16 Magazine - May 1970

A Day On The Set Of
Here Come The Brides (Part 5)
by Bridget Hanley

SNYNOPSIS: Just when you thought your day of visiting all of us on the Brides set had come to an end, I invited you to our "wrap-up" party - right on the set! To make the evening even more special for you - Bobby Sherman asked you to be his date for the party. Bobby arranged (or so he insists) a date for me too! Since I'm happily married, I can't figure out why Bobby did this. But Bobby asked me to please trust him so, totally confused, I follow Bobby and you out of my dressing room to meet this mysterious man - or find out just what the mischievous Mr. Sherman is up to!

"Okay, Bridgy - the suspense is almost over," Bobby grins. "Just go right around that corner and you'll find a great guy!"

I'm sure Bobby is up to just another one of his practical jokes, so I go along with him and peek around the corner - not really expecting to find anyone waiting there. But I'm wrong - and to my surprise I certainly do find someone waiting for me! It seems that my "mystery man" (who certainly is a great guy in my book) turns out to be my beloved husband "Swack"! I thought Swack had to work late on another set this evening - but since he got through earlier than he expected, he came to join us at Brides for the party. I'm so glad he did too, cos I really wanted you to meet him!

PARTY TIME - When we arrive at Stage 29, we find that the party has just begun. Everyone (the entire cast and crew of Brides) is already there and you even notice some new faces in the crowd. But don't worry, before the party is over - you'll meet them too! You confided to me earlier that you were a little nervous and thought you might feel out of place at the party, but the minute you walked in hand-in-hand with Bobby - your nervousness disappeared, and now you are completely at ease.

Our first stop is the refreshment table. Bobby and Swack get some nice, cool drinks for the four of us while you and I fix heaping platefuls of yummy little sandwiches and other goodies to eat.

MAKING MORE FRIENDS - As at most parties and get-togethers, we begin by mingling with the other guests. Earlier this afternoon you met the members of the Brides cast and crew, but now it's time to make some more new friends. David Soul comes over to us and introduces you to a beautiful blonde girl - his wife Karen. Then Robert Brown and his lovely real-life "bride" Anna join our little circle. Within a matter of minutes, you get to know all of the new face in the crowd and you can't help but feel very special.

SING-ALONG WITH BOBBY - Our wrap-up parties are very casual and everyone has fun. David Soul brought his guitar along and some of the other guys have instruments too. So, naturally, they get together and make music. Their first number is the Brides theme song, Seattle - natch! And Bobby and David give us all a special treat by singing a duet. When I join in to sing with them, they quit! - pretending that my voice is so bad they can't go on! Everyone (including you) laughs at the way they tease me, and I too find that I can't keep a straight face. Actually, Bobby and David really don't dislike my voice, it's just that they know how shy I am about singing - and they love to tease me! For the second chorus of Seattle, Bobby tells everyone (even me) to join in - and before you know it, we have one big sing-along!

The music continues - as well as everyone taking a turn at telling jokes, funny stories or just chatting with each other. I can tell by your face and your laughter that you're having a really great time, especially since (between songs and jokes) you got to spend so much time alone with Bobby!

OUR TEAR-FILLED GOOD-BYE - When the party is over and everyone begins to leave, Bobby tells me that he would like to drive you home. I know you'd like that, so I assure him it's fine with me. As I glance in your direction, I see a trace of tears in your eyes. It's time to leave, and knowing how much you enjoyed today I feel sad that it has to end - cos I don't want you to be unhappy. But you do the most wonderful thing! You walk over to me and just as I'm struggling to find the right words to comfort you - your entire face lights up as you smile at me and say, "This has been the happiest day of my life, Bridget. I have so many wonderful things to remember. I'll never forget today - or you - for making it all possible. Thank you!"

That's when I realize you aren't at all sad that the day has ended. Your eyes are filled with tears, but to my delight - they are happy tears! So, as I watch you and Bobby leave, I too smile and in my heart - I thank you for making me a part of your favorite memories!