3638 From: "Mike" Date: Thu Mar 2, 2006 10:35pm Subject: Scanner kc8nqa Hello All, To the members of the Probecontrol Board that expressed interest in a Scanner. I have just listed a Scanner/Attachment and Sterling Silver Chain on EBay. It can be located by doing a search (no pun intended) for: Prop Scanner Replica. Or Item No. 4843458834 It is listed in the category of: Entertainment Memorabilia:Television Memorabilia:Props (#18839) Have A Great Day All. Mike S. kc8nqa 3639 From: "Jim Alexander" Date: Fri Mar 3, 2006 0:04am Subject: Mike's Scanner probecontrol > To the members of the Probecontrol Board that expressed interest in a > Scanner. > > I have just listed a Scanner/Attachment and Sterling Silver Chain on > EBay. > > Prop Scanner Replica. Or > > Item No. 4843458834 > > Have A Great Day All. > > Mike S. > kc8nqa ====================== Thanks for letting us know about the Scanner, Mike! It's sure a beautiful piece! Wow. Jim 3640 From: "Mike" Date: Fri Mar 3, 2006 0:57am Subject: Re: Mike's Scanner kc8nqa Hello Jim and ALL, No prob and Thank You. I have been very busy lately, I had planned on listing it for a couple of days now but just didn't have the time. I have checked into the board a few times just for a minute when I had a chance. Seems like there is not enough time in a day - I've heard that alot lately from everyone. I will try to check in more and if time permittes, I'd like to post some screen shots, the ones I have yet to get of Hugh O'Brian as Abner commander of Saul's army. Have A Great Day ALL. Mike S. kc8nqa ================================================= --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "Jim Alexander" wrote: > > > To the members of the Probecontrol Board that expressed interest in a > > Scanner. > > > > I have just listed a Scanner/Attachment and Sterling Silver Chain on > > EBay. > > > > Prop Scanner Replica. Or > > > > Item No. 4843458834 > > > > Have A Great Day All. > > > > Mike S. > > kc8nqa > ====================== > Thanks for letting us know about the Scanner, Mike! It's sure a beautiful > piece! Wow. > > Jim > 3641 From: "ronaldheld" Date: Fri Mar 3, 2006 10:51am Subject: Re: Mike's Scanner ronaldheld Yes i must check it out on Ebay. --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "Jim Alexander" wrote: > > > To the members of the Probecontrol Board that expressed interest in a > > Scanner. > > > > I have just listed a Scanner/Attachment and Sterling Silver Chain on > > EBay. > > > > Prop Scanner Replica. Or > > > > Item No. 4843458834 > > > > Have A Great Day All. > > > > Mike S. > > kc8nqa > ====================== > Thanks for letting us know about the Scanner, Mike! It's sure a beautiful > piece! Wow. > > Jim > 3642 From: "znmstr2012" Date: Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:12pm Subject: Search on DVD znmstr2012 Jim, With so many television shows from the past coming out on dvd who do we contact or campaign to about getting Search/Probe out on dvd? I located a NBC show on dvd out of Canada that I didn't know about. I enjoyed the television show and with what is being aired on all broadcast and cable networks today it is a welcome relief to have something creditable to watch on dvd. Thank you, Greg Wichita, Kansas 3643 From: dmanmetz@... Date: Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:11pm Subject: Re: Search on DVD dmanmetz@... Greg, If I may ask, what show was that? Chris -----Original Message----- From: znmstr2012 To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Sent: Fri, 10 Mar 2006 19:12:29 -0000 Subject: [probe_control] Search on DVD Jim, With so many television shows from the past coming out on dvd who do we contact or campaign to about getting Search/Probe out on dvd? I located a NBC show on dvd out of Canada that I didn't know about. I enjoyed the television show and with what is being aired on all broadcast and cable networks today it is a welcome relief to have something creditable to watch on dvd. Thank you, Greg Wichita, Kansas 3644 From: greg austin Date: Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:28pm Subject: Re: Search on DVD znmstr2012 Chris, The dvd I found in Canada was titled Brimstone. A co worker told me of this show that he enjoyed that he wished would be out on dvd. I started looking and found this from a place in Toronto. It will be here the 15th. I've always enjoyed Search, have both books and the 2hr tv movie on VHS but would like to keep this on dvd if I could find where it would be on dvd. Thanks. greg dmanmetz@... wrote: Greg, If I may ask, what show was that? Chris -----Original Message----- From: znmstr2012 To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Sent: Fri, 10 Mar 2006 19:12:29 -0000 Subject: [probe_control] Search on DVD Jim, With so many television shows from the past coming out on dvd who do we contact or campaign to about getting Search/Probe out on dvd? I located a NBC show on dvd out of Canada that I didn't know about. I enjoyed the television show and with what is being aired on all broadcast and cable networks today it is a welcome relief to have something creditable to watch on dvd. Thank you, Greg Wichita, Kansas 3645 From: dmanmetz@... Date: Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:32pm Subject: Re: Search on DVD dmanmetz@... Greg, I remember that show. Good show. Use to be on Fox. Thanks for sharing. Chris 3646 From: "Morningstar" Date: Mon Mar 13, 2006 9:15am Subject: A couple of links am2star There is a site called DVD Price Search. It is a search engine listing dvds. It will show the titles of dvds and a listing of where they are available on the internet and the sum total of cost and shipping. New releases and added titles are available on Mondays. http://www.dvdpricesearch.com/ Also, I set up a Frappr group for "World Securites." The link is below. You too can be an agent and be tracked by electronic information. :) http://www.frappr.com/worldsecurities 3647 From: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Date: Tue Mar 14, 2006 2:43am Subject: New file uploaded to probe_control probe_control@yahoogroups.com Hello, This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the probe_control group. File : /Probe Ad (320 x 600).jpg.jpg Uploaded by : bfiler2002000 Description : From either The Hollywood Reporter or Variety, Feb. 1972 You can access this file at the URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/files/Probe%20Ad%20%28320%20x%20600%\ 29.jpg.jpg To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files Regards, bfiler2002000 3648 From: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Date: Tue Mar 14, 2006 2:47am Subject: New file uploaded to probe_control