The Cisco Kid: Medicine Man Show
Originally broadcast in first-run syndication on Monday, October 8, 1951.
Plot: Cisco and Pancho uncover a plot to sell weapons to a tribe of Comanche Indians.
Analysis: Well, you knew we had to get an “Indians-on-the-warpath” storyline eventually, since that is a Western staple. What is kind of interesting about this one is we do not get to the Indians until the last five or ten minutes of the episode, so this is mainly an intrigue plot. Who knows what about what is going on and how will Cisco solve the puzzle?
Overall quality of the video is about what one would expect from Cisco Kid, some elements fairing better than others. I didn’t notice anything aside from occasional grain or a hair on the film, nothing to get too excited about anyway.
The Bottom Line: A bit of a different plot for Cisco, but nothing too different from what we have seen before. Have a look if so interested as this one is not too bad, but nothing award winning.
Medicine Man Show is one of twenty shows included in The Cisco Kid: Collection Two (http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Kid-Collecti....86758713&sr=1-3). Prices vary, so do a little bit of research before putting down your cash for this one.
Next time... er, year, another Tale of Tomorrow. Have a Happy New Year everyone!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tales of Tomorrow: The Dark Angel
Tales of Tomorrow: The Dark Angel
Originally broadcast on ABC on Friday, September 28, 1951 at 9:30 PM ET.
Plot: A husband suspects something strange is happening to his wife after a broken rib heals after just two days.
Analysis: Oh boy, this one is a tough one.
As always, I try to keep in mind context and 1950s sensibilities when watching these shows, but once in a while, I’m just left shaking my head. The problem here is not plot though, that’s actually interesting. It is in the execution where we leave the rails. I am sorry, but it’s hard to maintain a sense of true drama and suspense when a dramatic musical sting undercuts every other sentence. It unfortunately reduces the show from sci-fi intrigue to overdone soap opera theatrics. It gets so bad, you are just waiting for the sting to punctuate the dramatic moment. It is also interesting to see how they execute moments on live television, in this case, the actor needs to get out of a chair, put on a jacket and enter another scene when the cameras switch. This is accomplished by having the camera push in on another actor and a recording of the original actors’ voice delivering exposition while the change is made. You can pick it out by the change in pitch of the voice.
This episode also kind of makes me wonder about the rules on violence in television. We have seen guns used on Westerns a few times and people shot and killed. What is interesting here is that it is established that there is a murder early on, but when we come to the actual murder scene, the camera pushes in on the actors’ face, so we never see the gun in the hand or see shots fired or a body hit the ground. Something that makes you scratch your head a little bit.
Another warning on this episode is the kinescope is in really bad shape with it being very dark at times, so dark you cannot even make faces out in some of the early scenes. This is in addition to the usual scratches and dings that come with time, of course.
The Bottom Line: Bear all of the above in mind when watching this one. As I said, there is an interesting plot here, but there is so much else going on that is distracting from a poor image to the over the top music moments that just cut the legs out from under the thing. Check it out if so interested, but buyers beware on this one.
The Dark Angel is one of thirteen other episodes from Tales of Tomorrow: Collection Two of Season One (http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Tomorrow-Col....3581521 &sr=1-3). It can be found for reasonable prices if you shop around from various Internet locations if your local store does not have a copy in stock.
Next time, we ride again with The Cisco Kid.
Originally broadcast on ABC on Friday, September 28, 1951 at 9:30 PM ET.
Plot: A husband suspects something strange is happening to his wife after a broken rib heals after just two days.
Analysis: Oh boy, this one is a tough one.
