Gary16
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- Gary
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77 Sunset Strip / Hawaiian Eye, etc. (10 Viewers)
- Thread starter Frank Soyke
- Start date
Rustifer
Senior HTF Member
Episode Commentary
"Flight From Escondido" (S4Ep35)
I've always been a sucker for airplane disaster movies--all the Airport series, the High and the Mighty, No Highway in the Sky, The Crowded Sky, et al. They reinforced my fear of flying (which I eventually overcame), plus there's just a fundamental fear of loss of control in a metal tube that soars 30,000 feet above the earth. Still, makes for exciting stories.
So I was ecstatic that 77 SS produced an episode that entirely takes place on a DC-6. Granted, it's Hollywood's version of a plane's interior--aisles the width of most interstate highways, seats the size of barcaloungers, capacity for about 15 people, at least 6 flight attendants per passenger and a cockpit with technology slightly less than that found in an AMC Gremlin.
It's Jeff Spencer's job to escort spoiled jet setter Faith Merrick (Susan Seaforth) from tiny country Escondido back home to rich Daddy in LA. Accompanying them on the plane is a whole host of characters: A washed up actress (Elaine Devry) and her agent, a military general (Joe De Santis), an oil wildcatter, a sick lad and his mother on the way to a needed operation in America, and a bunch of oily-looking thugs. There's also an undercurrent of Cold War Communism intrusion into the American Way Of Life on board.
Susan Seaforth, Elaine Devry, Phillip Carey, Joe De Santis
The plane is hijacked and the pilot (Philip Carey) is forced to turn towards Commie Country San Cristobal. Jeff attempts a run at the gun wielding hijacker, only to be soundly repulsed. "Next time you try something like that, I weel keel you!" snarls the bad guy. My Lab Retriever could voice a more convincing Spanish inflection. Gunfire ensues, but fortunately the aircraft is seemingly flying only about 17 feet above ground--so no decompression issues from holes being drilled into the fuselage. On a second try, Spencer gets the best of the hijacker and gains control of the ship. Distressingly, the plane is being chased by jet fighters dispatched from San Cristobal. The pilot slyly avoids confrontation by flying directly into a huge storm. I had to snort out loud when he flipped on the plane's windshield wipers. Yeah, that'll help when the wings get ripped off by hurricane force wind. Yet, the plane evades the commie jets and makes it safely to LA. Once again, the United States outwits the Red Peril.
Directed by Scotsman Robert Douglas and written by Paul Savage, this was not exactly a detective story, but still an interesting episode featuring the heroics of Jeff Spencer and some good interplay from guest stars.
Randoms:
Elaine Devry was somewhat lacking in luck when picking husbands. Her first, a high school boyfriend, was convicted of armed robbery and spent time in jail. She then became one in a long line of Mickey Rooney wives--married to him for 6 years which was practically a lifetime in Rooney marriage years.
Joe De Santis (of whom I wrote a Tidbit many pages ago) was born in New York City but interestingly almost never played an American.
"Flight From Escondido" (S4Ep35)
I've always been a sucker for airplane disaster movies--all the Airport series, the High and the Mighty, No Highway in the Sky, The Crowded Sky, et al. They reinforced my fear of flying (which I eventually overcame), plus there's just a fundamental fear of loss of control in a metal tube that soars 30,000 feet above the earth. Still, makes for exciting stories.
So I was ecstatic that 77 SS produced an episode that entirely takes place on a DC-6. Granted, it's Hollywood's version of a plane's interior--aisles the width of most interstate highways, seats the size of barcaloungers, capacity for about 15 people, at least 6 flight attendants per passenger and a cockpit with technology slightly less than that found in an AMC Gremlin.
It's Jeff Spencer's job to escort spoiled jet setter Faith Merrick (Susan Seaforth) from tiny country Escondido back home to rich Daddy in LA. Accompanying them on the plane is a whole host of characters: A washed up actress (Elaine Devry) and her agent, a military general (Joe De Santis), an oil wildcatter, a sick lad and his mother on the way to a needed operation in America, and a bunch of oily-looking thugs. There's also an undercurrent of Cold War Communism intrusion into the American Way Of Life on board.
