Hal Cooper

In this 11-part oral history interview, director Hal Cooper talked about breaking into TV at the Du Mont network following his service in World War II. Among the Du Mont shows he discussed were the children's programs Television Baby Sitter and The Magic Cottage.  He talked about his work directing 1950s soap operas including such series as Search for Tomorrow and Portia Faces Life. He detailed his work as an associate producer/ director of Gilligan's Island and his long tenure on I Dream of Jeannie.  Among other series: Gidget, That Girl, Mayberry R.F.D., Death Valley Days, and The Courtship of Eddie's Father.  Cooper spoke extensively about the groundbreaking '70s sitcom Maude for which he served as an executive producer and director.  He also talked about such '70s programs as The Brady Bunch, Free Country, and The Odd Couple.  Cooper also discussed his later efforts on the series Love, Sidney; Gimme a Break; and Dear John. The interview was conducted December 11, 2003 by Karen Herman.