What did you watch this week in classic TV on DVD(or Blu)? (2 Viewers)

[bmasters9]

Good stuff, Ben! Are you watching via the Warner Bros. Complete Series DVD set or the more recent Blu-Ray edition?

Warner Bros. all-in-one DVD, single-sided edition (got it recently at the Walmart in Simpsonville).

 

[Jeff Flugel]

Oh, yes, folks...I'm not quite through with my Lisa Gaye posts yet. Thanks to Neal's perspicacity, I was able to download all two seasons (52 episodes) of the 1957-1959 TV version of How to Marry a Millionaire, in superb 720p HD quality from YouTube here. Lori Nelson left after the first season of 39 episodes, and was replaced by Ms. Gaye for the aborted second season of 13. Of course, I couldn't resist an episode titled "The Three Stacked Stockholders." Here are my thoughts after watching this episode...

1) This is definitely a cute show: breezy, amusing fluff, nicely produced and nimbly performed by the three attractive leading ladies. I happen to be a fan of the 1953 film (starring Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe) despite the facile premise, and find this a worthy small screen successor. The plot of this one is pretty simple: the girls get invitations to the annual stockholders meeting for a company in which they own a combined 10 shares. Sensing a chance to meet some eligible bachelors with fat bank accounts, they show up dressed to the nines - and before you know it, Loco starts asking a lot of questions, putting a kink in the plans of the trio of company managers, who are trying to sneak a massive bonus plan for themselves right under the noses of the assembled stockholders...not to mention the skirt-chasing party animal, absentee head of the company (Phillip Terry).

2) The other two actresses do a fine job (especially Anders), but this is obviously Barbara Eden's show all the way. Even though she's named "Loco" here (Betty Grable's character in the film), Eden is clearly the Marilyn Monroe analogue, a sweet, ditzy and well-meaning blonde bimbo. Eden gets all the juicy comic bits of business, and carries them off with aplomb, showing her adeptness at physical comedy several years before achieving fame on I Dream of Jeannie. Watching her scene-stealing performance, you can see how nominal S1 lead Lori Nelson might have gotten fed up receiving second best from the writers and left the show.

3) Notwithstanding the obvious beauty of curvy cuties Eden and Lisa Gaye, what surprised me most was how Merry Anders comes across as the sexiest of the three. With her throaty voice, knowing demeanor and sophisticated sass, she easily pulls off the Lauren Bacall "group leader" part.

4) Another note in the plus column: the smart guest cast. Here we get the aforementioned Phillip Terry, Robert Emmett Keen and reliable sourpuss Charles Lane (drily funny as a fellow stockholder who bonds with Loco over a discussion of the choice of donut menu on the buffet table).

I'll definitely be watching more of these...perfectly amusing little bon bons with plenty of cheesecake on display.

 

[BobO'Link]

Oh, yes, folks...I'm not quite through with my Lisa Gaye posts yet. Thanks to Neal's perspicacity, I was able to download all two seasons (52 episodes) of the 1957-1959 TV version of How to Marry a Millionaire, in superb 720p HD quality from YouTube here. Lori Nelson left after the first season of 39 episodes, and was replaced by Ms. Gaye for the aborted second season of 13. Of course, I couldn't resist an episode titled "The Three Stacked Stockholders." Here are my thoughts after watching this episode...

View attachment 107999 View attachment 108000 View attachment 108001 View attachment 108002

1) This is definitely a cute show: breezy, amusing fluff, nicely produced and nimbly performed by the three attractive leading ladies. I happen to be a fan of the 1953 film (starring Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe) despite the facile premise, and find this a worthy small screen successor. The plot of this one is pretty simple: the girls get invitations to the annual stockholders meeting for a company in which they own a combined 10 shares. Sensing a chance to meet some eligible bachelors with fat bank accounts, they show up dressed to the nines - and before you know it, Loco starts asking a lot of questions, putting a kink in the plans of the trio of company managers, who are trying to sneak a massive bonus plan for themselves right under the noses of the assembled stockholders...not to mention the skirt-chasing party animal, absentee head of the company (Phillip Terry).

View attachment 108004 View attachment 108005 View attachment 108003 View attachment 108012

2) The other two actresses do a fine job (especially Anders), but this is obviously Barbara Eden's show all the way. Even though she's named "Loco" here (Betty Grable's character in the film), Eden is clearly the Marilyn Monroe analogue, a sweet, ditzy and well-meaning blonde bimbo. Eden gets all the juicy comic bits of business, and carries them off with aplomb, showing her adeptness at physical comedy several years before achieving fame on I Dream of Jeannie. Watching her scene-stealing performance, you can see how nominal S1 lead Lori Nelson might have gotten fed up receiving second best from the writers and left the show.