probe_control@yahoogroups.com Hello, This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the probe_control group. File : /WB Ad #1 (466 x 600).jpg Uploaded by : bfiler2002000 Description : Full length ad, showing other WB shows, including another fave of mine from '72, The Delphi Bureau! You can access this file at the URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/files/WB%20Ad%20%231%20%28466%20x%20\ 600%29.jpg To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files Regards, bfiler2002000 3649 From: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Date: Tue Mar 14, 2006 2:48am Subject: New file uploaded to probe_control probe_control@yahoogroups.com Hello, This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the probe_control group. File : /WB Ad #2 (475 x 600).jpg Uploaded by : bfiler2002000 Description : You can access this file at the URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/files/WB%20Ad%20%232%20%28475%20x%20\ 600%29.jpg To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files Regards, bfiler2002000 3650 From: "Jim Alexander" Date: Tue Mar 14, 2006 4:17am Subject: bfiler2002000 File Uploaded to Probe_Control probecontrol bfiler2002000 wrote: > Description : Full length ad, showing other WB shows, including another > fave of mine from '72, The Delphi Bureau! ===================== Hey, bfiler2002000-- Unless I'm doing something wrong, I can only access the first of your three uploaded files. Loved the ad that I *could* see, though! Thanks a lot! Jim Alexander 3651 From: greg austin Date: Wed Mar 15, 2006 0:39am Subject: Re: A couple of links znmstr2012 Thank you for your help. I give them a try. greg Morningstar wrote: There is a site called DVD Price Search. It is a search engine listing dvds. It will show the titles of dvds and a listing of where they are available on the internet and the sum total of cost and shipping. New releases and added titles are available on Mondays. http://www.dvdpricesearch.com/ Also, I set up a Frappr group for "World Securites." The link is below. You too can be an agent and be tracked by electronic information. :) http://www.frappr.com/worldsecurities 3652 From: Brooks Cook Date: Wed Mar 15, 2006 4:27pm Subject: Re: SEARCH Action Scenes brooksatphoenix Hi Everyone, I was re-watching the episodes the past week, and have an interesting - or so I think ;) thread... What is your personal favorite action scene in SEARCH? I have 2. "Moonrock" where Cam recommends that Lockwood get out of the cave and let it go, but instead he creates a smokescreen, has them guide him in and just starts whoopin' guys with flying kicks, fists, etc. Great stuff! Well filmed, acted, directed, scored, etc. The Pilot - very beginning where again, he's running to free that guy. Machine gun fire, flying kicks. It's over way too fast, but what's there is very well done. And when Lockwood runs during that machine gun sequence, he's very believable as a guy that could do that stuff. He runs like a rugby player. Very interested to hear everyone's ideas/opinions. Brooks 3653 From: Date: Wed Mar 15, 2006 5:27pm Subject: Re: Re: SEARCH Action Scenes probecontrol Brooks Cook wrote: >... What is your personal favorite action scene in SEARCH? The Pilot - very beginning where again, he's running to free that guy. Machine gun fire, flying kicks. It's over way too fast, but what's there is very well done. ================== It's a great start to the entire series. The opening shot-- where it's almost perfectly quiet for a beat, and then--the gunfire. It builds and builds. Notice that when the communication begins between Probe Control and Lockwood, that there is 'zero' dead space during the back-and-forth in the dialogue there. It's all edited to FLY, and 'fly' it does! ;) Great stuff! Hmmmmmmm. I'll have to give some thought to *my* favorite 'action' scene in SEARCH. Maybe something with Mary Ann Mobley in the 'Swan Lake' swimming pool in SHORT CIRCUIT...? ;) Jim Alexander 3654 From: Ernie Hernandez Date: Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:05pm Subject: Buy DVDs ernie9760 I am new to the group but remember this show from my youth. I have always wanted to own a copy of the Pilot or any of the episodes. Where or how can I buy the DVD ofr the pilot and any of the shows? Thank you, Ernie 3655 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Thu Mar 16, 2006 1:42am Subject: Re: SEARCH Action Scenes dghprobe3 Adding to this thread, I always felt that the many action scenes in "Flight to Nowhere" were nicely handled. Suspenseful scene early in the episode where Lockwood is chased down by the pickup truck. If they used a stunt man in this episode, I couldn't tell. The scene where Lockwood dunks the two bad guys in the pool is also classic and humorous. Lockwood: My friend, you've been playing in the salt flats today. Bad guy: Meaning? Lockwood: Meaning: You need a bath. Act 4 builds to a nice finish. While Lockwood gets "set up for the kill" a few times too many, he lets us know he was on to these tricks by the end of the episode. 3656 From: Brooks Cook Date: Thu Mar 16, 2006 2:24pm Subject: Re: Re: SEARCH Action Scenes brooksatphoenix On Mar 15, 2006, at 8:42 PM, dghprobe3 wrote: > Adding to this thread, I always felt that the many action scenes > in "Flight to Nowhere" were nicely handled. Suspenseful scene early > in the episode where Lockwood is chased down by the pickup truck. If > they used a stunt man in this episode, I couldn't tell. The scene > where Lockwood dunks the two bad guys in the pool is also classic and > humorous. > > Lockwood: My friend, you've been playing in the salt flats today. > > Bad guy: Meaning? > > Lockwood: Meaning: You need a bath. > > Act 4 builds to a nice finish. While Lockwood gets "set up for the > kill" a few times too many, he lets us know he was on to these tricks > by the end of the episode. Yes. The best part of this episode is the action. It's one of those episodes where you wish for more of a glamourous caper, like in the earlier episodes - but there is great action scenes and a lot of Lockwood being cool. He goes in at the end to that hangar with a machine gun. Cool stuff. Also, if memory serves, isn't this the one where he swings off the roof (to avoid getting tossed off by thugs) by one hand and crashes through the penthouse window? That also was a great action sequence/ great stunt. Thanks for your opinion. That show really sweated the details - including the action/stunts. Brooks 3657 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Thu Mar 16, 2006 5:51pm Subject: Re: SEARCH Action Scenes dghprobe3 --- In probe_control, Brooks Cook wrote: > Very interested to hear