This Bonanza episode can show the dangers of bullying and harassment. For me, it was a rather difficult episode to watch. Bullying, harassment and similar offenses should be made Federal crimes. Maybe this could reduce or eliminate the power and control of the local fat cats. In fact, I feel this type of behavior can be viewed as a threat to National Defense.
Reviews
19 Reviews
I'd level two city blocks.
18 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Contains DISCLAIMER.
When Friday and Gannon report early for work, their Captain tells them that a large quantity of dynamite was stolen from a construction site and the thieves threw a hand grenade at the night watchman which, due to a damp primer, didn't go off. Upon arriving at the construction site, Friday and Gannon obtain the licence plate number of the crime vehicle from the night watchman which was eventually traced to one of the suspects. The site engineer stated the amount of explosives stolen was 400 pounds of high-velocity gelatin dynamite that could level two city blocks. The blasting caps stolen along with the dynamite were electrical, which the thieves may not have been be aware of. Getting too close to radio signals, electrical transmission lines, etc, could set them off. When Friday and Gannon tried to interrogate one of the suspects at his apartment, they got nowhere. The suspect kept asking for the time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- . _______________________________________________
When Friday and Gannon report early for work, their Captain tells them that a large quantity of dynamite was stolen from a construction site and the thieves threw a hand grenade at the night watchman which, due to a damp primer, didn't go off. Upon arriving at the construction site, Friday and Gannon obtain the licence plate number of the crime vehicle from the night watchman which was eventually traced to one of the suspects. The site engineer stated the amount of explosives stolen was 400 pounds of high-velocity gelatin dynamite that could level two city blocks. The blasting caps stolen along with the dynamite were electrical, which the thieves may not have been be aware of. Getting too close to radio signals, electrical transmission lines, etc, could set them off. When Friday and Gannon tried to interrogate one of the suspects at his apartment, they got nowhere. The suspect kept asking for the time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- . _______________________________________________
Vashon: The Father--My favorite episode.
21 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The four part Vashon series are some of my favorite Hawaii Five episodes. Of this four part series, Vashon, the Father, is my favorite. After Christopher Vashon is killed by McGarrett during an armed robbery attempt, the father and grandfather seek revenge.
A contract killer is hired to kill McGarrett. He almost succeeds. It is stated in the goofs section that this hit man didn't use the charging handle on the AR-15 or M16 rifle to chamber a round. I watched the episode and he did. After this hit-man got rid of the police women, he immediately went to his rifle and fired it (no silencer?). I would have waited for a few minutes to make sure she was gone.
In the 3d Vashon episode, when Harvey Matheson Drew stated at McGarrett's trial that he wasn't sure that the gunshots may have been backfires, the defense should have objected stating that Drew was not an expert in that area. To me, a weakness in this story.
A contract killer is hired to kill McGarrett. He almost succeeds. It is stated in the goofs section that this hit man didn't use the charging handle on the AR-15 or M16 rifle to chamber a round. I watched the episode and he did. After this hit-man got rid of the police women, he immediately went to his rifle and fired it (no silencer?). I would have waited for a few minutes to make sure she was gone.
In the 3d Vashon episode, when Harvey Matheson Drew stated at McGarrett's trial that he wasn't sure that the gunshots may have been backfires, the defense should have objected stating that Drew was not an expert in that area. To me, a weakness in this story.
Phony gas chamber con job. Head games.
23 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This particular Mission Impossible episode gives a rather realistic presentation of a gas chamber execution, but with some minor mistakes.
A phony gas chamber is built by the Mission Impossible team in order to convince a mob hit-killer that the MI team kidnapped that he only has a couple of hours to live unless he turns states evidence. Martin Landau, a member of the Mission Impossible team, portrays a prisoner going to this prop gas chamber just ahead of the mob contract killer. Landau gives a phony, yet rather convincing performance by begging and pleading while being dragged into this phony gas chamber. In the meantime, this contract killer is taking it all in and is slowly being convinced that this is all on the level, since both their cells are close to each other. Also, this M.I. episode could not take place in California, since that state uses a two-seat gas chamber. Also, I don't think there were enough cyanide pellets used in this M'I, episode. I think that 12-16 ounces are used, instead of just four pellets(eggs). I'm basing this primarily on the 1958 movie: "I Want to Live," with Susan Hayward.