As always, I try to keep in mind context and 1950s sensibilities when watching these shows, but once in a while, I’m just left shaking my head. The problem here is not plot though, that’s actually interesting. It is in the execution where we leave the rails. I am sorry, but it’s hard to maintain a sense of true drama and suspense when a dramatic musical sting undercuts every other sentence. It unfortunately reduces the show from sci-fi intrigue to overdone soap opera theatrics. It gets so bad, you are just waiting for the sting to punctuate the dramatic moment. It is also interesting to see how they execute moments on live television, in this case, the actor needs to get out of a chair, put on a jacket and enter another scene when the cameras switch. This is accomplished by having the camera push in on another actor and a recording of the original actors’ voice delivering exposition while the change is made. You can pick it out by the change in pitch of the voice.
This episode also kind of makes me wonder about the rules on violence in television. We have seen guns used on Westerns a few times and people shot and killed. What is interesting here is that it is established that there is a murder early on, but when we come to the actual murder scene, the camera pushes in on the actors’ face, so we never see the gun in the hand or see shots fired or a body hit the ground. Something that makes you scratch your head a little bit.
Another warning on this episode is the kinescope is in really bad shape with it being very dark at times, so dark you cannot even make faces out in some of the early scenes. This is in addition to the usual scratches and dings that come with time, of course.
The Bottom Line: Bear all of the above in mind when watching this one. As I said, there is an interesting plot here, but there is so much else going on that is distracting from a poor image to the over the top music moments that just cut the legs out from under the thing. Check it out if so interested, but buyers beware on this one.
The Dark Angel is one of thirteen other episodes from Tales of Tomorrow: Collection Two of Season One (http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Tomorrow-Col....3581521 &sr=1-3). It can be found for reasonable prices if you shop around from various Internet locations if your local store does not have a copy in stock.
Next time, we ride again with The Cisco Kid.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Adventures of Kit Carson: Road to Monterey
The Adventures of Kit Carson: Road to Monterey
Originally broadcast in first-run syndication on Saturday, August 25, 1951.
Plot: Kit Carson and El Toro protect a California state senator from a plot to keep him from casting a key vote.
Analysis: Adventures of Kit Carson is based, somewhat loosely, on the life of Christopher “Kit” Carson. Carson’s life spanned much of the history of westward expansion in the United States from the Mexican-American War through the American Civil War and into the reservation period for the American Indians. It can be fairly said that, between dime novels and shows like this, the details of Carson’s life have probably become somewhat exaggerated over time. That being said, he was a real person who participated in real events, therefore he works as a touchstone for the period and a character that can be identified with.
As for the story, I am struck by the similarities to what we already have seen with Cisco Kid and Pancho with what we have seen of the relationship between Carson and El Toro. It is somewhat remarkable that we are already entering a period of imitations, given how little time television has been readily available for. Bound to happen sooner or later, I suppose.
That is all the good news on the show, but there is bad. Firstly, this is clearly a syndicated cut of the show, only running about 25 minutes with a few visible edits. In addition, the print is really dark at times, making it a bit difficult to see what is going on. Add to that some visible degradation of the print and this is, I am sorry to say, a noticeable drop in quality from what we are used to. However, given Adventures of Kit Carson is probably not at the front of the line for high quality restoration and a multi-DVD season release by a high profile company, this is as good as it gets, so I will be happy to take it.
The Bottom Line: Visual vaults and edits aside, the show is watchable, if not especially enthralling. Worth taking a look at if you are a fan of early 50s television and Westerns, but can be skipped if you do not fall into that category.
Road to Monterey is included on Adventures of Kit Carson (http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Kit-Car....3430238&sr=1-17). It is relatively inexpensive and can be found for decent prices at a variety of locations if you are interested in sampling the show.
Next time, another Tale of Tomorrow.
Originally broadcast in first-run syndication on Saturday, August 25, 1951.
Plot: Kit Carson and El Toro protect a California state senator from a plot to keep him from casting a key vote.
Analysis: Adventures of Kit Carson is based, somewhat loosely, on the life of Christopher “Kit” Carson. Carson’s life spanned much of the history of westward expansion in the United States from the Mexican-American War through the American Civil War and into the reservation period for the American Indians. It can be fairly said that, between dime novels and shows like this, the details of Carson’s life have probably become somewhat exaggerated over time. That being said, he was a real person who participated in real events, therefore he works as a touchstone for the period and a character that can be identified with.
