Obscure Classic TV Shows - Post Your Favorites! (1 Viewer)

[The 1960's]

General Electric Theater (1953-1962)
Stars Ronald Reagan Don Herbert Nancy Reagan​

---

An American anthology series, with a new episode and different actors and actresses each week. Hosted by Ronald Reagan, the series was sponsored by General Electric's Department of Public Relations.

S02E16 Here Comes Calvin (Feb.21.1954) Unsold Pillot
Directed by William Asher
Writing Credits Marc Lachmann, Charles Stewart
Produced by Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball
Stars Phyllis Coates Mabel Albertson Jack Carson Robert Carson Gabriel Curtiz Allen Jenkins Moroni Olsen Herb Vigran​

---

Calvin is an unemployed comedian who tries to make some easy money in a gold mine venture, which leads to the usual sitcom complications One of the reasons Phyllis Coates turned down the second season of the Superman TV series as the feisty and beautiful reporter Lois Lane is partially due to this TV pilot. She was told that this pilot would sell. It didn’t, and it opened the way for Noel Neil to be Lois Lane in the classic Superman television show that lasted six seasons. This rare sit-com stars Jack Carson, Phyllis Coates, Allen Jenkins and Mabel Albertson. Transferred from 16mm b-w film. Moviecraft Inc.

---

​

 

[The 1960's]

Profiles in Courage (1964-1965)
Stars Jason Wingreen Ken Drake Woodrow Parfrey​

---

This anthology series presented episodes in the lives of true-life historical personages who each faced a terrible crisis in their life.

S01E11 John Peter Altgeld (Jan.24.1965)
Stars Burgess Meredith Curt Conway Bert Remsen Bill Zuckert Stella Garcia Gilbert Green Richard O'Brien Roy Barcroft John Cassavetes John Kerr Milton Selzer Howard St. John​

---

Illinois Governor, John Peter Altgeld, reviews the cases of the men convicted in the Haymarket Riots. When he becomes convinced that they did not receive a fair trial he considers granting an unpopular pardon.

---

​

 

[The 1960's]

A Thanksgiving Day Favorite!

Superman And The Mole Men (1951)
Stars George Reeves Phyllis Coates Jeff Corey Walter Reed J. Farrell MacDonald Stanley Andrews Ray Walker Hal K. Dawson Phil Warren Frank Reicher Beverly Washburn John Baer John T. Bambury John Barton Stephen Carr Bill Coontz Billy Curtis Russell Custer Margia Dean Byron Foulger Harry Harvey Jack Lomas Adrienne Marden Jerry Maren Irene Martin Frank McLure William H. O'Brien John Phillips Johnny Roventini​

---

When underground beings explore the surface world from a deep oil well and inadvertently cause a panic, only Superman can prevent a tragedy.

---

​

---

Adventures Of Superman (1952-1958)
Stars George Reeves Phyllis Coates Noel Neill Jack Larson

S01E01 Superman on Earth (Sep.19.1952)
Stars George Reeves Phyllis Coates Jack Larson John Hamilton Herbert Rawlinson Stuart Randall Aline Towne Frances Morris Danni Sue Nolan Wheaton Chambers Tom Fadden Sam Flint Dabbs Greer Stuart Holmes Bill Kennedy Carl M. Leviness Hans Moebus Jack Narz Robert Robinson Robert Rockwell Jeffrey Silver​

---

Jor-El, Krypton's leading scientist, sends his infant son to Earth in a rocket just as the planet explodes. The rocket is found by Eben and Sarah Kent and Eben gets the infant out before the craft explodes. They raise the child as their own. Years later, after Eben's death and now aware of his super powers, Clark Kent moves to Metropolis. Sarah has made a costume for him, and she tells him that he must use his powers for good. Superman makes his debut saving a man falling from a blimp. As Clark, he hustles the man to the Daily Planet, which scores a scoop. This convinces editor Perry White to hire Clark.