I detected several minor mistakes. First, where's the priest? Second, I believe that gas chamber prisoners go in their bare feet, not their stocking feet. Socks might trap cyanide gas, thus being dangerous to the prison staff. Third. The tube that's connected to the prisoner's stethoscope is fed through one of the gas chamber's windows. Wouldn't this create an air leak? With cyanide gas, you had better have an airtight seal.
Trivia: Peter Graves plays a reversal in roles in this M.I. episode. In the 1954 movie, "Black Tuesday," Graves portrays death row inmate who killed a cop and robbed a bank of $200,000, is offered a 10 day reprieve moments before his scheduled execution if he will give up the bank's money that he stole. In this M.I. episode, Graves is the one who offers the reprieve to this mob contract killer if he will confess and turn states evidence.
The 1958 movie, I Want to Live, with Susan Hayward, from my own layman's viewpoint, gives a surprising accurate, detailed, realistic and believable presentation of a gas chamber execution.
A phony gas chamber is built by the Mission Impossible team in order to convince a mob hit-killer that the MI team kidnapped that he only has a couple of hours to live unless he turns states evidence. Martin Landau, a member of the Mission Impossible team, portrays a prisoner going to this prop gas chamber just ahead of the mob contract killer. Landau gives a phony, yet rather convincing performance by begging and pleading while being dragged into this phony gas chamber. In the meantime, this contract killer is taking it all in and is slowly being convinced that this is all on the level, since both their cells are close to each other. Also, this M.I. episode could not take place in California, since that state uses a two-seat gas chamber. Also, I don't think there were enough cyanide pellets used in this M'I, episode. I think that 12-16 ounces are used, instead of just four pellets(eggs). I'm basing this primarily on the 1958 movie: "I Want to Live," with Susan Hayward.
I detected several minor mistakes. First, where's the priest? Second, I believe that gas chamber prisoners go in their bare feet, not their stocking feet. Socks might trap cyanide gas, thus being dangerous to the prison staff. Third. The tube that's connected to the prisoner's stethoscope is fed through one of the gas chamber's windows. Wouldn't this create an air leak? With cyanide gas, you had better have an airtight seal.
Trivia: Peter Graves plays a reversal in roles in this M.I. episode. In the 1954 movie, "Black Tuesday," Graves portrays death row inmate who killed a cop and robbed a bank of $200,000, is offered a 10 day reprieve moments before his scheduled execution if he will give up the bank's money that he stole. In this M.I. episode, Graves is the one who offers the reprieve to this mob contract killer if he will confess and turn states evidence.
The 1958 movie, I Want to Live, with Susan Hayward, from my own layman's viewpoint, gives a surprising accurate, detailed, realistic and believable presentation of a gas chamber execution.
36 Hours
(1964)
Somewhat probable.
31 May 2011
36 Hrs (1965), (B&W), is a fairly plausible, World War II espionage drama dealing with the impending Allied invasion of Europe just prior to D-Day in June, 1944.
U.S. Army Intelligence Officer Major Jeffery F. Pike (James Garner), who has accurate and detailed information of this invasion, is drugged and kidnapped by the Germans about five days prior to this invasion.
Pike then wakes up in a bogus, but convincing, U.S. military hospital created by the Germans in an attempt trick Pike into thinking it's six years later, that war is over and that he has amnesia hoping that he'll reveal the information he has about the pending invasion.
Instead, it's really June 2,1944, one day after Pike's kidnapping.
U.S. Army Medical Doctor, Major Walt Gerber, MD (Rod Taylor), who is assigned to Pike's case, is actually a German military officer who speaks perfect English with no accent because Gerber spent the first sixteen years of his life being raised in the United States.