everyone's ideas/opinions. Hi Brooks: Your posted reminded me of something else. Back in 2000, when my brother and I got to see "Short Circuit" for the first time since 1973, we ran it here and I remember some of the comments we made. The fact that it was made in the 1970's was clear from the cars, the music, etc. The other thing we noticed was what a bright, upbeat and energetic series this was. "Short Circuit" itself is very much a "running and jumping" episode. As with most of the Search episodes, you generally get a positive inward motivation vibe from watching them. Yes, there are a couple of Search episodes that are 'downers,' for lack of a better term. "The 24 Carat Hit" is a tragedy, but in the end Bianco and Bain were able to keep it from being a double tragedy by finally rescuing Bain's daughter (Annette O'Toole). In the face of terrible odds, you still had that point of optimism at the end. Anyway, after "Short Circuit" ended, the TV went back to normal programming. Then we saw a current episode of "Profiler" and the contrast was striking. "Profiler" was dark, brooding, morose, negative, and downright depressing. Unfortunately too many shows are like that nowadays. I know everything can't be Frank Capra all the time, but we need the bright and positive once in awhile too. :-) 3658 From: "actingman_jc" Date: Thu Mar 16, 2006 6:23pm Subject: Tom Halick Movie To Be A DVD Extra actingman_jc The 1976 TV Movie The Time Travelers, in which Tom Halick was one of the leads, is going to be included as an extra on the Time Tunnel Vol 2 DVD release coming out early June. 3659 From: Brooks Cook Date: Thu Mar 16, 2006 8:34pm Subject: Re: Re: SEARCH Action Scenes brooksatphoenix Agreed! Where are the cool "Adventure" shows - when Adventure meant "Search", "It Takes a Thief", "The Avengers", etc.? Style, action, clever writing, interesting characters? Everything nowadays is so strikingly "real" - no one will step up and produce escapist/adventure stuff. Of course, I can't think on many actors nowadays that had the charisma of Hugh O'Brien, Tony F., Patrick Macnee, Robert Wagner, Burgess Meredith as the crusty boss, etc. What a shame. But at least we have DVDs and video, where we can go back and revisit all this wonderful stuff - not to mention this great yahoo group to bounce stuff around. :) On Mar 16, 2006, at 12:51 PM, dghprobe3 wrote: > --- In probe_control, Brooks Cook wrote: >> Very interested to hear everyone's ideas/opinions. > > Hi Brooks: Your posted reminded me of something else. Back in 2000, > when my brother and I got to see "Short Circuit" for the first time > since 1973, we ran it here and I remember some of the comments we > made. > > The fact that it was made in the 1970's was clear from the cars, the > music, etc. The other thing we noticed was what a bright, upbeat and > energetic series this was. "Short Circuit" itself is very much > a "running and jumping" episode. As with most of the Search > episodes, you generally get a positive inward motivation vibe from > watching them. > > Yes, there are a couple of Search episodes that are 'downers,' for > lack of a better term. "The 24 Carat Hit" is a tragedy, but in the > end Bianco and Bain were able to keep it from being a double tragedy > by finally rescuing Bain's daughter (Annette O'Toole). In the face of > terrible odds, you still had that point of optimism at the end. > > Anyway, after "Short Circuit" ended, the TV went back to normal > programming. Then we saw a current episode of "Profiler" and the > contrast was striking. "Profiler" was dark, brooding, morose, > negative, and downright depressing. > > Unfortunately too many shows are like that nowadays. I know > everything can't be Frank Capra all the time, but we need the bright > and positive once in awhile too. :-) 3660 From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Fri Mar 17, 2006 11:15pm Subject: RE: Re: No more adventue and SEARCH passive Scenes gfwillmetts Hello Brooks I think the reason reality has somewhat over-ridden adventure has a lot to do with how we perceive things these days. You go in with guns firing then someone is going to be hurt or more likely killed. Well, unless you’re in the A-Team that is. Where the deaths aren’t directly accountable then its not dwelt on. ‘Alias’ is a good example of this. Sydney Bristow shoots back when fired at but tends to kill the opposition yet no one acknowledges the fact she’s as cold blooded a killer as her mother because she doesn’t dwell on the act afterwards. The effect of this is that playing death for laughs just isn’t acceptable. Forgetting action, my favourite Search scene is in the pilot where Lockwood is hearing Gloria’s comments as Miss Ullman goes to see her mother. Geoff 3661 From: "Morningstar" Date: Sun Mar 19, 2006 8:08am Subject: Re: SEARCH Action Scenes am2star I think that one of the problems it that the writers and the population are not as charming as people used to be. There are some great puns in classic television shows, that today would be missed by most people. Once case in point: In the Star Trek episode "Bread and Circuses," Captain Kirk arrives to rescue Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy after he has spent the night with a slave girl. McCoy asks, "Jim, what happened?" to which Kirk responds, "They threw me a few curves." That is a great exchange. Can you think of any writing today that would be that clever? I really can't except in comedies. And, most action heroes have taken the Arnold Swarzennegger route and had a throw-away line after carnage. I miss good writing. --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Brooks Cook wrote: > > Agreed! Where are the cool "Adventure" shows - when Adventure meant > "Search", "It Takes a Thief", "The Avengers", etc.? > > Style, action, clever writing, interesting characters? Everything > nowadays is so strikingly "real" - no one will step up and produce > escapist/adventure stuff. Of course, I can't think on many actors > nowadays that had the charisma of Hugh O'Brien, Tony F., Patrick > Macnee, Robert Wagner, Burgess Meredith as the crusty boss, etc. > > What a shame. But at least we have DVDs and video, where we can go > back and revisit all this wonderful stuff - not to mention this great > yahoo group to bounce stuff around. > > :) > > > On Mar 16, 2006, at 12:51 PM, dghprobe3 wrote: > > > --- In probe_control, Brooks Cook wrote: > >> Very interested to hear everyone's ideas/opinions. > > > > Hi Brooks: Your posted reminded me of something else. Back in 2000, > > when my brother and I got to see "Short Circuit" for the first time > > since 1973, we ran it here and I remember some of the comments