HIGH CALIBER CRIME DRAMA FROM BLAKE EDWARDS - VINTAGE EPISODE OF PETER GUNN - NBC-TV - CIRCA 1959

Peter Gunn, private eye, was as cool as a dry martini on a torrid, summer night.

He was not your grandfather's, film noir gumshoe.

As played by the debonair Craig Stevens, Peter Gunn was almost Kennedy-esque in his Ivy League carriage and cultured comportment. He was the kind of sophisticated operator that you would expect to find in Hugh Hefner's Playboy magazine ,rather than a Dasheill Hamett novel.

Gunn was ironic, intelligent and anathema to any thug that crossed him or hurt his friends.If danger was his profession ,loyalty was his predilection.

NBC-TV debuted Blake Edwards production of Peter Gunn on September 22, 1958 and it was an instant hit with critics and viewers. The sparse, tightly written, 30 minute adventures of the suave, urban knight were underscored with a groundbreaking, jazz soundtrack from virtuoso composer Henry Mancini.The pulsating theme song went right to the top of the pop music charts.



Besides Stevens, who played Gunn with a light touch of Cary Grant's breezy bemusement,the ensemble cast included voluptuous Lola Albright as his primary love interest, a sultry singer named Edie Hart. Herschel Bernardi was the long-suffering Lt. Jacoby, Gunn's confidant. Over the course of the series, both Hope Emerson and Minerva Urecal played, Mother, the earthy owner of Pete's favorite hang-out, a jazz bar called Mother's.

Superlative producer Blake Edwards went on to bring the PINK PANTHER film series to big screens around the world in the Mid-1960's.In 1967, Edwards brought Stevens back to reprise the role of the wry private eye for a big screen version of the series.Years later, Peter Strauss was cast as a sanitized version of PETER GUNN in an abortive, ABC-TV, pilot film that did not make the network schedule.

Edwards deft touch in framing character,dialog and story line set PETER GUNN apart from traditonal, TV crime dramas.Creative casting allowed the series to showcase New York stage actor Jack Weston, TV stalwart Gavin MacLeod and comic improviser Shelley Berman on the home screen.

While shot on the Universal back-lot, the show radiated the ambiance of the city by night. The B&W series ran for two seasons on the peacock network and then moved to ABC-TV for a final flight, after producing 114 intricate adventures of this modern-day Paladin.

Below, from the Wes Channel, YOU TUBE site, are three clips that comprise the debut episode of Peter Gunn , entitled THE KILL. Enjoy!!!!








As a bonus, from the Ostmusicmix, YOU TUBE site, here is the PETER GUNN theme, as composed by Henry Mancini. Enjoy!!!!!

PLEASE,SAY HELLO TO HULU - RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW

KINESCOPE HD now has a new ... AND FREE ... way for you to check out vintage television shows, current video selections and scope out future classics. We have installed a HULU player that showcases the most watched content on their site.We receive no compensation for adding this feature. Just wanted any of you who are kind enough to visit our site, to have a convenient way to access and enjoy a wide range of TV selections. The HULU player is at the very bottom of this webpage, but the content is always at top of mind and at the top of the charts.


Our three person, IT research team (pictured above,at this years KINE AWARDS BANQUET, held in the DANNY THOMAS memorial, piano-bar and detailing center, high atop the SUNOCO AM/PM MINI-MART in Wynnewood,PA:) hope you find the new feature useful and fun.Enjoy!!!!!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SUPERSTAR CAN'T APPEAR ON HIS OWN SHOW? THE KING OF LATE NIGHT SUBS IN PRIMETIME - NBC-TV - CIRCA JANUARY 14, 1966

THE SAMMY DAVIS JR. show was the talk of network television in 1966.

Not because it was a high ticket,mid-season,LIVING COLOR,replacement show starring the multi-talented, Rat Pack Refugee, who was hailed by critics,fans and colleagues as the world's greatest entertainer.

Not because it was a lavishly mounted , musical-variety hour that would attract the most honored, provocative and popular performers on the planet, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, whose volatile,marital relationship made global headlines,daily.



But, because the only person who couldn't appear on the show was the star, Sammy Davis JR, himself.


He wanted to host his own series, but an agreement he made with ABC-TV prevented him from performing for the Peacock. Davis' NBC show debuted on Friday, January 7, 1966, at 8:30pm EST with the high voltage, singer, mimic, dancer, comedian at center stage. But, because he had previously taped an ABC-TV special entitled THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF CHILDREN, that would air on February 1, 1966, his ABC-TV contract precluded him from appearing on another television network for three weeks prior to airing the program.

NBC asked ABC to reconsider, given the profile and the cost of a new series. But, even the friendliest of competitors can play hardball.