View attachment 108014 View attachment 108006 View attachment 108007

3) Notwithstanding the obvious beauty of curvy cuties Eden and Lisa Gaye, what surprised me most was how Merry Anders comes across as the sexiest of the three. With her throaty voice, knowing demeanor and sophisticated sass, she easily pulls off the Lauren Bacall "group leader" part.

4) Another note in the plus column: the smart guest cast. Here we get the aforementioned Phillip Terry, Robert Emmett Keen and reliable sourpuss Charles Lane (drily funny as a fellow stockholder who bonds with Loco over a discussion of the choice of donut menu on the buffet table).

View attachment 108008
View attachment 108011 View attachment 108009 View attachment 108017 View attachment 108010 View attachment 108015 View attachment 108019

I'll definitely be watching more of these...perfectly amusing little bon bons with plenty of cheesecake on display.

Not only a very good link for what appears to be an OOP series but a new word to go with it!

Perspicacity - I'd never heard/seen this one before.

 

[The 1960's]

Not only a very good link for what appears to be an OOP series but a new word to go with it!

Perspicacity - I'd never heard/seen this one before.

It's the "plenty of cheesecake on display" I had to look up.

Love the Gaye caps Jeff!!

 

[Flashgear]

Oh, yes, folks...I'm not quite through with my Lisa Gaye posts yet. Thanks to Neal's perspicacity, I was able to download all two seasons (52 episodes) of the 1957-1959 TV version of How to Marry a Millionaire, in superb 720p HD quality from YouTube here. Lori Nelson left after the first season of 39 episodes, and was replaced by Ms. Gaye for the aborted second season of 13. Of course, I couldn't resist an episode titled "The Three Stacked Stockholders." Here are my thoughts after watching this episode...

That's some fine cheesecake right there! Wonderful screen caps Jeff! Certainly love Barbara Eden and your classic TV girlfriend Lisa Gaye! I have both CBS MOD DVD releases and am glad to have them. Great that they're available for streaming and download. These girls are just too good hearted to be truly mercenary and ruthless in their man-hunting, good thing too!

3) Notwithstanding the obvious beauty of curvy cuties Eden and Lisa Gaye, what surprised me most was how Merry Anders comes across as the sexiest of the three. With her throaty voice, knowing demeanor and sophisticated sass, she easily pulls off the Lauren Bacall "group leader" part.

I agree totally about Merry Anders, who was in the original feature film of How to Marry a Millionaire and was a regular in the WB series (5 episodes of 77 Sunset Strip, 4 episodes each in Hawaiian Eye, Maverick etc., and who also looks damn fine as a policewoman semi-regular in Dragnet 1967 ...I took this screen cap of her in season 7E3 of Alfred Hitchcock Presents Maria, with the recently departed Norman Lloyd...

Another eye-popper for me is her appearance in 1960's The Hypnotic Eye...

 

[High C]

Whitney may have been stained by having played a mother on television for a considerable period. I think it's very rare you find an actress whom went the mother role for 2-3 outings, ever returns to being more of a single girl sort of role. This is partly because the makers consider girls in the mother role, to have lost part of their looks to land such a role, and also that there's always a large stable of new actresses which can do the single girl role.

Of course, it's an age thing as well. You don't want thirty-five year old woman playing eighteen year olds, or the other way around. I'm curious though, what's the most ridiculous age differential we have ever seen on film, and not necessarily just for the girls? What's always laughable is those girls who are quite a bit older, say fourteen, who might play an eight year old's part. They better be short girls for a start. I suppose they do that because so many true eight year olds can't act.

Your point is well-taken, and that Hollywood age-ism is well-known, but I would note that about two months earlier, Man From U.N.C.L.E. had the-then 40-year-old Blake on for a guest shot as the ex-wife of the THRUSH baddie. And trust me, she wasn't presented as some dowager. She was presented as quite desirable still, so much so that Solo (whom she had teamed up with during the ep) was said to be going on a date with her at the end of the episode. So, while that was/is usually the prevailing opinion, it didn't *always* have to be.

 

[Charles 22]

Your point is well-taken, and that Hollywood age-ism is well-known, but I would note that about two months earlier, Man From U.N.C.L.E. had the-then 40-year-old Blake on for a guest shot as the ex-wife of the THRUSH baddie. And trust me, she wasn't presented as some dowager. She was presented as quite desirable still, so much so that Solo (whom she had teamed up with during the ep) was said to be going on a date with her at the end of the episode. So, while that was/is usually the prevailing opinion, it didn't *always* have to be.