Susan Seaforth, Elaine Devry, Phillip Carey, Joe De Santis
The plane is hijacked and the pilot (Philip Carey) is forced to turn towards Commie Country San Cristobal. Jeff attempts a run at the gun wielding hijacker, only to be soundly repulsed. "Next time you try something like that, I weel keel you!" snarls the bad guy. My Lab Retriever could voice a more convincing Spanish inflection. Gunfire ensues, but fortunately the aircraft is seemingly flying only about 17 feet above ground--so no decompression issues from holes being drilled into the fuselage. On a second try, Spencer gets the best of the hijacker and gains control of the ship. Distressingly, the plane is being chased by jet fighters dispatched from San Cristobal. The pilot slyly avoids confrontation by flying directly into a huge storm. I had to snort out loud when he flipped on the plane's windshield wipers. Yeah, that'll help when the wings get ripped off by hurricane force wind. Yet, the plane evades the commie jets and makes it safely to LA. Once again, the United States outwits the Red Peril.
Directed by Scotsman Robert Douglas and written by Paul Savage, this was not exactly a detective story, but still an interesting episode featuring the heroics of Jeff Spencer and some good interplay from guest stars.
Randoms:
Elaine Devry was somewhat lacking in luck when picking husbands. Her first, a high school boyfriend, was convicted of armed robbery and spent time in jail. She then became one in a long line of Mickey Rooney wives--married to him for 6 years which was practically a lifetime in Rooney marriage years.
Joe De Santis (of whom I wrote a Tidbit many pages ago) was born in New York City but interestingly almost never played an American.
criblecoblis
Supporting Actor
But I don't drink martinis. They don't have whisky in them.
Rob - just make a very dry whisky martini. Pour two fingers of your best. Take a vermouth bottle and wave in the air three times. Eat an olive. Drink the whiskey at your leisure. Add ice if desired. I have recipes for tequila - rum - bourbon - everything martinis.
Sounds like you got those valves ticking again.
Rustifer
Senior HTF Member
I have no answer for this.
Who are you and what have you done with Russ????
Don McGregor
Auditioning
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2018
- Messages
- 10
- Real Name
- Don
- This Post on 77 SUNSET STRIP just came up on my Facebook Memories, and I thought some of you might find it of interest.
- I guess I wrote this about the first time ME TV started showing 77, and had aired THE PASADINA CAPER.
- Below, author and ex-Vice and Homicide Detective Paul Bishop writes to me losing my game board of 77 SUNSET STRIP.
- Holy left behinds, Bat-don...When you say left behind do you mean left behind and gone, or left behind but could recover? I have been following your move and Marsha's health issues with much trepidation. I despair to see good people, good friends, faced with these types of challenges...Each decade above the grass brings its own unique challenges...Our attitude is the one of the few aspects we can control...The others are the choice to love and be kind in all things, to graciously accept the kindness of others, and to seek personal peace in an impersonal world of chaos...You are a good man, Don...I'm honored to know you are my friend...
Paul Bishop
January 31 at 9:55am · Edited
- Don McGregor
The 77 SUNSET STRIP board games, plus the manY JAMES BOND board games I once had, were all left behind in the attic of the house I was renting a floor from in Queens. Dean Mullaney, Steve Gerber, Mary Skrenes, and I think, Jim Salicrup helped me haul my books and comics and 16MM films, and whatever else, into Steve's van to move into Janey Aruns Bowery loft space in lower Manhattan. We had to make a number of trips of stuff from Queens to lower Manhattan, and I just couldn't ask for them to make more runs to try to get the games (and whatever might have been there) and bring them there. It was certainly my intent to go back some time and see if they were still there, but then more life happened, and I never did. Upon occasion I would wonder what the people who owned the house did with those games. Probably put them out with the trash.
I see the reproduction of the game box and it makes me think fondly of it. Watching 77 on ME-TV every morning makes me wish anew that there was some way for Warner Archive Collection to release the series on DVD, knowing there are probably multiple music rights obstacles that would have to be overcome.
Two nights ago, ME aired one of my favorite Sunset Strips: THE PASADENA CAPER.
What still impresses me about this episode is that the Efrem Zimbablist, Jr. segments of the show are in the tone of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE and THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER while the Roger Smith segment is pure, hard-boiled private eye. We go from little old ladies poisoning tea to a nightclub dancer making a late night rendezvous with Spencer, a night that ends with the detective discovering a bassinet and learning she had a baby that died. And Montgomery Pittman brings disparate story-telling approaches the together. And, more importantly, makes both work.
An unusual combo.
