Tales of Tomorrow: The Invader

Tales of Tomorrow: The Invader

Originally broadcast on ABC on Friday, December 21, 1951 at 9:30 PM Eastern Time.

Plot: An estranged scientist, his son and the son's girlfriend stumble upon something otherworldly at sea that threatens all of them.

Analysis: This is one of the unique cases where the cast is more interesting than the product. But, first things first, the episode. It starts with an intriguing first act, building up the character drama and suspense... and then everything feels rushed to a conclusion that is ultimately not very satisfying. Does not help that most of the last act is done with the lights off and your imagination is left to fill in the blanks. In the end, it's a good start done in by the limitations of time and technology.

Now, our players. First off, the girlfriend is played by Eva Gabor, quite possibly the biggest name outside of I Love Lucy we have stumbled across so far. We're actually catching her quite early in her career as most everything she had done up to this point was bit parts on television or uncredited roles in movies. Rest assured, this will not last long as we will see her again in about a decade in television time in the role she is probably best remembered for. We will catch up with her then. For this role, she's not bad, given enough to move the plot along and be believable.

Next, we have the son Roy played by William Eythe. Eythe is probably best known for his roles in the movies The Song of Bernadette and The Ox-Bow Incident. Sadly, we are catching him at the end of his career as he will die in 1957 at the age of 38. He is worth noting for another reason - Eythe was also one of the actors unfortunately trapped in the celluloid closet of the times. It is worth remembering that being a Communist and being gay at the time was practically synonymous, both viewed as subversive threats to the American way of life. As for his role here, he does just fine, playing the guy under pressure to be what his father wants while he needs to prove he is his own man. His character shift in the second act may be predictable, but he pulls it off well.

Finally, we have another character actor, one with a very long road ahead of him. Chandler the diver is played by Salem Ludwig. Ludwig has more bit parts in television and movies ahead of him well into the past decade, so I will be more than happy to acknowledge him as the roles accumulate over time. For now, he is credible as a bullying character in the scenes we see him in.

The Bottom Line: In sum, what do we have here? It's passable, especially with the character building in the first act, but the second act practically torpedoes everything as we skid into the predictable. Got to give them credit for at least trying with the make up effects though, even if they are ultimately not so impressive. We do also see some examples of the limitations of live television in the 1950s as we have a lot of spliced in stock footage and scenes played in the dark. Overall, it is worth a watch just for the credible efforts the actors give the script.

The Invader is included with eleven other episodes on Collection Two of Tales of Tomorrow (http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Tomorrow-Collection-Leslie-Nielsen/dp/B000BCKFXE/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1405118569&sr=1-2&keywords=tales+of+tomorrow). It can also be found streaming on Hulu Plus.

Next time, we're back to loving Lucy.

The Cisco Kid: Carrier Pigeon

The Cisco Kid: Carrier Pigeon

Originally broadcast on Tuesday, December 18, 1951 in first-run syndication.

Plot: Cisco and Pancho unravel the ingenious plot behind the theft of a diamond necklace with the help of a girl insurance investigator.

Analysis: One must remember here that the plots written for syndication are rarely going to be as strong or well constructed as network or sponsored programming. As a result, while the plot here is actually really interesting, it seems done in quickly by time constraints. We have an edit about midway through the episode that has me wondering how the crooks figured out so fast that they were in trouble as well.

Visually, to recreate the original 1951 broadcast, you will need to turn the color off on your set as the show was broadcast in color, but with few color sets available as yet, most of the United States saw Cisco in black and white. There are occasionally vertical lines in a few close ups, but otherwise the show is tolerable.

It is worth commenting, if I have not before, that while Cisco was originally put into syndication by ZIV Productions, what we are seeing is another distribution into syndication after it originally aired. This time the distributor is Walter Schwimmer Productions, which would date the print to sometime in the 1960s. This may also explain both the slightly diminished quality and the occasional additional edit.