Whitney is one lady that for some reason, I never recognize her just seeing a picture of her on something other than Hazel. It seems her face and her hair are always different. I have the Uncle series, and I probably perked up a bit on her episode, but I probably easily forgot it as well. I think it's been over five years since I saw that entire series. My late mother and I really laughed at the episode where McCallum was driving that ice cream truck. I didn't think I would ever saw spy killer action involving an ice cream truck in a chase scene! After I saw an ice cream truck used for psychiatry in Monty Python, you would had thought I would had been prepared. And then there was Clint Howard's Ice Cream Man. I don't believe I have ever seen a connection between Whitney and ice cream trucks, just for the record.

Oh, yes, folks...I'm not quite through with my Lisa Gaye posts yet. Thanks to Neal's perspicacity, I was able to download all two seasons (52 episodes) of the 1957-1959 TV version of How to Marry a Millionaire, in superb 720p HD quality from YouTube here. Lori Nelson left after the first season of 39 episodes, and was replaced by Ms. Gaye for the aborted second season of 13. Of course, I couldn't resist an episode titled "The Three Stacked Stockholders." Here are my thoughts after watching this episode...

View attachment 107999 View attachment 108000 View attachment 108001 View attachment 108002

1) This is definitely a cute show: breezy, amusing fluff, nicely produced and nimbly performed by the three attractive leading ladies. I happen to be a fan of the 1953 film (starring Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe) despite the facile premise, and find this a worthy small screen successor. The plot of this one is pretty simple: the girls get invitations to the annual stockholders meeting for a company in which they own a combined 10 shares. Sensing a chance to meet some eligible bachelors with fat bank accounts, they show up dressed to the nines - and before you know it, Loco starts asking a lot of questions, putting a kink in the plans of the trio of company managers, who are trying to sneak a massive bonus plan for themselves right under the noses of the assembled stockholders...not to mention the skirt-chasing party animal, absentee head of the company (Phillip Terry).

View attachment 108004 View attachment 108005 View attachment 108003 View attachment 108012

2) The other two actresses do a fine job (especially Anders), but this is obviously Barbara Eden's show all the way. Even though she's named "Loco" here (Betty Grable's character in the film), Eden is clearly the Marilyn Monroe analogue, a sweet, ditzy and well-meaning blonde bimbo. Eden gets all the juicy comic bits of business, and carries them off with aplomb, showing her adeptness at physical comedy several years before achieving fame on I Dream of Jeannie. Watching her scene-stealing performance, you can see how nominal S1 lead Lori Nelson might have gotten fed up receiving second best from the writers and left the show.

View attachment 108014 View attachment 108006 View attachment 108007

3) Notwithstanding the obvious beauty of curvy cuties Eden and Lisa Gaye, what surprised me most was how Merry Anders comes across as the sexiest of the three. With her throaty voice, knowing demeanor and sophisticated sass, she easily pulls off the Lauren Bacall "group leader" part.

4) Another note in the plus column: the smart guest cast. Here we get the aforementioned Phillip Terry, Robert Emmett Keen and reliable sourpuss Charles Lane (drily funny as a fellow stockholder who bonds with Loco over a discussion of the choice of donut menu on the buffet table).

View attachment 108008
View attachment 108011 View attachment 108009 View attachment 108017 View attachment 108010 View attachment 108015 View attachment 108019

I'll definitely be watching more of these...perfectly amusing little bon bons with plenty of cheesecake on display.

I've got a rude surprise for you. I have the series on dvd. I went to your youtube link, and it doesn't look any better than my dvds. This is yet another example of youtube videos claiming they're in HD, when they're not. In fact, when I went there, it claimed it was 1080p, and it's not even close. But at least you dodge buying the dvds that way, but I don't see it as any improvement really. Isn't dvd usually consider 520p? So it's better than what the retro stations will do with it, but not by much.

 

[BobO'Link]

I know we've had some ladies participate in this thread in the past and hope they're still around and not taking offense with all the cheesecake many of us have been posting.

AND - I'd hope they'd retaliate by posting pics of the hunks they watch shows to see! It's only fair...

 

[ScottRE]

I know we've had some ladies participate in this thread in the past and hope they're still around and not taking offense with all the cheesecake many of us have been posting.

AND - I'd hope they'd retaliate by posting pics of the hunks they watch shows to see! It's only fair...