we > > made. > > > > The fact that it was made in the 1970's was clear from the cars, the > > music, etc. The other thing we noticed was what a bright, upbeat and > > energetic series this was. "Short Circuit" itself is very much > > a "running and jumping" episode. As with most of the Search > > episodes, you generally get a positive inward motivation vibe from > > watching them. > > > > Yes, there are a couple of Search episodes that are 'downers,' for > > lack of a better term. "The 24 Carat Hit" is a tragedy, but in the > > end Bianco and Bain were able to keep it from being a double tragedy > > by finally rescuing Bain's daughter (Annette O'Toole). In the face of > > terrible odds, you still had that point of optimism at the end. > > > > Anyway, after "Short Circuit" ended, the TV went back to normal > > programming. Then we saw a current episode of "Profiler" and the > > contrast was striking. "Profiler" was dark, brooding, morose, > > negative, and downright depressing. > > > > Unfortunately too many shows are like that nowadays. I know > > everything can't be Frank Capra all the time, but we need the bright > > and positive once in awhile too. :-) 3662 From: Mark Speck Date: Sun Mar 19, 2006 7:13pm Subject: Episodes elvimark Hey Guys! I know a lot of people have asked this question, and now it's my turn: how do I go about getting episodes? I'd like to see the show again. Thanks in advance. :) Best, Mark 3663 From: Brooks Cook Date: Mon Mar 20, 2006 2:21pm Subject: Re: Re: SEARCH Action Scenes brooksatphoenix Agreed! That's why these heroes of the 60s and 70s TV are still remembered so fondly. Of course, Kirk, Bones & Spock, but also Steed & Mrs. Peel, Jim West & Artemus Gordon, etc. The special effects weren't all that special. It was the stories, the imagination, creativity, the characters, the actors. On Mar 19, 2006, at 3:08 AM, Morningstar wrote: > I think that one of the problems it that the writers and the > population are not as charming as people used to be. There are some > great puns in classic television shows, that today would be missed by > most people. > > Once case in point: In the Star Trek episode "Bread and Circuses," > Captain Kirk arrives to rescue Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy after he has > spent the night with a slave girl. McCoy asks, "Jim, what happened?" > to which Kirk responds, "They threw me a few curves." That is a great > exchange. Can you think of any writing today that would be that > clever? I really can't except in comedies. And, most action heroes > have taken the Arnold Swarzennegger route and had a throw-away line > after carnage. I miss good writing. > > --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Brooks Cook wrote: >> >> Agreed! Where are the cool "Adventure" shows - when Adventure meant >> "Search", "It Takes a Thief", "The Avengers", etc.? >> >> Style, action, clever writing, interesting characters? Everything >> nowadays is so strikingly "real" - no one will step up and produce >> escapist/adventure stuff. Of course, I can't think on many actors >> nowadays that had the charisma of Hugh O'Brien, Tony F., Patrick >> Macnee, Robert Wagner, Burgess Meredith as the crusty boss, etc. >> >> What a shame. But at least we have DVDs and video, where we can go >> back and revisit all this wonderful stuff - not to mention this great >> yahoo group to bounce stuff around. >> >> :) >> >> >> On Mar 16, 2006, at 12:51 PM, dghprobe3 wrote: >> >>> --- In probe_control, Brooks Cook wrote: >>>> Very interested to hear everyone's ideas/opinions. >>> >>> Hi Brooks: Your posted reminded me of something else. Back in >>> 2000, >>> when my brother and I got to see "Short Circuit" for the first time >>> since 1973, we ran it here and I remember some of the comments we >>> made. >>> >>> The fact that it was made in the 1970's was clear from the cars, the >>> music, etc. The other thing we noticed was what a bright, upbeat >>> and >>> energetic series this was. "Short Circuit" itself is very much >>> a "running and jumping" episode. As with most of the Search >>> episodes, you generally get a positive inward motivation vibe from >>> watching them. >>> >>> Yes, there are a couple of Search episodes that are 'downers,' for >>> lack of a better term. "The 24 Carat Hit" is a tragedy, but in the >>> end Bianco and Bain were able to keep it from being a double tragedy >>> by finally rescuing Bain's daughter (Annette O'Toole). In the >>> face of >>> terrible odds, you still had that point of optimism at the end. >>> >>> Anyway, after "Short Circuit" ended, the TV went back to normal >>> programming. Then we saw a current episode of "Profiler" and the >>> contrast was striking. "Profiler" was dark, brooding, morose, >>> negative, and downright depressing. >>> >>> Unfortunately too many shows are like that nowadays. I know >>> everything can't be Frank Capra all the time, but we need the bright >>> and positive once in awhile too. :-) 3664 From: "actingman_jc" Date: Mon Mar 20, 2006 6:40pm Subject: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads actingman_jc Someone who found probecontrol.com wrote to me privately regarding the reason for rotating leads. I have no idea, so I put it here in the forum for discussion. -------ORIGINAL MESSAGE------ Your website FAQ has the following entry: Why did the leads change every week? Hugh O'Brian played Lockwood in the pilot. This was his return to series tv after a number of years (he was also a part owner of the show.) We don't have any definite sources as to why they decided to go with rotating leads for the series, although there was precedent for this. Tony Franciosa starred in the pilot for the Name Of The Game series. When the show went to series, it had three rotating leads, and Leslie Stevens worked on the show. He may have liked that set up (which made for a bigger variety of stories and styles) and always intended it for Search. Or it's possible Hugh O'Brian didn't want the grind of 12 hour days for 24 straight weeks, or a variety of other possibilities. If anybody out there knows for sure, please let us know. It's my understanding that the networks back in the 1970s (I'm giving you a lead here to follow-up on, I'm not quoting gospel) operated quite differently (obviously) from how they'd operate today. Back then, it's my understanding that networks needed to diversify their "star power risk" with different actors who were under contract with a given network (part of the problem behind the Leslie Stevens departure as well). You will see evidence of this with several things that NBC did back then... an example would be the way they rotated MacMillan and