The Bottom Line: I have to admit, the episode is a bit of a disappointment. The plot is there and it's a good one, but either time or budget doomed this episode to mediocrity. Even a last minute curve ball at the end cannot really save the episode from being just okay. In the end, if I am pushed, it's OK to watch if you happen to have it on, but not something to go out of your way for.
Carrier Pigeon is included on Collection 3 of The Cisco Kid with nineteen other episodes of the series (http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Kid-Collection-3/dp/B00024JAL4/ref=sr_1_8?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1405113745&sr=1-8&keywords=the+cisco+kid). If you are on a budget, it is also packaged in with thirty-four episodes of the show in The Best of The Cisco Kid (http://www.amazon.com/Best-Cisco-Kid-35-Episodes/dp/B001072DFM/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1405113745&sr=1-1&keywords=the+cisco+kid). Finally, the episode is also available for streaming on Hulu Plus.

Next time, we return to future-past with another Tale of Tomorrow.

We have a winner!

So, with the polls closed, we have a winner in our reader interest poll. And I must say, the results are really fascinating to me. So, in addition to announcing, I'll analyze and announce my plans based on the poll. We did have a few people who voted more than one choice, which honestly did not impact the vote. The winner still won, pretty commandingly. All it did was tie second place really, if you added second choices to the total.

So, I did. Let's get to the results, from last to first.

In last place, with no votes, was the Cavalcade of Stars: Honeymooners segments. I admit some surprise here, given I know the Honeymooners have their fans. But, apparently, right now, the interest is not there. Or at least, people wanted to see other shows reviewed more. So be it.

In fourth place, with one vote, was Kukla, Fran and Ollie. This one is not a huge shock, since it is a kid's show and pretty unknown outside of 50s and 60s television fans.

There is no third place due to a tie for second place.

In second place, tied with two votes each, is The Gene Autry Show and Howdy Doody. I would have thought Autry would have gotten second outright or done stronger since I have reviewed it before. Then again, those Autry reviews never cracked more than 20 views a page. Might be a message in that somewhere. I still like the show fine and may come back to it, but again, depends on interest. As for Howdy Doody, he clearly has name recognition and he's a pretty big part of television history, but I think it's that a kid's show has hurt it in this round.

And finally, and rather commandingly, we have our winner.

With nine votes, the winner is Dragnet (1950s).

Dragnet never trailed this poll. From the day I launched the poll, it lead and just left everyone in it's wake. Even when the poll was expanded to other locations due to Google sign ups being needed to post responses to the poll, it was Dragnet all the way.

I am actually surprisingly delighted by the results. I was not sure if there was interest based on only 20 to 25 episodes available out of close to 200 produced. But clearly, the audience has spoken. Only wish Universal was listening because I would love to be doing the complete run. And to own it, for that matter.

So, I have made two decisions based on the poll. First, and most obviously, Dragnet will be the next show I am picking up to add to my review block. We will be getting to it in the not too distant future as we come up to it chronologically. I will backtrack and do the pilot as soon as the set arrives.

Second, due to the success of the poll and how I hope my audience grows as I begin posting reviews again, I will be doing audience polls for future shows to review in the future. The way it will work is if I don't have it and the show is in production, it's eligible for a poll. I'll do the polls twice "annually" during the television season - once at the end of a calendar year, once before a new television season starts. Based on the results will help determine where my money goes in investing on future shows. It helps especially for unknown quantities and for what my audience wants to read about.

There we have it then. Dragnet is in, everyone else is subject to review. Oh, by the way, Dragnet is NOT the only new program being added for review. Stay tuned, as they say. :)

Thanks again, everyone who voted! 

Audience Interest Poll

I know, I know, I promised only weekly updates going forward, but I’ve been meditating and I have two things on my mind.

First of, posting frequency. I’m thinking right now of doing posts every Saturday and Sunday. I know when I get on a good tear of research and writing, I can go for a while. So why just limit myself to a half hour or hour of television a week? This will NOT in any way shape or form lead to daily posts again, I am just too busy for that. But, if I am having fun and enjoying what I write, why not do it more often? So, as of right now, expect an update on Saturday and Sunday going forward.

Secondly, I have an eye toward the future. My library is pretty good, but I am always on the lookout for new shows to add to the mix, create a more concise view of television in a given period. My limitation right now is funds. So I have to be careful on what I invest in. Besides, why invest in a show no one has any real interest in reading about? So, I’ve decided to poll the jury, my readers, and see where interest lies. Based on the results of the poll will dictate shows going forward, at least for the remainder of the 1951-52 television season I am focusing on right now.

So, here are our candidates. Be aware, any shows prior to 1951-52, I will backtrack to eventually. maybe in between television seasons.

