The Matchless Gene Rayburn
I just read this biography on Gene Rayburn. Very interesting book. It delves deep into "Match Game" from the beginning, to the heyday, to the cancellation. Highly recommended for any true fan of show.
After I read your post, I searched for this book on Amazon. They have it all right, but at $32 for a paperback version and $42 for the hard cover, I think I'll just have to stay out of the "Match Game" loop.
It's not that I can't afford it, but $32 for a paperback book? Sounds like a college textbook, lol.
After I read your post, I searched for this book on Amazon. They have it all right, but at $32 for a paperback version and $42 for the hard cover, I think I'll just have to stay out of the "Match Game" loop.
Sorry to hear that. I got the Kindle version for $9.
share
Yeah, I don't have a Kindle because I'm one of those people who prefers an old-fashioned book. I would love to read this book, though. Do you think it's worth $32 to someone who is a huge "Match Game" and all around '70s TV fan? Does it dig the dirt on the contestants and celebrities, or is it pretty benign? I don't want raunchy or anything, but more like who was a jerk IRL, who couldn't stand who, that kind of thing.
shareI think you would enjoy it. It begins with the origins of Gene's life before "Match Game" and gets into what he did after. The majority of the book focuses on "MG"... delving deep into the ongoing feud Gene had with Mark Goodson (who hated the show) and, of course, how everyone thought Richard Dawson sabotaged it. I'd have gladly paid $32 for the book.
shareAlthough many MG fans have seen this at one time or another, the GSN special: Match Game: Behind the Blank is a pretty comprehensive history and available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkkxJ4zn3qY
It could be available at your local library.
Look for it there.
Damn I'm good.
The San Diego CA library system does not have this book...I will check SD county but will be surprised if it's listed...no wonder a copy costs $100 or more...
I'd like to read it...but not for the price of buying it...Steve
I bought a copy from Amazon for, I think, $38.
It is pretty good, although I guess I was hoping for more about "Match Game" (the celebrities, contestants, etc.) and less about Gene's life before and after that period. However, since the book is called "The Matchless Gene Rayburn", I should have known what to expect so this is my fault, not the author's.
Thanks...like you, I'd rather know behind the scenes of the show...
share