The Stupendously Amazingly Cool World of Old TV

Photo of the Day!

2012-01-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

A lesson in wearing lime green and tomato red, courtesy of Cinnamon Carter.

Steve McQueen...WHAT?!!

2012-01-28T05:12:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, I bought my mum two seasons of Tales of Wells Fargo. It's a semi-cheesy Fifties western...from when all the westerns were aimed at kids (except for Gunsmoke and Cheyenne). She loves it. I suffer through it. But I'm getting to be semi-okay with the show.

Tonight's episode made me forgive the frequent major mistakes made by the hero, Jim Hardie. IT WAS STEVE MCQUEEN. Before The Blob or Josh Randall, or any of that awesomeness.

Steve was an honorable outlaw who Jim Hardie teamed up with. The episode began with Steve's character conning Jim out of the $5000 reward for his own capture. Not a bad robbery in the Old West. And in all honesty, wouldn't it be awesome to be conned by Steve McQueen?

Somehow, Jim Hardie didn't comprehend the honor being bestowed upon him. (But Steve's evil partner did give him a bit of a concussion, so that's almost understandable.) He eventually ended up hunting for Steve in the desert, which wasn't exactly a bad thing since the evil partner had double-crossed poor Steve and abandoned him to the blistering sun.

Sadly, Steve wasn't quite as cool as he became in the Josh Randall role. The splendid anti-hero shirt was missing. He got the girl. And he was just too honorable. HE WENT TO JAIL FOR HIS CRIMES INSTEAD OF ESCAPING TO MEXICO BECAUSE HE GAVE HIS WORD. It was very wrong.

But at least my mum didn't complain about Steve. His awesomeness is finally getting to her. I have hope for humanity, even if Steve McQueen was being all honorable and out of character.

- Emm

Photo of the Day!

2012-01-25T06:36:00.000-08:00

Bradford's garish tie-suit-shirt. Love.

- Emm

Stone Pillow: Bradford Brilliance.

2012-01-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

IT'S HERE. My yearly excuse to shamelessly watch Bradford Dillman at 3:00 AM.

Blogathons excite me. Especially when I remember to participate and they have awesome taglines like: A Jazzier Kind of Noir.

Anyhow, I decided to watch Mr. Dillman's second Mission: Impossible episode. Bradford gets to be a cheap, two-bit detective who blackmails people for fun. His latest "client" happens to be a high level mobster, who is "beyond the reach of conventional law enforcement." Two days before he's shipped off to prison for extortion, Bradford pays a call on Volchek and lets him know the score: $5000 a month while he's doing time, or a certain dame might just let the D.A. have that tape. He's completely shameless and he smiles evilly the whole time.

Soon after, Jim Phelps is instructed to find Bradford's precious tape so the D.A. can bring Volchek to justice. And Jim's information envelope includes a poster on Bradford that says something about his cooking skills. But this poster also lists Bradford as 5' 2." He's a whole ten inches taller than that. Clearly, it cannot be trusted.

Though all the IMF members have interesting parts to play in the set-up, Jim Phelps has a particularly grand role as "The Professor" -- Bradford's chess playing, calculus reading cellmate with an escape plan. They kidnap their psychiatrist (who naturally is an IMF member), blow up a car, fake their deaths, and make a lot of phone calls. And then there's a shootout in a stage warehouse complete with creepy mannequins. And everyone gets arrested and lives happily ever after.

I'm actually not a huge fan of Mission: Impossible's later episodes, but Stone Pillow is decently written, and Peter Graves wears glasses and Bradford is always so much coolness. You can watch it here:

- Emm

And now, I weep tears of bitter agony.

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

The British TV poll has ended. I am a miserable human being.

My poor dear lovely Roger Moore as the infamous Simon Templar garnered but one vote. How could this happen? I mean, LOOK at him.

Danger Man fared a tiny bit better. John Drake graciously thanks you for the two votes his programmme received.

McGill was so disappointed with his loss to The Avengers that he just walked off and mumbled something about getting his suitcase. SERIOUSLY, who gives McGill a measly THREE VOTES?!

Steed and Mrs. Peel were reportedly in the midst of fencing match when they heard of their triumph, and declined to comment. Five votes should have impressed them a wee bit.

Clearly, everyone should have voted for McGill. HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A LITTLE MORE APPRECIATIVE. ;D

- Emm

Happiness is mine.

2012-01-05T01:41:00.000-08:00

Anything can happen while listening to Herb Alpert at 4 AM. For example, one could suddenly decide to search for new episodes of Man in a Suitcase, even though nobody ever posts new ones on YouTube. But, this one time there actually could be....and well, there are NINE new episodes.

I'm basically ditching The Fugitive, Joe Mannix, and all the other TV actors I'm in love with for a week or so. McGill is taking over.

- Emm

A DESPERATE PLEA FOR MCGILL (and other announcements)

2011-12-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

We've had a new poll up for a couple of weeks already. (I've just been too busy watching David Janssen movies to mention it.) BUT IT'S NOT GOING VERY WELL. The Avengers is the current front-runner, and I don't think I can bear another Mrs. Peel victory. Because Emma is clearly not as awesome as McGill. So, please cast your votes. But not for The Avengers.

ALSO, in a little over a month, The Millie will be hosting The Second Annual Bradford Dillman Blogathon over at ClassicForever. Of course, Niamhy is again hosting at Born in the Wrong Decade as well. This brilliantly evil event was deliciously fun last year, and if the promo materials are any indication, we're all in for some mind-blowing awesomeness.

Presently, I'm at a complete loss as to what crazy amazing Dillman performance(s) I'm going to write up. And then there's the daunting task of deciding which film/TV appearances to watch in celebration of all things Bradford Dillman.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;And yes, Bradfo&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Bradford Dillman: A Jazzier Kind of Noir IS coming to a cool blog near you.

- Emm

Photo of the Day!

2011-12-19T10:23:00.000-08:00

You can never have too much Jimmy Hutton being awesome.

The episode that never was.

2011-12-18T04:30:00.000-08:00

With Christmas coming up and all, I tried to recall the very best Christmas episode I've ever seen. But then I realized it never happened. Because I've never seen David Janssen as Santa.

A Christmas episode of The Fugitive could be so perfect. Dr. Kimble would have a job as a janitor or gardener or something at a boarding school for emotionally-disturbed children. Undoubtedly, some randomly stunning and compassionate lady teacher would be about to fall for him (against her better judgement, of course). And the good doctor would dress up as Santa on Christmas Eve. All would be right with the world.

A twitchy smirking Santa would basically make Christmas for me forever. But pay no mind to me, because I'm just a wee bit of a crazed fangirl. ;D

- Emm

Batman!

2011-12-14T01:29:00.000-08:00

-Millie

{Yeah, I know this is from the movie. I DON'T CARE. It's awesome. ;-D}

Silver Hair and Cigarettes.

2011-12-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

The first time I watched Man in a Suitcase, I expected something along the lines of The Avengers. What I found was a mumbly American ex-spy living in Sixties London. He had chiseled features. Silver hair. Perpetual cigarette in one corner of his mouth. His name was McGill.

Instant fangirling ensued. Aside from being drop dead gorgeous, McGill is a splendidly tortured character. A couple of years back, he was suspected of treachery and forced out of American Intelligence. Of course, our hero is innocent...and his superiors know that. They merely used him, and destroyed his little spy life in the process. So he's forced to use his skills and work as a private investigator.

McGill's life remains far from simple though, and the series is strongly driven by revenge on many levels. There are always enemies from the past. Other agents seeking a piece of information from his days in intelligence. Gangsters who bear some personal grudge. And then there is McGill himself, who desperately wants his life back and will do almost anything to clear himself.

It's an action-filled, angsty masterpiece of a show that will change your life. Well, maybe not really. But it's bloomin' brilliant and undoubtedly one of the best ways to while away an hour.

Watch Mr. Mumbles on YouTube:

* Screenshot credit to the Double O Section, a smashing blog about all things spyish.

