Connecting the Dots

Ahoy! Welcome to my Tribute Website for the wonderful TV show, Adventures in Paradise.  The series starred Gardner McKay, and ran from October 1959 to April 1962.  There were 91 hourlong episodes, and the show was presented on ABC.

The idea for the show came from James A. Michener. He conceived of the notion of a Korean war veteran, Adam Troy, who fell in love with the South Seas, and returned there after his stint in the Navy, to purchase a schooner and become its captain, picking up cargo and passengers and having all manner of adventures at sea, as well as in ports of call.  Papeete, Tahiti was his ‘home port’ and his ship was named the Tiki, and no one would argue that the ship itself was an important character in the show.  Michener sold his concept to ABC, and there were many writers, well known directors and big name guest stars, although Michener himself only was involved with the series’ pilot, The Pit of Silence.

A huge area, several acres, of the 20th Century Fox lot were dedicated specifically for the series.  A ¾ scale model of the Schooner Tiki was built, and plenty of tropical island flora and foliage, as well as buildings, huts, etc.  Some of the footage was shot on the island of Tahiti.  The actual schooner used on AIP was originally named Pilgrim, and it served for all the ocean scenes. A call some time ago to the syndication department at Fox informed me that the show was still running in some parts of the world into the 1980s. Captain Troy guaranteed to entertain every week, with episodes that were dramatic, humorous and romantic.  There is a lot of variety and the stories still hold up well, over 50 years later. The best entertainment after all, is a good story well told.

I’ve been a fan of the show practically all my life.  I was first introduced to the series as a very young child.  It was how this little Midwest girl learned of oceans, islands, palm trees and sailing ships, as well as my first view of underwater photography – and it thoroughly captivated and enchanted me.  Gardner McKay was my first love.  I was born in 1956, so when the series was first on air, I was very, very young, and I believe that I was watching it in reruns.  However, I do know for certain I was already a fan at the age of 6. 

I met Gardner McKay when I was nine. He came to Chicago to do two plays in 1965, The Fantastiks and The Mousetrap. My mother took me to see both plays and I met him backstage. Also, I had contact with him in the 90s, by letter and phone.

And, after dreaming about it for 35 years, my husband and I traveled to Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea for our 17th Anniversary in 1993. It was so far beyond all my dreams and expectations -- the trip of a lifetime! While there, I was constantly reminded of Adventures in Paradise, and how it had inspired that awesome, deliciously joyous and unforgettable trip.

There really has not been a ‘definitive’ website home for Adventures in Paradise on the internet in America.  Several years ago, I discovered there was a French website dedicated to the show. It was challenging to read and enjoy because it was primarily in French. It is now back up in English which is nice, but in the meantime my husband Jim and I developed this website to honor the show, and inform others about it, as well as gather the fans.

This is a work in progress, so ‘stay tuned’ as they say.  I am sharing my collection of AIP goodies, and I invite you to share your AIP material with me, for inclusion here. Also, please write me an email and share your feelings and memories of the show. I will be adding a Message Board section, but understand that I reserve the right to edit all submissions. I would also appreciate suggestions. Please contact me with your feedback, and ideas.

On this site you will find the Episode Guide, Photo Gallery, and sections on Gardner McKay and the Tiki, including interesting material from magazines and books. We will be adding some video clips, and I will share with you some of the personal correspondence I had with Gardner McKay in the 90s… There is a also a section on material I am hunting for.  I own 80 episodes of the 91, (either on film, VHS or DVD) and I would LOVE to find the shows I’m missing, although after being a collector for so long, the chances of my finding those episodes is very slim -- yet I still 'harbor' hope!  If you have any of the episodes I don’t have, please contact me!

After the show, Gardner became an accomplished writer, and I have been truly impressed with his body of work, beginning with his plays. (Please see the Links section, which sends you to his widow, Madeleine McKay's site for Gardner's novels -- including his newest, which she published after his passing, only recently.)

Sincere thanks to Madeleine McKay for her support and kindness in communicating with me and staying in touch, keeping me apprised of her success in publishing Gardner McKay's literary masterpieces.

Again…Welcome to the new Home of Adventures in Paradise! Let's embark on an Adventure together!

Jo Addie
La Grange Park, IL
jo@adventuresinparadisetv.com