By Lookout Staff

November 20, 2014 -- Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip at the Santa Monica Library, where Mary Ann herself, Dawn Wells, will discuss her new book “What Would Mary Ann Do? A Guide to Life.” 

The event will take place Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Library’s Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium, located at 601 Santa Monica Boulevard.

As TV viewers celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the iconic 1960’s sitcom Gilligan’s Island this fall, Wells will discuss her book with TV journalist Jim Colucci and will share memories of making “Gilligan’s Island.” A book sale and signing will follow.

Wells’ Mary Ann was the wholesome rival of glamorous Ginger as they vied for the attention of the men stranded on the island. Those who grew up watching the show were torn between the two, their choice serving as a tell tale sign of their taste in women.

“Mary Ann was the beautiful and sensible every-girl that most viewers could relate to and Dawn Wells, the actress who played her, reveals the impact her character has had on fans the world over and sends the inspirational and heartwarming message that, yes, good girls can and do finish first,” said library officials in a press release.

“Gilligan’s Island” followed the comedic adventures of seven castaways as they attempt to survive and escape from a mysterious deserted island where they’ve been shipwrecked.

Episodes typically revolved around the conflict between the dissimilar castaways, as their plans are repeatedly foiled by the buffoonish antics of the shipwrecked vessel’s first mate, Gilligan, played by Bob Denver.

In addition to Wells and Denver, the show featured Alan Hale Jr. as the Skipper, Jim Backus as the millionaire Thurston Howell III, Natalie Schafer as his wife Eunice “Lovey” Howell, Tina Louise as movie star Ginger Grant and Russell Johnson as the Professor.

The show ran for a total of 98 episodes and aired for three seasons on CBS from September 26, 1964, to April 17, 1967.  The show is currently in syndication.
Today, the title character of Gilligan is widely recognized as an American cultural icon.

This program is free and open to all ages. Seating inside the auditorium is first come, first served.

For more information on this and other public programs, visit www.smpl.org or contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600.