- Emm

That's right. Just go on being perfect!

2011-12-12T02:53:00.000-08:00

Josh Randall.

2011-11-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

The votes are in. The coolest thing about Josh Randall is...

Apparently NOT his mercenariness, because not a vote was cast. Really?! I'm rather shocked. I find it one of his most endearing qualities. THIS IS THE BOUNTY HUNTER WHO REFUSES TO RESCUE A KIDNAPPED NUN BECAUSE HE'S NOT GOING TO BE PAID IN ANYTHING BUT PRAYERS. And there's no denying the coolness of it all.

Okay, moving on. (If I can get over that last one.) His apple addiction. Thankfully, there is one person who understands, appreciates and voted for the apple habit. Whoever you are, I pretty much love you forever.

The Mare's Leg got a whoppin' three votes. Josh just wouldn't be Josh without that sawed-off rifle. (It is a rifle. I once read a vintage gun magazine article about it. 'Cause that's how I roll.)

And of course, the majority of us voted that HE'S STINKIN' STEVE MCQUEEN. Yep, I confess that I even took the easy route, though I really wanted to vote for the apple addiction. I shouldn't come up with polls that leave me so torn. Anyhow, thanks to everyone for voting!

- Emm

Debut: "Homeward Bound" - A Tribute to The Fugitive

2011-10-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, yes. I made another random, smushed up Fugitive tribute video.

I GET BORED SOMETIMES, OKAY.

{And, errm, I have waaay too much fun making these videos.}

Set to "Homeward Bound" by Simon and Garfunkel, this video isn't nearly as awesome as my other tribute to Dr. Richard Kimble ("HOBO'S LULLABY" FOREVER!) -- but I still kind of love it.

You see, sometimes there isn't time to watch a whole episode of The Fugitive! How else am I gonna get my fix of the twitchy, little smirk?! Simple: I watch a quick, condensed version. A pile of awesomeness all smushed together!

Enjoy! ;-D

-Millie

Photo of the Day!

2011-10-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

Sir Roger Moore Maverick.

Clothes Make the Man: Little Joe

2011-10-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a bit of a trip back to the Ponderosa. Unfortunately, I've already seen most of the comical episodes, which means I'm watching dramatic westernishness where everyone hates the Cartwrights for being annoyingly perfect.

Basically, I watch Bonanza because I enjoy feeling superior and snickering and/or I still have an almost crush on Little Joe. (I'm still not quite over being 14.) But I did have this grand ~~excuse~~ plan about writing a whole post on how Little Joe isn't the typical western style icon. (You're probably thinking, "I didn't know there were western style icons, much less typical ones." Well, there are.)

Over the twelve seasons (or however long it was that Bonanza ran) there was ample time to establish Joe's style. But after wearing various ordinary western duds for the first couple of seasons, the green jacket came on the scene. It never disappeared. Everyone learned that Little Joe and his green jacket are not easily parted. It was his friend. And it was indestructible.

Just like Little Joe himself, that green jacket survived a lot of bullets, beatings, shotgun blasts, trips through scorching desert, and probably a few fires and floods too. Oh, I suppose it's POSSIBLE that he merely kept a whole closet full of green jackets, but it's doubtful that Joe ever had the foresight to conceive such an idea. He's the rash impulsive Cartwright, remember!

Occasionally Joe had to dress up for a dance or something and the green jacket had to stay home. But he always came back to his green jacket. Good, bad, and silly romances came and went but the green jacket was there through it all.

If all this strategic rambling wasn't enough to convince you of Joe's extreme stylishness, there's probably no hope. I pity the fool who doesn't love Bonanza. And Little Joe.

- Emm

Yes, we DO have a Josh Randall poll...

2011-10-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

I've been dull and uninspired lately, in spite of reveling in fourth season Mannix. And then somehow we ended up with a Josh Randall poll. Can you tell I ran out of brilliant ideas? I mean, the last answer is, "He's stinkin' Steve McQueen." Tsk. My brain power is being zapped by trying to keep my coworkers sufficiently entertained and hence, not overly crabby. (I'm known as the perpetually happy person. Actually, I just smile like a dork a lot.)

Anyway, this odd rambling is clearly going absolutely no where. So, please, vote in the poll.

- Emm

Photo of the Day!

2011-10-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

This can be filed under "Emm has an unhealthy obsession with

screencapping Joe Mannix."

- Emm

Photo of the Day!

2011-10-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hairdresser Illya Kuryakin. It's hard being a spy.

- Emm

I should listen to The Millie more often.

2011-10-06T00:34:00.000-07:00

I requested a certain episode of Bronco at a YouTube channel. And because the channel owner is a very nice and obliging person, they uploaded it for me. After work the other day, I came home, found it right at the top of my videos, and squealed with excitement. The only misgiving I had about the episode was the possibility of it having a recycled script that I'd seen in a couple of other Warner westerns.

Then I started watching. I'd no idea what torture I was in for.

Troy Donahue showed up less than two minutes in. He was utterly horrible and annoying. I knew I was doomed. Never before had I experienced the utter agony of watching him in all his awfulness, BUT I HAD BEEN WARNED BY THE MILLIE. But since she also intensely dislikes Ty Hardin, and I DO like him, I was kind of doubting her taste in blondish Sixties actors.

Anyhow, the plot of the episode was pathetic... or maybe it was just Evil Troy Donahue. Anyway, it started out with him cutting some dude's saddle cinch. (There was some kind of feud between Troy's family and the other fella's.) And obviously, the guy fell off his horse, and happened to be badly injured. So the rival family was after Evil Troy. I'm not sure, but I think we were sort of supposed to feel sorry for him. (I didn't.)

Where was Bronco Layne in all this? Well, he rode through town just as Troy cut the cinch. And then Sheriff Coffee from Bonanza randomly bushwhacked Bronco. I'm not kidding. And then Evil Troy's nice brother found Bronco and hauled him back to the ranch, just as Troy raced in with the rival family hot on his heels. Evil Troy ranted and raved to his pa and nice brother about the awfulness of the rival family and how they must fight against them, or else they were lily-livered weaklings with no family pride. There was also some long harangue about the wonderfulness of his outlaw uncle (who he'd never even met).

And then the rival family arrived and began horse-whipping Troy Donahue. Bronco woke up and dizzily waved a pistol about and they chose to leave. Things were looking up until Bronco decided he needed to help this annoying family solve their squabbles. Clearly, he still wasn't thinking particularly good, because soon the nice brother and Evil Troy started a fist-fight. And Troy wandered off and poisoned the rival family's water. But that was after the rival family had beat up his pa. I THINK. And the evil outlaw uncle returned somewhere in there too.

It was all so much oddness. But in the end, Troy Donahue was shot and killed. I didn't feel a bit sorry for him. But I did truly feel sorry for myself. Because I actually watched the whole bloomin' episode. I think I've been sufficiently punished now.

- Emm

AWWWWWWWWWWWW

2011-10-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

Dime Store Novel Cover of the Day!

2011-09-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Gardner McKay had dime novels too. (But this one cost 15 cents.)

Beloved Western #349: Bronco

2011-09-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

It happened again. I fell in love with ANOTHER western. Only this one stars Ty Hardin and was Warner Bros. replacement for Cheyenne when Clint Walker had a little contract feud with the studio. So I should hate it, right?

WRONG. I've actually stopped watching Peter Gunn and Ellery Queen because I crave Bronco's western awesomeness so much. But it's one of those things I don't really understand. Why should I like Bronco?

It can't just be Ty Hardin's hair. His clothes aren't as oddly cool and crazily fringed as Cheyenne's. He has far more flashback memories than any western character has the right to subject me to. And his voice ain't that cool and his fist-fighting skills are kind of yawn-worthy.

But I like the show. Where else would I find Peter Breck hilariously playing Teddy Roosevelt? Or James Coburn being a supremely evil Jesse James that's nothing like the-Tyrone-Power-All-American-Hero edition?

