The Good Life [The Bowmans]

Burbank, CA: Touchstone Television, 1993. Archive of eight scripts for the 1994 television comedy series, seen here under both the release title and the working title "The Bowmans." Archive belonging to screenwriter Stephen Sustarsic, with his name on a printed label affixed to one title page.

Archive includes four scripts for Season 1 Episode 4 ("John Hurts His Leg or Tales from the Crip"), and four scripts for Season 1 Episode 9 ("John Fights the System"). Additionally laid in with the archive is a contract for writing credits for Sustarsic and screenwriter David Silverman, dated December 9, 1993, housed in the original mailing envelope.

Based on a character created by stand-up comedian John Caponera, the series followed John Bowman, a working class middle manager and family man, as he attempted to balance work and family, and improve his lot in life. The series aired from January 3 to April 12, 1994, on NBC.

All scripts housed together in a generic black three-ring binder, with a manuscript label affixed to the spine, presumably in Sustarsic's hand.

Draft (Episode 4):

Lacking wrappers, presumably as issued. Title page present, dated July 16, 1993, with credits for Silverman and Sustarsic. 54 leaves, with last page of text numbered 53. Xerographic duplication, rectos only. Pages Fine.

Table Draft (Episode 4):

Lacking wrappers, presumably as issued. Title page present, dated September 8, 1993, noted as TABLE DRAFT, with credits for Cohen, Silverman, and Sustarsic. 50 leaves, with last page of text numbered 42. Xerographic duplication, rectos only. Pages Fine.

Revised Table Draft (Episode 4):

Lacking wrappers, presumably as issued. Title page present, dated September 8, 1993, noted as REV. TABLE DRAFT, with credits for director Gerry Cohen and screenwriters David Silverman and Stephen Sustarsic. 48 leaves, with last page of text numbered 42. Xerographic duplication, rectos only, with pink revision pages throughout, dated 9/9/93. Pages Fine.

Final Draft (Episode 4):

Lacking wrappers, presumably as issued. Title page present, dated September 10, 1993, noted as FINAL DRAFT, with credits for Cohen, Silverman, and Sustarsic. 50 leaves, with last page of text numbered 42. Xerographic duplication, rectos only, with yellow revision pages throughout, dated 9/13/93. Pages Fine.

Treatment script (Episode 9):

Lacking wrappers, presumably as issued. Title page present, dated September 15, 1993, with credits for Silverman and Sustarsic. 21 leaves, with last page of text numbered 20. Xerographic duplication, rectos only. Pages Fine, partially bound with a single staple at the top left corner.

Working Table Draft (Episode 9):

Lacking wrappers, presumably as issued. Title page present, dated October 7, 1993, with credits for Cohen, Silverman, and Sustarsic. 47 leaves, with last page of text numbered 46. Xerographic duplication, rectos only. Pages Fine.

Table Draft (Episode 9):

Lacking wrappers, presumably as issued. Title page present, dated November 10, 1993, with credits for Cohen, Silverman, and Sustarsic. 50 leaves, with last page of text numbered 46. Xerographic duplication, rectos only. Pages Fine.

Revised Table Draft (Episode 9):

Lacking wrappers, presumably as issued. Title page present, dated November 10, 1993, with credits for Cohen, Silverman, and Sustarsic. 43 leaves, with last page of text numbered 38. Xerographic duplication on yellow stock, rectos only. Pages Fine.

[Book #162647]