Rating: 
Summary: Sinatra, Borgnine, Carol Burnett and I were having dinner ..
Review: When 'Magnum, P.I.' debuted in 1980, I was a junior-high school student who, several years before, had lived in Hawai`i. By the time it went off the air in 1988, I was a college student who had lived in Hawai`i a second time. 'Magnum' isn't just an icon of Eighties TV for me ... it's an icon of my youth.Not that I'm trying to be dramatic. I've just always thought (still do) that 'Magnum' was a really good show. And one of the best things about it, to me, was the rapport of the four main characters. Even when Thomas and Higgins were blowing up each other's possessions, you could tell they had a fundamental like and respect for one another. I always believed that was true of the four actors as well, and suspected that Tom Selleck really is a great guy. I owe Larry Manetti a vote of thanks for proving that all my suspicions were correct. There's a lot of name-dropping in this book, but hey -- that seems to be the way Manetti has lived his life. Lots of great actors guest-starred on the series, and the author has gotten to know many more, as well. I should make it clear to any interested reader that this book is NOT an in-depth 'companion' to the series: Manetti talks about the show, obviously, and discusses some of the development of his character, Orville 'Rick' Wright, and some of his more memorable scenes and episodes. And there is a reasonably helpful episode guide at the end of the book. But it's not the author's purpose to probe the development of Thomas Magnum's psyche, trace the evolving nature of the Magnum-Higgins relationship, or fill in the 'backstory' of the various characters. No, Larry Manetti's purpose is to tell stories. And boy, does he. I could easily picture myself sitting at a table listening to Manetti tell these stories in person. From his early life on the edges of crime to encounters (and friendships) with some of the great names in Hollywood, he takes us on a great Ferrari ride. For any 'Magnum' fan, this is essential reading. By the way, the Steak Lorenzo recipe is great. And if you read this review, Mr Manetti, two things: First, please add my name to the list of those who would LOVE to see a 'Magnum' reunion movie. I know it's not up to you, but still ... And second, if you ever make it up to Seattle, I know a great little Italian place. Let's get some friends together and talk about Hawai`i in the mid-Eighties. It'll be great.
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