 

[ScottRE]

I had a lot of in-home stuff to do so I had more time than usual to watch some shows. Thank you, rainy Sundays.

Star Trek

"The Changeling" (DVD prints)

Solid, if not perfect, second season entry. Nomad was always a favorite adversary for me and Vic Perrin’s voice work is perfect. The design of the probe is wonderfully low tech and weirdly less advanced as a melding of two machines than the original 20th century design seen in drawings on the briefing room screen. There are a couple of mis-steps in the story: Uhura’s mind being wiped is too easily resolved and she seems to remember how to speak Swahili easily enough. Also, after all of the death and destructing, ending the episode on a joke was weird. While this is typical of the era and the series, this episode could have used a less jovial ending and maybe one more sly (ala The Doomsday Machine). However, the episode is wonderfully tense and exciting with Shatner at the top of his game as he floods Nomad with contradictions. We also see the anti-gravs for the first time and they are a favorite Trek gadget of mine. The scene where Spock mind melds Nomad and the machine takes over is chilling. Legendary episode loosely remade in 1979 for the first motion picture outing.


The Incredible Hulk

"Mystery Man (Parts One and Two)"

This was my favorite episode of the series as a kid and it still holds up. David Banner (the wonderful Bill Bixby) loses his memory in a car crash and his face suffers severe burns, necessitating his wearing a full face bandage. Reporter Jack McGee goes to meet him since the Hulk was seen at the crash site. Since the amnesiac Banner voices some recognition, McGee takes him in a small charter plane to a specialist, however the plane crashes in Arizona. McGee’s leg is broken (the pilot is killed) and Banner is in the ironic position of having the save the life of the man who is hunting him, not knowing the danger he’s in. Worse, there’s a forest fire they have to avoid.

Shows of this era often had clip shows. This qualifies, but unlike Buck Rogers and others, it’s not a “hey let’s try to remember stuff to eat up an episode and save money.” This two parter was still obviously expensive with copious amounts of location shooting, pyrotechnics and stunts. Also, the masterful script by Nicolas Corea delves deeply into the characters, especially McGee. He gets major fleshing out and he is on his way from evolving from a sleazy reporter after a story to a once great journalist trying to salvage his career. In the process he will become a crusader, but for now, he’s just a guy who’s trying to get his column back as well as his standing in the industry. It’s been a while since I’ve watched this series and I forgot just how bad some of the insert shots and dialog looping was. For some reason, they kept adding clos ups of the Hulk crushing something but those inserts were also very blandly composed. Just straight on shots. And the overdubbing was always obvious. It less prevalent in this episode, but some are just terrible. As a kid, I remember how thrilled I was with this one. In the days before VHS, this was the only way to see scenes from great episodes. The music was incredibly good and the cliffhanger ending of part one was a nail-biter. Fantastic performances all around, although the Rodeo chick in the beginning was hilariously 70’s (as are Banner’s bellbottoms). She is whiny and sounds like Polly Holliday’s “Flo” at some points. The series was at the tops of its game and, unlike some shows, the Hulk two-parters were always exciting and advanced the series somewhat. Here McGee finally discovers that a man changes into the Hulk. This changes the dynamic considerably.


Man in a Suitcase

"Man from the Dead"

Awesome start to this classic ITC series. A brutal and serious show, it boats the usual ITC regulars, so if you watch any of these shows, you’ll recognize pretty much everyone from something. This is the kind of episode that would be saved for the finale. Where McGill (the gritty Richard Bradford) actually gets to the bottom of his plight, only to discover that he actually can’t clear his name. His superiors KNOW he’s innocent, but his disgrace is best for national security. So, it’s not a quest series, it just sets up his life. It’s an Anti-Fugitive series. He’s innocent but has to accept that he’s labled a traitor and then uses his off the grid status to take on cases. He’s a right bastard as well, doing it for the money and always taking his fee. Walking out if they don’t like his terms, but they call him back because he’s not only the best but their last choice. At the end of this, McGill “wins” but still comes up the loser. He’s beaten within an inch of his life and, with disgustingly realistic wounds, stumbles off into the distance as the credits roll. This series was unique in the ITC catalogue and deserved a longer life. Trivia: this series was originally called "McGill" but they felt the title of the episode made for a better series title and so the episode was renamed and the series title was changed to Man in a Suitcase.

The Network restoration of the series is gorgeous. It’s also region free, so buy it and enjoy on any Blu Ray player.


