceded by an opening announcement or a theme song that served various purposes. In the 1950s and 60s, it was common for announcers to declare that a program had been ?brought to you by? a sponsor who paid for the privilege of introducing a show. Other programs, such as The Twiligh... more »t Zone, Star Trek, and The Odd Couple provided a brief encapsulation of the show?s subject matter, a practice that has continued for such recent shows as Alias, Battlestar Galactica, Person of Interest, and the various editions of Law & Order.
In Television Introductions: Narrated TV Program Openings, Vincent Terrace has assembled openings for more than 900 television shows of the past seven decades. The only documented history of narrated television program introductions, this volume is arranged by various types of programming, such as comedies, dramas, westerns, game shows, soap operas, and children?s shows. In addition to quoting the opening material, entries include information about each show?s network history, years of broadcast, and show type. Many entries also include descriptions of the show, the names of announcers, and a list of main cast members.
When a program?s opening included a sponsor pitch, this information has also been included?everything exactly as spoken on television (including the openings for programs with multiple introductions like The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet and Charlie?s Angels). For programs that featured new guest stars every episode?such as game shows and variety programs?the author has selected a representative introduction. In addition to the theme song credits found in the main text of the book, there are also appendixes that include a list of theme songs, their composers and/or singers, as well as a listing of commercial releases (LP, CD, VHS, and DVDs) of shows and their soundtracks. A comprehensive resource for researchers and pop culture aficionados alike, Television Introductions provides a fascinating look at this neglected part of TV history.« less