---

​

---

Stamp Day For Superman (1954)
Director Thomas Carr
Writers David T. Chantler Whitney Ellsworth Jackson Gillis
Stars George Reeves Noel Neill Jack Larson John Hamilton Tristram Coffin Billy Nelson​

---

Superman's commitment to promote US Savings Stamps is temporarily delayed when Lois is kidnapped.​

---

​

---

 

[The 1960's]

The Soupy Sales Show Original Title: Lunch With Soupy Sales
Stars Soupy Sales Clyde Adler Frank Nastasi

January 7, 1961



March 25, 1961

​

 

[The 1960's]

Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall (1948-1967) aka The Perry Como Show
Stars Perry Como Mitchell Ayres Orchestra The Ray Charles Singers​

---

Perry Como was an American Singer, who got his start on NBC Radio. In 1948, Because of his popularity, The cameras were simply brought into the radio studio to televise the radio broadcast and named it The Supper Club. In 1950 Como and his Sponsors moved to CBS and named this The Perry Como Chesterfield Show

S02E05 Raymond Massey (Nov.13.1949)
Stars Perry Como The Fontane Sisters Martin Block Raymond Massey Denise Alexander Mitchell Ayres Mitchell Ayres Orchestra​

---

Raymond Massey gives a patriotic performance of Abraham Lincoln for this Thanksgiving program. Perry and the Fontane Sisters sing "Dear Hearts and Gentle People". Perry sings "Till the End of Time". The Fontane Sisters sing "I Wanna Go Home With You". All join for "Sweetheart of Sigma Chi" and "Hail to Thee Our Alma Mater".

---

S02E07 Patti Page and Victor Borge (Nov.27.1949)
Stars Mitchell Ayres Martin Block Victor Borge Perry Como The Fontane Sisters Mitchell Ayres Orchestra Patti Page​

---

Perry plays a piano opposite Borgé, joining him by playing some of the notes of what he plays, When he promises "Mule Train", it isn't the pop tune hit of the time, but instead we see Perry as an old prospector with an Italian accent and a funny pantomime donkey.

---

​

---

 

[The 1960's]

Treasure Isle Game Show (1967-1968)
Stars John Bartholomew Tucker Bill Templeton

December 27, 1968
Star John Bartholomew Tucker​

---

Outdoor game show fun taking place on a small island by the Colonnades Beach Hotel, Palm Beach Shores, Florida. Two attractive young couples compete in stunts and complete puzzles on an island. Norman Rose, announcer. As seen weekdays at 12:30pm(et). Bill Fiore {veteran commercial actor} Transferred from 16mm Kinescope film. Airdate June 12, 1968? Moviecraft Inc.

​

 

[The 1960's]

The People's Choice (1955-1958)
Stars Jackie Cooper Patricia Breslin Bernadette Margaret Irving Paul Maxey Dick Wesson John Stephenson Leonid Kinskey​

---

Socrates "Sock" Miller joins the city council, clashing with the mayor John Peoples. Sock dates then marries his daughter Mandy complicating things. Sock has a basset named Cleo who shares her thoughts and best friend Rollo.

S02E32 The Sophisticates (May.30.1957)
Stars Jackie Cooper Patricia Breslin Dick Wesson Margaret Irving Paul Maxey John Stephenson Joi Lansing Nacho Galindo Bernadette Mary Jane Croft Douglas Evans​

---

When Sock and Mandy pretend to be "sophisticates" who are open to dating other people, the Mayor discovers their subterfuge and retaliates against his daughter by setting Sock up with a vapid but gorgeous Blonde.

---

​

---

 

[Sky King]

Neal,

Cleo the Basset Hound on The People’s Choice was voiced by Mary Jane Croft.
Cleo whose real name was Bernadette was trained by famous animal trainer Frank Inn. Bernadette who won a Patsy Award in 1958 also appeared on Ozzie and Harriet, The Bob Cummings Show, The Perry Como Show, The Beverely Hillbillies, and The Danny Thomas Show.
Bernadette lived to the age of 12, dying of a heart attack in the mid 60’s.