He hosted his premiere broadcast, but then for the three weeks leading up to his ABC-TV appearance, an eclectic trio of famous friends each took a turn hosting the nascent series. They included Sean Connery, Jerry Lewis and , as depicted in the vintage clips,below, NBC-TV's king of late night, Johnny Carson.

When Davis returned to his series in Mid-February of 1966, rich production values, a stellar guest list and formidable promotion from NBC-TV couldn't get viewers to sample THE SAMMY DAVIS JR SHOW, now that it actually featured Davis. The creative team behind the show was headed by producer Joe Hamilton, who won awards and acclaim supervising THE GARRY MOORE SHOW & THE CAROL BURNETT SPECIALS for CBS-TV. Even an electrifying episode, staged as a one man show, displaying Davis's manifold talents couldn't draw a sufficient audience to satisfy the network's projections for ratings and revenue.



NBC aired the last episode of THE SAMMY DAVIS JR. SHOW on April 1, 1966.

He went on do a range of television, guest appearances , often playing himself,on primetime series like ABC-TV'sCHARLIES ANGELS. Davis did a legendary, star turn ,also playing himself, on CBS-TV's ALL IN THE FAMILY. He hosted the short lived NBC FOLLIES plus SAMMY & COMPANY in the 1970's, but never found complete success on the home screen.

Below , from the Dentel TV2, YOU TUBE SITE are four clips that comprise the January 14,1966 episode of THE SAMMY DAVIS JR. SHOW with guest host JOHNNY CARSON.

The monologue has the kind of rapid fire, topical references that were Carson's comedic hallmark. Guests include Diahann Carol, Joan Rivers ( from whom Carson was estranged at the time of his death), and Mickey Rooney. Venerable, NYC disc jockey William B. WIlliams , who was the first person to refer to Frank Sinatra as The Chariman Of The Board, was the series announcer.Enjoy!!!!

NPH SUITS UP FOR EMMY'S BIG NIGHT - OPENING NUMBER FROM THE 61ST ANNUAL, PRIME TIME, EMMY AWARDS - CBS-TV- CIRCA SUNDAY, 9/20/09

It was an extraordinary performance and a defining , television moment for a facile young talent who was coming in to his own, as he was coming into our homes.

Neil Patrick Harris, who starred as a pre-teen, medical prodigy on ABC-TV's Doogie House M.D. from 1989-1993 ,has done a Video trifecta, this year, having hosted the TV Land Awards, The Tony Awards and , now, the 61st Prime Time Emmy Awards.

The multi-talented, New Mexico native, has been Emmy nominated for his performance as hedonistic hipster, Barney Stinson on CBS-TV's, HOW I MET YOU MOTHER. He has also recently enriched his professional portfolio by essaying an eponymous role in the HAROLD&KUMAR films and portraying the venal, virtual villain DR.HORRIBLE on the web.



Not only did he do a protean job hosting the Emmy Awards Show, he also was one of the program producers. His energy imbued the show with a fast and funny sensibility.


KINESCOPE HD is a big fan of NPH and wanted to share his solo numbers from all three award shows with you. Enjoy!!!!!

COS AND EFFECT- RARE CLIP OF YOUNG BILL COSBY IN TORNTO EXPLAINING PERSONAL MOTIVATION AS A COMEDIAN - CBC-TV ARCHIVES - CIRCA 1969

What motivates any person to become a professional comedian?

Is it the promise of acceptance and attention for the disaffected?

The potential to exert control in the creative process for those who feel inhibited by their own inefficacy?

The allure of a million laughs than can generate millions of dollars, if you hit it big?

As comedian , actor and educator Bill Cosby started his meteoric climb in the sixties, his motivation may have been driven by the responsibility implicit in doing a job at your optimum capacity.And the money was pretty good, too.

In a rare, 1969, CBC interview with a mod-ishly tailored and Afro-coiffed Cosby, he methodically explains the blue collar work ethic, that would, over four decades take him from the projects of North Philadelphia to the pinnacle of comedy ,while earning tons of folding green.


At the time this conversation was recorded in Toronto,the affable monologist had just completed three seasons of his groundbreaking NBC-TV series , I SPY and was launching his short lived sitcom, THE BILL COSBY SHOW also on NBC-TV.

As he spoke ,he had no idea that his greatest video achievements,including, THE COSBY SHOW on NBC-TV were yet to come.

The excerpt, posted below, is from an episode of CBC'S respected interview series, TAKE 30, hosted by Paul Soles. Enjoy!!!!




In the above clip , Cosby refers to the elation and responsibility he felt during an early appearance on NBC-TV's THE JACK PAAR SHOW. Here , as a bonus clip ,is one of those striking performances.Enjoy!!!!!

