When the FCC guy called TV a "vast wasteland" in the early 1960s, he mainly was referring to all the violence and sadism on TV.
So, recommend me some violent and sadistic early 1960s TV series.
That's like keeping the smog and throwing away Los Angeles
Hard to beat The Untouchables for violence. The whole mood of the show was somber and serious, like someone could get killed at any moment. No comic relief from Ness's boys.
shareIndeed, I came across some articles in an Australian newspaper which cited that series as an example of increasing TV violence (in those days, most things shown on Australian television were American except for things like variety, talk, game, music, women's programming, live events, etc...the majority of the drama, such as "The Untouchables", was American in origin)
That's like keeping the smog and throwing away Los Angeles
Plenty of episodes on Youtube if you want to check them out.
shareI might check it out if I get the chance.
I notice there is a DVD release. Is this complete episodes? I hate syndication prints and try to avoid them.
That's like keeping the smog and throwing away Los Angeles
You can get the entire "Untouchables" series from Amazon.com.
All the episodes are uncut and the video and audio quality is excellent.
They are not syndication prints.
Another show to check out is "The Dakotas."
Unfortunately there are only 20 episodes, but it's a very good show.
And it is also available from Amazon.
Good to hear, I've added them to my loooooong list of shows to check out (I watch far too much TV, but really need to check out more drama. I really haven't been watching much drama lately, and I want to change that. I've got a whole bunch of interesting unwatched DVDs to watch, I need to get myself to watch them. There's far too many shows I want to watch).
That's like keeping the smog and throwing away Los Angeles
Secret Agent used to get knocked for its violence, even though the hero, John Drake, never carried a gun. Great series, though.
shareAgree Secret Agent was a great series. If I ever get around to putting together my top ten all time list I'm sure it will be on it. But, I don't consider it all that violent. I'm sure there were many shows in the 60s with more violence, at least in the US. Perhaps it was considered violent by British standards and criticized there?