What happened over the next five years or so would take an entire book of its own to explain. To make an incredibly long story very short, the publisher took the project through the "galley" or final proof stage, complete with full layouts and photographs (and cover design), before their legal department stepped in and insisted that permissions be obtained from everyone connected with the show. This turned out to be harder than you might think, and (to my knowledge), it had never been done before. Nonetheless, I was able to secure all of the necessary clearances in less than a year.
Obviously, I disagreed with their decision and the rationale they provided, but they were within their contractual rights and had decided to move on. I attempted to find another publisher, and although several expressed interest, my window of opportunity had apparently passed.
I found that I was also able to "move on" rather quickly after this project terminated. I had entered into the project with no expectations, and the fact that it got as far as it did was pretty amazing. My disappointment was reserved for the many cast and crew members who had generously contributed their time and materials to the project by allowing me to interview them and go through their memories of the show. In particular, the late Werner Klemperer (Col. Klink) was very supportive of the project and did everything he could to help. My immediate and extended family had also been very supportive, so I was disappointed that their shared hopes also went unrealized.
The Hogan's Heroes crew was an exceptional group of people, and it remains an exceptional television show. In an era where the networks are turning our rewrites of rewrites every season, Hogan's Heroes remains unique and refreshing, a remarkable combination of both comedy and drama that remains timeless after over 30 years.
I've put this on the Internet because a lot of people have asked me about the Companion over the years. So, in a very small nutshell, that's what happened. The end result was certainly disappointing, but I have no regrets because I know I did my best to make it work. The experience probably helped me prepare for other situations I've had to deal with since then, and, hey, how often do you get to watch and re-watch and re-watch episodes of your favorite television show in the name of "research"?
There's plenty of other Hoganology out there -- including websites, articles and other work that's far too numerous to link to here. Just enter "Hogan's Heroes" into the box to the right and see for yourself! Another good place to start is the Hogan's Heroes Fan Club, also developed by Brenda Scott Royce, where you can find more information about her book and other related publications, as well as links to Hogan's Heroes sites throughout the web.