• Choice 1 - The Howdy Doody Show. I really have not done children’s programming on the blog up until now and given popularity over time, this is a good trial balloon for more kid’s stuff in the future.
• Choice 2 - Kukla, Fran and Ollie. Another kid’s show, but still at least somewhat known. Again, measuring interest now and for the future.
• Choice 3 - The Gene Autry Show. I focused on Autry heavily in the early days of the blog and, now with the complete series available, it’s logical to come back to it. However, it is a show I am not sure if my audience is that interested in coming back to Autry, given the show rarely averaged above twenty views every post. To invest in a show that still has three years in it and have that level of interest does not make a ton of sense. But, never know.
• Choice 4 - Cavalcade of Stars: Honeymooners segments. This is what leads into The Honeymooners proper show in a few years. I am just not sure if the audience is as strong for the 15 minute bits as it will be for the single season show, especially given this will be spread out substantially.
• Choice 5 - Dragnet. This is the classic 1950s version of the show, with only about 20-25 episodes out there in the public domain right now. I have zero problem tracking them down, I just am testing audience mood to see if it is worth doing.

So, those are the options. I’ll need actual replies to the blog to know where the mood lies, so please reply with your choice. I’ll cut off the poll at post time on Saturday, around noon Eastern Standard time. So please, cast your vote!

Thanks all! See you all next time!

So, did you miss me?

So, did you all miss me?

I've actually been thinking for quite some time about reviving this blog, writing again about television, what I love, what I think and hopefully offering some advice. So, now seemed as good a time as any to get back. But first, some background and forecasting.

To start, the blog stopped simply due to me running out of time while I was working to finish my education. I am happy to report that I return with a BA in history. Admittedly, it does not in any way, shape or form make me an expert, but at least I have a foundation to speak on now that I did not have back in 2010 and 2011 when I was first writing.

Second, the frequency is going to change on the blog. Originally, I was doing an entry a day. Pretty ambitious, but now unrealistic given I am working five out of seven days of the week. So, as of right now, you can expect a posting at least every Sunday morning, possibly Saturday evening. That is, unfortunately, the best I can manage right now.

Third, when I started this back in 2010, things like Netflix were just starting to do more digital presentations. Since then, with Hulu, Warner Archive and the WWE Network all launching, far more television content is available online, as much as is on DVD and Blu-Ray. The vision of the blog was to document television history as presented on DVD and Blu-Ray, but to ignore the digital market really is a disservice. So, here is how it will be addressed - I will remain focused on DVD and Blu-Ray, but I will mention digital media in terms of availability. It will remain television on DVD in name, but nods will be given so everyone knows their options.

Fourth, as of right now, I am at least considering doing more blog work, possibly in other media. I have not reached a firm decision on this as yet, but I will keep you all informed on future writings and efforts.

Finally, I will be picking up from where I left off. There have been a lot of shows added in the years I have been gone, chief among them complete runs of The Gene Autry Show and The Lone Ranger. I’ve decided in the interests of time and to regain my footing, to say nothing of protecting my wallet, to forge ahead and, if new shows come up, I’ll address those mixed in with other programs to keep from gutting with all one program.

I’m also aware that not every show is for everyone. Folks who read the blog for I Love Lucy may not be the target audience for Tales of Tomorrow or The Lone Ranger. That being said, they all are part of the television picture and the time frame. And who knows, maybe with my thoughts, I can gain some converts.

So, what is the plan going forward? For now, I want to finish the 1951 calendar year, mostly a mix of what we have been working on (Cisco Kid, Tales of Tomorrow, I Love Lucy, et al.) plus the mid year programs with the addition of The Roy Rogers Show. As for adding new shows to the line up, I’m on the fence as to doing mid-year additions heading into 1952 or waiting for the 1952-53 television season. I’m open to thoughts on this.

So, next time… we will saddle up and ride with The Cisco Kid. Until then, it’s good to be back.

I Love Lucy: Lucy is Jealous of Girl Singer

Not feeling well today, so I apologize for this being late or not up to usual standards.

I Love Lucy: Lucy Is Jealous of Girl Singer

Originally broadcast on CBS on Monday, December 17, 1951 at 9 PM ET.