Wife, McCloud, Columbo, and Banacek (another set of excellent show, incidentally) in the same manner. This is just another view that I had heard someone mention many years ago and never thought anyone would be interested in such a factoid... again, it's unsubstantiated, so take with a grain of salt... just passing it along. Again, all the finest! Phil 3665 From: "ronaldheld" Date: Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:44am Subject: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads ronaldheld One answer is that you have three sets of teams filming. If one of the shows is late for some reason, one of the other two could fill in for it. --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "actingman_jc" wrote: > > Someone who found probecontrol.com wrote to me privately regarding the > reason for rotating leads. I have no idea, so I put it here in the > forum for discussion. > > -------ORIGINAL MESSAGE------ > > > Your website FAQ has the following entry: > > Why did the leads change every week? > > Hugh O'Brian played Lockwood in the pilot. This was his return to > series tv after a number of years (he was also a part owner of the > show.) We don't have any definite sources as to why they decided to go > with rotating leads for the series, although there was precedent for > this. Tony Franciosa starred in the pilot for the Name Of The Game > series. When the show went to series, it had three rotating leads, and > Leslie Stevens worked on the show. He may have liked that set up > (which made for a bigger variety of stories and styles) and always > intended it for Search. Or it's possible Hugh O'Brian didn't want the > grind of 12 hour days for 24 straight weeks, or a variety of other > possibilities. If anybody out there knows for sure, please let us know. > > > It's my understanding that the networks back in the 1970s (I'm giving > you a lead here to follow-up on, I'm not quoting gospel) operated > quite differently (obviously) from how they'd operate today. Back > then, it's my understanding that networks needed to diversify their > "star power risk" with different actors who were under contract with a > given network (part of the problem behind the Leslie Stevens departure > as well). > > You will see evidence of this with several things that NBC did back > then... an example would be the way they rotated MacMillan and Wife, > McCloud, Columbo, and Banacek (another set of excellent show, > incidentally) in the same manner. > > This is just another view that I had heard someone mention many years > ago and never thought anyone would be interested in such a factoid... > again, it's unsubstantiated, so take with a grain of salt... just > passing it along. > > Again, all the finest! > Phil > 3666 From: "Richard D. Perez" Date: Tue Mar 21, 2006 0:53pm Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads rperez1025 Other possible reasons: * In the early 70s, rotating dramas were NBC's unique way of creating multiple sets of hit series, and hedging its bet on failures. If one failed, you could simply replace one part of the wheel, rather than the whole thing. I think NBC brass decided to experiment with rotating leads as they did with THE NAME OF THE GAME earlier. * Once decided, the two crews shooting two different episodes makes sense. Interestling emough, today ER shoots four episodes simultaneously. * My original theory that O'Brian did not want to commit to a regular series, so other leads were brought in. However, this theory, upon closer examination, does not make sense, since Franciosa had a reputation for being difficult to work with, and McClure just did not fir with the concept. I think NBC overly researched the show and again chose three leads to hedge its bets against failure. Richard D, Perez Norton, MA ronaldheld wrote: > One answer is that you have three sets of teams filming. If one of > the shows is late for some reason, one of the other two could fill in > for it. > > > --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "actingman_jc" > wrote: > > > > Someone who found probecontrol.com wrote to me privately regarding > the > > reason for rotating leads. I have no idea, so I put it here in the > > forum for discussion. > > > > -------ORIGINAL MESSAGE------ > > > > > > Your website FAQ has the following entry: > > > > Why did the leads change every week? > > > > Hugh O'Brian played Lockwood in the pilot. This was his return > to > > series tv after a number of years (he was also a part owner of the > > show.) We don't have any definite sources as to why they decided to > go > > with rotating leads for the series, although there was precedent for > > this. Tony Franciosa starred in the pilot for the Name Of The Game > > series. When the show went to series, it had three rotating leads, > and > > Leslie Stevens worked on the show. He may have liked that set up > > (which made for a bigger variety of stories and styles) and always > > intended it for Search. Or it's possible Hugh O'Brian didn't want > the > > grind of 12 hour days for 24 straight weeks, or a variety of other > > possibilities. If anybody out there knows for sure, please let us > know. > > > > > > It's my understanding that the networks back in the 1970s (I'm > giving > > you a lead here to follow-up on, I'm not quoting gospel) operated > > quite differently (obviously) from how they'd operate today. Back > > then, it's my understanding that networks needed to diversify their > > "star power risk" with different actors who were under contract > with a > > given network (part of the problem behind the Leslie Stevens > departure > > as well). > > > > You will see evidence of this with several things that NBC did back > > then... an example would be the way they rotated MacMillan and Wife, > > McCloud, Columbo, and Banacek (another set of excellent show, > > incidentally) in the same manner. > > > > This is just another view that I had heard someone mention many > years > > ago and never thought anyone would be interested in such a > factoid... > > again, it's unsubstantiated, so take with a grain of salt... just > > passing it along. > > > > Again, all the finest! > > Phil 3667 From: dmanmetz@... Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 4:46am Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads dmanmetz@... I have my own theory on this. I think most importantly, the producers wanted hit which translates to money in Hollywood. There is "showbiz" term (which I cannot remember) where an actor has test score on how well they are received with an audience. His or her likeability. I think Robert Justin mentioned this in interview about two years ago. That plays a big part in who they cast. Hugh O'Brian was already set to play Lockwood and I guess he didn't want to do 23 shows for a whole season. Also, after long period of time off and movie career that didn't take off in the late 60's (Cowboy in Africa) this was his big triumphant return to TV. Since the Probe Pilot was hit, I'm sure NBC expected a lot from Search. That's when Leslie Stevens decided to hedge his bets and add two more Probes. Even though Tony Franciosa was fired from his late 60's critically acclaimed groundbreaking hit Name of the Game, another three star rotating series in which Leslie Stevens produced the Franciosa episodes; he was still big name in Hollywood and force to be reckoned with. He helped paved the way for Italian American leading men in the 60's on the big screen and had just missed becoming a movie star legend. Had he stayed on the road of the early promise (Hateful Rain, Rio Conchos, and Career) he showed with better movies and more Oscar caliber performances, his name would mentioned right up there with Marlon Brando and Paul Newman today. Anyway, he was the star that received the most attention in Name of Game, which I think was considered the best show on television at the time, so casting him seemed to be a no brainier. I liked the Bianco episodes, but sometimes I got tired of Tony's tough guy act. It seemed like he always went out of his way to beat somebody up as opposed Lockwood's cool calculating approach before kicking some a%# or Grover's "Jim Rockford" like approach of trying get out it. I think he was a little rough and over the top in his first Search episode "One of our Probe's is Missing", but I think he settled down in his role for the latter episodes. My favorite episodes of his were Operation: Iceman, Let us Prey, and the Clayton Lewis Documents. Don't really know what happen to his career afterwards. He had a few good roles, but was also in some junk. Did Franciosa piss off to many people in Hollywood or did he just walk away from it all. Although not taken as serious as an actor as O'Brian and Franciosa, Doug McClure surprised everyone and stole show from James Drury in NBC's high rated and critically acclaimed The Virginian. The show, which ran for 9 years, made McClure a star. I think at the time he was trying to kick his young (even though he was 37 at the time) sidekick image and pursue mature leading men roles and Search was his opportunity. Also, Leslie Stevens produced the Doug McClure/ Trampas episodes for the Virginian's last season under the title of "Men from Shiloh, which did a rotating wheel of four stars. This probably explains how McClure was hired for Search. Also, if you look on IMDB, Doug McClure starred in several popular and critically acclaimed movies before and after Search. Some, which I would love to see, are considered early 1970's TV movie gems. Among them: The Birdmen, Terror in the Sky (Inspired the Airplane movies),The Death of Me Yet (which I think inspired Kevin Costner's 1987 No Way Out), Playmates, with MASH's Alan Alda, Shirts/Skins, Death Race, and Satan's Triangle (which I hear is pretty damn scary to this day). I think with the failure of Search, McClure went back to what he thought was safe by being a Cowboy again in the short lived Wild, Wild West rip-off, The Barbary Coast with Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner. After that, in my own humble opinion, McClure did nothing but junk. Did McClure run out of friends in Hollywood or did he just stop caring about t his career. He and his Virginian co-star James Drury were best friends and were known in Hollywood for their drinking and partying. Although my favorite Probe, I think McClure took a little longer than O'Brian and Franciosa to channel in on his Grover role. Although Short Circuit is one of my favorites, McClure doesn't seem 100% comfortable on how to play the role yet. This was an episode that needed to be about 30 minutes longer with all the running around Grover does and the as much time as Grover spends in his Corvette, the projection backdrop while he is driving takes away from realism. I thought "In Search of Midas" was one of the weakest episodes in the series. I thought it was silly and that was no real danger was involved. This is the one they should have held until the end of the season instead of "The Packagers". "A Honeymoon to Kill" (the one I remember as a kid) and "The Packagers" are the very best of the Grover lot. Good stories, action, and Doug has perfected his Grover character." Numbered for Death" is good, but the new series format takes away from it. Although it has its moments, "Goddess of Destruction" just plays flat. The real highlight of "Moment of Madness" is that it is a Cameron episode with Grover on hand to assist. I guess the producers were shocked to see that their triple threat macho, middle aged, romantic leading men, with past hit series to their names were beat in the ratings by a fat balding non-leading man who played Matt Dillon on radio, Probe one true enemy......FRANK CANNON! Well, sorry to ramble on, but I had some time on my hands and love talking about Search. Chris -----Original Message----- From: Richard D. Perez To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:53:16 -0500 Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads Other possible reasons: * In the early 70s, rotating dramas were NBC's unique way of creating multiple sets of hit series, and hedging its bet on failures. If one failed, you could simply replace one part of the wheel, rather than the whole thing. I think NBC brass decided to experiment with rotating leads as they did with THE NAME OF THE GAME earlier. * Once decided, the two crews shooting two different episodes makes sense. Interestling emough, today ER shoots four episodes simultaneously. * My original theory that O'Brian did not want to commit to a regular series, so other leads were brought in. However, this theory, upon closer examination, does not make sense, since Franciosa had a reputation for being difficult to work with, and McClure just did not fir with the concept. I think NBC overly researched the show and again chose three leads to hedge its bets against failure. Richard D, Perez Norton, MA ronaldheld wrote: > One answer is that you have three sets of teams filming. If one of > the shows is late for some reason, one of the other two could fill in > for it. > > > --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "actingman_jc" > wrote: > > > > Someone who found probecontrol.com wrote to me privately regarding > the > > reason for rotating leads. I have no idea, so I put it here in the > > forum for discussion. > > > > -------ORIGINAL