Around the dial

The Kuklapolitan Opera! I just like the way that sounds! And having Kukla, Fran and Ollie doesn't hurt; at Garroway at Large, Jodie takes us back to Dave Garroway (doing Milton Cross!) and Arthur Fieldler as they join the Kuklapolitans for "St. George and the Dragon."

We're into the Top 40 at Comfort TV, as David continues the countdown of the 100 most memorable songs introduced by classic TV. I've really enjoyed reading this series, and I'm happy to say (or admit) that I recognize most of these!

"Coming, Mama" is the sixth-season episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents that is Jack's latest entry in the Hitchcock Project at bare-bones e-zine. It's about—well, let's just say it's a typical Hitchcock story with a twist, and leave it at that...

At The Twilight Zone Vortex, Jordan continues his look at the new TZ on CBS All-Access; this week, it's "Not All Men," and Jordan offers what I think is a very perceptive critique of the episode's weaknesses and the themes it presents. Even if you don't have All-Access, it's worth reading the opinion of someone who knows their Zone.

Television Obscurities continues the year-long look at TV Guide 1989; it's the May 6 issue, celebrating television's 50th birthday, with some wonderful articles and powerful images that take us all the way back to television's beginning, as well as our own history.

At A Shroud of Thoughts, Terence has a very good look at the noir roots of Perry Mason. Raymond Burr, of course, cut his teeth in noir, often as a heavy, which I think makes his portrayal of Mason even more intimidating—imagine what it must have been like facing him in the witness box. TV