John

 

[The 1960's]

Happy Birthday Broderick Crawford!

King of Diamonds (1961-1962)
Stars Broderick Crawford Ray Hamilton Art Gilmore​

---

John King, the two-fisted, globe-trotting chief of security for the world's diamond industry, travels the world battling jewel thieves and gem smugglers. Assisted by his young protégé, Casey O'Brien, King matches wits with the criminal gang that calls itself the Illegal Diamond Buyers' Syndicate.

S01E01 Wizard Of Ice (Sep.13.1961)
Stars Broderick Crawford Ray Hamilton Lola Albright Bert Freed John Anderson John Marley Joan Tabor Sid Tomack Juli Reding Olan Soule Clegg Hoyt Frank Warren Don Eitner Isabelle Dwan Darah Marshall Richard Kiel Michael Masters Dorothy Crehan Tony Mafia Telly Savalas Art Gilmore Harry Wilson​

---

A beautiful blonde plays off one member of a gang of diamond thieves against another in an attempt to steal two million dollars in gems for herself.

S01E02 Commando Tactics (Sep.20.1961)
Stars Broderick Crawford Ray Hamilton Gerald Mohr Jackie Loughery Lester Matthews Ken Drake Barry Bernard Kendrick Huxham Tom McNamara Art Gilmore​

---

Johnny suspect an old army friend is behind the commando style raid on the London Diamond Exchange.

S01E22 Backlash (1962)
Stars Broderick Crawford Ray Hamilton Lilyan Chauvin James Coburn Art Gilmore Nancy Kulp Phillip Terry Barbara Wooddell​

---

Many years after World War II, two former servicemen have a falling out over the German crown jewels that they stole during the waning days of World War II. One man, a local politician wants to return the gems, but the other wants to sell the diamonds to the highest bidder. With the help of a beautiful but shifty French smuggler, King and Casey attempt to recover the gems before they disappear.

​

---

 

[Richard V]

Run Jack Run (1970) Unsold Pilot
Stars David Astor Adam Keefe Robert Middleton Anthony Caruso Marilyn Hanold​

---

In a plot that bears marked similarities to the CBS pilot "Run, Buddy, Run" (which was also shot in 1966) and "The Fugitive," two men are framed for murder are pursued by Mafia hit men and the police. Although the pilot was shot in 1966, it sat on the shelf for four years before the show was finally aired by NBC in 1970.​

---

​

---

Seems like the same premise as Some Like It Hot

 

[Richard V]

Continued from Feb.10.2023

Hill Street Blues (1981-1987)
Stars Daniel J. Travanti Michael Warren Bruce Weitz James Sikking Joe Spano Taurean Blacque Kiel Martin Betty Thomas Charles Haid Veronica Hamel René Enríquez Ed Marinaro Barbara Bosson Robert Hirschfeld Michael Conrad Jon Cypher George Wyner Robert Prosky Dennis Franz Lisa Sutton Gary Miller Ken Olin Jeffrey Tambor Trinidad Silva Mimi Kuzyk Peter Jurasik​

---

The lives and work of the staff of an inner city police precinct. About once every couple years I pull this one out and get lost binging on the “Hill”. One of my all-time favorites. Try it!

Season Three Episodes

S03E01 Trial by Fury (Sep.30.1982)
Stars Daniel J. Travanti Michael Conrad Michael Warren Bruce Weitz James Sikking Joe Spano Barbara Bosson Taurean Blacque Kiel Martin René Enríquez Betty Thomas Ed Marinaro Charles Haid Veronica Hamel Charles Levin Silvana Gallardo Alex Colon Allan Rich George Wyner Paul Willson Ruth Silveira Maurice Sneed Juney Smith Robert Hirschfeld Gloria LeRoy Gerry Black John O'Connell Martin Garner Allan Lurie Michael Cunningham Richard Warwick Dean Wein Charlene Jones​

---

Furillo faces pressure from the public when when two young men are run in for raping and murdering a nun during a church robbery. Belker stands up for a gay prostitute. Calletano is worried about a tax audit.​