MESSAGE------ > > > > > > Your website FAQ has the following entry: > > > > Why did the leads change every week? > > > > Hugh O'Brian played Lockwood in the pilot. This was his return > to > > series tv after a number of years (he was also a part owner of the > > show.) We don't have any definite sources as to why they decided to > go > > with rotating leads for the series, although there was precedent for > > this. Tony Franciosa starred in the pilot for the Name Of The Game > > series. When the show went to series, it had three rotating leads, > and > > Leslie Stevens worked on the show. He may have liked that set up > > (which made for a bigger variety of stories and styles) and always > > intended it for Search. Or it's possible Hugh O'Brian didn't want > the > > grind of 12 hour days for 24 straight weeks, or a variety of other > > possibilities. If anybody out there knows for sure, please let us > know. > > > > > > It's my understanding that the networks back in the 1970s (I'm > giving > > you a lead here to follow-up on, I'm not quoting gospel) operated > > quite differently (obviously) from how they'd operate today. Back > > then, it's my understanding that networks needed to diversify their > > "star power risk" with different actors who were under contract > with a > > given network (part of the problem behind the Leslie Stevens > departure > > as well). > > > > You will see evidence of this with several things that NBC did back > > then... an example would be the way they rotated MacMillan and Wife, > > McCloud, Columbo, and Banacek (another set of excellent show, > > incidentally) in the same manner. > > > > This is just another view that I had heard someone mention many > years > > ago and never thought anyone would be interested in such a > factoid... > > again, it's unsubstantiated, so take with a grain of salt... just > > passing it along. > > > > Again, all the finest! > > Phil 3668 From: Brooks Cook Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 2:41pm Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads brooksatphoenix Wow Chris - that was very interesting, well written stuff! I laughed out loud with your "SEARCH's most unbeatable villian, Frank Cannon" stuff! Thanks! Brooks On Mar 21, 2006, at 11:46 PM, dmanmetz@... wrote: > > I have my own theory on this. I think most importantly, the > producers wanted hit which translates to money in Hollywood. There > is "showbiz" term (which I cannot remember) where an actor has test > score on how well they are received with an audience. His or her > likeability. I think Robert Justin mentioned this in interview > about two years ago. That plays a big part in who they cast. Hugh > O'Brian was already set to play Lockwood and I guess he didn't want > to do 23 shows for a whole season. Also, after long period of time > off and movie career that didn't take off in the late 60's (Cowboy > in Africa) this was his big triumphant return to TV. Since the > Probe Pilot was hit, I'm sure NBC expected a lot from Search. > That's when Leslie Stevens decided to hedge his bets and add two > more Probes. > Even though Tony Franciosa was fired from his late 60's > critically acclaimed groundbreaking hit Name of the Game, another > three star rotating series in which Leslie Stevens produced the > Franciosa episodes; he was still big name in Hollywood and force to > be reckoned with. He helped paved the way for Italian American > leading men in the 60's on the big screen and had just missed > becoming a movie star legend. Had he stayed on the road of the > early promise (Hateful Rain, Rio Conchos, and Career) he showed > with better movies and more Oscar caliber performances, his name > would mentioned right up there with Marlon Brando and Paul Newman > today. Anyway, he was the star that received the most attention in > Name of Game, which I think was considered the best show on > television at the time, so casting him seemed to be a no brainier. > I liked the Bianco episodes, but sometimes I got tired of Tony's > tough guy act. It seemed like he always went out of his way to beat > somebody up as opposed Lockwood's cool calculating approach before > kicking some a%# or Grover's "Jim Rockford" like approach of trying > get out it. I think he was a little rough and over the top in his > first Search episode "One of our Probe's is Missing", but I think > he settled down in his role for the latter episodes. My favorite > episodes of his were Operation: Iceman, Let us Prey, and the > Clayton Lewis Documents. Don't really know what happen to his > career afterwards. He had a few good roles, but was also in some > junk. Did Franciosa piss off to many people in Hollywood or did he > just walk away from it all. > Although not taken as serious as an actor as O'Brian and > Franciosa, Doug McClure surprised everyone and stole show from > James Drury in NBC's high rated and critically acclaimed The > Virginian. The show, which ran for 9 years, made McClure a star. I > think at the time he was trying to kick his young (even though he > was 37 at the time) sidekick image and pursue mature leading men > roles and Search was his opportunity. Also, Leslie Stevens produced > the Doug McClure/ Trampas episodes for the Virginian's last season > under the title of "Men from Shiloh, which did a rotating wheel of > four stars. This probably explains how McClure was hired for > Search. Also, if you look on IMDB, Doug McClure starred in several > popular and critically acclaimed movies before and after Search. > Some, which I would love to see, are considered early 1970's TV > movie gems. Among them: The Birdmen, Terror in the Sky (Inspired > the Airplane movies),The Death of Me Yet (which I think inspired > Kevin Costner's 1987 No Way Out), Playmates, with MASH's Alan Alda, > Shirts/Skins, Death Race, and Satan's Triangle (which I hear is > pretty damn scary to this day). I think with the failure of Search, > McClure went back to what he thought was safe by being a Cowboy > again in the short lived Wild, Wild West rip-off, The Barbary Coast > with Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner. After that, in my own > humble opinion, McClure did nothing but junk. Did McClure run out > of friends in Hollywood or did he just stop caring about t his > career. He and his Virginian co-star James Drury were best friends > and were known in Hollywood for their drinking and partying. > Although my favorite Probe, I think McClure took a little longer > than O'Brian and Franciosa to channel in on his Grover role. > Although Short Circuit is one of my favorites, McClure doesn't > seem 100% comfortable on how to play the role yet. This was an > episode