UFO

"The Long Sleep"

Weird episode in a weird series. I checked this out just for the restoration and it’s beautiful. They made some changes, I understand, making the flashbacks monochrome, but it works. Almost none of the regular cast outside of Ed Bishop appears in this one. The episode was held back in the UK for years, and then shown in the overnights, because of the heavy recreation drug use. It’s a downbeat episode. This series really wasn’t much fun at time, but this one is a strange trip and a real look at the times.

Space:1999

"The Metamorph"

Closing off my ITC mini-marathon, I revisited the premiere episode of the second year. It’s a solid adventure, a complete departure from the first year, but still really well done. Easily in the top 5 episodes of the year and one of my all time favorite episodes. The music, performances, effects and casting are spot on for the most part. Catherin Schell is wonderful as Maya, Brian Blessed brings his all of the role of Mentor. Barbara Bain really comes to life and she really good. They softened her hairstyle as well and she looks great. While we miss the year one supporting cast, Tony Anholt is really a good choice and we still have Nick Tate to kick around. Derek Wadsworth brings a fun and jazzy style to the music and his work is among my favorite TV Scores. The story is well written and exciting. If the rest of the year had been able to retain this level of quality, it might have been well regarded. Totally different from the first year and definitely not a Gerry Anderson Production anymore, but still decent sci-fi and great adventure.

 

[morasp]

I always liked Whitney Blakes's guest appearance on The Andy Griffith Show S8:E4 Andy's trip to Raleigh.

Saturday
Cannon S4:E4 Lady in Red
Enjoyed all of last weeks episodes immensely but this one was my favorite drama. I don't know why but it had been almost a year since I watched this favorite from the seventies. Cannon was the consummate leading character that didn't take any crap and always had a catchy comeback. His deep resonant voice is pleasant to listen to and rivals Ben Cartwright on Bonanza. Watching this episode made me think about how touchy feely things have gotten compared to when I was growing up in the 60s and 70s.

Rat Patrol S1:E5 The Chain of Death Raid
Like the Star Trek Enterprise episode I watched last week this one featured a trek across the desert with no water. They both left me feeling thirsty.

Sunday
Hart to Hart S1:E9 A New Kind of High
Always enjoy Hart to Hart. Despite being mostly a light drama the main villain in this one was extremely cold and heartless. My set was used and when Amazon put it on sale recently I picked up a sealed second copy of this show and have moved it into my monthly viewing rotation.

Have Gun will Travel S1:E12 No Visitors
A Typhoid Fever episode featuring June Lockhart as the doctor. The last episode of Highway patrol I watched was the same subject and out of curiosity I asked my doctor about Typhoid Fever and she kind of laughed and said no one gets that anymore.

Monday
Hawaii Five-O classic S2:E4 Just lucky I guess
Not quite up to the level of the last episode which featured Wo Fat but still immensely entertaining.

Tuesday
Ironside S2:E6 Desperate Encounter
Always enjoy Ironside, wish more seasons were available. This episode was a little more physical than usual for the lead character

The Lucy Show S1:E27 Lucy is a Chaperone
Never disappoints, one of my top five sitcoms from the 60s. Guest appearance by Don Grady of My Three Sons.

Wednesday
Rockford Files S1:E22 Roundabout
After watching this show last month and really enjoying it I moved it into my monthly rotation. This episode took place in Vegas and it was fun seeing the vintage exterior shots of the strip.

I Dream of Jeannie S1:E10 Djinn and Water
Like Cannon it had been a long time since I watched this show and it was my favorite comedy of the week. I know that Jeannie's costume usually gets a lot of attention but I was impressed by her acting. Barbara Eden played the part of Jeannie brilliantly.

Thursday
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. S1:E8 The Double Affair
I'm really gaining an appreciation for this classic spy show and after watching this episode moved it into my monthly rotation.

Friday
Star Trek Deep Space Nine S2:E6 Melora

My Favorite Martian S1:E12 That Little Old Matchmaker, Martin
Always enjoy this show, haven't watched a bad episode yet.

Saturday
Diagnosis Murder S2:E3 Woman Trouble
Excellent episode with an interesting plot twist at the end.

Sunday
Murdoch Mysteries S4:E7 Confederate Treasure
Not a classic show but an excellent episode. I'll include it for completeness.

Man With A Camera S1:E1 Second Avenue Assassin
Enjoyed this episode more than I thought I would. Despite 15 episodes on the disc, the PQ and audio were quite a bit better than the streaming episodes I had watched previously.

