Open Letter from Mr. Montgomery

"This is an ill-tempered book, but not, I hope one the reader will think merely polemic.  The anger which inspires it is not an end in itself.  It is intended to awaken in the television viewer some conception of the dangers inherent in the free-wheeling oligopoly which dominates the mass entertainment and information given to us nearly twenty-four hours a day by network television.  I am especially angry and concerned about the threat this oligopoly holds for a free society."  

The above quote is from the forward to "Open Letter from a Television Viewer", written by Robert Montgomery in 1968.  I have tried several times to read it but just haven't been successful in doing so.  It is only 152 pages long and a paperback   Mr. Montgomery does talk briefly about his experiences at the White House, and that's a fun read.  Anyway, think I'll try one more time ...

Bob's autograph rather adds to the joy of having his book.  

Controversy! Censorship! Johnny Carson?

March 1969: Apollo 9 just splashed down, Crossfire is on tonight at 11, and Bob Montgomery seems to be irritating the TV networks again. Boy have times changed.

If anyone has seen copies of Bob on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, please drop me a note.

Kind thanks to 'CM staff researcher' Tracy for digging this up.

$400+

I've heard of Robert Montgomery's "Open Letter From a Television Viewer" and honestly thought it was a letter to the editor of some major paper. Turns out it was a book Bob penned in 1968. Some details from ClassicImages.com:

"After leaving television, Montgomery became an outspoken critic of the medium culminating in his 1968 An Open Letter From a Television Viewer. For whatever reason he lashed out, claiming television and radio were controlled and censored by politicians. Montgomery went so far as testifying before Congress on the subject, thus alienating himself from the industry that had given him fame and wealth."

Anyhow, the book is available off eBay. For you book collectors, the description is as follows: "Extremely RARE! Actor-Author, Robert Montgomery, is the father of actress Elizabeth Montgomery of Bewitched. Stated first printing, 1968 -- Good solid softcover -- Clean and tight...NO writing/highlighting/tears! Front cover edge nicked/rubbed; Slight foxing to edged of cover only; Excellent copy!"

Book is also on Amazon.com, used.

Hey Bob - it's 2006 - TV still sucks.