Reviews
Adventures of Superman: The Mind Machine (1952)
Puts the SUPER in Superman
I give it an 8 because it is an episode that sticks in my mind, even 50 years after I first saw it - not counting innumerable re-runs. Still, what stands out in this episode? At least 3 times, Superman FLIES off screen. I fast forwarded to the scene where Superman is chasing a runaway school bus and told my 19 year old to "watch this". His comment - "WOW". Presumably, George Reeves was in a flying rig, but you can see his feet leave the ground as he moves off in the air. Ever after, Superman just runs off screen and is followed by the standard swishing sound and a blast of air. Whether it was too hard on the actor, or just too expensive to set up, the effect was rarely, if ever, used again in the series. Coupled with catching a falling airplane, this is the most "super" I can recall seeing the George Reeves TV Superman. (As I go thru the DVD's after so many years, I may have to correct that comment.)
How to Make a Monster (1958)
A must for American International Fans
I just finished watching the "Cult Classics" DVD release, which included the color footage mentioned in the other comment. Besides many familiar (and unfamiliar) monster heads, the film is a virtual who's who of American International Studio players from the 50's. One can almost suspect the movie was made to keep the contact players busy between films. If only Michael Landon had appeared as the Teenage Werewolf, I would have given it another couple points in the ratings. One also has to give the studio credit as the studio itself becomes the "back lot" for the film. And certainly, the plot of killing off studio executives must have appealed to all the writers, actors and production staff making the film.
Remington Steele (1982)
Don't Forget the Music
Not only were the mysteries satisfying and the characters both intriguing and likable, but the smooth jazz of the theme and soundtrack were unbeatable and the best since Peter Gunn. Beyond that, the dialog and banter was intelligent. Sometimes, you actually have to think about the reference and connect the dots to get to the laugh. Heaven forbid that should happen on TV today )which probably explains why I don't watch much original TV). I started watching the Season One DVDs and it was like meeting an old friend I hadn't seen for years. I've introduced my 18 year old son to "Remington Steele" and he finds them as entertaining as I do. New we have to wait until November for Season Two!
Men Into Space (1959)
45+ years latter
This ran against Ozzie and Harriet, as I remember, as well as my Cub Scout base ball games. It was a fight against the whole family to let the one sci-fi nut of the group to see the one show he really cared about.
Looking back at the tapes from this future perspective, it is still the most accurate portrayal of space flight on TV. It is the space program us baby boomers from the 60's wish we had developed and followed thru.
If you get a chance, watch it. For a half hour 50/60's series, it's hard to beat. I still remember wishing my parents had bought me that Colonel McCauliffe space suit from the 1960 Sears catalogue.