16 Magazine - March 1970

A Day On The Set Of
Here Come The Brides (Part 3)
by Bridget Hanley

SNYNOPSIS: In the January issue of 16, you began to spend and entire day with all of us "Brides" people on the set of Here Come The Brides. By 8 A.M., you had met and chatted with Robert Brown, David Soul, Joan Blondell, Susan Tolsky and last - but certainly not least - Bobby Sherman. Since Bobby arrived in costume, ready for his first scene of the day, he had time to spare while the rest of us got dressed for our scenes, so thoughtfully Bobby took your hand in his - whisked you away - and gave you a private tour of our outdoor "Seattle" set! Now - back to me!

I'm just beginning to wonder where you and Bobby have disappeared to when all at once the door to Stage 29 (the place where we film most of the indoor scenes for Brides) swings open and you both rush in! Bobby's bright blue eyes are sparkling (even at this early hour of the morning) and he's smiling that irresistible smile of his. From the look on your face, I know without asking that you really enjoyed your time alone with Bobby! It makes me feel good to see how happy you are - and there are lots of other surprises in store for you! After all, your day has only just begun!

While the stagehands are setting everything up for our first scene, we have a few minutes to spare - so Bobby, you and I begin to chat. All of a sudden, Bobby says, "I just thought of something. Both of you wait right here - I'll be back in a few seconds!"

YOU MEET ERIC & PATTI! - Bobby rushes off to the other side of the stage and is soon out of our sight. We look at each other, wondering what he's up to, but we don't have to wait long to find out. In a matter of minutes, Bobby returns - but he's not alone! He has two of my very favorite "little" Brides people with him - an adorable nine-year-old boy and a lovely ten-year-old girl!

"I'd like you to meet Eric Chase and Patti Cohoon," Bobby says, introducing you to the newest members of our cast. "They play Bridget's - I mean 'Candy's' - brother 'Christopher' and sister 'Molly' on our show. I'm sorry I rushed off, but I realized that you hadn't met Eric and Patti - and I wanted to be sure that you got to say hello to them!"

The children are as cute and lovable in person as they are on TV, and you're delighted that Bobby brought them over to meet you. It doesn't take you long to notice how fond they are of Bobby. Eric and Patti are two of his biggest fans! Bobby really loves children and gets along so well with them. As you watch Bobby laughing with the kids, you can't help thinking about your own brothers and sisters and how much they would like him too.

ENTER "JEREMY" - "Everybody on the set!" a voice calls over the loud speaker, "We're ready to begin!"

That's our cue to film the first scene of the day. Before Bobby takes his place on the set, he walks you over to his special chair - the one with his name printed across the back. "You can sit here and watch," he tells you. "It's time for Bridget and me to go to work, but we'll be back with you in a little while."

Everyone - except the actors - is suddenly silent. You become so involved in watching the scene yourself that you almost forget you're not at home, sitting in front of your TV set. In fact, as you look at all the familiar faces you no longer see Bobby, David, Robert, etc. You see "Jeremy," "Joshua," "Jason" and so on.

That's when you realize what a really talented actor Bobby is. Just a few minutes ago he was Bobby, laughing with you - and now as "Jeremy," and in his touching scene, he's troubled and confused as he discusses a problem with his older brothers. As "Jeremy" speaks and pours his heart out, explaining how he feels, you forget that it's just a story - something make-believe. You feel a strong attraction towards the youngest Bolt Brother - and by the time the scene is over, your eyes are filled with tears.

"That's a take, Bobby - really fine," the director says at the end of the scene. "We'll take a 30-minute break and then film the romantic scene with 'Jeremy' and 'Candy'."

When I walk over to you, I'm not surprised to find you misty-eyed, cos I look the same way! You see, I'm sensitive too and these kind of scenes affect me very deeply. When Bobby joins us, we both congratulate him on a job well done. He thanks us and gives us each a kiss on the cheek.

TIME TO REHEARSE? - "Hey, Bridgie, I have a great idea," Bobby says with a twinkle in his blue eyes. "Why don't we rehearse our next scene for our lovely friend?"

I agree and Bobby begins with his opening lines. This is a romantic scene in which "Jeremy" is talking with "Candy," and although we begin rehearsing it seriously, Bobby decides to change the script and starts making up funny new lines. I realize that Bobby is up to one of his favorite jokes, so I too disregard the script and reply with silly ad libs. The rest of the cast overhears what we are saying and laugh hysterically. From the look on your face, Bobby and I can see you're confused. You've never heard such a ridiculous conversation between "Jeremy" and "Candy" before (luckily!) but pretty soon you too realize what we are doing and join in the laughter.

Bobby smiles and sits down next to you. He explains that we do this all the time - "Just to make everyone laugh." Needless to say, you can see it works. Bobby loves to clown around - and does so every chance he gets!

The breaks between scenes can range from a few minutes to as long as an hour. We spend the time doing all sorts of things. Robert Brown usually goes over his lines; Joan Blondell studies French with her trusty tape recorder; David Soul sits quietly in a corner, playing his guitar; and Susan Tolsky can be found knitting when she isn't telling jokes or discussing recipes with me.

"CANDY" & YOU - Now it's time for Bobby and me to "seriously" do our scene together. As you probably know, the scenes between "Jeremy" and "Candy" are the ones I enjoy most of all. From the letters Bobby and I receive, I'm delighted that the Brides viewers like watching them as much as we do performing them. "Candy" and "Jeremy" have such a wonderful, refreshing relationship. To me, "Candy" is very much like all of the girls who write to me. Maybe that's why I like her so much! She's a typical teenage girl. The only difference is "Candy" lives in Seattle in the year 1850 - not 1969! Other than that, she's really very much like you."

LUNCH TIME - When we finish filming the second scene of the day, the director announces that it is time for lunch. Some days we don't leave the set for lunch. On those days, I just get something to eat from the catering wagon and spend the lunch hour (from 1 P.M. to 2 P.M.) taking care of business, answering my fan mail or just kidding around with the others. David Soul can usually be found sitting by his open dressing-room door, singing and playing his guitar. And Bobby very often sits in the sun without his shirt on - adding some more color to his already beautiful tan.

But today is a very special day and we are going out for lunch - with you and Bobby as my special guest! In fact, Bobby is waiting for us right now in his Rolls Royce - so let's get going! It's been a long morning and I'm starving - aren't you?!

Oops - we've run out of space again! But don't worry, the best part of your day is yet to come! Be sure to get a copy of the April issue of 16 - which goes on sale February 24! Bobby and I will see you again then!!