On Deck:
Monday I Love Lucy, The FBI (classic)
Tuesday NCIS New Orleans, Newhart
Wednesday Police Woman, The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Thursday The Bionic Woman, How I Met Your Mother
Friday Star Trek Voyager, Leave it to Beaver
Saturday JAG, Batman
Sunday Promised Land, Decoy

 

[The 1960's]

I had a lot of in-home stuff to do so I had more time than usual to watch some shows. Thank you, rainy Sundays.

Star Trek

"The Changeling" (DVD prints)

Solid, if not perfect, second season entry. Nomad was always a favorite adversary for me and Vic Perrin’s voice work is perfect. The design of the probe is wonderfully low tech and weirdly less advanced as a melding of two machines than the original 20th century design seen in drawings on the briefing room screen. There are a couple of mis-steps in the story: Uhura’s mind being wiped is too easily resolved and she seems to remember how to speak Swahili easily enough. Also, after all of the death and destructing, ending the episode on a joke was weird. While this is typical of the era and the series, this episode could have used a less jovial ending and maybe one more sly (ala The Doomsday Machine). However, the episode is wonderfully tense and exciting with Shatner at the top of his game as he floods Nomad with contradictions. We also see the anti-gravs for the first time and they are a favorite Trek gadget of mine. The scene where Spock mind melds Nomad and the machine takes over is chilling. Legendary episode loosely remade in 1979 for the first motion picture outing.


The Incredible Hulk

"Mystery Man (Parts One and Two)"

This was my favorite episode of the series as a kid and it still holds up. David Banner (the wonderful Bill Bixby) loses his memory in a car crash and his face suffers severe burns, necessitating his wearing a full face bandage. Reporter Jack McGee goes to meet him since the Hulk was seen at the crash site. Since the amnesiac Banner voices some recognition, McGee takes him in a small charter plane to a specialist, however the plane crashes in Arizona. McGee’s leg is broken (the pilot is killed) and Banner is in the ironic position of having the save the life of the man who is hunting him, not knowing the danger he’s in. Worse, there’s a forest fire they have to avoid.

Shows of this era often had clip shows. This qualifies, but unlike Buck Rogers and others, it’s not a “hey let’s try to remember stuff to eat up an episode and save money.” This two parter was still obviously expensive with copious amounts of location shooting, pyrotechnics and stunts. Also, the masterful script by Nicolas Corea delves deeply into the characters, especially McGee. He gets major fleshing out and he is on his way from evolving from a sleazy reporter after a story to a once great journalist trying to salvage his career. In the process he will become a crusader, but for now, he’s just a guy who’s trying to get his column back as well as his standing in the industry. It’s been a while since I’ve watched this series and I forgot just how bad some of the insert shots and dialog looping was. For some reason, they kept adding clos ups of the Hulk crushing something but those inserts were also very blandly composed. Just straight on shots. And the overdubbing was always obvious. It less prevalent in this episode, but some are just terrible. As a kid, I remember how thrilled I was with this one. In the days before VHS, this was the only way to see scenes from great episodes. The music was incredibly good and the cliffhanger ending of part one was a nail-biter. Fantastic performances all around, although the Rodeo chick in the beginning was hilariously 70’s (as are Banner’s bellbottoms). She is whiny and sounds like Polly Holliday’s “Flo” at some points. The series was at the tops of its game and, unlike some shows, the Hulk two-parters were always exciting and advanced the series somewhat. Here McGee finally discovers that a man changes into the Hulk. This changes the dynamic considerably.


Man in a Suitcase

"Man from the Dead"

Awesome start to this classic ITC series. A brutal and serious show, it boats the usual ITC regulars, so if you watch any of these shows, you’ll recognize pretty much everyone from something. This is the kind of episode that would be saved for the finale. Where McGill (the gritty Richard Bradford) actually gets to the bottom of his plight, only to discover that he actually can’t clear his name. His superiors KNOW he’s innocent, but his disgrace is best for national security. So, it’s not a quest series, it just sets up his life. It’s an Anti-Fugitive series. He’s innocent but has to accept that he’s labled a traitor and then uses his off the grid status to take on cases. He’s a right bastard as well, doing it for the money and always taking his fee. Walking out if they don’t like his terms, but they call him back because he’s not only the best but their last choice. At the end of this, McGill “wins” but still comes up the loser. He’s beaten within an inch of his life and, with disgustingly realistic wounds, stumbles off into the distance as the credits roll. This series was unique in the ITC catalogue and deserved a longer life. Trivia: this series was originally called "McGill" but they felt the title of the episode made for a better series title and so the episode was renamed and the series title was changed to Man in a Suitcase.

