May 22, 2014

Around the Dial - Bob Cummings, George & Gracie, and more!

You know, for all the times I've run across Love That Bob! in all the old TV Guide listings, I've never actually seen an episode.  Oh, sure, I know who Bob Cummings is; he was terrific in an episode of The Twilight Zone, and I actually prefer his performance in Studio One's "Twelve Angry Men" to that of Henry Fonda.  But I've never seen Love That Bob!  Now, at least, I know more about it, thanks to this episode review from The Horn Section.

I have distinct memories of watching Wonderful World of Color when Walt Disney was still alive, and I enjoy reading about the 1964-65 World's Fair, so it's no surprise that I'd be interested in Dixon's review of Disney's trip to the Fair at TV When I Was Born.  What vivid colors!  That's the kind of miracle color TV was back in the '60s.

I've written about Terry Teachout before; the drama critic for The Wall Street Journal* always has thoughtful perspectives on the relationship of television to American culture.  This week, he links to an article he wrote ten years ago, in which he ponders what it means to abandon series television.

*Not to mention author, playwright and opera librettist, all of which give me a massive inferiority complex.

A couple of years ago, some friends of ours gave us a DVD of the best of Match Game.  Now, I'm old enough that I actually remember the original version in the mid-to-late '60s, particularly an episode in which the guests were the Apollo astronauts.  (Or was that You Don't Say?  I'm never sure about that - maybe someone can remind me.)  Anyway, this week's Bootleg Files takes a look back at the show's bawdy '70s revival, which I also remember with some fondness.  I don't know that it wears very well, but there are some very funny moments.  And some stupid ones as well.

I don't know about you, but when I think of Burns & Allen (which is probably less often than I should), I never think about them in color.  I might ahve to change that now, thanks to Kinescope HD's post of an episode of the show done in color!

At The Lucky Strike Papers, Andrew mentions a terrific movie that I never saw in the theater but enjoyed immensely on TV (which is perhaps appropriate): My Favorite Year, which starred the great Peter O'Toole in one of his later-career Oscar-nominated roles, and was directed by TV and movie veteran Richard Benjamin.  (Husband of **sigh** Paula Prentiss.)  Unfortunately I didn't catch the rerun on TCM this week, but that's no reason for you not to get out there and find it on DVD or streaming video.

And finally, a quick reminder that the Classic TV Blog Association's Summer of MeTV Blogathon is coming up June 2-5.  I've got my contribution ready - I hope you'll take time to read it!

That's all for today, kiddies - back Saturday with another look in the dusty pages of TV Guide! TV  

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for the mention! Lots of BOB episodes at YouTube, yet another pleasant find there. The show really deserves rediscovery and a proper DVD release.

    Looking forward to the Me TV blogathon myself, Mitchell. Can't wait to read your writeup on the 2nd!

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