You will note, Paul, that I Posted this earlier Post on the games early, in response to what you had shown, because I knew if I didn't it might never get written because Marsha had two doctors appointment scheduled for that day, and who knew when we would get back.
I also did not want to miss Paul Scrabo's birthday.
Good thing I did write then, given what happened.
I'll described further in a separate Post above.
I cannot possibly express adequately how much your kind words to me above mean to me, Paul.
You're the real deal.
I have always treasured our friendship and love for story-telling.
Don McGregor
Comments- Paul Scrabo
- I believe DINO'S (Dean Martin's restaurant) was used for the opening titles of 77!
Don McGregor
It actually is where Bailey & Spenser had their offices. Warners built the glitzy 77 awning across the drive-way for Dinos. Dean Martin had just bought and opened the Lodge about a year before that. They filmed some preliminary opening shots of those great looking 1950s convertibles driving into the lot where Kookie would take the cars to the back and park them. The address was not actually 77.
- In the 60s my Mom and Dad drove across country to California. Warner Brothers and Sunset Strip were more important to me than Disneyland. They took me and my sister, Sue, to Dino's. The back lot where Kookie supposedly parked those cars maybe fit a half dozen car, MAYBE, before dropping off into a deep arroyo. If there was a real parking attendant I have no idea where they would park more cars than 6.
- I feel as if I am answering this for two talented, great guys, Paul Scrabo and Paul Bishop. And for any 77 fans. Don
- Paul Scrabo
- Don McGregor
And here it is with the 77 Sunset Strip awning and Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. as Stu Bailey. In those days, if you looked up the word "suave" in the dictionary there just a photo of Efrem. Pretty sure about that. Don
- Don McGregor
- And here's Kookie, jumping into his hot rod, maybe to park it at edge of the parking lot cliff drop. Don
Episode Commentary
"Flight From Escondido" (S4Ep35)
I've always been a sucker for airplane disaster movies--all the Airport series, the High and the Mighty, No Highway in the Sky, The Crowded Sky, et al. They reinforced my fear of flying (which I eventually overcame), plus there's just a fundamental fear of loss of control in a metal tube that soars 30,000 feet above the earth. Still, makes for exciting stories.
So I was ecstatic that 77 SS produced an episode that entirely takes place on a DC-6. Granted, it's Hollywood's version of a plane's interior--aisles the width of most interstate highways, seats the size of barcaloungers, capacity for about 15 people, at least 6 flight attendants per passenger and a cockpit with technology slightly less than that found in an AMC Gremlin.
It's Jeff Spencer's job to escort spoiled jet setter Faith Merrick (Susan Seaforth) from tiny country Escondido back home to rich Daddy in LA. Accompanying them on the plane is a whole host of characters: A washed up actress (Elaine Devry) and her agent, a military general (Joe De Santis), an oil wildcatter, a sick lad and his mother on the way to a needed operation in America, and a bunch of oily-looking thugs. There's also an undercurrent of Cold War Communism intrusion into the American Way Of Life on board.
View attachment 54755 View attachment 54756View attachment 54758
Susan Seaforth, Elaine Devry, Phillip Carey, Joe De Santis
The plane is hijacked and the pilot (Philip Carey) is forced to turn towards Commie Country San Cristobal. Jeff attempts a run at the gun wielding hijacker, only to be soundly repulsed. "Next time you try something like that, I weel keel you!" snarls the bad guy. My Lab Retriever could voice a more convincing Spanish inflection. Gunfire ensues, but fortunately the aircraft is seemingly flying only about 17 feet above ground--so no decompression issues from holes being drilled into the fuselage. On a second try, Spencer gets the best of the hijacker and gains control of the ship. Distressingly, the plane is being chased by jet fighters dispatched from San Cristobal. The pilot slyly avoids confrontation by flying directly into a huge storm. I had to snort out loud when he flipped on the plane's windshield wipers. Yeah, that'll help when the wings get ripped off by hurricane force wind. Yet, the plane evades the commie jets and makes it safely to LA. Once again, the United States outwits the Red Peril.
Directed by Scotsman Robert Douglas and written by Paul Savage, this was not exactly a detective story, but still an interesting episode featuring the heroics of Jeff Spencer and some good interplay from guest stars.
Randoms:
Elaine Devry was somewhat lacking in luck when picking husbands. Her first, a high school boyfriend, was convicted of armed robbery and spent time in jail. She then became one in a long line of Mickey Rooney wives--married to him for 6 years which was practically a lifetime in Rooney marriage years.
