ebooks The 12 O'Clock High Logbook: The Unofficial History of the Novel; Motion Picture; and TV Series by Allan T. Duffin; Paul Matheis in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The Fabulous 12 O'Clock High LogbookBy LeslieAllan T. Duffin and Paul Matheis has done an excellent job with this book as it the complete history of the 12 O'Clock High story. It covers the novel; the movie and the TV series.THE NOVEL: Beirne Lay Jr. and Sy Barrlett were the co-authors and was published by Harper Brothers in 1948. Based on the 306th Bombardment Group which was one of the American units stationed in England during World War 2After the war there was a fierce debate between Lay and Barrlett because of different ideas; but they decided to write a novel with a title of 12 O'Clock High. The idea for the novel came from Barrlett's wife when she heard the two authors discussing German fighter tactics.When published in 1948; the novel was hailed as "a mixture of nostalgia; sorrow and pride" and an "authentic record of the men and operations of a typical heavy bomber group."Barrlett and Lay believed that truth would strengthen the drama of the book; so it is no surprise that 12 O'Clock High was lauded for it's grit and authentisity.THE MOVIE: Before the movie was produced there was another film called "Command Decision"; which stared Clark Gable and Walter Pidgeon; and had a similar theme as 12 O'Clock High.Sensing a good deal Fox and Paramount Studios started fighting Lay and Barrlett for the story rights. Darryl F. Zanuck of Fox finally won; by the tune of $100;000.Zanuck's job started by asking Bud Lighten to be producer and William Wellman as director.The Air Force was called in as technical advisors and also to lend support along with miltary equipment to the studio.On 3 November 1947 a synopsis had to be submited to the Pentagon for the Air Force to review. After a long back and forth battle; Col. John deRussy was assigned as technical advisor on 15 February 1949. He had a 90-day stint as liaison officer-technical advisor and was in charge of obtaining equipment and personnel for the film.Zanuck got rid of Lighten and Wellman; took over as producer and hired Henry King as director. The final script was complete on 30 March 1949.Casting director; Jim Ryan; had selected a large list of actors for the role of actors; and Gregory Peck was cast as Brig. Gen. Frank Savage and Dean Jagger; Milland Mitchell; Hugh Marlowe; Paul Stewart; Bob Patten and Lee MacGregor were cast for the film.12 O'Clock High was rapped up on 1 July 1949; a rough preview on 20 October and a world premiere was on 21 December 1949 at Grauman's Chinese Theatre; Hollywood.TV SERIES: In 1962; Twentieth Century-Fox faced crises in leadership; finaces and creativity which nearly saw the studio go under. This happened because of decreasing sales at the cinema from the introduction of television in the 1950s; and all the Hollywood studios were going broke.Fox introduced CinemaScope which was a radical change to the way people viewed films. After much soul searching the studios started to do shows for television.Quinn Martin (television producer and entrepreneur) formed his own company in 1960; calling it QM Productions. Still holding the rights to the novel; he had the idea that 12 O'Clock High would make a good series; but Twentieth Century-Fox had the money and property; so a relationship was formed between the two.In 1963; the pilot for the show began; and when the script was sorted out the title was 12 O'Clock High - The Series. The cast was Robert Lansing as Brig. Gen. Frank Savage with John Larkin; Frank Overton; Lew Gallo and Barney Phillips.Friday; 18 September 1964; was a great day in television as 12 O'Clock High had it's debut; but it was not the pilot film that got top billing. It was the third episode.Because of Quinn Martin's dislike of Robert Lansing; he was dropped after the first series; and later Martin wished that Lansing had not be replaced.The show became Fox's renaissance and in the second season Paul Burke took the lead in 1965 as Major Joe Gallagher. Chris Robinson; Andrew Buggan and Robert Dorman were also signed up.By 1967 the show had gone the same way as many before it and was re-assigned to the dustbin; after four seasons.This is a terrific book for all 12 O'Clock High fans as it has the complete history; all in one book; with a complete episode guide; an extras for the book information and collectibles; and the photos throughout the book are quite welcomed.It is one of those books that gets the respect it deserves; so I will give it five stars and recommend it to all fans; and to those people who wish to get a taste of what 12 O'Clock High was all about.I only hope that the series is not too long coming to dvd as well.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This book hits the target right in the pickel barrel!By C. E. L. ClairThe cover says its the "unofficial" history of the book; movie and TV series. Don't believe it. This is about as official as it gets! This book is the final word on the subject. A vast amount of research and primary interviews have brought the story behind the story to vibrant life. It might not have gotten the stamp of approval from the studio; but it will get one from 12 O'clock High's fans! If you love the story of the 918th Bomb Group's missions above Nazi Germany; this book is like finding a Toby Mug at an antique shop. Great book on a great series!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The True Stpry of the Novel; Movie; TV series and the real heroes who inspired themBy Steve LatshawFascinating look at the classic book; film and TV series; with tremendous background; interviews and behind-the-scenes stories; plus jaw-dropping background on the real life men that the reel heroes were based on. Highly recommend this book. A delightful; exciting; detailed book. The terrible irony; however; is that the original novel is long out of print. And unfortunately; the TV series is not commercially available; good as it is.