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Bob Hug · 03-11-2008, 06:59 AM

Alpha Video just released a DVD of four unsold action show TV pilots, one of which was for a proposed underwater series titled "Sea Divers" starring Rhodes Reason and John Smith (of "Laramie" fame). The pilot was produced in 1956 and, according to a few sources, was the inspiration for "Sea Hunt." From a "Sea Hunt" tribute site . . . . .

"Some people believe that an unsold half-hour TV pilot "Sea Divers" (1956) inspired SEA HUNT. The pilot stars Rhodes Reason (as Tom Gorman) and John Smith (as Mike Gilbert) and tells the story of two divers that are hired to find valuable papers in a shipwreck. Harold Minniear, the creator of "Sea Divers", sued Ziv claiming that he had shown the "idea" to Ziv and to producers and within the television industry. The creator further claimed that it was understood that if the producers were to use the idea, they would pay the submitter for the idea. While there was no express contract with Ziv to pay for "Sea Divers", "there was an implied contract, and that it is understood in the industry that when a showing is made, the offeror shall be paid for any ideas or material used therein". The court concluded that "there is substantial evidence in the record for the jury to infer a reasonable expectation by appellant that the defendant Ziv might buy the idea for a TV underwater series in the spring of 1956". Thomas Scott, a film editor for Ziv, cut and edited "Sea Divers" at Ziv facilities. Minniear also gave Tors a booklet with the outline of "Sea Divers". A month after seeing the pilot, Tors began production of "SEA HUNT", hired "Sea Divers" underwater photographer and attempted to hire one "Sea Divers" leading men. Tors had purchased from Minniear a story and used it in the SEA HUNT premiere "Sixty Feet Below." (See more info. here: Sea Hunt Trivia Lloyd Bridges Zale Parry Argonaut Scuba Guy Diving Bill Jones Tors Ziv United Artists Television TV Series Authorized Official)

So, now we have "Sea Divers" and "Assignment Underwater" (at least some of it), but still no "Sea Hunt."

"Sea Divers" is available here: Here Comes Tobor And Other Lost Action Shows Of The 1950's (Sea Divers / Captain Fathom / Counterspy) - Television on DVD - Alpha Video : OLDIES.com

Speaking of "inspirations," the "Captain Fathom" pilot (with Don Megowan) on this DVD plays like an early version of "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea."

03-11-2008, 06:59 AM	#14 of 14
Bob Hug Member Join Date: May 2005 Local Time: 07:56 PM Local Date: 10-15-2008 Posts: 1,448	Re: Assignment Underwater Alpha Video just released a DVD of four unsold action show TV pilots, one of which was for a proposed underwater series titled "Sea Divers" starring Rhodes Reason and John Smith (of "Laramie" fame). The pilot was produced in 1956 and, according to a few sources, was the inspiration for "Sea Hunt." From a "Sea Hunt" tribute site . . . . . "Some people believe that an unsold half-hour TV pilot "Sea Divers" (1956) inspired SEA HUNT. The pilot stars Rhodes Reason (as Tom Gorman) and John Smith (as Mike Gilbert) and tells the story of two divers that are hired to find valuable papers in a shipwreck. Harold Minniear, the creator of "Sea Divers", sued Ziv claiming that he had shown the "idea" to Ziv and to producers and within the television industry. The creator further claimed that it was understood that if the producers were to use the idea, they would pay the submitter for the idea. While there was no express contract with Ziv to pay for "Sea Divers", "there was an implied contract, and that it is understood in the industry that when a showing is made, the offeror shall be paid for any ideas or material used therein". The court concluded that "there is substantial evidence in the record for the jury to infer a reasonable expectation by appellant that the defendant Ziv might buy the idea for a TV underwater series in the spring of 1956". Thomas Scott, a film editor for Ziv, cut and edited "Sea Divers" at Ziv facilities. Minniear also gave Tors a booklet with the outline of "Sea Divers". A month after seeing the pilot, Tors began production of "SEA HUNT", hired "Sea Divers" underwater photographer and attempted to hire one "Sea Divers" leading men. Tors had purchased from Minniear a story and used it in the SEA HUNT premiere "Sixty Feet Below." (See more info. here: Sea Hunt Trivia Lloyd Bridges Zale Parry Argonaut Scuba Guy Diving Bill Jones Tors Ziv United Artists Television TV Series Authorized Official) So, now we have "Sea Divers" and "Assignment Underwater" (at least some of it), but still no "Sea Hunt." "Sea Divers" is available here: Here Comes Tobor And Other Lost Action Shows Of The 1950's (Sea Divers / Captain Fathom / Counterspy) - Television on DVD - Alpha Video : OLDIES.com Speaking of "inspirations," the "Captain Fathom" pilot (with Don Megowan) on this DVD plays like an early version of "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea." Last edited by Bob Hug : 03-11-2008 at 07:08 AM.