Joe De Santis (of whom I wrote a Tidbit many pages ago) was born in New York City but interestingly almost never played an American.
Another fine episode review.
- This Post on 77 SUNSET STRIP just came up on my Facebook Memories, and I thought some of you might find it of interest.
- I guess I wrote this about the first time ME TV started showing 77, and had aired THE PASADINA CAPER.
- Below, author and ex-Vice and Homicide Detective Paul Bishop writes to me losing my game board of 77 SUNSET STRIP.
- Holy left behinds, Bat-don...When you say left behind do you mean left behind and gone, or left behind but could recover? I have been following your move and Marsha's health issues with much trepidation. I despair to see good people, good friends, faced with these types of challenges...Each decade above the grass brings its own unique challenges...Our attitude is the one of the few aspects we can control...The others are the choice to love and be kind in all things, to graciously accept the kindness of others, and to seek personal peace in an impersonal world of chaos...You are a good man, Don...I'm honored to know you are my friend...
Paul Bishop
January 31 at 9:55am · Edited
- Don McGregor
The 77 SUNSET STRIP board games, plus the manY JAMES BOND board games I once had, were all left behind in the attic of the house I was renting a floor from in Queens. Dean Mullaney, Steve Gerber, Mary Skrenes, and I think, Jim Salicrup helped me haul my books and comics and 16MM films, and whatever else, into Steve's van to move into Janey Aruns Bowery loft space in lower Manhattan. We had to make a number of trips of stuff from Queens to lower Manhattan, and I just couldn't ask for them to make more runs to try to get the games (and whatever might have been there) and bring them there. It was certainly my intent to go back some time and see if they were still there, but then more life happened, and I never did. Upon occasion I would wonder what the people who owned the house did with those games. Probably put them out with the trash.
I see the reproduction of the game box and it makes me think fondly of it. Watching 77 on ME-TV every morning makes me wish anew that there was some way for Warner Archive Collection to release the series on DVD, knowing there are probably multiple music rights obstacles that would have to be overcome.
Two nights ago, ME aired one of my favorite Sunset Strips: THE PASADENA CAPER.
What still impresses me about this episode is that the Efrem Zimbablist, Jr. segments of the show are in the tone of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE and THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER while the Roger Smith segment is pure, hard-boiled private eye. We go from little old ladies poisoning tea to a nightclub dancer making a late night rendezvous with Spencer, a night that ends with the detective discovering a bassinet and learning she had a baby that died. And Montgomery Pittman brings disparate story-telling approaches the together. And, more importantly, makes both work.
An unusual combo.
You will note, Paul, that I Posted this earlier Post on the games early, in response to what you had shown, because I knew if I didn't it might never get written because Marsha had two doctors appointment scheduled for that day, and who knew when we would get back.
I also did not want to miss Paul Scrabo's birthday.
Good thing I did write then, given what happened.
I'll described further in a separate Post above.
I cannot possibly express adequately how much your kind words to me above mean to me, Paul.
You're the real deal.
I have always treasured our friendship and love for story-telling.
Don McGregor
Comments
- Paul Scrabo
- I believe DINO'S (Dean Martin's restaurant) was used for the opening titles of 77!
Don McGregor
It actually is where Bailey & Spenser had their offices. Warners built the glitzy 77 awning across the drive-way for Dinos. Dean Martin had just bought and opened the Lodge about a year before that. They filmed some preliminary opening shots of those great looking 1950s convertibles driving into the lot where Kookie would take the cars to the back and park them. The address was not actually 77.
- In the 60s my Mom and Dad drove across country to California. Warner Brothers and Sunset Strip were more important to me than Disneyland. They took me and my sister, Sue, to Dino's. The back lot where Kookie supposedly parked those cars maybe fit a half dozen car, MAYBE, before dropping off into a deep arroyo. If there was a real parking attendant I have no idea where they would park more cars than 6.
