Television Introductions

Narrated TV Program Openings since 1949

Vincent Terrace

Since the beginning of network television, many shows have been preceded by an announcement or 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 Twilight Zone, Star Trek, and The Odd Couple,provided a brief encapsulation of the show’s subject matter, a practice that has continued for recent shows like Alias, Battlestar Galactica, Person of Interest, and the various editions of Law & Order.

In Television Introductions: Narrated TV Program Openings since 1949, Vincent Terrace has assembled openings for more than nine hundred television shows from the past seven decades. The only documented history of narrated television program introductions, this volume is arranged by type of programming, such as comedy, drama, Western, game show, soap opera, and children’s show. In addition to quoting the opening material, entries provide information about each show’s network history and years of broadcast. Many entries include descriptions of the show, the names of announcers, and a list of main cast members, as well as a sponsor pitch exactly as spoken. Openings for programs with multiple introductions like The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet and Charlie’s Angels are also included.

For programs that featured new guest stars every episode—such as game shows and variety programs—Terrace has selected a representative introduction. In addition to the theme song credits found in the main text, there are also appendixes of theme songs and their composers and/or singers, as well as a listing of commercial releases (on DVD, VHS, CD, and LP) 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.

Scarecrow Press

Pages: 400 • Trim: 7¼ x 10¼

978-0-8108-9249-1 • Hardback • November 2013 • $136.00 • (£105.00)

978-0-8108-9250-7 • eBook • November 2013 • $129.00 • (£99.00)

Subjects: Performing Arts / Television / Reference, Performing Arts / Television / Guides & Reviews, Performing Arts / Television / History & Criticism

Television Introductions

Narrated TV Program Openings since 1949

Hardback

eBook

Summary

Since the beginning of network television, many shows have been preceded by an announcement or 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 Twilight Zone, Star Trek, and The Odd Couple,provided a brief encapsulation of the show’s subject matter, a practice that has continued for recent shows like Alias, Battlestar Galactica, Person of Interest, and the various editions of Law & Order.

In Television Introductions: Narrated TV Program Openings since 1949, Vincent Terrace has assembled openings for more than nine hundred television shows from the past seven decades. The only documented history of narrated television program introductions, this volume is arranged by type of programming, such as comedy, drama, Western, game show, soap opera, and children’s show. In addition to quoting the opening material, entries provide information about each show’s network history and years of broadcast. Many entries include descriptions of the show, the names of announcers, and a list of main cast members, as well as a sponsor pitch exactly as spoken. Openings for programs with multiple introductions like The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet and Charlie’s Angels are also included.

For programs that featured new guest stars every episode—such as game shows and variety programs—Terrace has selected a representative introduction. In addition to the theme song credits found in the main text, there are also appendixes of theme songs and their composers and/or singers, as well as a listing of commercial releases (on DVD, VHS, CD, and LP) 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.

Details

Scarecrow Press

Pages: 400 • Trim: 7¼ x 10¼

978-0-8108-9249-1 • Hardback • November 2013 • $136.00 • (£105.00)

978-0-8108-9250-7 • eBook • November 2013 • $129.00 • (£99.00)

Subjects: Performing Arts / Television / Reference, Performing Arts / Television / Guides & Reviews, Performing Arts / Television / History & Criticism

Author

Vincent Terrace is the TV Historian for BPOLIN Productions, LLC. He is the author of 36 books on television and radio history, including The Encyclopedia of Television Subjects, Themes and Settings (2011), Encyclopedia of Television Pilots, 1937-2012 (2013), TheTelevision Specials, 1936-2012 (2013), and The Encyclopedia of Television Programs, 1925-2012 (2013).

Reviews

Terrace seems a tireless historian of television and radio, with more than 30 books to his credit. This new volume is 'the only documented history of narrated television program introductions.' Such introductions are uncommon today, but were a staple of yesteryear. Terrace offers 'more than nine hundred,' including attempts to note variations among seasons and syndication. Arranged by genre, then title, the entries include network, broadcast years, series description, cast, and theme music. . . .Many of these introductions turn up on YouTube, depending on copyright restrictions. One appendix lists theme songs with show title, years of original broadcast, song title, and composer(s). Another appendix lists commercial releases of TV shows and related music, specifying format. . . .Though probably a deep niche publication, this book has potential value for researchers and especially fans. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers and researchers.
— Choice Reviews

Television programs past and present often have opening narrations; for example, for the 1950s show Superman it was 'And who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights a never ending battle for truth, justice, and the American Way,' and for the long-running Soap Opera Days of Our Lives it is 'Like sands through the hour glass, so are the Days of Our Lives.' Terrace’s reference source is a directory of over 900 television series and their introductory vocal narratives. Terrace is also the author of 36 books on television, including the Encyclopedia of Television Subjects, Themes and Settings and The Television Specials. The programs are divided into alphabetically arranged chapters by specific genres: Comedy Programs, Drama and Adventure Programs, Westerns, Science Fiction Programs, Anthology Programs, Children’s Programs, Soap Operas, Talk and Variety Programs, Game and Quiz Shows, and Court Programs. Each entry includes the name of the show; network where show aired; original broadcast years; brief description of plot, cast, theme (song), and opening narrative; and original ad pitches for products, including Sanka Coffee, Maybelline, Chrysler, and General Motors. If the narrative varies season by season this is reflected; for example, all Twilight Zone narrative changes are provided. The appendixes include an alphabetic listing of theme song credits and a list of televisions series available on DVD or VHS. Indexes are provided for actors, vocalists, and composers. Researchers can find entries for classic programs like I Love Lucy, The Fugitive, and Jeopardy as well as for the more obscure ones such as The Adventures of Hiram Holliday, Mr. Terrific, and It’s Always Jan. This reference guide should be of value to students of commercial broadcasting, communications and media studies, and to anybody interested in television history. It is recommended to public libraries and academic libraries supporting media and communications programs.
— American Reference Books Annual

Television Introductions

Narrated TV Program Openings since 1949

Vincent Terrace

Television Introductions

Narrated TV Program Openings since 1949

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