Technically, that isn't reason enough I suppose. I just like a square-jawed cowboy with a six gun and decent smile. But before you judge me, I dare ya to watch some Bronco. ;D

- Emm

Photo of the Day!

2011-09-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Clint Walker being way too cool as usual.

Dime Store Novel Cover of the Day!

2011-09-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

I loved Wayde Preston in Maverick. But his own show never thrilled me.

Cheyenne saved the day. Again.

2011-09-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

Today, my best girlfriend and I had lunch and Starbucks and scoured stores for canvas and poster board. It was all going so well until I took a sip of my evil pumpkin spice latte. That latte had it in for me.

Pumpkin and I have never been friends. But my lovely BFF convinced me to try it anyhow. I pronounced it too pumpkiny. And then things began to happen. I left my keys in her house, and proceeded to splatter that evil latte all over my new lace top and menswear style button-up as I was knocking on the door, hoping to reclaim my property. It was almost an I-think-I'm-gonna-cry moment.

And that was when I happened to glance at the show her brother was watching. From being utterly miserable, I suddenly became a rapturous fangirl. Because you see, there before my eyes was Clint Walker. "Is that Cheyenne?!" I squeaked. The older brother kind of stared, (I was after all, a coffee-covered mess digging through a enormous handbag searching for stain remover) then invited me to stay and watch it with him. I snapped out of fangirl mode and graciously declined, BUT seeing 30 seconds of Clint Walker did make a pretty much awful experience a little more than bearable. And that is how Cheyenne Bodie saved the day.

- Emm

Warner Western Poll

2011-09-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

The results of our latest poll are in. And they were oh-so-predictable. But still somewhat exciting because westerns are always exciting and cause for great joy.
Sugarfoot, Bronco, and LAWMAN! all came in zero votes. This was somewhat expected...

The shy, awkward cowboy/wannabe lawyer most definitely was not going to make off with the vote.

I'm officially supposed to hate Bronco Layne/Ty Hardin and say snide things about his lack of votes. But...I DO like Bronco.

THIS is an outrage. Dan Troop and Johnny McKay are not amused.

(Actually, they look kind of terrified. Don't worry fellas. Emm still loves you!)

And Cheyenne had a whole three votes! I was surprised and pleased, and went off obsessing about Clint Walker again. (It doesn't take a lot.)

Clint Walker and his voice are amazing and not ever mentioned enough. And photos of Clint are awfully nice too.

And winning top honors with a whoppin' SEVEN VOTES is Maverick. I'M SO PROUD OF THE MAVERICK BOYS AND THEIR INESCAPABLE COOLNESS.

Maverick was my first western. And still my favorite ever.

It would never do to forget Sir Roger Moore Maverick.

- Emm

Photo of the Day!

2011-09-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Man with a Camera: a show created for the purpose of
Charles Bronson walking around acting cool.

- Emm

Ivanhoe ruined my life. Roger Moore did too.

2011-09-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

The other day, I was very, very excited. After all, I'd just discovered seven episodes of Roger Moore as one of my favorite literary characters. IT HAD FINALLY HAPPENED. I'D FOUND EPISODES OF IVANHOE.

My mum read Ivanhoe aloud to me when I was a wee child. Naturally, I've since read our battered, disgusting old copy of Ivanhoe several times myself. The story is quite flawed, but I love it so much that I've hunted down (and actually watched) a horrid mini-series, a pathetically acted Robert Taylor film, and a fairly spot on version with James Mason & Anthony Andrews. But the Roger Moore Ivanhoe was always an elusive thing that I could never find. My hopes were fairly high, and even though the first episode had Ivanhoe hiding inside an enormous cake, I didn't give up on the series.

I've been pretty much crazy about Roger Moore since I was 13 and obsessively watching the same Maverick episodes over and over every bloomin' Saturday. His delightful manners and pleasant voice ~~and ability to be an awesome con~~ always charmed me. And then I found an episode or two of The Saint. 'Twas Sir Roger being even more brilliant and suave and charming. Quite heavenly, but I always wanted to see that early Ivanhoe series.

Well, now I have. I'll no doubt watch the other five episodes of Ivanhoe (because Roger Moore still has a cool voice and he looks nice in medieval costumes) but after two episodes, I've awakened to the reality that this is not truly stupendous TV. It's not even amazingly cool. But I'm still going to leave you a playlist of the show. Maybe you're a crazy Roger Moore fan like me or you merely enjoy torturing yourself with early Brit TV. Anyhow, I won't judge you for watching or not watching...

(Note: YouTube has since killed the channel of the awesome person who posted the episodes. Hence, the disappearance of the playlist.)

- Emm

Photo of the Day!

2011-09-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

Barbara Feldon is coolness forever.

- Emm

Clip of the Day!

2011-09-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

Clint Walker being incredibly sweet and a complete gentleman. In my favorite ever episode of Cheyenne. The exact same script was condensed and used two years later for an episode of LAWMAN. But the LAWMAN version wasn't half as brilliant, because the verbal sparring and psychological warfare had to be cut to fit the half-hour time slot. And Clint Walker and his awesome voice weren't involved. Hence, far less awesomeness ensued.

ALSO, don't forget to vote for your favorite Warner Western in our poll!

- Emm

The twitchy, little smirk is eternal

2011-09-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

There was a little thing going around Tumblr, where people would take the definition and post a gif of someone underneath it. I, of course, posted random people that apparently no one knew (just Bradford Dillman's evil smile and David Janssen's twitchy, little smirk. SHEESH.)

Anyway. I had to repost it here, because Dr. Richard Kimble's twitchy, little smirk....truly is forever. ;-D

-Millie, she requests that no one pay any attention to her craziness.

Dime Store Novel Cover of the Day!

2011-09-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Yep, Josh Randall had his own dime novels too.

- Emm

Unexciting news.

2011-09-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

We have another poll. Yes, yes, I'm putting ya'll on the spot. I know. All I ask is that you let us know which Warner Bros. western is best! Now honestly, this shouldn't be a very hard decision, but you do have a fortnight to decide. The poll closes at midnight on September 17. Until then...happy voting!

- Emm

Yay for Gardner McKay!

2011-08-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

A day or so ago, I was introduced to Gardner McKay. Utterly gorgeous actor, but also an accomplished photographer, artist, writer, and sailor. After watching one episode of his TV show Adventures in Paradise, I was completely in love. And scouring YouTube for more of his work. Sadly, I only found one other episode of Adventures, but stumbled across a single episode of a cavalry western that he had a small role in. (I also happened to find some Love on a Rooftop starring a very young Pete Duel, but that's another story for another day.)

So, here I present you with the three complete episodes of Gardner McKay amazingness that I discovered. The first two are from Adventures in Paradise (and one of them has ALEXIS SMITH in it) and the third episode is from Boots and Saddles, with Gardner as a young Lieutenant who sadly doesn't appear until halfway through the episode.

- Emm

60s Female Spy Poll

2011-08-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

The results of our first poll are in. And it ain't all that pretty, I tell ya.

Coming in with ZERO votes is April Dancer. Honestly, I'm not too surprised. She's rather unknown, and usually scorned when she is mentioned. But she's Stefanie Powers and hence, has a coolness all her own.

Cathy Gale and Agent 99 garnered a single vote apiece. Personally, I'm not acquainted with Miss Gale, but reliable sources tell me she's perfect. And I know Agent 99 deserved more votes.

Honor Blackman is staring you down.

Barbara Feldon is just as shocked as I am.

And tied for first place, each with three votes, are Cinnamon Carter and that Mrs. Peel woman. Before we begin the investigation into how Emma made off with 37% of the vote, let's raise a glass (of peach tea) to congratulate the ever perfect Barbara Bain.

And I suppose we must also begrudgingly acknowledge Diana Rigg's win as well -- at least for the moment.

- Emm

Photo of the Day!

2011-08-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

Honor Blackman, Avengers star, Bond Girl, gorgeous woman, etc.

Oh, and there's a lovely new poll on pretty 60s spies over in the sidebar. Don't forget to vote!