- I feel as if I am answering this for two talented, great guys, Paul Scrabo and Paul Bishop. And for any 77 fans. Don
- Don McGregor
And here it is with the 77 Sunset Strip awning and Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. as Stu Bailey. In those days, if you looked up the word "suave" in the dictionary there just a photo of Efrem. Pretty sure about that. Don
- Don McGregor
- And here's Kookie, jumping into his hot rod, maybe to park it at edge of the parking lot cliff drop. Don
77 Sunset Strip is still my all time favorite series. I'm still into watching it, although I
Rob - just make a very dry whisky martini. Pour two fingers of your best. Take a vermouth bottle and wave in the air three times. Eat an olive. Drink the whiskey at your leisure. Add ice if desired. I have recipes for tequila - rum - bourbon - everything martinis.
Sounds like you got those valves ticking again.
Rob - just make a very dry whisky martini. Pour two fingers of your best. Take a vermouth bottle and wave in the air three times. Eat an olive. Drink the whiskey at your leisure. Add ice if desired. I have recipes for tequila - rum - bourbon - everything martinis.
Sounds like you got those valves ticking again.
- This Post on 77 SUNSET STRIP just came up on my Facebook Memories, and I thought some of you might find it of interest.
- I guess I wrote this about the first time ME TV started showing 77, and had aired THE PASADINA CAPER.
- Below, author and ex-Vice and Homicide Detective Paul Bishop writes to me losing my game board of 77 SUNSET STRIP.
- Holy left behinds, Bat-don...When you say left behind do you mean left behind and gone, or left behind but could recover? I have been following your move and Marsha's health issues with much trepidation. I despair to see good people, good friends, faced with these types of challenges...Each decade above the grass brings its own unique challenges...Our attitude is the one of the few aspects we can control...The others are the choice to love and be kind in all things, to graciously accept the kindness of others, and to seek personal peace in an impersonal world of chaos...You are a good man, Don...I'm honored to know you are my friend...
Paul Bishop
January 31 at 9:55am · Edited
- Don McGregor
The 77 SUNSET STRIP board games, plus the manY JAMES BOND board games I once had, were all left behind in the attic of the house I was renting a floor from in Queens. Dean Mullaney, Steve Gerber, Mary Skrenes, and I think, Jim Salicrup helped me haul my books and comics and 16MM films, and whatever else, into Steve's van to move into Janey Aruns Bowery loft space in lower Manhattan. We had to make a number of trips of stuff from Queens to lower Manhattan, and I just couldn't ask for them to make more runs to try to get the games (and whatever might have been there) and bring them there. It was certainly my intent to go back some time and see if they were still there, but then more life happened, and I never did. Upon occasion I would wonder what the people who owned the house did with those games. Probably put them out with the trash.
I see the reproduction of the game box and it makes me think fondly of it. Watching 77 on ME-TV every morning makes me wish anew that there was some way for Warner Archive Collection to release the series on DVD, knowing there are probably multiple music rights obstacles that would have to be overcome.
Two nights ago, ME aired one of my favorite Sunset Strips: THE PASADENA CAPER.
What still impresses me about this episode is that the Efrem Zimbablist, Jr. segments of the show are in the tone of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE and THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER while the Roger Smith segment is pure, hard-boiled private eye. We go from little old ladies poisoning tea to a nightclub dancer making a late night rendezvous with Spencer, a night that ends with the detective discovering a bassinet and learning she had a baby that died. And Montgomery Pittman brings disparate story-telling approaches the together. And, more importantly, makes both work.
An unusual combo.
You will note, Paul, that I Posted this earlier Post on the games early, in response to what you had shown, because I knew if I didn't it might never get written because Marsha had two doctors appointment scheduled for that day, and who knew when we would get back.
I also did not want to miss Paul Scrabo's birthday.
Good thing I did write then, given what happened.
I'll described further in a separate Post above.
I cannot possibly express adequately how much your kind words to me above mean to me, Paul.
You're the real deal.
I have always treasured our friendship and love for story-telling.
Don McGregor
Comments
- Paul Scrabo
- I believe DINO'S (Dean Martin's restaurant) was used for the opening titles of 77!
Don McGregor
It actually is where Bailey & Spenser had their offices. Warners built the glitzy 77 awning across the drive-way for Dinos. Dean Martin had just bought and opened the Lodge about a year before that. They filmed some preliminary opening shots of those great looking 1950s convertibles driving into the lot where Kookie would take the cars to the back and park them. The address was not actually 77.
- In the 60s my Mom and Dad drove across country to California. Warner Brothers and Sunset Strip were more important to me than Disneyland. They took me and my sister, Sue, to Dino's. The back lot where Kookie supposedly parked those cars maybe fit a half dozen car, MAYBE, before dropping off into a deep arroyo. If there was a real parking attendant I have no idea where they would park more cars than 6.