---

​

---

S03E08 Requiem for a Hairbag (Nov.18.1982)
Stars Daniel J. Travanti Michael Conrad Michael Warren Bruce Weitz James Sikking Joe Spano Barbara Bosson Taurean Blacque Kiel Martin René Enríquez Betty Thomas Ed Marinaro Charles Haid Veronica Hamel Lynne Moody Charles Levin Dominique Dunne Michael Fairman Jeffrey Tambor Jon Cypher Vincent Lucchesi Kathleen Lloyd Sandy Martin Sierra Pecheur Sumant John Brandon Robert Hirschfeld Gerry Black Sheldon Feldner Lee Kessler David Scott Milton Melissa Bochco Brandon Goldstein Pat Benson David McKnight Jeff Silverman Sandra Bertelle​

---

Fay's house is burgled, and some unspecifiedly private movies involving her and Frank, along with usual items of value, are also, suspiciously, pinched. Dominique Dunne guests as a teenager abused by her mother.​

---

​

---

S03E011 No Body's Perfect (Dec.09.1982)
Stars Daniel J. Travanti Michael Conrad Michael Warren Bruce Weitz James Sikking Joe Spano Barbara Bosson Taurean Blacque Kiel Martin René Enríquez Betty Thomas Ed Marinaro Charles Haid Veronica Hamel Pat Corley Charles Levin Helen Shaver Franklyn Seales Barbara Babcock George Wyner Peter Jurasik Kenneth Kimmins Trinidad Silva Lynne Moody Lisa Sutton​

---

Belker, LaRue and Washington finally bust Sid. After hearing that Esterhaus was turned down in his marriage proposal to Grace, Calletano fixes him up with a girl whose visa expires. Wally's competence as a coroner is questioned at a pre-hearing trial. Renko attacks Coffey after spotting him with his ex-girlfriend. Hill tries to counsel a rookie cop whose confidence is shaken.​

---

​

---

S03E12 Santaclaustrophobia (Dec.16.1982)
Stars Daniel J. Travanti Michael Conrad Michael Warren Bruce Weitz James Sikking Joe Spano Barbara Bosson Taurean Blacque Kiel Martin René Enríquez Betty Thomas Ed Marinaro Charles Haid Veronica Hamel James McEachin Khalif Bobatoon Gina Gallego Micole Mercurio Jan Stratton Robert Hirschfeld Earl BillingsRoyce Wallace Lee Weaver Julia Calderón Nick Savage Perla Walter Gary Miller Greg Lewis Bill Jenkins​

---

On Christmas Eve, Washington tries to make amends with the widow of a liquor store owner that he accidentally killed during a robbery three months ago. Hill's deadbeat father stops by the station to pay him a visit. Belker goes undercover as Santa Claus and has to deal with a fresh street kid who knows he is a cop.​

---

​

---

S03E14 Moon Over Uranus (Jan.27.1983)
Stars Daniel J. Travanti Michael Conrad Michael Warren Bruce Weitz James Sikking Joe Spano Barbara Bosson Taurean Blacque Kiel Martin René Enríquez Betty Thomas Ed Marinaro Charles Haid Veronica Hamel Karen Carlson Bruce Kirby Dennis Franz Patrick Collins Jon Cypher Lisa Sutton William Forsythe Alexandra Johnson Jack Starrett Norman Alexander Gibbs Sandra Bertelle Robert Hirschfeld Edwin Owens Ed Hooks Gary Miller​

---

Renko is demoted to traffic cop duty after a minor violation. Goldblume is unable to do much for a woman who fears her boyfriend. A veteran officer whose daughter is raped goes off the deep end.​

---

​

---

Not exactly an obscure show

 

[Richard V]

Teenage Salute (19 - - )
(2 KTVU SanFrancisco-Oakland, Ca.)​

---

What looks to be a community television production of a dreadful idea of a tv program, where kids and leaders of boys and girls clubs can get together and... talk. Moderated by Milt (who?) Gamble, some of the kids look dreadfully uncomfortable. But watching some of the adults is a bit of a hoot, like the PTA president lady dressed to the nines, always adjusting her fur stole.. (just the perfect outfit for a show just like this) or the very odd guy who has his arms folded and off the desk and when he introduces his kid friend, wraps his hand around his shoulder and starts drumming his fingers on his shoulder. Review by Spuzz (March 7, 2005)​

---

​

---

Weird and creepy.