Dime Store Novel Cover of the Day!

2011-08-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

This has to be the most inaccurate representation of Danger Man known to man. But at least Patrick McGoohan's face is on it.

- Emm

Photo of the Day!

2011-08-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

Martin Landau & Barbara Bain. Their adorableness is devastating.

And I do sincerely apologize for the severe lack of well, anything, on this blog recently. Millie is off in Africa and I have no words (yet!) to describe the genius of Ellery Queen, so you'll all have to wait in breathless anticipation for a little while longer.

- Emm

The Night of the Robert Conrad Creeper Songs

2011-07-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like getting up in the morning and watching Wild Wild West over breakfast. And usually I end up getting an uncontrolable urge to listen to Robert Conrad songs. He made a few records in his pre-WWW days and they're all utterly and completely evil and addictive. And creeperish. Please note that you will have these songs in your head for all of time if you so much as listen to any of them once.

The first video in the playlist is a GENIUS tribute to Wild Wild West set to one of Conrad's creepiest, complete with non-human back up singers. It's one of my favorite things ever. And I can totally blame The Millie for introducing it to me.

- Emm

Dime Store Novel Cover of the Day!

2011-07-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to deny, I loathe Laramie. But I do like both Robert Fuller & John Smith in other shows/random guest roles. And the cover's pretty cool.

So indulge me.

- Emm

Photo of the Day!

2011-07-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Honey about to take down Sam.

This is what they do for fun when they're bored.

It's completely normal. Aunt Meg thinks nothing of it -- neither does Honey's pet ocelot Bruce, who is lounging on the couch in the corner.

Clip of the Day!

2011-07-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

What do I do better than starting new series ~~that I never follow up on~~? This one is just for all the random TV scenes that I and/or Emm love so much.

Route 66: "An Absence Of Tears"

I've been converted.

2011-07-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Millie has done it again. She brainwashed me. However, it should be duly noted that I am an easily convinced subject. Especially where spies, westerns and coolness are concerned.

I am now in love with The Wild Wild West, it's theme song, deliciously evil villains, and gadgety brilliance. The Night of the Jack O'Diamonds was my downfall. There was a gorgeous horse in it, after all! And Frank Silvera too -- BEST MEXICAN BANDITO EVER. And I've always liked Robert Conrad at least a wee bit. (C'mon, I've sat through poor quality episodes of Hawaiian Eye for him!)

Honestly, I'd tried to like WWW when I saw a few episodes several months/years ago. But the profusion of blondes, brunettes, and redheads annoyed me greatly. (Does this make sense? Err, no.) And my brain just couldn't handle the bizarre villains. But now, that is all ended. I completely adore James West & Artemus Gordon and sincerely wonder how I did not realize that this show is the most brilliant sci-fi/spy/western crossover in the history of TV.

Oh dear, this still isn't making any sense at all. Perhaps I should explain that Jim and Artie are Secret Service agents for President Grant in the 1870s. And that they have a private train to travel around the west in whilst saving the United States and/or the world. Also, that Artie is practically a certifiable genius (Just like Ross Martin in real life). James West is brilliant too...but not in the same way of course.

Artie is a master of disguise and he keeps a scrapbook of all the characters he's created. He's so expert at embodying and becoming the character he's playing that if we didn't KNOW it was Artie hiding behind those false whiskers and sombrero...well, we just wouldn't know. He also designs/invents the guns & weapons that pop out of Jim's sleeve every so often.

Jim doesn't mess around with disguises because he's just too cool for that. And also because he's perfectly capable of taking on ten bad guys all larger than himself, defeating them all, and scarcely rumpling his suit. Robert Conrad did practically all his own stunts, which is also proof of an insane amount of coolness.

And then there are the awesomely creepy, brilliantly bizarre, gleeful villains. Dr. Miguelito Loveless is by far the most famous of them...because he's a diminutive, evil, singing genius who never dies. But there's many others to love too. Bradford Dillman, Boris Karloff, Pernell Roberts -- Yes, Adam Cartwright (with an Irish accent) had plans to take over Canada, but that was before he fell off a cliff while trying to kill James West. See, now we know what REALLY happened to Adam!

The bevy of blondes, brunettes, and redheads still sometimes make me want to scream. But I tolerate and even like some of them now. Especially when they're charming ladies who play with pistols like Suzanne Pleshette. (Actually this whole paragraph is just an excuse so I can post pictures of Miss Pleshette being cool.)

So, if you've never watched The Wild Wild West or tried and found it not to your liking, I strongly advise you to give it another go. You're missing a lot of genius TV. And that is a very, very bad thing.

- Emm

Dime Store Novel Cover of the Day + ANNETTE Videos!

2011-07-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, I DO have an unhealthy obsession with dime store novel covers. (Which may or may not become a series) But 'tis Zorro. And ANNETTE.

Walt Disney actually had a guest role arranged for her in Zorro for her birthday one year, because it was her favorite show. Clearly, this girl knew genius TV when she saw it. And she was absolutely perfect in Zorro. Of course, Annette is ALWAYS perfect (even in Disney's annoying Elfego Baca) but she's slightly MORE perfect than usual here. So you should just go watch her and Guy Williams. RIGHT NOW.

- Emm

Clothes Make the Man: Josh Randall, The Khaki Pants Wearing Bounty Hunter of the West (he doesn't care what you think)

2011-07-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, they're not necessarily khaki pants, but we're going to pretend they are. ;-D

Josh Randall is a stinkin' style icon. Everything about his character is not normal, so to completely confuse and not let you understand him at all -- he doesn't dress "typically" either.

Josh Randall is a bounty hunter. Bounty hunters are reviled in all self-respecting classic television westerns. They are considered cowardly, savage, irresponsible, and just plain evil. Josh Randall is also a loner; he doesn't really like working with other people. Josh Randall is also the protagonist -- the hero of Wanted: Dead or Alive.

So, you know, to maybe smooth over the fact their protagonist was a bounty hunter, you'd think that the people responsible would have wanted Steve McQueen to really look like the part of THE good guy.

Nope.

Josh Randall wanders around the West wearing an anti-hero brown shirt, khaki pants (WITHOUT A BELT), and The Mare's Leg (his sawed-off shotgun or rifle or whatever). He just doesn't care.

But, the clothes fit the character. Josh Randall is inscrutable and impossibly cool (quite different from the man playing him, of course).

One never knows exactly what Josh Randall may do. He's cares slightly less about the "justice" part of bounty hunting than he does about the money part of it. (Julie Taggert: My father gets paid $40 a month for capturing men like Jumbo Kane, Forty dollars! You collect a thousand for doing the same thing. Josh: Yes, ma'am. That's why I do it.) But, he's also been known to give part or all his rewards away to people in need. He refuses some nuns who beg him for his help in rescuing a nun who has been taken hostage because they cannot pay him and "prayers can't help him much at the poker table." But, he eventually rescues the nun and takes down the bad guys. He's basically just completely softhearted as he ALWAYS comes around to helping the those who need him -- it's just not usually his first response (or even necessarily a part of his normal nature ;-D).

Anyway, back to the actual CLOTHES part of this post.

Along with his basic brown and khaki, Josh can be often seen sporting one of two jackets. Either the one pictured above or -- more commonly -- his beloved, gross, sheep fur-ish coat:

And occasionally if he's just relaxing around town, Josh Randall even dons a suit! (Note: I WANTED to screencap the episode where all of his clothes besides his suit are basically being held hostage and he gets into so many fights that by the end of the ep the poor suit is just so beat-up and pitiful, but that disc is not currently in my immediate possession. SADNESS. ;-D)

But, of course, Josh Randall's most awesome appearance choice is ~~his face~~ The Mare's Leg.

The Mare's Leg is just COOL. It's quite famous, as apparently every person living in the west in the 1870s recognizes it.

It's an unusual weapon, but it fits (I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but Josh Randall is an atypical western hero).