Gerber tries to convince Pike that he might regain his memory if he discusses the details of this invasion. The German SS has given Gerber 36 hours to get the information from Pike, but due to a communications delay, Gerber now only has about 24 hours to get this information before the German SS takes over the interrogation.
Through a series of sessions with Gerber, Pike is convinced of his amnesia and gradually reveals information of the pending D-Day invasion until a very minor, overlooked, detail emerges that blows this whole deception.
Being shot in black and white seems to add to the effectiveness of this movie.
U.S. Army Intelligence Officer Major Jeffery F. Pike (James Garner), who has accurate and detailed information of this invasion, is drugged and kidnapped by the Germans about five days prior to this invasion.
Pike then wakes up in a bogus, but convincing, U.S. military hospital created by the Germans in an attempt trick Pike into thinking it's six years later, that war is over and that he has amnesia hoping that he'll reveal the information he has about the pending invasion.
Instead, it's really June 2,1944, one day after Pike's kidnapping.
U.S. Army Medical Doctor, Major Walt Gerber, MD (Rod Taylor), who is assigned to Pike's case, is actually a German military officer who speaks perfect English with no accent because Gerber spent the first sixteen years of his life being raised in the United States.
Gerber tries to convince Pike that he might regain his memory if he discusses the details of this invasion. The German SS has given Gerber 36 hours to get the information from Pike, but due to a communications delay, Gerber now only has about 24 hours to get this information before the German SS takes over the interrogation.
Through a series of sessions with Gerber, Pike is convinced of his amnesia and gradually reveals information of the pending D-Day invasion until a very minor, overlooked, detail emerges that blows this whole deception.
Being shot in black and white seems to add to the effectiveness of this movie.
The Paper Chase
(1978–1986)
Paper Chase 1973 movie compared to The Paper Chase TV series.
19 July 2010
I tend to agree with ClassicSteve about his comparison between the original 1973 movie, "The Paper Chase," and the TV series "The Paper Chase."
I found the 1973 movie to be much more powerful, intense and convincing than the TV series, which seems to pale in comparison to the original 1973 movie. In fact, I think the movie version is much more realistic and convincing than the entire TV series put together. While some of the TV episodes weren't too bad, overall, the TV series, when compared to the original 1973 movie version, appears to be watered down.
John Houseman seemed to slow down quite a bit in the TV series, especially in the later years as opposed to the movie version. Although his age may have had something to do with it, I think that lower quality scripting may have played a bigger role.
In the TV series, I think I caught at a mistake. Rita Harriman wanted to be the first president of the Harvard Law Review, but if I remember correctly, there was a woman president of the Harvard Law Review that hit Hart with her car while he was riding his bicycle during his earlier law school years.
Although I never went to law school, the 1973 movie version of the PC reminded me of my college years in acquiring my bachelor's degree. I tend to identify myself with Kevin Brooks (the guy with the photographic memory) and his inadequacies. His part reminds me so much of myself that, in real life, I think I could have been his understudy.
Anybody that wants to undertake any worthwhile endeavor should watch the 1973 Paper Chase movie. It clearly shows the weed-out process and the high price that has to be paid for success.
I found the 1973 movie to be much more powerful, intense and convincing than the TV series, which seems to pale in comparison to the original 1973 movie. In fact, I think the movie version is much more realistic and convincing than the entire TV series put together. While some of the TV episodes weren't too bad, overall, the TV series, when compared to the original 1973 movie version, appears to be watered down.
John Houseman seemed to slow down quite a bit in the TV series, especially in the later years as opposed to the movie version. Although his age may have had something to do with it, I think that lower quality scripting may have played a bigger role.
In the TV series, I think I caught at a mistake. Rita Harriman wanted to be the first president of the Harvard Law Review, but if I remember correctly, there was a woman president of the Harvard Law Review that hit Hart with her car while he was riding his bicycle during his earlier law school years.
Although I never went to law school, the 1973 movie version of the PC reminded me of my college years in acquiring my bachelor's degree. I tend to identify myself with Kevin Brooks (the guy with the photographic memory) and his inadequacies. His part reminds me so much of myself that, in real life, I think I could have been his understudy.