- I feel as if I am answering this for two talented, great guys, Paul Scrabo and Paul Bishop. And for any 77 fans. Don
- Don McGregor
And here it is with the 77 Sunset Strip awning and Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. as Stu Bailey. In those days, if you looked up the word "suave" in the dictionary there just a photo of Efrem. Pretty sure about that. Don
- Don McGregor
- And here's Kookie, jumping into his hot rod, maybe to park it at edge of the parking lot cliff drop.
"Flight to Escondido" & "Pasadena Caper" are a few of my favorite episodes.
Rustifier: another fine review & funny!
Love the martini recipes!!!! I thought of "The Affairs of Adam Gallante" with your whiff of vermouth. When Jeff Spencer is looking for Adam Cain, he knocks on residence door & a famous woman movie star opens it. . Jeff enter finds out she owns the building. She likes Jeff & asks him if he'd like a drink. She proceeds to make him a dry martini by pouring into a pitcher only gin and waving the vermouth bottle over the top of the pitcher.
"Pasadena Caper" : Had some funny spots. My favorite part was where the two nightclub thugs beat up Jeff Spencer after exiting from the girl's apartment. Then, the next day Jeff beats up the two thugs in their bar!
"77 Sunset Strip" is still my favorite TV show. I could also watch " Surfside 6" & "Hawaian Eye" along with "77 Sunset Strip".
I thought I saw on one or two of the "77 Sunset Strip" episodes, although there was the small parking lot by Dino's building, there was a ramp behind Dino's that went down into the arroyo where there was a large black topped parking lot. If I'm wrong I'm sure I'll be corrected. I"ll have to go through almost complete rotation 2 & rotation 3 vcr tapes looking at the episodes' comments to find out what episodes.
Rustifier: another fine review & funny!
Love the martini recipes!!!! I thought of "The Affairs of Adam Gallante" with your whiff of vermouth. When Jeff Spencer is looking for Adam Cain, he knocks on residence door & a famous woman movie star opens it. . Jeff enter finds out she owns the building. She likes Jeff & asks him if he'd like a drink. She proceeds to make him a dry martini by pouring into a pitcher only gin and waving the vermouth bottle over the top of the pitcher.
"Pasadena Caper" : Had some funny spots. My favorite part was where the two nightclub thugs beat up Jeff Spencer after exiting from the girl's apartment. Then, the next day Jeff beats up the two thugs in their bar!
"77 Sunset Strip" is still my favorite TV show. I could also watch " Surfside 6" & "Hawaian Eye" along with "77 Sunset Strip".
I thought I saw on one or two of the "77 Sunset Strip" episodes, although there was the small parking lot by Dino's building, there was a ramp behind Dino's that went down into the arroyo where there was a large black topped parking lot. If I'm wrong I'm sure I'll be corrected. I"ll have to go through almost complete rotation 2 & rotation 3 vcr tapes looking at the episodes' comments to find out what episodes.
Rustifer
Senior HTF Member
You are correct, Dolly, regarding the layout of the parking lot. When I was spending a bunch of time in SoCal in the early 2000's, I would make regular "pilgrimages" to 8524 Sunset Blvd. to visit the exact spot of the former Dino's and "B&S" offices. By then they had become an office building and Tiffany Theater, respectively--but the drive-thru between the two (Kookie's primary valet parking territory) still existed. Many times I skidded down the steep incline to the parking area behind the buildings, which indeed was far bigger than depicted in WB's set replica of the area.
What the drive-thru looked like in 2004
Being the wistful fool that I am, I would actually stand in the lot for an hour or more trying to visualize what it must have been like in 1960. Once. a policeman accosted me as a "suspicious" fellow for hanging around for no apparent reason. When I tried to explain to him my nostalgic reasons, he looked at me like I just skated off the third ring of Saturn. As a young cop, he had no idea of the history of the area much less any recognition of the "77 Sunset Strip" TV show.
I have stated a jillion times on this thread how much I wish I had a time machine to return to this spot. Once there, I'm pretty sure I would not elect to come back to 2019.
Last edited:
criblecoblis
Supporting Actor
Russ, it's a shame that one of the truly great TV shows faded so quickly from popular memory. I never recall seeing this show in syndication. I suppose it was the victim of the drastic (if short-lived) change in the public mood in the early Sixties. From what I recall and have read, people began to crave crepe-hanger shows that dealt in a somber tone with social issues, and the generally humorous tone of 77SS grew to be frowned upon by the bien pensant.