Really, as I started to explain before, it is difficult to understand Josh Randall. He's a bounty hunter, but he's also quite intelligent (he apparently worked at a bank before he fled the "jail") and is seemingly "above" most of the people he meets.

Look at this conversation from "Call Your Shot":

Hendricks: I guess you figure this town owes you an apology, Mr. Randall?
Josh: Not at all, Mr. Hendricks. This town can only do one thing for me.
Hendricks: What's that?
Josh: Watch me ride out. It's gonna be the first time in a week I feel clean.

Oh, JUNK IT. Hendricks just felt the full force of Josh Randall in moral outrage mode. ;-D

And really, Josh Randall does not get angry that often. He possesses an almost frightening amount of patience. I mean, how else did he manage to put up with Jason (his SCARILY ANNOYING, temporary sidekick) for half of the second season?! And HOW ELSE does he manage to NOT murder that reporter from "The Twain Shall Meet" who I am ready to strangle within three seconds?!

Please Josh! Kill him now and put us out of our misery! ;-D

This post makes no sense at all. I am very sorry. Josh Randall and his clothes and his awesomeness deserve much better than this, BUT I JUST CAN'T EXPLAIN IT! So, how about a few random shots?

Anyway, even though this post is basically just crazy rambling about nothing, Wanted: Dead or Alive is an impossible brilliantly cool show that everyone needs to go watch! Josh Randall is a unique and fascinating character played perfectly by Steve McQueen and everything is utterly Wowzie Kazam.

-Millie

Stella Winter: How can we ever thank you?
Josh: A check would do very nicely.

LET ME DIE HAPPY NOWWWWWWWWW

2011-07-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

RTV HAS ADDED THE SAINT TO ITS PROGRAMMING. EVERYTHING IS PERFECT RIGHT NOW. (Oh, and the moment I saw the new programming, I ran out and The Saint was on... PLAYING MY FAVORITE EPISODE EVER!)

{Millie is sad that they cut Adam-12, Emergency!, Alfred Hitchcock Hour, and The Rockford Files. However, she is also pleased about Route 66 and the return of Peter Gunn. As you can see, Millie is not quite herself and is therefore talking in the third person.}

LAWMAAAAAAN!

2011-07-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

And my obsession with dime store novel covers continues...

Lawman is nearly always strange, sometimes rather brilliant, and definitely full of Peter Brown being awesome. Detweiler's Kid is more odd and hilarious than usual because...a girl wants Johnny McKay to meet her in the street for a gunfight! Of course, Johnny CAN'T draw against a girl. But he also doesn't want everyone in town to think he's a coward. Lots of brilliant hilarity ensues, complete with weird, happy ending.

Sadly, I cannot embed the video of this episode. So here is the link. And yes, the video quality is slightly horrible, but it can't mask how utterly handsome and wonderful Peter Brown looks in this episode. I think I need some tea to try to recover from all the brilliance.

Creepy, Female Pete Malloy Stalker of the Day

2011-07-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

NEW SERIES! NEW SERIES! ;-D

Okay, seriously, I will be writing up a full and "well-done" post about Josh Randall's clothes later today. I SHALL BE SOLEMN. I PROMISE. heh heh heh

How could I forget?!

2011-07-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know how I managed this one, but I COMPLETELY forgot to include links to any Whiplash episodes in my last post. I feel like such a bad bunny. But anyhow...now, here 'tis, in all its glory!

The day Peter Graves took over.

2011-07-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

The other day, I was a trifle blue. Then, I discovered...Whiplash. An ITC Australian western. Starring my beloved Peter Graves. And lots of random Australian actors. It was quickly turning into another 'OH YES!!!' kind of day. So like the obsessive Peter Graves fan with far too much time that I am, I watched the first episode.

The theme song was a sort of knockoff of Rawhide's. I could live that. Especially since there were kangaroos bouncing everywhere around a stagecoach driven by Peter Graves and then I was presented with a random fact about early Australia. (I've since discovered that these facts can be slightly quirky, a little annoying, and definitely different in every episode.)

But that was only the first 45 seconds. Afterward, there was some tale of ex-convicts living in the Outback and trying to keep American Christopher Cobb (Peter Graves) from building a road across the bush. And the son of the ex-convict leader actually wasn't horrible like the rest of them, and wanted a job with Cobb's stage line, and complications ensued. After the first episode, I was almost ready to class the show under 'Things I Torture Myself with for Love of Peter Graves'.

Fortunately, I happened to read to a review, which stated that the first episode was NOT a good representation of the series. The second episode I saw was approximately 493 times cooler. Peter Graves was all amazing and Peter Graves-ish, expertly using interesting weapons like boomerangs and whips to defeat some nasty American outlaw types that took over an entire town. And he had awesome lines like, "You see, Texans never leave Texas, and if they're not Texans, they're not so tough." It was wunderbar.

The next episode, Rider on the Hill, was nearly as good. Peter Graves (I keep wanting to call him Jim Phelps -- resist, Emm, resist!) is forced to kill a couple of rather mysterious masked outlaws. But just before his next stagecoach trip, someone sends him an Aboriginal death warning, which the sender must carry out within two days. Chris/Peter/Jim (What AM I supposed to call him, anyway?) decides to still travel with the coach, even though he's sure one of the passengers will attempt to murder him. Normally, I HATE THIS PLOT. But it was all cool here BECAUSE HE'S PETER GRAVES.

And that's about all I can say about this mind blowing series. It's the most non-typical western in some ways, such as the hero preferring to face the villains in the street with a whip instead of a gun. And then there's THE HAT, which I utterly love and adore...and Peter Graves' gorgeous eyes...and smile...I should just stop.

P.S. There was some creepy, weird, Aboriginal magic stuff in at least one episode. (So I ended up skipping almost the last half of an otherwise super cool episode that had a spectacular whip fight between Chris Cobb and a baddie.)

- Emm

There goes Pete Malloy, saving dying babies with basically just his smile...

2011-06-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

Photo of the Day!

2011-06-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Steve McQueen being held up by an adorable little fan.

With his own gun.

Pardon the photo's graininess because...

THIS PICTURE NEVER FAILS TO MAKE ME LAUGH!

Photo of the Day!

2011-06-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

The very, very underrated Don Durant with his wife.

And their bassett hound.

Clothes Make the Man: Maverick

2011-06-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Traveling through the Old West, they out-swindle con artists and play poker with roguish charm. And why use a .45 when a silver tongue will do the job? The Mavericks ain't yer typical western heroes by a long shot. And they don't dress the part either.

Bret Maverick's outfit of choice generally consists of a dark coat, light trousers, ruffled shirt...and a black hat. Now anyone who understands anything about westerns knows that a black hat is an instant tip-off as to the truly evil nature of the character sporting said hat. But it must be remembered that Bret has a bit of an anti-hero persona. Deep down he's not really an anti-hero. James Garner just cons us into thinking Bret's completely mercenary -- which he is, but he isn't.

In early episodes, Bret sometimes dresses as a normal cowboyish type. He has a couple of plain shirts and a vest for days on the trail. Or for those rare occasions when he loses all his money and has to work. And then there was the time his clothes were stolen by an outlaw and poor Bret was left with only a jailbird outfit and was forced take a job washing dishes...and then he played poker for dimes out back of the kitchen until he could buy himself another proper suit.

Brother Bart is like a lesser version of Bret. He still wears the dark suit, an outfit usually reserved western villains, but alas, no black hat. His wilderness outfit is a little more familiar and distinctive than his brother's. It consists of a dark shirt and fringed buckskin jacket. And because Jack Kelly never gets any recognition, let me just say that the man was very wonderful and handsome indeed.

At the beginning of season four, Cousin Beau arrived back from several years in Britain. And if anyone dared to insult his immaculate taste in dressing, he'd probably raise an eyebrow at them. A little halo might even appear over his head. Anyhow, he evidently didn't care for dark suits, as his normal outfit was a light grey coat & hat. And Sir Roger Moore can't help but look good in his not-so-anti-hero-ish-suit. He also can't help but look good in his official wilderness outfit. Actually, I don't remember him ever wearing this, except maybe that time he was forced to play poker while half-asleep.

