New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Jeff Joseph (SabuCat Productions), film archivist, historian, author and producer, has produced a remarkable collection of rare and "lost" classic television programs. The series has been lovingly restored in high definition from the best archival film elements available; some of the programs have not been seen since they were originally broadcast. The first two volumes are set for release this fall, with Volume One available on
September 11, 2018. Volume Two will follow on October 9, 2018. Both will be released on Blu-ray and DVD by VCI Entertainment, with distribution by MVD Entertainment. Additional volumes are planned with the third in the series already in production for release in late 2018.
TELEVISION'S LOST CLASSICS - VOLUME ONE - JOHN CASSAVETES
Ep. 1 - CRIME IN THE STREETS: actors: Robert Preston, John Cassavetes
Ep. 2 - NO RIGHT TO KILL: actors: John Cassavetes, Terry Moore, Robert H. Harris
The 1950s produced a treasure trove of live dramatic programs originating from New York. Top talent from stage and screen were retained for both in front and back of the camera. These two prime examples convey the feeling of watching a Broadway performance, but with the advantage of abundant and intimate close-ups and medium shots. They are surprisingly cinematic, especially considering the impediments those behind the camera had to face - clunky cameras, hot lights, quick set changes, live music and sound effects and always being mindful of keeping microphones out of the frame. Clearly, the highlights of these programs are the intense performances by John Cassavetes, with his variation of method acting displayed in full form.
The first program is titled "Crime in the Streets" and is from The Elgin Hour (Elgin watches) and was broadcast live on ABC, Tuesday, March 8, 1955. It was written by Reginald Rose and directed by
Sidney Lumet, starring Robert Preston and a very young John Cassavetes. The second program, "No Right to Kill," was part of the Climax! series and was presented by the Chrysler Corporation. It is based on Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment" and adapted for TV by Victor Wolfson. It was broadcast on CBS, Thursday, August 9, 1956. Nostalgia buffs will enjoy the original commercial messages that are included in the episode. Also included: a bonus blooper reel from the "Defenders" and "The Nurses" series. (120 minutes, B&W, 1955-1956, TV-PG)
Blu-ray Item: #9041 / UPC: 089859904127 / SRP: $29.95
DVD Item: #8821 / UPC: 089859904127 / SRP: $19.95
Pre-order the DVD and / or Blu-ray
TELEVISION'S LOST CLASSICS - VOLUME TWO - RARE 'PILOTS'
Volume Two contains 4-rare 'Pilot' episodes.
Pilot 1 - "Case of the Sure Thing" actors: Reed Hadley,
Louise Currie,
Milburn Stone
This introduced the series Racket Squad, which lasted for 3 seasons and was nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. An interesting side-note, reportedly, this program may have inspired parts of the Hollywood hit, "The Sting". It was first broadcast on CBS, Thursday, June 7, 1951 and starred Reed Hadley as
Captain Braddock, and was written by Arthur Orloff. Note: Contains original network commercials as originally broadcast on CBS.
Pilot 2 - "Cool and Lam" actors: Billy Pearson, Benay Venuta, Alison Hayes,
Sheila Bromley
A light-hearted, detective yarn featuring characters first created by Erle Stanley Gardner. Bertha Cool runs a detective agency and Donald Lam is her junior partner, hence "Cool and Lam". Directed by Jacques Tourneur!
Pilot 3 - "The Life of Riley" actors: Lon Chaney, Jr., Rosemary DeCamp, John Brown
A heretofore lost pilot which starred Lon Chaney, Jr. as Chester Riley! This stand-alone episode was produced in 1948 but by the time the first season went into full production in 1949, Chaney had been replaced by no less than Jackie Gleason!
Pilot 4 - "Nero Wolfe" actors: Kurt Kasznar,
William Shatner,
Alexander Scourby
Based on characters created by Rex Stout, is another one-off production. Kurt Kasznar is Nero Wolfe, with future mega-star,
William Shatner co-starring. This is another "lost" pilot, presented here for the first time. (120 minutes / B&W / 1948, 51, 58, 59 / TV-G)
Included on the disc is a bonus CBS Blooper Reel hosted by
James Arness.
Blu-ray Item: #9042 / UPC: 089859904226 / SRP: $29.95
DVD Item: #8822 / UPC: 089859882227 / SRP: $19.95
Pre-order the DVD and / or Blu-ray