Anybody that wants to undertake any worthwhile endeavor should watch the 1973 Paper Chase movie. It clearly shows the weed-out process and the high price that has to be paid for success.
Good Day for a Hanging
(1959)
Above average western.
31 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I feel that "A Good Day for a Hanging," (1959) is an above average western. I was somewhat pleasantly surprised by this movie, overall. For about the first 2/3s of this movie, I thought it was leaning in the direction of the liberal left. Towards the end, however, I was thinking, "Maybe not." As it turned out, it showed how law abiding citizens can be easily duped by the wrong type of people. The killer, (Robert VAUGHN) who went to trial for murdering the marshal (Emile MEYER), wasn't very interested in his girlfriend (the new marshal's (Fred MacMURRAY) daughter) while he was holding the getaway horses while the bank was being robbed. But, when he was in jail awaiting execution, he acted very blubbery towards her, obviously, because he wanted her to smuggle in a gun to him to aid in his escape. When he hit her at the jailbreak, this may have knocked some sense into her. This killer's girlfriend then turned herself around by warning the marshal (MacMURRAY), thereby saving his life. The doctor, (James DRURY) seemed a little hard nosed for a doctor, but more in my line of thinking.
One point that wasn't stressed that , perhaps, should have been, even if Robert VAUGHN didn't actually kill the marshal, he could have been held as an accessory to murder, which would have made him equally guilty. I'm not sure how the law read back in those days.
One point that wasn't stressed that , perhaps, should have been, even if Robert VAUGHN didn't actually kill the marshal, he could have been held as an accessory to murder, which would have made him equally guilty. I'm not sure how the law read back in those days.
On Trial: Lee Harvey Oswald
(1986 TV Movie)
Oswald acted alone
3 December 2007
As a student of the JFK assassination, I have felt, and still do, that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. There was a time when I had some trouble with the head-snap to the rear, possibly indicating shots NOT fired from the Texas School Book Depository, but that was cleared up with this trial.
As for the "Magic Bullet," I personally fired a 30 cal Carbine bullet into some pine boards at point-blank range. It was a full metal jacketed (FMJ), round nose bullet traveling about the same speed, about 2,000 fps, as the 6.5 MM Carcano FMJ round nose bullet fired by Lee Harvey Oswald's rifle. This Carbine bullet penetrated about 13" of soft pine and came out in undistorted condition, somewhat better than the "Magic Bullet," which was slightly flattened at its base.
Back in 1995, I had the opportunity to attend one of Vincent Bugliosi's lectures in which one of the topics he discussed was the JFK assassination and, while attaining his autograph, spent a couple of minutes giving my personal views why I felt that Oswald acted alone.
I recorded this 1986 trial on several VHS tapes, but one of the tapes broke right at the very beginning which left no leader. Is it possible to fix this tape? Also, is there anywhere these 1986 trial tapes/DVDs can be purchased? I would like to have the complete ~18 hours of the trial as opposed to the 5 hours presented by Showtime or the 4 hours shown by Geraldo Rivera, but will settle for the 5 hour Showtime version
Thank you.
As for the "Magic Bullet," I personally fired a 30 cal Carbine bullet into some pine boards at point-blank range. It was a full metal jacketed (FMJ), round nose bullet traveling about the same speed, about 2,000 fps, as the 6.5 MM Carcano FMJ round nose bullet fired by Lee Harvey Oswald's rifle. This Carbine bullet penetrated about 13" of soft pine and came out in undistorted condition, somewhat better than the "Magic Bullet," which was slightly flattened at its base.
Back in 1995, I had the opportunity to attend one of Vincent Bugliosi's lectures in which one of the topics he discussed was the JFK assassination and, while attaining his autograph, spent a couple of minutes giving my personal views why I felt that Oswald acted alone.
I recorded this 1986 trial on several VHS tapes, but one of the tapes broke right at the very beginning which left no leader. Is it possible to fix this tape? Also, is there anywhere these 1986 trial tapes/DVDs can be purchased? I would like to have the complete ~18 hours of the trial as opposed to the 5 hours presented by Showtime or the 4 hours shown by Geraldo Rivera, but will settle for the 5 hour Showtime version
Thank you.