There was also some other "Maverick" named Brent, but most fans refuse to acknowledge his status as a true Maverick. And because I know nothing, and like to live in blissful ignorance, we'll just leave it there. And go on to happier subjects like this grainy but slightly awesome photo of Bret & Bart.

Or this lovely one of Jack Kelly.

Yes, we've seen this outfit before.

But it's so nice and Mavericky!

- Emm

Columbo.

2011-06-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

We're gonna miss you, Mr. Falk.

Wunderbar Warner Westerns

2011-06-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

I can die happy now. My life is complete. Stars from five different Warner westerns -- Maverick, Colt .45, Lawman, Sugarfoot & Bronco. In one photo. Well, actually more than one photo. ANYWAY, here we have (from left to right) Will Hutchins as Sugarfoot, my beloved Peter Brown as Johnny McKay, Jack Kelly as Bart Maverick, Ty Hardin as Bronco Lane, BRET MAVERICK, umm, I mean James Garner, Wayde Preston as Christopher Colt, and then...the LAWMAN! That's John Russell, who looks like Clark Gable when he smiles. But there's more.

And I have not watched every single one of these shows. Really, I haven't. I didn't quite finish that episode of Colt .45 before it was pulled from YouTube.

Yes, we do occasionally still post about things other than westerns on this blog. But we try not to let it happen too often. ;D

- Emm

Photo of the Day!

2011-06-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

David Janssen is watching himself on TV....AND SMILING.

I am not prepared to handle this kind of utter coolness.

And, and, and....EXCITING NEWS FLASH!

2011-06-23T00:58:00.000-07:00

The definitive Josh Randall photo

The Millie and I have a perfectly splendiferious new series coming up everyone! We will examine (in great detail, of course) the wardrobe & costumes of some of our favorite western characters. So far, the list includes the real Josh Randall, the third son of the Ponderosa, Bret & Bart Maverick and maybe their cousin, who bears a shocking resemblence to the infamous Simon Templar.

P.S. The aforementioned series shall be called: Clothes Make the Man

- Emm

The Gunsmoke Experience

2011-06-23T00:26:00.000-07:00

Many moons ago, I watched a random episode of Gunsmoke which must have been from a fairly late season. I remember but a few bank robbers, some nuns, Miss Kitty in terrifying make-up, and a shocking lack of gunplay. The rest has since been washed from memory. But James Arness' recent passing made me decide to give it another go.

So I watched the pilot, and was sufficiently entertained. And James Arness wasn't a bad looking guy when he was young. In fact, he was rather handsome. And he delivered his lines a lot like his little brother, Peter Graves. Now, Emm adores Peter Graves, as he's practically perfect in every way.

The plot wasn't bad either. A random gunslinger rides into Dodge City, resists arrest, and kills a sheriff that's been hunting for him. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) has to be the hero and try to outgun the man, and gets shot himself for the trouble. While he recovers, the gunslinger kills several other men in town, all in 'fair fights.' And Matt has to go after him again, against the advice of his girlfriend Miss Kitty, his deputy Chester, and his friend Doc. Lovely, standard western fare, neatly wrapped up in half an hour.

But far more impressive than the show itself was John Wayne's introduction. The Duke simply laid down the law. (I thought that was the Marshal's job, but I apparently was mistaken.) Anyway, he flat out told us all that we'd better get used to James Arness because he was going to be a big star. And we should watch Gunsmoke. We should definitely watch Gunsmoke. It'd probably be better for us if we just watched Gunsmoke.

Obviously, this kind of worked, because everybody did watch Gunsmoke and it ran from 1955-1975. Even Bonanza didn't survive quite that long, probably because they'd killed off every female in Hollywood three or four times. Gunsmoke only had to add another pound of make-up to Miss Kitty and let out a few inches in Matt Dillion's trousers.

Here's the pilot, complete with the Duke's intro and some commercials of James Arness extoling the virtues of L&M cigarettes:

- Emm

Go...and view the perfection...NOW!

2011-06-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

My youngest brother just showed me this (it was a special feature on one of his Incredible Hulk seasons) and I immediately had to post it to YouTube.

It's horribly cheesy...BUT SO PERFECT.

Everyone needs to go watch the utter brilliance of Alias Smith and Jones. You will NEVER be disappointed! NEVER. ;-D

-Millie

Thrilling Themes: The Wild Wild West

2011-06-17T00:35:00.000-07:00

Theme songs can make or break a show in my opinion (and my opinion is clearly the majority opinion always ;-D). Brilliant theme songs can elevate a show to legendary status -- and forever be stuck in the minds of all who hear it once.

One of my absolute favorite, if not favorite, theme songs of all time is for The Wild Wild West (one of the most obviously perfect products of television ever). The music itself is just utterly awesome and exciting and wunderbar. But then you add in the spectacular visuals, and you get a stylish and utterly '60s creation -- absolutely perfect for a show that is classified in the genre of sci-fi spy western.

1st season (B/W):

2nd-4th seasons (color):

Besides the change from B/W to color, there is also the added bit with James West punching the lady. This is actually very unlike Jim (first season is more realistic to the show) and he only hit a lady once in the entire series -- and it was actually a guy disguised as a lady (it's a long story ;-D). But, hey. It's all cool and she kinda deserved it, so... (Not a good plan to pull a knife on President Grant's greatest Secret Service Agent.)

Just hearing that music gets me all excited (and oddly wanting to eat a pack of Smarties...which is inexplicably strange) AND I REALLY NEED TO GO HAVE A WWW MARATHON. Okay, bye!

I'll be back tomorrow with another favorite theme song!

-Millie

Any WWW fans out there?!

Where It All Began...

2011-06-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Emm here, with some crazy amazing news. The beginnings of Josh Randall have been located after months of searching. Not the first episode of Wanted: Dead or Alive, mind you, but that first time Steve McQueen played the character...in Trackdown. It should be duly noted that Trackdown is not what either The Millie or I myself would probably call stupendously amazingly cool -- though I do consider its star, Robert Culp, to be amazingly cool. (Though not stupendously so.)

Technically, I have no idea whether this episode is worthy of your attention. If the first 45 seconds are any indicator, this could be a really odd, awkward half-hour for Josh Randall. But since Steve McQueen is The King of Cool, I'm thinking that somehow it can't be as bad as it looks. And so I leave you with a link to The Bounty Hunter on YouTube. (I can't embed it for some reason.)

- Emm

I Adore Captain Crane Forever and Ever

2011-06-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

My family is starting our third (or is it fourth?) trip through Seasons One and Two of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Yes, I complain about being 'forced' to watch it, but I secretly love every minute. Because it's so ridiculously easy to make fun of. Fortunately, my parents too see the humor of it, even if they don't go off into peals of laughter like I do.

The show revolves around an enormous submarine called The Seaview, the pet baby of Admiral Nelson. Officially, the only purpose of the sub is marine research -- but the crew sometimes carry out spy missions between battles with sea-monsters, creepy geniuses trying to take over the world, and the occasional evil plankton. I'm not even kidding. And then there's this Captain Crane fella. He's rather good looking...

Okay, moving on.

The Admiral is played by Richard Basehart. (He starred in some 50's Noirs, none of which I have seen -- a sad fact that probably should be remedied.) Single-handedly, the man keeps the show ALMOST believable with his better than average acting. He gets stressed and uptight, in addition to going insane every so often.

Capt. Crane also goes insane at times -- brainwashing sessions with Red Chinese agents can do that. As can being drugged by evil geniuses OR having to work with Admiral Nelson. But he makes up for it all by looking nice, nearly getting killed every other episode, and over-acting at times. That's basically why I adore David Hedison. He's cool, and normally a rather decent actor. But there are days when he's so bloomin' melodramatic that I laugh hysterically as sea-monsters nearly squeeze the life out of him.

Overall, the pair of them are rather amazing. They're best friends, have great chemistry, occasionally try to kill each other...but only when under the influence of some mind-altering gas/drug. Actually, this is every other episode.