A BRILLIANT COMIC MIND IS LOST - LARRY GELBART PASSES AWAY- CIRCA SEPTEMBER 11, 2009

Larry Gelbart was a man of many words.Words that were usually thoughtful and always funny.


He died on September 11, 2009. While it is reported to have been a peaceful and quiet passing, he leaves gales of laughter in his formidable, comic wake.

The verbal and visionary Gelbart plyed his wondrous wit in radio, television, films, books and on Broadway, during a stellar career spanning almost 65 years. By the final chapter of his life, Gelbart was the acknowledged scion of professional comedy writers.

Descendant of Polish Jews and born on February 25, 1928 in Chicago, IL. , Gelbart's father was a neighborhood barber on the Northside. Gelbart claimed that his father had a way with scissors ,but that his mother was the one with a razor sharp wit. Surprisingly,for a man of such erudition as an adult, Gelbart was not an avid reader as a child, but he claims to have been "an avid showoff."

Comedian Danny Thomas was one of his father's clients and he recruited a teen aged Gelbart as a comedy writer. The young wordsmith went on to pen jokes for Bob Hope in Hollywood and in battle zones around the globe. He did a stint on staff at the top rated DUFFY'S TAVERN radio show.



When he moved to writing for early television, he joined the vaunted team that put hilarious words in Sid Caesar's mouth (see above). Gelbart worked with Neil Simon, Mel Brooks,Mel Tolkin, Lucille Kallen, and Woody Allen on Caesar's many video ventures, including YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS, for a decade.


The affable scribe wrote and produced the acclaimed CBS-TV series M*A*S*H* with Alan Alda and the brilliant cast pictured, above.

On Broadway, he wrote the book for A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, a 1960's hit that enjoyed a successful revival in New York a few years ago.

Gelbart's movie credits include OH, GOD and TOOTSIE.

His book,LAUGHING MATTERS, should be , in my opinion , a required text for any student of the comedic arts.

His body of work is massive and remarkable for it's humanity and insight.

I never met this man, who is renowned for his unique worldview, rapier wit and gentle manner.

Like any great writer, he speaks best for himself.

Below is an excerpt of a voluminous, 1998 interview he granted to the Archive of American Television. Like the man it profiles, it is extraordinary. Enjoy!!!

A KING OF TELEVISION COMEDY AND THE CROWN PRINCE - RARE JACK BENNY SHOW WITH GUEST JOHNNY CARSON - CBS-TV - CIRCA NOVEMBER 20, 1955

Jack Benny was a Sunday night institution on American Radio and Television for almost five decades, much of it with CBS. The gentle comedian and veteran vaudevillian, born Benny Kubelsky, may actually have invented the modern form of situation comedy, where the laughter is ignited by placing unique characters in believable, but exaggerated circumstances.

THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM was a model for so many shows to follow.

He created an enduring, comic persona of a vain cheapskate who fancies himself a violin virtuoso and a verile ladies man.Off-camera,he was a considerate, family man, a protean performer and a generous colleague. Jack Benny remains, to this day, years after his passing, a beloved figure in show business history and in this country's popular culture

Johnny Carson, the acknowledged patriarch of late night television , hosted The TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON for 30 years on NBC-TV.Born to a middle-class family in the Midwest,where he never missed THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM on NBC radio,the laconic Carson was a college grad and a naval veteran of WWII. He began his career in entertainment as a teenager, doing a magic act. Later in life, he worked as a performer and disc jockey in local radio.

By his own admission ,Jack Benny and kinetic comedian Red Skelton were Carson's professional role models.

When the reserved, thoughful performer elected to move to California in search of a career in network radio and television, he was hired to write for Skelton's show.Carson was soon given the opportunity to host his own variety show, CARSON'S CELLAR, on the local CBS Owned and Operated television station, KNX-TV ( now KCBS-TV ).

In Los Angeles, Carson met Jack Benny, who , the legend goes, became a gracious mentor and a powerful proponent of the young, inventive comedian.Soon Carson was given the rare chance to host a Summer variety show on CBS-TV.

The rest is television history.

Carson spent years hosting WHO DO YOU TRUST on ABC-TV, a game show during which he met announcer/sidekick/friend Ed McMahon.Then three decades hosting THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON on NBC late night.


They are both gone, now. But, both have given us a legacy of laughter and joy. Thanks to advanced media technology, new generations can enjoy their creative , comedic contributions to television and radio.

Below is a rare collection of clips from a November 20, 1955 episode of THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM ON CBS-TV, in which a young Carson is the guest star and the beneficiary , in fiction as in fact,of Jack Benny's advice. The three clips below constitute the full episode. Enjoy!!!!!


CLIP ONE


CLIP TWO


CLIP THREE