 

[Richard V]

New Year's Eve Hangover?

The Jack LaLanne Show (1951-1985)
Stars Jack LaLanne Ruby Handler​

---

Jack LaLanne shows the audience his "trimnastics" and other ways to get in better shape.

Hangovers​

---

​

---

Exercise at home with Jack LaLanne​

---

​

---

Jack Lalanne Show​

---

​

---

View attachment 168938
View attachment 168941
View attachment 168942
​

I remember this show, used to come on EARLY in the AM.

 

[The 1960's]

Seems like the same premise as Some Like It Hot

Good catch! Also Run Buddy Run (1966-1967)

Not exactly an obscure show

Glad you're enjoying!

Weird and creepy.

Hah!

I remember this show, used to come on EARLY in the AM.

Wow you are OLD!! Very OLD!!

 

[The 1960's]

Cases of Eddie Drake (1952)
Stars Don Haggerty Patricia Morison Theodore von Eltz​

---

A filmed half-hour detective series, nine episodes of which were originally produced in 1949 by CBS but never aired on that network. DuMont bought the films and produced four more episodes in 1952, at which point the character of criminal psychologist Karen Gayle was added.

The Brass Key (Mar.06.1952) First Pilot Episode (1949)
Stars Curt Conway John Hoyt Joan Vaughton Theodore von Eltz Leonard Bremen Don Haggerty Patricia Morison​

---

Eddie finds himself in mortal danger when a man who has admitted committing a murder asks him to hold a key and an envelope.

---

​

---

 

[The 1960's]

Coke Time (1953–1957)
Stars Fred Robbins Axel Stordahl and His Orchestra Don Ameche Host: Eddie Fisher​

---

An American Musical Variety series that was both entertaining and brilliant at marketing Coca Cola.

September 25, 1953 - Guest: Morton Downey Host: Don Ameche



November 4, 1953 - Guest: Morton Downey Host: Don Ameche
Note: End titles missing.

​

 

[The 1960's]

The Dean Martin Show (1965-1974)
Stars Dean Martin The Dingaling Sisters Ken Lane​

---

Dean Martin hosts, with several celebrities as guests. There are musical acts and comedy sketches that break down comedy, racial, and sexual barriers all at the same time.

S03E15 Christmas with The Martins and The Sinatras (Dec.21.1967)
Stars Dean Martin Frank Sinatra Nancy Sinatra Frank Sinatra Jr. Tina Sinatra Claudia Martin Craig Martin Dean Paul Martin Deana Martin Gail Martin Gina Martin Ricci Martin Jeanne Martin Al Casey Sammy Davis Jr. Ken Lane Gary Menteer Jerry Trent​

---

Dean is joined by Frank Sinatra and their respective families for the Christmas show. Dean and Frank do a medley of standards. Frank Jr and Dino perform "How Do You Talk to Your Dad." Tina and Deana sing "Do-Re-Mi."

---

S04E14 1968 Christmas Show (Dec.19.1968)
Stars Dean Martin Dom DeLuise The Golddiggers Bob Hope Bob Newhart Dennis Weaver Dennis Weaver Tony Bennett Jack Benny Pamela Beth Joey Bishop Dan Blocker Nancy Bonetti Kathi Brimer George Burns Raymond Burr Glen Campbell Diahann Carroll Johnny Carson Al Casey Petula Clark Lezlie Dalton Vince Edwards Susie Ewing Barbara Feldon Glenn Ford Tennessee Ernie Ford Melissa Gilbert Kathy Wright Gipson Gale Gordon Peter Graves Lorne Greene Andy Griffith Peggy Hansen Phil Harris William Holden Michael Landon Diana Gaye Liekhus Paul Lynde Dick Martin Debi McFarland Kay Medford Ethel Merman Greg Morris Jim Nabors Brenda Powell Charles Nelson Reilly Don Rickles Roy Rogers Dan Rowan Frank Sinatra Jr. Nancy Sinatra Red Skelton Kate Smith Lynn Steiner-Mallein James Stewart Debbie Teare​

