What do you get when a major , television production studio marries Film Noir, crime drama to bluesy, brassy jazz against the background of mid-1950's Manhattan?But wait, there's more!!!
Next,add a proven production team , including respected composer Elmer Bernstein,a talented cast , headed by 1940's, movie idol Dennis O'Keefe, plus name guest stars, like Jack Benny Program stalwart,Dennis Day.
What MCA/Revue studios, the 1950's, television arm of Universal Pictures, got was TAKE FIVE, a B&W television pilot that was gritty and entertaining, but was never purchased as a series by any of the three TV major networks.
The rare edition introduces the nocturnal, jazz infused adventures of Dick Richards,a former lawyer, who now publishes TAKE FIVE , a hip, urban, music magazine. His beat is New York by night, a neon painted world peopled by hipsters, hotshots and hooligans who dig bright lights , but live in the shadows. Their stories are at the center of TAKE FIVE.The single episode also showcases musical performances by acknowledged, real-life stars who are woven into the story line.
While TAKE FIVE has Big Apple ambiance,the show was shot in Los Angeles with the backlot doubling for Broadway.
Dennis O'Keefe plays Richards, with a pre-Mannix Mike Connors, New York Actress,Bethel Leslie, and bandleader, Ray Anthony in supporting roles.
The show was commensurate in tone and energy with detective shows of the era that did sell, like Peter Gunn and Johnny Staccato. Both were punctuated with heavy, Jazz soundtracks and painted downbeat portraits of the City after dark.
Below are three clips from the NTSTV You Tube site which comprise the pilot of TAKE FIVE.Enjoy!!!!!
TAKE FIVE - PART 1
TAKE FIVE - PART II
TAKE FIVE - PART III
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