My favorite Maverick episode
22 November 2007
This episode, 'Gun Shy,' is my favorite Maverick episode, which does a satirical portrayal of the old b&w TV series 'Gunsmoke.'
The overall architecture set of Gunsmoke was spoofed in this episode.
Mort Dooley is dressed exactly like Marshall Matt Dillon down to the stag grips and correct barrel length of his six-gun.
Clyde Diefendorfer is an excellent, comedic representation of Chester Goode, including his clothes, limp and especially his voice and speaking mannerisms. As far as I'm concerned, Clyde stole the show in this episode.
Doc Adams and Kitty Russell were also portrayed in a comedic fashion. Don't forget the 'Weeping Willow' (Long Branch) saloon. I like good quality satire where you can have a good innocent laugh. "Shall I stand a little closer, Marshall?"
The overall architecture set of Gunsmoke was spoofed in this episode.
Mort Dooley is dressed exactly like Marshall Matt Dillon down to the stag grips and correct barrel length of his six-gun.
Clyde Diefendorfer is an excellent, comedic representation of Chester Goode, including his clothes, limp and especially his voice and speaking mannerisms. As far as I'm concerned, Clyde stole the show in this episode.
Doc Adams and Kitty Russell were also portrayed in a comedic fashion. Don't forget the 'Weeping Willow' (Long Branch) saloon. I like good quality satire where you can have a good innocent laugh. "Shall I stand a little closer, Marshall?"
Nowhere to Run
(1978 TV Movie)
Fairly plausible script
22 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
David Janssen seems about the best choice for playing Harry Adams, a lonely, but brilliant structural engineer in a loveless marriage. It might be possible to accumulate $500,000 in high-stakes black jack playing, being able to do it in 15 years or less. In fact, a BJ card counting team went into Resorts International Casino, around 1978, in Atlantic City and won $145,000 in a period of ~8-9 days and was barred.
The only thing is, I don't think any BJ player would be allowed to bring a notepad to a BJ table. This might be construed as a form of card-counting, yet was necessary for the plot.
When Herbie, the Private Investigator, needed $10,000 to pay off his gambling debts, why didn't Harry (Janssen) simply remove the $10,000 from the nearly $500,000 in BJ winnings that he had already amassed, instead of getting involved in a rather dangerous, high-stakes, back room poker game? Much simpler. To me, $490,000 would be close enough.
The only thing is, I don't think any BJ player would be allowed to bring a notepad to a BJ table. This might be construed as a form of card-counting, yet was necessary for the plot.
When Herbie, the Private Investigator, needed $10,000 to pay off his gambling debts, why didn't Harry (Janssen) simply remove the $10,000 from the nearly $500,000 in BJ winnings that he had already amassed, instead of getting involved in a rather dangerous, high-stakes, back room poker game? Much simpler. To me, $490,000 would be close enough.
The Young Warriors
(1967)
Accurate portrayal.
19 June 2007
Its been years, maybe decades since I've seen this movie. I've never been in combat, but have talked to those who have. From what I've been told, this movie is a pretty accurate portrayal of soldiers' reactions in combat. This movie was portrayed by a bunch of young actors, which seem to add to the realism.
I had an Army Sgt tell me back in 1967 that there were some people in combat who would freeze one time and not another. This reaction seemed to rotate among different people. But this same Sgt also told me that there were those with whom you could always count on.
But the one thing I did notice was these soldiers were, more or less, working together as a unit.
BUT in the movie, PLATOON, there was a lot of fighting among within the ranks. No real teamwork. Insubordination, sleeping on guard, not trying to break in a new guy.
I was in an outfit like this one when I was in the Army back in 1967. This same outfit I was in was a carbon copy of Platoon. I think the only reason I'm still alive is that I was in training and only blanks were fired. Nobody seemed to give a damn. More of Dr. Spock's dirty work!!!