---

​

---

 

[The 1960's]

The Andy Williams Show (1962-1969)
Stars Andy Williams The Osmonds Alan Osmond​

---

Having hosted summer programs for three seasons before this, Andy Williams' program finally became a regular, year-round show. In addition to Andy, the program also featured numbers by a wide variety of performers, though still avoiding rock or other 'youth' genres. Many new performers were introduced on this show, including a singing family from Utah, The Osmonds.

Christmas Night (Dec.25.1965)​

---

S05E15 Episode #5.15 (Dec.18.1966)
Stars Andy Williams Claudine Longet Lorrie Morgan The Osmonds The Williams Brothers Christian Williams Florence Williams Jay Emerson Williams Noelle Williams​

---

In this Christmas special, Andy spends the holidays with his wife Claudine Longet, and his three brothers: Bob, Don, and Dick Williams. Additional guests include The Osmond Brothers.

---

Andy Williams Christmas Special (1968)
Stars Andy Williams Claudine Longet Alan Osmond Donny Osmond James A. Osmond Jay Osmond Marie Osmond Merrill Osmond Wayne Osmond The Osmonds The Williams Brothers​

---

Andy Williams and his family celebrate Christmas with music and comedy.

---

The Andy Williams Show (1969-1971)
Stars Allan Blye Andy Williams Janos Prohaska​

---

Coming back to television after taking a year off, Andy Williams hosted this musical/comedy variety show. While his earlier programs had stuck with more traditional music, this new show embraced rock, flower power, and psychadelia whole-heartedly. Each broadcast usually included a few of Andy's classics, along with some regular comedy routines like Cookie Bear, Big Bird, and the humor songs of Ray Stevens.

S01E13 Christmas Celebration (Dec.20.1969)
Stars Andy Williams Allan Blye Claudine Longet Janos Prohaska​

---

S02E13 Christmas Celebration (Dec.19.1970)​

Stars John Astin Allan Blye Charlie Callas Robert Keeshan Claudine Longet Andy Williams Bob Williams Christian Williams Don Williams Noelle Williams

---

The Williams clan gather singing "Jingle Bells." Andy solos "White Christmas" and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." In the lodge Claudine narrates a fable Petit Papa Noel. Captain Kangaroo and Charlie join Andy in a story about a magical place.

---

​

---

 

[The 1960's]

The Sonny and Cher Show (1976-1977)
Stars Sonny Bono Cher Jack L. Harrell​

---

Cher and Sonny Bono starred in this quintessentially '70's TV comedy/variety show. Sonny and Cher's hit songs featured prominently on the show, as they would often sing and perform them between short skits.

S02E11 Episode #2.11 (Dec.05.1976)
Stars Sonny Bono Cher Elijah Allman Chaz Bono Jack L. Harrell Robert Keeshan Bernadette Peters Robert Shields Lorene Yarnell Jansson Ted Zeigler Sonny & Cher​

---

​

---

 

[The 1960's]

Carol for Another Christmas (1964) TV-Movie
Stars Percy Rodrigues Sterling Hayden Ben Gazzara Barbara Ann Teer Steve Lawrence Eva Marie Saint James Shigeta Pat Hingle Robert Shaw Peter Sellers Britt Ekland Joe Santos Gordon Spencer​

---

Daniel Grudge, a wealthy industrialist and fierce isolationist long embittered by the loss of his son in World War II, is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who lead him to reconsider his attitude toward his fellow man.

---

=​

---