As for the story, I am struck by the similarities to what we already have seen with Cisco Kid and Pancho with what we have seen of the relationship between Carson and El Toro. It is somewhat remarkable that we are already entering a period of imitations, given how little time television has been readily available for. Bound to happen sooner or later, I suppose.
That is all the good news on the show, but there is bad. Firstly, this is clearly a syndicated cut of the show, only running about 25 minutes with a few visible edits. In addition, the print is really dark at times, making it a bit difficult to see what is going on. Add to that some visible degradation of the print and this is, I am sorry to say, a noticeable drop in quality from what we are used to. However, given Adventures of Kit Carson is probably not at the front of the line for high quality restoration and a multi-DVD season release by a high profile company, this is as good as it gets, so I will be happy to take it.
The Bottom Line: Visual vaults and edits aside, the show is watchable, if not especially enthralling. Worth taking a look at if you are a fan of early 50s television and Westerns, but can be skipped if you do not fall into that category.
Road to Monterey is included on Adventures of Kit Carson (http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Kit-Car....3430238&sr=1-17). It is relatively inexpensive and can be found for decent prices at a variety of locations if you are interested in sampling the show.
Next time, another Tale of Tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tales of Tomorrow: Blunder
| Tales of Tomorrow: Blunder Originally broadcast on ABC on Friday, August 10, 1951 at 9:30 PM ET. Plot: A scientist is determined to proceed with a fission test despite warnings from his peers that he is making a mistake. Analysis: Like our last episode of Tales of Tomorrow, this show reflects a great fear of the early 50s, the fear of destruction by atomic weapons or by a simple mistake made by someone too stubborn to listen. Substitute a political leader for the scientist in the story who is determined to stop the other side, regardless of what might happen, and you have an idea of the paranoia and fear that existed at the time. All this despite pleas to remain calm, it could not POSSIBLY come to that. Could it? It is really not my place to soapbox on the pros and cons of nuclear power, given I am just a television critic and here for historical analysis, but the plot does raise the age old question of just because we can, does it mean we should? It is very difficult to put a genie back in a bottle once you have let it out, after all. It is, I suppose, just as topical a question now as it was in 1951. As for the show itself, it is quite good at building the feeling of suspense and fear about what might happen. I do not suppose it is a coincidence that there are ads for the World War II refugees in need of aid in Europe and for United States savings bonds during the broadcast either. Analysis: Technically, the show is fine with just a few visual and audio miscues, due to it being live television. Given it’s a kinescope, the quality of the image is not very sharp, but you can still make out fine detail and not be distracted by the performance. If you would like to watch Blunder, it is included with twelve other episodes in Tales of Tomorrow: Collection One (http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Tomorrow-Col....3424148 &sr=1-1). As before, this is only a portion of the first season of Tales of Tomorrow, but is relatively inexpensive if you would like to take a look. Next time, a trip out West with an American folk hero. | ||
Monday, December 27, 2010
Tales of Tomorrow: Verdict from Space
And we're back!
First off, I want to thank everyone who send condolence messages on the loss of my family friend and surrogate uncle. They were much appreciated and welcome in a difficult time.
Second, want to thank my family for a very warm and memorable Christmas after such a loss. Want to especially thank my uncle for opening up his collection of materials and providing me with a lot of new research resources that should make these entries and the stories in them all the richer, so thank you for that.
Now then, to business!
Tales of Tomorrow: Verdict from Space
Originally broadcast on Friday, August 10, 1951 on ABC at 9:30 PM ET.
Plot: A man accused of murder has an unusual alibi – a machine from outer space is responsible.
Analysis: And so begins network television’s first science fiction series. Considering all the other shows, especially for younger audiences, that dealt with space travel and the like, I would not stick my neck out and call this the first sci-fi show on television, but it does appear to be the first network show in prime time and that is historic enough.