I feel ya, and I've often said the same thing. But after my recent surgery, I no longer wish I'd been born any earlier than I was. My minimally-invasive procedure would not have been possible five years ago, and I'd still be deep in the recovery phase.
Not that I still don't long for a time machine. I'd take a good modern video-recording setup back and record every episode of 77SS in its original network run. Then I'd go forward a few decades and buy as much Apple stock as I could afford.
Rustifer
Senior HTF Member
I like the meticulous planning of your dreams, Rob
Rustifer
Senior HTF Member
Admirable pursuits, Rob. Somewhere in between those two efforts, I would've made a stop at Joey Heatherton's house.
Just to say hi, mind you.
Rustifer
Senior HTF Member
And congrats on the usage of "bien pensant" in your post. I could write 867,354 lines of commentary without tripping over that phrase even once.
Flashgear
Senior HTF Member
Fans of the multi talented Joey Heatherton really need to pick up the recently released Mr. Novak season one from Warner Archive...I humbly submit these screen caps for your consideration...yes, that's a young Bonnie Franklin too...Admirable pursuits, Rob. Somewhere in between those two efforts, I would've made a stop at Joey Heatherton's house.
Just to say hi, mind you.
I'm a little bit of a fan, ha, ha...this appearance in Mr. Novak season one's To Break a Camel's Back (Nov. 12, 1963) is among her earliest work in TV available on DVD, along with two appearances on the great Route 66...to bring it back to 77 Sunset Strip and the other Warner Detective shows, off the top of my head, I don't believe she appeared in any of the WB detective shows...but maybe I'm wrong in that?
Rustifer
Senior HTF Member
Yeah, Randall--I remember you or someone mentioning Joey in a Mr. Novak episode in that respective thread. It really makes me nostalgic for that series, but as you know I don't purchase DVD series so if it ain't on TV in a rerun--I'm never going to see it. Dammit.
Ms. Heatherton did NOT appear in any 77 SS or WB detective series from that era--I don't think she was quite afixed in the public eye at that point. Fortunately, we had Sherry Jackson to ogle as more-than-a-fair forerunner of the stunning and pneumatic Joey.
I've said it before and I'll say it again now---your screen caps always just blow me away.
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Rustifer
Senior HTF Member
Episode Commentary
"The Disappearance" (S4Ep32)
This episode is a good 'un--for two reasons: First, it's a rare 77 SS story that's shot almost entirely on location in and around a golf course in the hills of California. (I tried to identify the course, but no luck.) Second, John Dehner plays an erudite crook with one of the more unique schemes on retrieving kidnap ransom without being caught.
He who's only identified as the "Distinguished Visitor" has flown into Pine Lake for a restful interlude and to write his memoirs. One gets the impression that Pine Lake is essentially good for nothing other than a placid respite, especially for those who are quickly closing in on crossing over the rainbow. The local airport looks like what I imagine the municipal landing field in Muncie, Indiana must have looked like around 1932 while awaiting for your biplane connection to Hooterville. A coffee vending machine in the gate area would have been considered near science fiction in its inventiveness.
John Dehner, victor Buono, Mike Road
Stu Bailey is on hand to meet the "Distinguished Visitor", who we're led to believe is a retired president-like figure (think Ike) by the way Stu does a lot of polite deferential chuckling--as one is wont to do around a famous person who says something that might be construed as amusing--whether it is or not.
For reasons the director thought were necessary, we never see the face of the Visitor--I suppose to further foster the idea that this is some sort of real national figure. Stu's purpose is to help the gentleman verify parts of his biographical manuscript--as if a professional secretary might not have been more reasonable in fee structure for the task. If fact, there are uncharacteristically no females in this episode other than a brief scene with Suzanne--who looks particularly fetching perched on a desk:
Even JR looks like he's entertaining ideas on burglarizing Suzanne's body in some sort of unholy consort.
The Visitor, his entourage and Stu repair to the golf clubhouse near the local missionary. Brother John rings the mission bells in his unique fashion twice a day--as the Visitor points out to Stu. Keep this small fact in mind, as it is the key to solving the unfolding mystery.
