Here Come the Brides

I used to watch Here Come The Brides when I was in JHS and HS. I just saw it again on Antenna TV and had forgotten how good it was. I had a huge crush on Bobby Sherman, although I liked Robert Brown and David Soul too. My friend Candy was so excited that a character had the same name as she did, especially since it was Bridget Hanley, who was absolutely gorgeous.

I hope it keeps being shown on Antenna TV because it is a well written, well acted show, with lots of heart. A few people have said only season one is available. Hopefully, by now, season two is also, because I have to get it. Until then, I will watch it on Antenna TV.

Being FROM Seattle, I knew I would like this right away. In actual history a man named Asa Mercer did bring brides to Seattle, and did a good enough job to have my junior high school named after him. I got the DVD and not long after I began going down memory lane I decided this was a series I could share with my young grand daughters who seem to think that Laura and Mary Ingalls are related to them, they see and read them so much. My children weren't born yet when this was on so it is a delight to my daughter as well. For being almost 40 years old this program holds up a lot better than some of the stuff they are making right now. And has a "full" season of shows unlike right now too! Its not brain surgery but it qualifies as great entertainment!

"Here Come the Brides" sounded like one of the worst bits of schlock to hit the tube when it was being advertised for TV's fall line-up in the 1968-69 season. At the enlightened age of 12, I was far too sophisticated for such drivel. Imagine my surprise when, being forced to watch the show by a controlling older sister, I actually LIKED it. It fast became my favorite program at that time -- I was enormously moved by its heart and its humanity. By today's standards it probably seems pretty tame and trite stuff, but back then, it was different and courageous and had a voice that spoke to me. My favorite episode was titled, I think, "The Rainmaker". Jack Albertson guest starred as The Rainmaker, the shyster who is nevertheless magical enough to cure Jeremy's (Bobby Sherman) stuttering by presenting him with a magic stone. When The Rainmaker is revealed as a fraud, Jeremy's faith is shattered, and his stuttering returns tenfold. That's when Big Brother Jason Bolt lovingly explains to Jeremy that neither The Rainmaker nor the Magic Stone cured Jeremy's stuttering -- Jeremy had done it on his own. Jeremy, convinced, launches into a passionate, and flawless, speech, defending The Rainmaker to the rest of Seattle. Corny? Yup. But I'll tell you what -- that episode of "Brides" helped this 12 year old to believe in himself. Those characters in "Brides", especially the Bolt Brothers, still live within me, and I'm grateful for it.

I remember the whole family sitting around watching this show (I think it was on Weds. nights at 8:00). It had something for everyone. Bridget Hanley for me and my brothers, Bobby Sherman and David Soul for my sisters.

Good stories, but the series tanked when Candy's brother and sister moved to Seattle. It obviously must not have done well in the ratings, as Jeremy and Candy were always toying with getting married, but I remember everyone in my school talking about it the next day.

I would also like to see some of the shows again to see just how good/bad they were.

"Here Come the Brides" rates as one of my favorite shows of all time. The theme song, so beautifully crisp and clean, frequently resounds in my mind, although I can't remember all the words. The historical fiction genre is my favorite.

Robert Brown was outstanding as Jason Bolt. He was bold, handsome, intelligent and resourceful. Oh did I love Bridget Hanley. She was so sweet, pure and full of love for Jeremy. When something would upset her and the tears would drip down her cheeks, I wanted so badly to hug her.

Mark Lenard was classic as the villain -- stoic, miserly and always scheming to separate the Bolts from their mountain.

But seeing Joan Blondell in her later years was truly a gift. I later became enamored with classic movies and enjoyed her romps with James Cagney and in the Gold Diggers movies. She was a beauty in her day. In HCTB, she was matronly and domineering but in a kind and gentle way.

I wish there was a way to see some of the old episodes. I remember that it was in syndication for a short time back in the late 80s and I had the wherewithal to record 3 or 4.

The simple, honest messages that the show conveyed are lost today in a decadent sea of sex and vulgarity. I guess I'll just have to be thankful that I had the opportunity to see the show on a week-to-week basis during my high school days. I'll watch my episodes from time to time, fall in love with Candy all over again, enjoy the drunken escapades of Captain Clancy and catch the last vestiges of Joan Blondell's great career.