Tales of Tomorrow is unique in another way in that it is not a transplant from radio, as we have seen in many other shows from the period. Like Westinghouse Studio One, Tales was done live, over the air, directly into people’s homes. If you think doing a science fiction show live would present some unique challenges, you would be correct, as we will see in later broadcasts.
As for this particular episode, it is pretty unremarkable. We are clearly a long way from later shows with surprising twists and deeper plot lines, but for an early television show from the 1950s, it is at least competent without expecting too much suspension of disbelief from the viewer. Assuming you can accept the concept of machines from aliens monitoring the Earth for the evolution of atomic power, yet another concept of the 1950s we will see discussed many times as we go along.
The Bottom Line: The episode is a kinescope, so it’s not as sharp as one would like and we do get an example of what happens when a show runs long when the show is yanked off the air before closing credits can be rolled, so if anyone significant was in the cast, I am not aware of them.
If you are interested in taking a look at the show, it is included with twelve other episodes in Tales of Tomorrow: Collection One (http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Tomorrow-Col....3424148 &sr=1-1). It is not too expensive a collection, but is only a portion of the first season of the series, just so the buyer is aware.
Next time, another Tales of Tomorrow.
First off, I want to thank everyone who send condolence messages on the loss of my family friend and surrogate uncle. They were much appreciated and welcome in a difficult time.
Second, want to thank my family for a very warm and memorable Christmas after such a loss. Want to especially thank my uncle for opening up his collection of materials and providing me with a lot of new research resources that should make these entries and the stories in them all the richer, so thank you for that.
Now then, to business!
Tales of Tomorrow: Verdict from Space
Originally broadcast on Friday, August 10, 1951 on ABC at 9:30 PM ET.
Plot: A man accused of murder has an unusual alibi – a machine from outer space is responsible.
Analysis: And so begins network television’s first science fiction series. Considering all the other shows, especially for younger audiences, that dealt with space travel and the like, I would not stick my neck out and call this the first sci-fi show on television, but it does appear to be the first network show in prime time and that is historic enough.
Tales of Tomorrow is unique in another way in that it is not a transplant from radio, as we have seen in many other shows from the period. Like Westinghouse Studio One, Tales was done live, over the air, directly into people’s homes. If you think doing a science fiction show live would present some unique challenges, you would be correct, as we will see in later broadcasts.
As for this particular episode, it is pretty unremarkable. We are clearly a long way from later shows with surprising twists and deeper plot lines, but for an early television show from the 1950s, it is at least competent without expecting too much suspension of disbelief from the viewer. Assuming you can accept the concept of machines from aliens monitoring the Earth for the evolution of atomic power, yet another concept of the 1950s we will see discussed many times as we go along.
The Bottom Line: The episode is a kinescope, so it’s not as sharp as one would like and we do get an example of what happens when a show runs long when the show is yanked off the air before closing credits can be rolled, so if anyone significant was in the cast, I am not aware of them.
If you are interested in taking a look at the show, it is included with twelve other episodes in Tales of Tomorrow: Collection One (http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Tomorrow-Col....3424148 &sr=1-1). It is not too expensive a collection, but is only a portion of the first season of the series, just so the buyer is aware.
Next time, another Tales of Tomorrow.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Blog to resume Dec. 27, 2010
For everyone wondering, blog posts will resume on Dec. 27, 2010. I'm going to take the next few days off and spend some time with my family, see how everyone is coping with the loss and just spend the holiday together.
Be sure to do the same, would you all? Do not let the holiday go by without spending time with the people you care about and let them know it.
See you all in about three days.
Be sure to do the same, would you all? Do not let the holiday go by without spending time with the people you care about and let them know it.
See you all in about three days.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Suspension due to a death in the family
Regret to inform my readers that there will be a suspension on blog posts for a few days due to a death in my family. Hope to be back before the Christmas holiday.
Thank you for your thoughts at this time.
Thank you for your thoughts at this time.
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