Fri 22 Sep 2017
Book Noted: CHUCK HARTER – Mr. Novak: An Acclaimed Television Series.
Posted by Steve under Books Noted , TV Drama[13] Comments
I’ve asked Chuck Harter, the author of the following book to tell us more about it. He’s most graciously agreed:
CHUCK HARTER – Mr. Novak: An Acclaimed Television Series. Bearmanor Media, hardcover, softcover and eBook, illustrated, 15 October 2017.
This book is a comprehensive look at a classic dramatic television series that aired for two seasons in the early 1960’s. It was filmed at the MGM studios, aired on the NBC network and showcased life at a typical American High School.
The program starred James Franciscus as teacher John Novak with first Dean Jagger then later Burgess Meredith as the Principal of the school. Mr. Novak was the first series that portrayed teachers and students in a realistic dramatic manner.
Previously there had only been sitcoms which didn’t reflect the lifestyles of the real students of America. The series featured top quality scripts, actors and production and won over 47 awards during its run including the prestigious Peabody Award for excellence.
Many of the awards came from academic institutions which praised the show for its portrayal of the educational community. Such was the impact of the production that it prompted many to become teachers and many existing educators to improve their skills.
The book traces the evolution of the series from development to the pilot’s production and acceptance by NBC. It then covers the filming and airing of the first season to great acclaim.
The second season, which was fraught with controversy and discord is then examined with the result being cancellation.
The legacy of the principals involved with the series is examined along with comments by those that continue to be interested in this vintage classic dramatic series of superior values.
The book contains exclusive interviews with over 40 actors including Ed Asner, Frankie Avalon, Diane Baker, Beau Bridges, Johnny Crawford, Tony Dow, Sherry Jackson, Tommy Kirk, Walter Koenig, Martin Landau, June Lockhart, Beverly Washburn and many others. There are 243 illustrations and an index, including a complete episode guide with full credits, plot descriptions, vintage interviews, and new appraisals by the author.
There is also an extensive appendix with a list of the awards Mr. Novak won, Producer E. Jack Neuman’s writer’s guide for Mr. Novak, An advice column for High School graduates by star James Franciscus, Principal Vane’s (Dean Jagger) speech to the new teachers, the Mr. Novak board game and more.
The Introduction of the book is by A-List Director Richard Donner: “I’m so glad Chuck Harter is brining the Mr. Novak experience to a wider audience…read his detailed behind-the-scenes account.”
The Foreword is by the late Martin Landau: “Chuck Harter has produced a superlative book that is both fascinating and informative.”
The Afterword is by Star Trek actor Walter Koenig: “You don’t have to be an actor…just a student to appreciate the skillful way in which Chuck Harter unfolds the stories behind the cameras.”
Mr. Novak was a television series of exceptional quality and the amazing thing is that when episodes are viewed today — they are not dated or corny but are still relevant to modern times.
The book is also available at Amazon.com, while the Official website is https://mrnovakbook.com/
ANNOUNCEMENT : Warner Home Video is going to release the first season of Mr. Novak (30 episodes) in a DVD set in 2018. They will be struck from the original 35mm camera negatives and should look pristine.
September 23rd, 2017 at 2:15 am
MR NOVAK was an important series during an era when TV dramas were seriously facing the important issues of the day. Shows such as CHANNING (set in a college),EAST SIDE WEST SIDE, THE DEFENDERS, THE ELEVENTH HOUR, BREAKING POINT and others dealt with the social issues of a culture undergoing change from the youth movement against the war, civil rights, how we treated mental issues, drug abuse and more.
Meanwhile comedies had grown sillier and more rural as BEVERLY HILLBILLIES was the top rated series of the 1963-64 season.
It is always nice to see old TV series get some attention, especially when it is well deserved.
September 23rd, 2017 at 5:33 am
Besides the book coming out, which sounds like a real winner, more good news is that the series is coming out on DVD. I never thought it would happen.
It’s early in the morning, so I’m sure I’m going to miss some that aren’t coming to mind right now, but here’s a list of TV shows that took place in high school or college settings. Feel free to add others:
THE HALLS OF IVY
OUR MISS BROOKS
ROOM 222
CHANNING
BOSTON PUBLIC
THE EDUCATION OF MAX BICKFORD
September 23rd, 2017 at 6:17 am
WELCOME BACK, KOTTER
THE WHITE SHADOW
September 23rd, 2017 at 9:30 am
A visit to wikipedia finds this list…https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_television_series_about_school
September 23rd, 2017 at 10:19 am
Thanks, Michael. Most of these I’ve never heard of, but I only scratched the surface, didn’t I?
September 23rd, 2017 at 10:40 am
I’d say:
DEGRASSI JUNIOR HIGH (and its sequels)
FREAKS AND GEEKS
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
VERONICA MARS
My wife couldn’t get through an episode of BOSTON PUBLIC, which was like no real school ever.
September 23rd, 2017 at 10:42 am
And FAME, I guess, despite how untrue to life it was, as in the episode where one teacher needs to be fired for budgetary reasons, and the English and dance departments have to “compete” for it. No mention of unions, seniority, anything real world.
September 23rd, 2017 at 10:43 am
Not surprised you had not heard of some of them Steve. The list included networks such as Nick and MTV.
September 23rd, 2017 at 1:02 pm
Looking through the list quickly, obviously all of them are products of their times with differing amounts of realism, but I don’t believe any of them can top MR. NOVAK as the best.
September 23rd, 2017 at 6:14 pm
“There is no reason (dribble, dribble) to miss (shoots) a free throw (ball goes through net).”
Coach “White Shadow” Reeves
September 25th, 2017 at 7:26 pm
MR. NOVAK came first and brought an edge with it. Franciscus played the character as a caring man, but not a flawless one. Like his students he had a learning curve.
October 15th, 2017 at 3:51 pm
Finally, today is October 15th, 2017. The book is published four years after Chuck Harter ‘cold’ called me from L.A. He had been to my web site for my Mr. Novak friends who have been trading episodes of this first TV drama series about schools and education for the last 20 years.
As we talked over the first year, he became more and more excited about one discovery after another about the program that three years ago he began his research and writing this book.
This book is already the catalyst for Warner Home Video to release the first season on TV. A dream come true and all because of one man, Chuck Harder, who spent three years knocking on Hollywood’s doors. This is a great book, well written, and we first must buy the book, then we must purchase the original First Season restored from the 35 mm film.
I can not praise Chuck for devoting three years of his life to producing the book and achieving one major goal, get the series released to all of us. Hopefully the set will be in the $30 range, but I will pay $500 just for clear crisp original 30 episodes of the first season.
There are 3 million teachers in the United States, hundreds of thousands of retired teachers and I urge all of you out there to buy the book, either hard cover or soft cover paperback. Please reward Chuck for his efforts, and also join my Mr. Novak fans and friends so that I can publish on my web site your essays on you favorite episodes or episodes that remind you of one day in your life as a teacher.
October 15th, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Here’s the link to John’s website. Well worth your time!
http://fscj.me/MrNovak/mrnovak.html