I had an Army Sgt tell me back in 1967 that there were some people in combat who would freeze one time and not another. This reaction seemed to rotate among different people. But this same Sgt also told me that there were those with whom you could always count on.
But the one thing I did notice was these soldiers were, more or less, working together as a unit.
BUT in the movie, PLATOON, there was a lot of fighting among within the ranks. No real teamwork. Insubordination, sleeping on guard, not trying to break in a new guy.
I was in an outfit like this one when I was in the Army back in 1967. This same outfit I was in was a carbon copy of Platoon. I think the only reason I'm still alive is that I was in training and only blanks were fired. Nobody seemed to give a damn. More of Dr. Spock's dirty work!!!
Ruby and Oswald
(1978 TV Movie)
Ruby and Oswald Historicalaccuracy.
4 June 2007
As a student of the John F. KENNEDY assassination, I want to point out that this movie is a very accurate portrayal of the real Jack Ruby. First of all, I strongly feel that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone--NO conspiracy. And another thing, I think that Oliver Stone's movie, JFK, stinks. It is one of the most fraudulent, deceptive piece of historical analysis that has ever been my personal displeasure to watch.
I believe that both Lee Harvey Oswald and Jack Ruby were too emotionally unstable to be a part of a conspiracy, because sooner or later they would have cracked under pressure. (Oswald once tried to commit suicide and Ruby was notorious for NOT being able to keep his mouth shut).
This movie shows Jack Ruby very accurately portrayed (for a change). Ruby was very emotionally unbalanced, unstable and was extremely fond of JFK.
For a couple of books on the JFK assassination, try "Case Closed," by Gerald Posner and "Reclaiming History," by Vincent Bugliosi (pronounced bull-YO-c).
I believe that both Lee Harvey Oswald and Jack Ruby were too emotionally unstable to be a part of a conspiracy, because sooner or later they would have cracked under pressure. (Oswald once tried to commit suicide and Ruby was notorious for NOT being able to keep his mouth shut).
This movie shows Jack Ruby very accurately portrayed (for a change). Ruby was very emotionally unbalanced, unstable and was extremely fond of JFK.
For a couple of books on the JFK assassination, try "Case Closed," by Gerald Posner and "Reclaiming History," by Vincent Bugliosi (pronounced bull-YO-c).
Panic in Year Zero!
(1962)
Raw Human Nature
18 September 2006
This movie, Panic in Year Zero, (B&W),(1962), is a story about the aftermath of nuclear war. It's based on a family vacationing in the mountains when the bombs go off and shows their constant, ongoing struggle for survival. It can give you an idea of what can happen when society breaks down due to some type of a major disaster. It all boils down to the Id, which is the reptilian core of the human mind. Survival. This movie could also give you an edge to determine how you might react in a situation like this. Would you keep your head or would you snap and be absorbed into the lunatic fringe area of "Herd Mentality?" In these type of situations, survival may be determined by not only those who can maintain self-control, but also who's the fastest on the draw (semi-figure of speech). I've been around anti-war riots and for some reason I didn't get sucked into the masses that were rioting. Maybe this is because that I'm a loner. In the post 911 era with the threat of terrorism hanging over our heads combined with the recent spate of natural disasters, perhaps this movie should be shown on at least a fairly regular basis.
My Favorite Outer Limits Episode.
16 July 2006
I have always liked good science fiction. The Outer Limits is one of the best of the science fiction series. These 1960's episodes were shot in B&W which added to their moodiness and effectiveness.
In "Nightmare," a group of soldiers land on planet Ebon to fight. They are captured and become POW's. Their alien interrogator uses all sorts of mind bending, hallucination type of devices to extract information from these POWs.
This is a VERY powerful episode. It depicts the brutality of POW interrogations. I think this episode, along with the movie 36 Hours (1965), should be MANDATORY viewing by anybody undergoing POW resistance training.
The ending of this Outer Limits episode will blow you away.
In "Nightmare," a group of soldiers land on planet Ebon to fight. They are captured and become POW's. Their alien interrogator uses all sorts of mind bending, hallucination type of devices to extract information from these POWs.