There are a host of minor characters, and my mum and I absolutely adore one of them named Patterson for no apparent reason. He's really mundane, slightly dead-pan, and we're both severely disappointed if he doesn't show his face in an episode. And Chip Morton, the First Mate, is fairly cool too -- after all, he did occasionally play a detective in Adam-12 and he has the oddest hair in Season One. Sadly, by Season Two it's fairly unremarkable and not a favorite topic of conversation.

Several events occur in nearly every episode. 1.) A randomly evil person finagles their way on board The Seaview. 2.) Malfunctions and/or sabotage land the submarine at the, umm, bottom of the sea. 3.) The ventilation system goes out and the entire crew ends up sweating and gasping for air.

An alternate problem situation would begin with a sea monster attacking The Seaview and the crew flailing back and forth before going through steps two and three.

Also, my wise older sis, a confirmed sci-fi fan, has dubbed this show Star Trek in a Submarine. I assure you, it's really not, but that alone should convince the world of it's inescapable coolness. Personally, I love this show most for it's very predictability, re-used shots, and general cheesiness. But there are some fantastic genuine moments, awesomely cool guest stars, and that Capt. Crane...

And because I know you really want to watch Voyage to the Bottom of Sea starting this blessed minute, here 'tis!

*It should be duly noted that Voyage is a show best viewed in the presence of friends/family/random victims who possess a well-developed sense of humor. Solo viewings can be fun, but they have no real meaning unless one can later giggle over the antics of the crew with a chum or two.

- Emm

McGill

2011-05-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

Wait...he smiles!?

Instead of writing up the atrociously awkward (and boring) first post where I intended to explain why I adore classic TV and how it's more a part of me than classic film, I'll just leave you with this YouTube playlist of the most spectacularly cool British TV programme from the late 60's. Man in a Suitcase. McGill. Richard Bradford. Mumbling. Action. Maybe I should just stop muttering and let you watch the show.

P.S. If anyone has any other episodes of Man in a Suitcase, Millie and I would be MOST APPRECIATIVE if you'd post them on YouTube!

- Emm

100 Things I LOVE About Classic Television

2011-05-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

Oh, hey there! Anyone remember me?!

The last post in this blog (um, from over a year ago) was either maudlinly annoying or annoyingly maudlin. I CAN'T DECIDE WHICH! ;-D

Anyway, I'm back with a cheerier post!

I've seen some different blogs list their 100 favorite things about movies, so I thought it would be exceedingly fun to create a list about TV!

These 100 are not really in any order, except the first few are a little more favorite than the bottom few. Otherwise, it was just as I thought of them.

If possible keep a total of how many you understand/recognize-- because I have a feeling that unless you are a very odd classic TV fan, many of these will be incomprehensible! SHEESH! ;-D

100. Everything about Eddie Haskell

99. LAND SHARK! "The cleverest species of them all."

98. The absolute idiocy of 98.3% of all bad guys on Adam-12. (Arguing about money on a busy street while carrying a paper bag with a marijuana plant in a flower pot inside?! REALLY, BAD GUYS?!)

97. "Mr. Kreshlow, Mr. Kreshlow....YOUR CHICKENS ARE DEAD." {5:40}

96. The Kid's love of sleeping: on the stagecoach, in jail, while sitting on a tree branch -- it really doesn't matter to him.

95. Fred Astaire as Alistair Mundy. (Only he could make me watch {AND ENJOY} an episode of THAT show!)

94. Pete Duel + Judy Carne (in any show together)

93. Johnny Gage's inability to win at card games (even ones in which he creates all the rules).

92. The musical Hamlet

91. Josh Randall's love of apples.

90. Emily Hartley's laugh

89. The perfection of Nellie and Willie Oleson

88. Dr. Richard Kimble's "twitchy, little smirk" (These are not my words. hahaha)

87. “Let me tell you something about Simon Templar. The more he smiles, the more helpful, the more cooperative, honest, and charming he is— the more you can be sure he is plotting something diabolical.”

86. Sir Alfred saying "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen."

85. Richard Diamond

84. Honey West's pet ocelot, Bruce

83. The awesomely maniacal genius' who thought THIS was a good idea.

82. Group Therapy Sessions in The Bob Newhart Show

81. Pete Malloy's constant mocking of Jim Reed, which Jim Reed doesn't realize because he's utterly clueless about everything

80. "LAWMAN....LAWMAN....LAWMAN...." (You'll be hearing the scarily deep voice in your nightmares)

79. Mr. Thurston Howell III

78. Bret Maverick

77. Incomprehensible music videos on The Monkees

Micky's beloved upholstery poncho? Check. Everyone running into each other for no reason? Check. Liberace cameo? Che--WHAT?!

76. Miss Barbara Stanwyck (her credit in Big Valley)

75. James West's ability to single-handedly take on ten men in a fight...and win.

74. The Lone Ranger's silver bullets

73. Carol Kester

72. Josh Randall's sawed-off shotgun: "I'm just a little bitty feller, I need a big gun."

71. "Gun-Shy" -- DYING OF LAUGHTER

70. "HATCHET!"

69. Mary Ann's Coconut Creme Pie

68. "Porkchops and uh, apple sauce"

67. Rhoda Morgenstern

66. Hannibal Heyes' "silvery tongue"

65. Rollin Hand + Cinnamon Carter

64. Madame X

63. Rock Hudson's mustache

62. The theme song for Peter Gunn

61. McGill, "with a big M and a big G"

60. Chad Cooper and Joe Riley's combined awesomeness and their ability to think up scathingly brilliant ideas any time of the day or night...

59. Occasional Wife: a show created for the sole purpose of allowing Michael Callan to do nothing but walk around smiling rakishly for a half hour every week.

58. Sabrina Duncan

57. Every show that allowed Bradford Dillman to smile evilly

56. The fact that Dr. Richard Kimble has dozens of females all over the country just WAITING for HIM to be proven innocent, but he has no intention of ever seeing them again.

55. Night Gallery's extreme fear-causing nature

54. The Cartwright Curse (all females considering marriage...BEWARE!)

53. The utter and complete mental insanity of Gidget's sister and brother-in-law

52. The Kid's far too impossibly fast fast draw

51. "1-Adam-12, 1-Adam-12: a 415 fight group...with chains and knives!"

50. "THAT VOICE! WHERE HAVE I HEARD THAT VOICE?!"

49. Station 51

48. The tears of a paralyzed Joseph Cotten

47. Suzanne Pleshette in The Wild Wild West

46. Judy Hensler: "I'm GONNA TELL ON YOU!"

45. Rhoda's wedding

44. The fact that if Perry Mason takes your case... you're totally gonna be accused of murder pretty soon.

43. "Tuesday, August 29th: The day the running stopped."

42. James West's hollow boot heel which ALWAYS has whatever he exactly needs (a gun, a bomb, 6 feet of rope ;-D)

41. The wisdom of Skinny Mulligan

40. Adam-12/Emergency! crossovers = MIND BLOWN. (Johnny and Roy meet Pete and Jim in one episode and in another episode Johnny and Roy are watching Adam-12 on TV! WHAT?! Yes.)

39. The Saint's awesome Volvo

38. The tin can crushed by Cary Grant's left rear tire

37. Lt. Uhura (it doesn't matter that I exceptionally hate this show -- Uhura is ALWAYS STINKIN' AWESOME!)

36. KYLE, WHO IS COOL AND AWESOME AND DOESN'T DESERVE THE DISDAIN OF *ahem* CERTAIN PEOPLE. Also: he loves you Casey. He truly loves you. ;-D

35.Murray: "Is the Pope Catholic?" Ted: "I think so, but I'm pretty sure the last one wasn't."

34. IT'S A COOKBOOK!

33. Vito Scotti

32. Bennett Cerf's genius at guessing mystery guests

31. Mary Richard's flannel nightgowns

30. McGill's (I actually think it's just Richard Bradford's) inability to not mumble 98.6% of his lines. (I have also discovered that when drugged/tortured/brainwashed he slurs his lines an added 75%!)