While the group is playing golf, John Dehner and his henchmen (including Victor Buono in a completely squandered role) kidnap the Visitor. The FBI is called in (Mike Road, also in a thankless role), a ransom of $1 million is demanded, and a bubble-nosed helicopter is hired to buzz the countryside for clues. All it finds is a pregnant lady in the back of a pickup about to give birth. The scriptwriter must have been told to come up with two extra minutes to fill out the allotted time. Apparently it didn't matter what to throw in.
Well, as I hinted, the mission bells being rung by Brother John have changed their tune and give Stu a clue as to the whereabouts of the Visitor. The bad men are quickly aerated by Stu and the FBI and the Visitor is rescued. No clue as to whether the golf round was ever finished.
Randoms:
Really, if any of you CA natives are familiar with this episode and recognize the location of the golf course--it would be keen to report on it.
Granted, the landscape probably looks a bit different after 60 years. There is a Pine Lake located in the Sierra National Forest.
"The Disappearance" (S4Ep32)
This episode is a good 'un--for two reasons: First, it's a rare 77 SS story that's shot almost entirely on location in and around a golf course in the hills of California. (I tried to identify the course, but no luck.) Second, John Dehner plays an erudite crook with one of the more unique schemes on retrieving kidnap ransom without being caught.
He who's only identified as the "Distinguished Visitor" has flown into Pine Lake for a restful interlude and to write his memoirs. One gets the impression that Pine Lake is essentially good for nothing other than a placid respite, especially for those who are quickly closing in on crossing over the rainbow. The local airport looks like what I imagine the municipal landing field in Muncie, Indiana must have looked like around 1932 while awaiting for your biplane connection to Hooterville. A coffee vending machine in the gate area would have been considered near science fiction in its inventiveness.
John Dehner, victor Buono, Mike Road
Stu Bailey is on hand to meet the "Distinguished Visitor", who we're led to believe is a retired president-like figure (think Ike) by the way Stu does a lot of polite deferential chuckling--as one is wont to do around a famous person who says something that might be construed as amusing--whether it is or not.
For reasons the director thought were necessary, we never see the face of the Visitor--I suppose to further foster the idea that this is some sort of real national figure. Stu's purpose is to help the gentleman verify parts of his biographical manuscript--as if a professional secretary might not have been more reasonable in fee structure for the task. If fact, there are uncharacteristically no females in this episode other than a brief scene with Suzanne--who looks particularly fetching perched on a desk:
Even JR looks like he's entertaining ideas on burglarizing Suzanne's body in some sort of unholy consort.
The Visitor, his entourage and Stu repair to the golf clubhouse near the local missionary. Brother John rings the mission bells in his unique fashion twice a day--as the Visitor points out to Stu. Keep this small fact in mind, as it is the key to solving the unfolding mystery.
While the group is playing golf, John Dehner and his henchmen (including Victor Buono in a completely squandered role) kidnap the Visitor. The FBI is called in (Mike Road, also in a thankless role), a ransom of $1 million is demanded, and a bubble-nosed helicopter is hired to buzz the countryside for clues. All it finds is a pregnant lady in the back of a pickup about to give birth. The scriptwriter must have been told to come up with two extra minutes to fill out the allotted time. Apparently it didn't matter what to throw in.
Well, as I hinted, the mission bells being rung by Brother John have changed their tune and give Stu a clue as to the whereabouts of the Visitor. The bad men are quickly aerated by Stu and the FBI and the Visitor is rescued. No clue as to whether the golf round was ever finished.
Randoms:
Really, if any of you CA natives are familiar with this episode and recognize the location of the golf course--it would be keen to report on it.
Granted, the landscape probably looks a bit different after 60 years. There is a Pine Lake located in the Sierra National Forest.
Last edited:
criblecoblis
Supporting Actor
Oh, I've got this whole time travel thing all planned out.
criblecoblis
Supporting Actor
It's an extremely useful phrase. It says a lot in two words.
criblecoblis
Supporting Actor
Great commentary on a great episode. If I may respond to some of your observations, I think that a viewer of the episode upon its original airing would have no doubt that John Litel is supposed to be Dwight Eisenhower, who was well-known as an avid golfer. Moreover, the only two other living Presidents at the time, Herbert Hoover and Harry S Truman, were not golfers.
Yes, I've already given some thought to this question. Don't judge me!
I can accommodate you: It's the Sand Canyon Country Club in Santa Clarita.
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