This is a VERY powerful episode. It depicts the brutality of POW interrogations. I think this episode, along with the movie 36 Hours (1965), should be MANDATORY viewing by anybody undergoing POW resistance training.
The ending of this Outer Limits episode will blow you away.
My favorite Dragnet episode.
16 July 2006
Dragnet has been one of my favorite TV programs. I was around age 10 when the old b&w episodes came out in the 1950's. I would sometimes put on a coat and hat, thinking that I was Sgt Friday. When this series was brought back in 1967, in color, I felt these Dragnet episodes were even better. This later series showed more law enforcement professionalism than the old b&w episodes. Actually, the old 1950's b&w episodes showed professionalism, except for the 1954 Dragnet movie where I thought both Friday and Smith showed unprofessional conduct. In any case, both the b&w and color episodes reflected a rather accurate rendition of the attitudes and conduct by law enforcement of both these genres, respectively.
My desire for detail and accuracy and seems to stem primarily from Jack Webb's (Sgt Joe Friday) style or signature. Don't forget, all Dragnet episodes are based on true stories.
In "The Shooting Board" episode, shots are fired. Very unusual for any Dragnet episode. Sgt Friday goes into a laundromat to buy a pack of cigarettes from a vending machine. At this point, Friday surprises a thief trying to slip-wire a coin changer. The surprised burglar fires first, missing Friday. Friday returns fire wounding this suspect who later dies. At first, there is no evidence that Friday fired in self-defense and a shooting board is assembled (routine). Only at the last minute does evidence clearing Friday come to pass in a VERY unusual way.
I believe this TV series has done an excellent job in portraying law enforcement in a positive light.
My desire for detail and accuracy and seems to stem primarily from Jack Webb's (Sgt Joe Friday) style or signature. Don't forget, all Dragnet episodes are based on true stories.
In "The Shooting Board" episode, shots are fired. Very unusual for any Dragnet episode. Sgt Friday goes into a laundromat to buy a pack of cigarettes from a vending machine. At this point, Friday surprises a thief trying to slip-wire a coin changer. The surprised burglar fires first, missing Friday. Friday returns fire wounding this suspect who later dies. At first, there is no evidence that Friday fired in self-defense and a shooting board is assembled (routine). Only at the last minute does evidence clearing Friday come to pass in a VERY unusual way.
I believe this TV series has done an excellent job in portraying law enforcement in a positive light.
Best Superman episode.
6 July 2006
When I was between the ages of 7-10, I lived in a little town of Algonac, Michigan, where I spent 3 of the best, perhaps the 3 best years of my life. Therefore, practically all memories from this time frame are favorable. The episodes from the TV Adventures of Superman are no exception.
I am especially drawn to Czar of the Underworld. Why, I am not really sure. Perhalps part of this is due to the fact that part of this episode shows behind the scenes of film making when Clark Kent and Inspector Henderson go to Hollywood to help make a movie exposing a crime czar.
I also liked it when Inspector Henderson hung up on Perry White, the editor of the Daily Planet.
Not too difficult to tell the good guys from the bad guys (except for the surprise ending).
Anyway, the bad guys are not eulogized. This is especially true at beginning of the episode where the phone call from Clark Kent's office, which included Inspector Henderson's caustic remarks to the bad guy crime king pin (The Czar of the Underworld).
Also, I believe there is a mistake stating that Phyllis Coates (Lois Lane) and Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen) did not appear in this episode. I don't think Phyllis Coates appeared in this episode, but Jack Larson did when he barged into Perry White's (John Hamilton) office with the teletype of actor Alan Dexter's murder at the National Studios in Los Angeles. Then Perry White started yelling at Olsen, "Just wait until I get Kent on the phone! Just wait!"
I am especially drawn to Czar of the Underworld. Why, I am not really sure. Perhalps part of this is due to the fact that part of this episode shows behind the scenes of film making when Clark Kent and Inspector Henderson go to Hollywood to help make a movie exposing a crime czar.