29. "My name is Talky Tina...and I'm going to KILL you."

28. Artemus Gordon's disguises/accents/brilliant fake mustaches

27. THE corvette in Route 66

26. The fact that Little Joe and Adam always call each other "younger brother" and "older brother" in the most awesomely derisive ways!

25. Jack Lord's immovable hairstyle

24.No Frills Airline

23."Arthur" (Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode)

22. The Pottsylvania Creeper

21. Jerry Helper

20.The Kid never winning a coin toss. Ever.

19. "As always, should you or any of your IM force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. Good luck, Jim. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds."

18. The fake laughter in I Love Lucy that is used over and over and over: the woman's voice in said laughter that always goes "Uh OH!"

17. The Dr. Loveless created evil clone of James West: code-name Janus. Robert Conrad's evil villain on Columbo: Milo Janus. Coincidence? I THINK NOT. ;-D

16. Pete Malloy's scary lady stalker

15. Alan Brady's toupees

14. LaRue's use of asthma as a weapon

13. Bat Masterson's cane

12. Laura Petrie's capris

11. Mrs. Cathy Gale's kick-awesome judo skills

10. Artie's Great-Aunt Maude

9. Columbo's beloved cigar and nonexistent pencil

8. The fact that Martin Milner (Pete Malloy), David Janssen (Dr. Richard Kimble), and Clint Eastwood (Rowdy Yates) were army friends in the early '50s. My mind cannot comprehend.

7. Everything Fred Mertz chooses to be

6. Rod Serling's voice.

5. Mr. Gianelli's death from being crushed by a zucchini cart

4. Simon Templar's raised eyebrow

3. Harvey Korman's inability to not laugh hysterically at the mere sight of Tim Conway

2. Aunt Sally's Pecan Pralines

1. Dr. Miguelito Loveless

And there you have it! What are some of your favorite things about classic television?

-Millie

I can always turn on I Love Lucy...

2010-02-12T01:10:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit in a gloomy mood right now...for a variety of reasons which would probably be INCREDIBLY boring for me to go in to...."The Inner Workings of Millie's Mind"...haha!

But, there is always something I can put on to make me feel better (on a side note I am ALSO sick right now...ugh!).

I Love Lucy.

This show is always there for me. I don't recall the very first episode I watched. As is true for many classic films and shows and music for me - the first time I remember experiencing them...I had already experienced them many times before. (If that makes sense?)

I love this show I really do. It's literally a part of me. Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel...are old friends. That may sound strange to you, but not to me (hehehe...I'm starting to sound like Norman Bates or something).

Watching I Love Lucy brings back only good memories, despite the fact that I often watch it when I'm most depressed.

I Love Lucy is being five and sitting in front of the TV on a Saturday morning, while my mum makes waffles.

I Love Lucy is being eight and sitting in front of the TV with a big pile of pretzels and all my six brothers and sisters.

I Love Lucy is being ten and watching the familiar shows again with my five year-old brother...who is just beginning to understand them. (And eating lots of pretzels.)

I Love Lucy is being 13 and babysitting my two younger brothers and sneaking the laundry baskets down to the Family Room to watch it while we fold the clothes...and eat pretzels.

I Love Lucy is being 15. It's still watching it with my siblings, even though it's just the three of us...(my sisters are both married and my older brothers have jobs)...it's still laughing so hard we cry...and my youngest brother and I (asthma) getting so wheezy we have to rush to our inhalers (possibly partially because of all the pretzels).

In short, so many happy memories are impossibly entwined with this show. So, now as I'm putting it in (hmmm, I think maybe the "Madame X" episode), I know by the end of it, my gloominess will be gone. Instead I'll probably just be left with an intense craving for pretzels! ;-D

-Millie!

Okay, now this was a rather depressingly annoying post! I'm sorry. Really! And I promise I am thoroughly devoted to this blog now! I have a new series I'm going to announce post-haste! Thanks for sticking around followers! :-D

You know you're addicted to a TV show when...

2009-12-03T01:30:00.000-08:00

....you went to bed early to get some sleep, but instead find yourself sitting up at 1:30 in the morning reading fanfiction about when the characters were 3 years old.....

Not even kidding you!

I really need unplug my internet....;-D

A new post on one of my favorite TV shows is coming soon!

2009-09-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

I pretty much just said it all in my title, so anything I write in hear is really just senseless rambling!

But, anyway, I am almost finished with a new post, which will be a companion to a post I am almost finished with that is going to be posted in ClassicForever! (I do hope you understood what I just said!)

Well, that's about all, I needed to say! ;-D

Start getting excited...;-D

Now for a few personal stats on some of my favorite (or least favorite) shows:

2009-09-05T02:33:00.000-07:00

You may have seen the list on the sidebar of some of my favorite TV shows ever! Well, here are some explanations why:

My absolute favorite show EVER is:

The Dick Van Dyke Show

The show that is guaranteed to cheer me up in any situation is:

I Love Lucy

Two shows I have an intense dislike for, but have sadly seen every episode for (because of close relations who don't know what's bad for them) are:

The Brady Bunch and Star Trek

My favorite detective/policeman is:

Columbo

My two favorite outlaws are from:

Alias Smith and Jones [Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry]

First show I was addicted to and watched every afternoon starting when I was five until it stopped being shown when I was ten (and I've longed to have on DVD since then, and now it finally is coming out) is:

Bonanza

Favorite sci-fi, spy western:

The Wild Wild West

Favorite loner is from:

Wanted: Dead or Alive [Josh Randall]

Best host is:
It's a tie!!!!

The Twilight Zone [Rod Serling] and Alfred Hitchcock Presents

Show with a cast that is completely funny (no non-funny cast members):

The Mary Tyler Moore Show [Okay, I don't actually like the character of Sue Ann Nivens very much, but she's within a margin of error]

Show my family has always had the strangest obsession with:

Emergency!

Favorite character who doesn't really do anything, but go around acting cool:

The Saint

The best animated show ever:

The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show

Favorite show that I watch almost exclusively on YouTube is:

What's My Line?

Most hilariously annoying neighbor is from:

Leave It To Beaver [Eddie Haskell]

Favorite gambler is:

Maverick [Bret Maverick, of course!!!]

2nd favorite show executive-produced by Jack Webb:

Adam-12

Show that I usually only watch with my little brothers and/or when I have super-bad asthma is:

Gilligan's Island

Favorite private investigator who lives in a trailer:

The Rockford Files [Jim Rockford]

Show I always used to watch with my two older brothers is:

The Lone Ranger

Show with the randomest assortment of professions among the characters is:

The Bob Newhart Show [psychiatrist, dentist, secretary, pilot, and teacher...just in this photo alone!]

Show that I wish very badly was available (at least more than a few episodes here and there) on DVD is:

Bat Masterson

Show that I love even though I don't particularly like any of the cast is:

Hawaii Five-0

Show I like for no apparent reason besides the fact that it's a western...and I LOVE almost all westerns (except a few: notably Gunsmoke....ugh...gives me the shivers just thinking about having to watch it!) is:

The Deputy

So, now you know (even though you really didn't want to know) many of my favorite shows...and why! Of course I'm sure there are a few I have forgotten (I always forget some), but that's okay...I'm sure you'll be hearing about them soon enough....;-D

First posts are always so awkward!

2009-09-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

And because of that fact, I am just going to really quickly post my first post...and then I can start posting as if I have had this blog for years and personally know every person who is reading it!

Anyways...

I love classic TV! I always have! I was raised on it. I love it just as much as classic film. And, when I'm feeling down, I more often turn to old TV shows than old movies! (Please don't shun me! ;-D)

Some series are actually a relevant part of my life (especially my young childhood). Some characters seem like old friends.

And that's about all! I'll post my thoroughly unawkward second post in a short while!

And to the three of you who started following before I even posted anything...thank you and I will adore you until the end of time!

-Millie!