Plot: Lucy is worried she is losing Ricky to a girl singer at the club after reading a publicity article in the paper.

Analysis: This particular episode does not really pick up steam until the end, but the final scenes in the club are a scream. But then again, that is par for the course for Lucy and Desi and speaks well of their ability to play off of each other.

A note on image quality: some scenes may look a little soft but that is because for syndication, some cuts were usually made either to cut advertisements or for run time. The DVD has restored the edits, but they are noticeable.

Also of note for those of you who have I Love Lucy: The Complete Series set: there is a special Phillip Morris Christmas ad hidden as an Easter Egg on the bonus disc of the set. It’s under the “I Love Lucy” heart when the menu screen for the On-Screen Ad during the premiere episode and it originally ran between the end of the nightclub scene and the coda in the Ricardos’ bedroom. It is actually a nice way to see how the ads originally fit into the episodes, making it worth seeking out just for that. It should also be included on the I Love Lucy: The Movie DVD, since it is the same disc, but I do not have the single release, so I hope someone who does can confirm this.

The Bottom Line: It’s Lucy, it’s funny and it’s a classic. Hate to be so succinct, but with a show like this, it really has just about been covered.

The episode itself can be found on I Love Lucy: The Complete First Season (http://www.amazon.com/Love-Lucy-Complete....98759503&sr=1-3), but to be sure to get everything I was talking about (episode and commercial), you will probably need I Love Lucy: The Complete Series (http://www.amazon.com/I-Love-Lucy-Comple....98759503&sr=1-1). That is, of course, unless someone out there has the I Love Lucy movie DVD and can confirm my suspicions.

Next time, another ride with The Cisco Kid.

Racket Squad: The Salted Mine

Racket Squad: The Salted Mine

Originally broadcast on Thursday, November 15, 1951 at 10 PM ET on CBS.

Plot: Captain Braddock assists an old friend in proving his mining claim has been tampered with.

Analysis: Got a lot to cover here, so be patient please.

Racket Squad is a detective crime drama purely designed for television. The show started in 1950 with a syndication run before being picked up by CBS in June of 1951. Like with I Love Lucy, the show was sponsored by tobacco manufacturer Phillip Morris and also like Lucy, Racket Squad was later run in syndication with the Morris sponsor ads cut out. I believe this is why we jump directly into the action, since a pack of Phillip Morris is traditionally on the desk at the start of the episode, so to avoid any chance of seeing the pack, the producers of the DVD set opted to have a generic opening for Racket Squad in the start up of the disc and the individual episodes start with Braddock’s narration. This is also why the show irises out into the closing credits at the end, to hide the edit of the sponsor spots.

Captain Braddock is played by Reed Hadley, best known for his narration in a variety of documentaries and radio dramas. For the documentaries, he did work for the United States Department of Defense while for radio, he was most notable in the Red Ryder show.

Of note in this episode is the performance of Percy Helton, playing Dad Miller. He is one of those character actors a lot of people have seen or know the voice but have a difficult time placing. The one place I can point to at the moment where most people would know him from is his uncredited role as the drunken Santa Edmund Gwenn has to replace in Miracle on 34th Street. He has a number of character guest shots on television ahead of him and I will point them out as they come up.

Now, to the episode, where we have some good news and some bad news. Good news first: the plot is actually a good paced mystery working with the law trying to solve the puzzle, where, if the audience is quick enough, they can pick up the clues and figure it out at the same time. Now, the bad news: the quality of the print I have is not great, shifting from grainy to dark to a degree of pixilation in some of the scenes. It is not intolerable, but noticeable, so be warned in advance not to expect a high quality product. On the other hand, shows like Racket Squad are probably not high on the list of getting restored and major releases, so we make do with the tools that we have.

The Bottom Line: If you can stomach the image quality issues and the loss of the opening, the episode itself is an enjoyable watch, clearly in the vein of later shows like Dragnet. Given I personally love shows like this, I give it a thumbs up, just qualified with the issues outlined.

You can find The Salted Mine included with nine other episodes of Racket Squad in the Racket Squad set produced by Timeless Media Group (http://www.amazon.com/Racket-Squad/dp/B0....98751942&sr=1-2). Prices vary depending on where you do you shopping, but you are very unlikely to find it in stores, so keep your searches to the Internet.

Next time, more laughs with Lucy.