16 Magazine - January 1970

A Day On The Set Of Here Come The Brides
by Bridget Hanley

A while back in 16 Magazine, I promised I'd take you with me so that you could spend a typical day on the Brides set, meet the rest of the cast, and most important of all - get to really know Bobby Sherman.  Well, that day has arrived - so come along with me!

QUESTION TIME - I pick you up in my grey Thunderbird and it's about 6:30 A.M. when we drive into the parking lot of the Columbia-Screen Gems ranch, where Brides is filmed.  Even at this early hour, there is a crowd of girl fans waiting outside the main gate. The girls wave to me, call my name and ask me to stop.  We don't have too much time, cos I must get to the Make-Up Department, but when I look at the faces of the girls and think of how long the girls have been waiting - I just can't pass them by.  So I stop my car, introduce you to the girls (whom I've just met for the first time myself), sign some autographs - and that's when the questions begin about you-know-who!

What time will Bobby be here?"  "Is Bobby really as nice in person as he seems to be on TV?"  "Is 'Jeremy' going to marry 'Candy' on the show?"  "Do you think Bobby would send me an autographed picture if I ask him to?"

It seems that each one of the girls has a bunch of questions, and I try to answer as many as possible.  Actually, I'm very flattered that these girls feel so close to me.   Soon it's time for us to move on.  The girls understand that I'm not being rude and that I must get to work, so we say goodbye to them.  As we walk away, one of the girls shouts to you, "Gee, you're so lucky!  I wish I were you today!   Please say hello to Bobby for me!"

GIRL-TALK - That's when I first notice that you seem to be a little nervous.  All of a sudden you've realized that in just a short while you really will be face-to-face with Bobby Sherman.  And even though you haven't said anything to me, I kind of sense that you are a little worried and unsure of how you should act, what you should say, and even more important - you're wondering if Bobby will like you.

We'll have some time alone together, cos Bobby and the rest of the guys don't have to be in Make-Up until about 7:45 A.M.  I take this opportunity for us to share some girl-talk.  I assure you that there's really nothing to be nervous about.  You just have to be yourself and say whatever you feel you want to.  Besides, Bobby is so friendly that I'm sure the minute you meet him - he'll put you at ease and you'll feel as though you've know each other for a long time!

MEET THE CAST - We get to the Make-Up room and the first members of the cast I introduce you to are Joan Blondell, who plays "Lottie," Susan Tolsky, our beloved "Biddie," and all the rest of the Brides.  They are a terrific bunch of girls and you find it easy to talk with them.   You especially like Susan, who has a great sense of humor and keeps everyone laughing - even this early in the morning!  While all this chatter is going on, Joyce Morrison, our talented hairdresser, is carefully putting our curls in place.  Then Carol Silvera has to cover up the freckles on my face and Dottie Hayes applies make-up to our hands and necks, so that we Brides will look our best for the color camera.   Bobby doesn't have to wear make-up (the lucky guy!) cos he always has a gorgeous tan - but more about that later!

Robert Brown, alias "Jason Bolt," is usually early, so when the door opens at 7:30 - in walks Robert, as handsome and charming as you see him on TV.

"Good morning, darling," Robert says to me as he bends down to kiss me on the cheek - and that's when he first notices you!  I introduce you to Robert, who kisses your hand, chats with you for a few minutes - and then rushes off to go over his lines for the day's shooting.  Robert is a perfectionist and is constantly studying his script!

BOBBY ARRIVES - And then the moment you've been waiting for finally arrives.  At exactly 7:45 - Bobby Sherman walks in!   Bobby is always on time, wide awake and in costume for the day's show.

"Hi, babe!" Bobby greets me with a pat on the head and then sits on the couch - right next to you!

"Hi! I'm Bobby Sherman," he says to you with a warm friendly smile.   "What's your name?"

You tell Bobby your name, and to your amazement your nervousness seems to disappear as you sit there talking with him.  Bobby wants to know all about your home town, your friends, the things you like to do - just about everything.  In fact, you kind of wonder when you'll get to learn all about him if you keep talking about yourself!   But don't worry, Bobby knows that he's doing - and before this day is over, you'll get the answers to all of your questions and feel as though Bobby Sherman is your very best friend!

PRIVATE JOKE - Suddenly there is an interruption as a breathless David Soul comes rushing in and exclaims, "Hi, I'm late!"

"Yeah, we know," Bobby replies with a mischievous twinkle in his bright blue eyes.  Everyone laughs cos David says the same thing every day when he arrives - always a few minutes late!  No one seems to notice that David is late until he arrives and announces it himself - and it's sort of a private joke we tease him about all the time.

"Hey, Bobby says, looking directly into your eyes, "I have a great idea!   You and I are going to get some breakfast while the others finish getting ready!"

Bobby takes your hand and leads you to the door.  But before you leave together, he looks over at me and says, "Don't worry, Bridgie - I'll take good care of your friend.  We'll meet you on the set.

Well, I've run out of space - and your day has just begun!  Be sure to pick up a copy of the February issue of 16 - which goes on sale December 23 - for more fun with Bobby Sherman and the rest of the Brides cast!!