The Network restoration of the series is gorgeous. It’s also region free, so buy it and enjoy on any Blu Ray player.


UFO

"The Long Sleep"

Weird episode in a weird series. I checked this out just for the restoration and it’s beautiful. They made some changes, I understand, making the flashbacks monochrome, but it works. Almost none of the regular cast outside of Ed Bishop appears in this one. The episode was held back in the UK for years, and then shown in the overnights, because of the heavy recreation drug use. It’s a downbeat episode. This series really wasn’t much fun at time, but this one is a strange trip and a real look at the times.

Space:1999

"The Metamorph"

Closing off my ITC mini-marathon, I revisited the premiere episode of the second year. It’s a solid adventure, a complete departure from the first year, but still really well done. Easily in the top 5 episodes of the year and one of my all time favorite episodes. The music, performances, effects and casting are spot on for the most part. Catherin Schell is wonderful as Maya, Brian Blessed brings his all of the role of Mentor. Barbara Bain really comes to life and she really good. They softened her hairstyle as well and she looks great. While we miss the year one supporting cast, Tony Anholt is really a good choice and we still have Nick Tate to kick around. Derek Wadsworth brings a fun and jazzy style to the music and his work is among my favorite TV Scores. The story is well written and exciting. If the rest of the year had been able to retain this level of quality, it might have been well regarded. Totally different from the first year and definitely not a Gerry Anderson Production anymore, but still decent sci-fi and great adventure.

I always liked Whitney BLakes's guest appearance on The Andy Griffith Show S8:E4 Andy's trip to Raleigh.

Saturday
Cannon S4:E4 Lady in Red
Enjoyed all of last weeks episodes immensely but this one was my favorite drama. I don't know why but it had been almost a year since I watched this favorite from the seventies. Cannon was the consummate leading character that didn't take any crap and always had a catchy comeback. His deep resonant voice is pleasant to listen to and rivals Ben Cartwright on Bonanza. Watching this episode made me think about how touchy feely things have gotten compared to when I was growing up in the 60s and 70s.

Rat Patrol S1:E5 The Chain of Death Raid
Like the Star Trek Enterprise episode I watched last week this one featured a trek across the desert with no water. They both left me feeling thirsty.

Sunday
Hart to Hart S1:E9 A New Kind of High
Always enjoy Hart to Hart. Despite being mostly a light drama the main villain in this one was extremely cold and heartless. My set was used and when Amazon put it on sale recently I picked up a sealed second copy of this show and have moved it into my monthly viewing rotation.

Have Gun will Travel S1:E12 No Visitors
A Typhoid Fever episode featuring June Lockhart as the doctor. The last episode of Highway patrol I watched was the same subject and out of curiosity I asked my doctor about Typhoid Fever and she kind of laughed and said no one gets that anymore.

Monday
Hawaii Five-O classic S2:E4 Just lucky I guess
Not quite up to the level of the last episode which featured Wo Fat but still immensely entertaining.

Tuesday
Ironside S2:E6 Desperate Encounter
Always enjoy Ironside, wish more seasons were available. This episode was a little more physical than usual for the lead character

The Lucy Show S1:E27 Lucy is a Chaperone
Never disappoints, one of my top five sitcoms from the 60s. Guest appearance by Don Grady of My Three Sons.

Wednesday
Rockford Files S1:E22 Roundabout
After watching this show last month and really enjoying it I moved it into my monthly rotation. This episode took place in Vegas and it was fun seeing the vintage exterior shots of the strip.

I Dream of Jeannie S1:E10 Djinn and Water
Like Cannon it had been a long time since I watched this show and it was my favorite comedy of the week. I know that Jeannie's costume usually gets a lot of attention but I was impressed by her acting. Barbara Eden played the part of Jeannie brilliantly.

Thursday
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. S1:E8 The Double Affair
I'm really gaining an appreciation for this classic spy show and after watching this episode moved it into my monthly rotation.

Friday
Star Trek Deep Space Nine S2:E6 Melora

My Favorite Martian S1:E12 That Little Old Matchmaker, Martin
Always enjoy this show, haven't watched a bad episode yet.

Saturday
Diagnosis Murder S2:E3 Woman Trouble
Excellent episode with an interesting plot twist at the end.

Sunday
Murdoch Mysteries S4:E7 Confederate Treasure
Not a classic show but an excellent episode. I'll include it for completeness.

Man With A Camera S1:E1 Second Avenue Assassin
Enjoyed this episode more than I thought I would. Despite 15 episodes on the disc, the PQ and audio were quite a bit better than the streaming episodes I had watched previously.

