Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Audiophilander (A) on July 04, 2002 at 07:42:19

In Reply to: Heah, don't you guys (and girls) ever go to the movies... posted by EdM on July 03, 2002 at 14:57:04:

... let me clue you into one of the most unusal DVD offerings: "1950's TV's Greatest Detectives"

This reasonably priced 3 DVD set is a real gem, especially if like RARE early television. Highlights include an episode from the first season Dragnet ('52, complete with Jack Webb touting the health benefits of Chesterfield cigarettes -- Note: He died in the early 70's of lung cancer, if I'm not mistaken), the first episode of Sherlock Holmes (1954 version), a kinescope of Martin Kane, Private Eye with William Gargahn the first actor to essay the role (1951, with tobacco commercials woven into the storyline!), Dick Tracy with Ralph Byrd, I Am the Law (a short lived syndicated crime drama with great atmosphere from 1953, featuring George Raft as a police detective), and Mark Sabre of the Homicide Squad (a 1952 crime drama starring Tom Conway).

I could go on because there are many fine shows and a few curiosities in this 5 1/2 hour compilation of rare detective shows, and all are digitally remastered and in much better shape than you'ld expect (i.e., if only the black level had been a bit darker, thes would've been flawless!).

Highly recommended!

AuPh