I also liked it when Inspector Henderson hung up on Perry White, the editor of the Daily Planet.
Not too difficult to tell the good guys from the bad guys (except for the surprise ending).
Anyway, the bad guys are not eulogized. This is especially true at beginning of the episode where the phone call from Clark Kent's office, which included Inspector Henderson's caustic remarks to the bad guy crime king pin (The Czar of the Underworld).
Also, I believe there is a mistake stating that Phyllis Coates (Lois Lane) and Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen) did not appear in this episode. I don't think Phyllis Coates appeared in this episode, but Jack Larson did when he barged into Perry White's (John Hamilton) office with the teletype of actor Alan Dexter's murder at the National Studios in Los Angeles. Then Perry White started yelling at Olsen, "Just wait until I get Kent on the phone! Just wait!"
Adventures of Superman
(1952–1958)
Superman--First 26 episodes were the best!!!
22 May 2005
Superman was one of the TV programs that I grew up on in the early 1950's. I believe the first 26 episodes were the best, possibly because I first viewed them in a little town of Algonac, MICHIGAN where, between the ages of seven to ten, I spent three of the best years of my life. I think Phyllis Coates was perfect for the role of Lois Lane. To me, she came across as being very beautiful and very feisty. I had a crush on her then and I still do. I really liked Robert Shayne as Inspector Henderson. John Hamilton as Perry White and Jack Larson as Jimmy Olsen, were also quite good.
My favorite episode is "Czar of the Underworld." I enjoy watching these episodes, especially when I get stressed, as they give me an enjoyable trip down memory lane...
My favorite episode is "Czar of the Underworld." I enjoy watching these episodes, especially when I get stressed, as they give me an enjoyable trip down memory lane...
The Thing from Another World
(1951)
Great Howard Hawks production marks this 50's Sci Fi Classic as a must see...
30 May 2002
A scientific expedition, located near the North Pole, sends an urgent message to an Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska reporting the near-by crash of a very large, unknown, object and requesting immediate assistance. Air Force Captain Pat Hendry, and his crew, then depart to this expeditionary site. Upon arrival, Captain Hendry meets Dr. Carrington, who's in charge. Preliminary scientific evidence rules out the possibility of a meteor. Also, since this crash, a lot of atmospheric and magnetic disturbance has been generated, making radio communications and aircraft navigation difficult, if not impossible. AT this point, Captain Hendry and his crew, along with Dr Carrington with some members of his staff, depart to the crash scene about 50 miles away. Upon arrival, part of an aircraft structure is protruding above the ice and appears to be "alien" in origin. Attempts to remove this aircraft, using thermal "thermite" heat bombs proves unsuccessful. This "Flying Saucer" is destroyed, but its occupant is thrown clear and becomes frozen under the ice. This body is then removed and taken back to this expeditionary site and put in cold storage. Everything appears to be under control until an unforseen accident occurs endangering not only the lives ov everyone at this expeditionary site, but all human and animal life on the entire face of planet Earth. There are some lighter sides to this Sci Fi drama. I enjoy the good natured kidding that Captain Hendry receives from his men after his girl friend pins an embarrassing not on his chest while he's asleep giving everybody ample opportunity to read it. I also get a kick out of the newspaper reporter Ned "Scotty" Scott's on going battle with Captain Hendry in trying to obtain permission to broadcastcast his "Flying Saucer" story to the media and Captain Hendry's refusal to let him until offical Air Force clearance can be given. Also, keep an eye out for George Fennamen, from Groucho Marx's old TV quiz show "You Bet Your Life."
Special Bulletin
(1983 TV Movie)
Very realistic, believable and convincing.
16 May 2002
When I first saw this movie, I thought it was a legitimate news broadcast. This was due to the fact that, on my first viewing, I didn't watch it from the start. The TV station that I first watched it on broke away for commercials, just like a regular TV cable news channel would do. To me, this made it even more convincing. The close attention to detail and accuracy of news journalism format made this movie very powerful and frightening. I highly recommend this movie to Journalism majors and anybody who enjoys strong and powerful drama...
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