HAVE you ever wondered what a day in the life of one of teendom's most popular groups is really like? Well, if anything, it's not average - and it's certainly never dull! Especially when you have a group of guys like Herman's Hermits! When the fellas get together (which is almost all of the time) you can be sure that something unusual is bound to happen - and usually does!
     STARTIME was very lucky to catch those heavenly Hermits on one of their really un-average days. And we uncovered some "inside dope" that's sure to "tickle your fancy!" So come along with us as we follow The Hermits through their daily routine of a really extaordinary day - and learn every intimate detail!
     The day began for The Hermits while most of us were still asleep - 5:00 A.M., in a huge mansion, hidden away in Benedict Canyon, California! You see, the boys were in California to film some scenes for their new movie and they had to be at the studio by 6:00 A.M.
     Herm was the first one up - if you can call it being "up!" He was so tired, he felt as if he needed toothpicks to keep his eyelids open! He managed to find his way to Karl's room (all the boys had their own rooms) and practically dragged him out of bed! By this time, the rest of the boys had gotten up and begun to get dressed.
     They left for the forty-five minute drive to the studio and within two seconds, our fellas had fallen asleep in the car. Lek really looked adorable - he'd fallen asleep with his head on Herm's shoulder!
     Once they arrived at the set, they had to report to make-up. Keith munched on a cinnamon danish and a glass of milk while Herm was being made up. The make-up man could have drawn a mustache on Herm and he wouldn't have known it - he was fast asleep!!
     By 8:30 they were all on the set and ready to begin the day's shooting - but not before they had some fun and played some practical jokes on the crew! Herm hid the script that belonged to the script-girl in Keith's guitar case and it took her fifteen minutes to find it! And Karl kept pulling the plug out of one of the big spot-lights! But there was work to be done and they had to get started.
     The morning's filming went well. They had to re-do a scene only once - when Lek's guitar string broke! But aside from that, everything was just fine!
     When the crew broke for lunch, our boys went to the studio commissary for a bite to eat. The Hermits aren't too crazy about American food, but they all adore hamburgers and french

fries- and that's just what they ordered!
     The commissary is a very busy place during lunch time. It's just chock-full of celebrities who are also working at the studio. Herman was thrilled to see so many great people! He wanted to meet them all, but the boys were being interviewed by some reporters from a local paper, so he couldn't. Yet all through lunch, Herm was calling the stars by "cute" names.      "There's Eddie G." he said to Barry when Edward G. Robinson walked in.
     After lunch, the boys went back to the set and completed the day's shooting. They'd made many friends on the set (you just can't help but love those Hermits!). And because of this, they were allowed a privilege that few stars get to have. The crew let them watch the "run-throughs" of the scenes they'd filmed.
     Lek thought they were really funny. All the boys did, for that matter. They couldn't stop laughing! It seemed so odd to see themselves in a movie!
     They left the studio about 6:30 P.M. and drove back to their secluded mansion, hoping to spend a quiet evening and get to bed early. But were they ever wrong!
     When they got to the house, they found they had guests. Imagine the Hermits' surprise when they saw The Animals sitting in the living room! "Animal" Eric told them that they were about to begin their California tour and decided to drop in for a visit!
     The fellas talked for a while. Then Dave, Hilton and Chas of The Animals went with Hermits Lek and Keith to the rec room to play pool. Eric and Herm decided to go swimming in the pool. (Not the same pool, natch.) Barry had his motorcycle with him and took Keith for a spin around the house.
     With all the noise that was going on,it was a wonder that "Animal" drummer John fell asleep - but he did! It wasn't for long though. Before he knew what hit him, Herm and Eric dragged him to the pool and threw him in - clothes and all!
     Everyone was having such a ball, they didn't realize the time until The Hermits' manager came in to tell them. The guys said goodbye to their "Animal" guests and good night to each other and went to their own rooms. All that time they were wondering how in the world they were ever going to get up at 5:00 A.M.!
     Well you must admit, gang, that The Hermits' day was definitely not average. But knowing The Hermits as we do, we're sure that they had no complaints. As a matter of fact, we're positive they loved every hectic minute of it!