It's a crime! The cops ought to be chasing that snazzy convertible down "Route 66," sirens shrieking, warrant in hand for the arrest of one George Maharis. Charge: Grand larceny of the TV series created for--and practically stolen from--one Martin Milner. But no warrant has ever been issued. The aggrieved party refuses to sign a complaint!
The facts, ma'am, are these: "Route 66" was hand-tailored for tall, blond Marty, an established star in Hollywood. Tall, dark George was brought from the East, almost unknown, to provide "contrast" as Marty's co-star. But what happened, from then on, was not quite in the original script.
Perhaps the contrast was too great. Perhaps the two actors were cast too close to type.: Marty as Tod Stiles, a nice guy who'd always had it easy--and trust everybody--up to the time his "Route 66" adventures began...George as Buz Murdock, a hard-boiled young man who'd seen only the seamier side of life--and wasn't about to take any guff from anybody.
Which actor had the juicier role? The dynamic temperament which carries an audience along with him, almost against their will? Which characters did viewers take to their hearts? The nice, kind hero? Or his unpredictable buddy? You know the answer to that one. Or you should. As a viewer, you're the one who made George Maharis the star of Martin Milner's series!
Why didn't Marty call the cops? Well, in the first place, he and George are pretty good pals by now, almost as close as the roles they play. In the second place, he is--as noted--a nice guy, who gives the other fellow the benefit of all doubts. Most of all, he isn't signing any complaints because he hasn't got any. Marty Milner has it made.
It wasn't always that way. It hasn't always been as easy for him as Tod's early life is supposed to have been. Back in 1947, when the freckled juvenile actor had just got his big movie break--playing Irene Dunne's "second son" in "Life With Father"--he became desperately ill. Polio, the said. And the doctors told him he'd never walk again. But he did. It wasn't easy. Hours of painful excercise, massage, whirlpool baths. Months of dogged determination when only he believed.
And he won back his health--so successfully, the Army took him in! There he managed to keep in touch with his future career, at least indirectly, by directing training films. After discharge, the road back was just as tough as it's always been in Hollywood, for the promising newcomer who'd been away. Then the breaks began to come again. First, a top role in "Marjorie Morningstar." Then, "The Sweet Smell of Success."
And between these two came Judy Jones, the girl who's made any road worth traveling for Marty Milner, so long as she's beside him. They've been the "home team" ever since...no matter where his career has taken him.
For Judy, a TV actress and singer, gave up her own career to stay by his side...to bear his children...to travel wherever "Route 66" went--with their babies in the car beside them. And to help make a home of the lovely house in Sherman Oaks which is the pinnacle of success for Marty Milner. This, and Judy, and little Amy, Molly and Stuart..so far...
What more could fame and fortune bring? What more could a thoroughly nice guy want? If you're Marty Milner, nothing now. If you're Marty Milner, you're happy to be TV's forgotten man. You remember you've got the things that count.