On Deck:
Monday I Love Lucy, The FBI (classic)
Tuesday NCIS New Orleans, Newhart
Wednesday Police Woman, The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Thursday The Bionic Woman, How I Met Your Mother
Friday Star Trek Voyager, Leave it to Beaver
Saturday JAG, Batman
Sunday Promised Land, Decoy

Where do you guys find the time to watch all this stuff??





Yes yes, I know, I know, less screen caps.

 

[ScottRE]

Where do you guys find the time to watch all this stuff??





Yes yes, I know, I know, less screen caps.

View attachment 108100

Normally, I don't have much time at all, but it was raining all day Sunday and I had a ton of laundry to fold and smoke damaged DVDs and CDs to see if I could salvage. So I did it all in front of the TV.

 

[Doug Wallen]

Where do you guys find the time to watch all this stuff??





Yes yes, I know, I know, less screen caps.

View attachment 108100

Well, in my case I am mostly retired. I have a small part-time job, so I have lots of free time to watch tv on disc (which I write about) and stream Tubi for others (Dark Shadows, The Saint, Danger Man, etc), as well as rotate with blu-ray and 4k films. I also enjoy photography when it cools off here in Georgia, which should be around Christmas.

 

[morasp]

Where do you guys find the time to watch all this stuff??





Yes yes, I know, I know, less screen caps.

View attachment 108100

Retired but I limit myself to one drama and one comedy through the week and replace the comedy with a half hour drama on the weekends.

 

[BobO'Link]

Where do you guys find the time to watch all this stuff??

No kids at home and I get home from work at ~4:10 - lots of time during the week. Few commitments on the weekends so most Saturdays and Sundays are free to watch stuff. I normally watch a movie or two and several TV episodes per day with 4-6 movies each day on weekends plus even more TV content.

 

[The 1960's]

No kids at home and I get home from work at ~4:10 - lots of time during the week. Few commitments on the weekends so most Saturdays and Sundays are free to watch stuff. I normally watch a movie or two and several TV episodes per day with 4-6 movies each day on weekends plus even more TV content.

Incredible. I should've started a new thread with you in mind called "Howie, where do you find the time to watch all this stuff?? After seeing your collection list that was the first thing that popped into my mind!

Your wife must be a saint.

 

[ScottRE]

Your wife must be a saint.

 

[BobO'Link]

Incredible. I should've started a new thread with you in mind called "Howie, where do you find the time to watch all this stuff?? After seeing your collection list that was the first thing that popped into my mind!

Your wife must be a saint.

Nope. We have our own areas and TVs. She likes to listen to podcast junk on her phone and watch Hallmark channel, Mystery and Crime shows. I like mostly *classic* SF/Fantasy/Comedy/War with a smattering of Mystery and Historical Drama thrown in for good measure. Her TV is connected to cable and a DVD player (which is only used by the grandkids in spite of my having purchased *for her* complete series sets of shows she likes - she'd rather "stumble upon" them on cable), and a Wii (again, for the grandkids). Mine is connected to a region free DVD player, BR player, XBox360 (for both games and occasional streaming of the movies I "purchase" with Amazon slow shipping credits), and a Wii - no cable at all (and I'd dump it in a heartbeat if it weren't for her insisting we keep it). She thinks my collection is a total waste of time/money in spite of me reminding her regularly that I spend *far* less then her friend's husbands who hunt/fish/play-with-4-wheelers.

 

[The 1960's]

View attachment 108111

Nope. We have our own areas and TVs. She likes to listen to podcast junk on her phone and watch Hallmark channel, Mystery and Crime shows. I like mostly *classic* SF/Fantasy/Comedy/War with a smattering of Mystery and Historical Drama thrown in for good measure. Her TV is connected to cable and a DVD player (which is only used by the grandkids in spite of my having purchased *for her* complete series sets of shows she likes - she'd rather "stumble upon" them on cable), and a Wii (again, for the grandkids). Mine is connected to a region free DVD player, BR player, XBox360 (for both games and occasional streaming of the movies I "purchase" with Amazon slow shipping credits), and a Wii - no cable at all (and I'd dump it in a heartbeat if it weren't for her insisting we keep it). She thinks my collection is a total waste of time/money in spite of me reminding her regularly that I spend *far* less then her friend's husbands who hunt/fish/play-with-4-wheelers.

Ok! Haha. Let me update that thread title to "Howie, how do you make your marriage work while finding the time to watch all this stuff??"

Look at the bright side. She might have been a Joe Besser fan!