that needed to be about 30 minutes longer with all the > running around Grover does and the as much time as Grover spends in > his Corvette, the projection backdrop while he is driving takes > away from realism. I thought "In Search of Midas" was one of the > weakest episodes in the series. I thought it was silly and that was > no real danger was involved. This is the one they should have held > until the end of the season instead of "The Packagers". "A > Honeymoon to Kill" (the one I remember as a kid) and "The > Packagers" are the very best of the Grover lot. Good stories, > action, and Doug has perfected his Grover character." Numbered for > Death" is good, but the new series format takes away from it. > Although it has its moments, "Goddess of Destruction" just plays > flat. The real highlight of "Moment of Madness" is that it is a > Cameron episode with Grover on hand to assist. > I guess the producers were shocked to see that their triple > threat macho, middle aged, romantic leading men, with past hit > series to their names were beat in the ratings by a fat balding non- > leading man who played Matt Dillon on radio, Probe one true > enemy......FRANK CANNON! Well, sorry to ramble on, but I had some > time on my hands and love talking about Search. > > > Chris > > -----Original Message----- > From: Richard D. Perez > To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:53:16 -0500 > Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads > > > Other possible reasons: > > * In the early 70s, rotating dramas were NBC's unique way of > creating multiple sets of hit series, and hedging its bet on > failures. If one failed, you could simply replace one part of > the > wheel, rather than the whole thing. I think NBC brass decided to > experiment with rotating leads as they did with THE NAME OF THE > GAME earlier. > * Once decided, the two crews shooting two different episodes > makes > sense. Interestling emough, today ER shoots four episodes > simultaneously. > * My original theory that O'Brian did not want to commit to a > regular series, so other leads were brought in. However, this > theory, upon closer examination, does not make sense, since > Franciosa had a reputation for being difficult to work with, and > McClure just did not fir with the concept. I think NBC overly > researched the show and again chose three leads to hedge its > bets > against failure. > > Richard D, Perez > Norton, MA > > ronaldheld wrote: >> One answer is that you have three sets of teams filming. If one of >> the shows is late for some reason, one of the other two could fill in >> for it. >> >> >> --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "actingman_jc" >> wrote: >>> >>> Someone who found probecontrol.com wrote to me privately regarding >> the >>> reason for rotating leads. I have no idea, so I put it here in the >>> forum for discussion. >>> >>> -------ORIGINAL MESSAGE------ >>> >>> >>> Your website FAQ has the following entry: >>> >>> Why did the leads change every week? >>> >>> Hugh O'Brian played Lockwood in the pilot. This was his return >> to >>> series tv after a number of years (he was also a part owner of the >>> show.) We don't have any definite sources as to why they decided to >> go >>> with rotating leads for the series, although there was precedent for >>> this. Tony Franciosa starred in the pilot for the Name Of The Game >>> series. When the show went to series, it had three rotating leads, >> and >>> Leslie Stevens worked on the show. He may have liked that set up >>> (which made for a bigger variety of stories and styles) and always >>> intended it for Search. Or it's possible Hugh O'Brian didn't want >> the >>> grind of 12 hour days for 24 straight weeks, or a variety of other >>> possibilities. If anybody out there knows for sure, please let us >> know. >>> >>> >>> It's my understanding that the networks back in the 1970s (I'm >> giving >>> you a lead here to follow-up on, I'm not quoting gospel) operated >>> quite differently (obviously) from how they'd operate today. Back >>> then, it's my understanding that networks needed to diversify their >>> "star power risk" with different actors who were under contract >> with a >>> given network (part of the problem behind the Leslie Stevens >> departure >>> as well). >>> >>> You will see evidence of this with several things that NBC did back >>> then... an example would be the way they rotated MacMillan and Wife, >>> McCloud, Columbo, and Banacek (another set of excellent show, >>> incidentally) in the same manner. >>> >>> This is just another view that I had heard someone mention many >> years >>> ago and never thought anyone would be interested in such a >> factoid... >>> again, it's unsubstantiated, so take with a grain of salt... just >>> passing it along. >>> >>> Again, all the finest! >>> Phil 3669 From: "Richard D. Perez" Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 1:09pm Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads rperez1025 Greetings, I am a consultant in the media business. It bothers me that so-called true fans would get so much incorrect in this posting. The 'Hollywood buzzword' is very simple.....it's called a Q score, and it was, and still is used to measure star popularity. I corresponded heavily with Bob Justman, who was one of the principal architects of the Star Trek universe. He is an honest man with a passion for quality television. Unfortunately, Fred Freiberger, recently deceased, was a hack producer best known for making vast changes to Star Trek that caused longtime fans to tune out in the 1960's. His involvement also killed THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN, another long running series. It is not surprising that Freiberger's meddling made a mess of SEARCH. While it is possible Stevens tried to help out his friend Franciosa, who was fired from THE NAME OF THE GAME for his arrogant attitude and inability to show up for shoots on time, thus wasting production money. However, since NBC was having success with the 'wheel' concept, I still suggest it was the network who suggest they try it with SEARCH. McClure's involvement was an effort by the actor to broaden his range, as most casting directors saw him as a'westerns' actor. In this regard, he succeeded, as he went on to play other diverse roles until his death. Since O'Brian is the only one still alive from the SEARCH starring cast, it should be the priority of this group to quiz him on these matters rather than fawning over him as the star of the show. A lot of these matters could be completely settled. Richard D. Perez dmanmetz@... wrote: > > I have my own theory on this. I think most importantly, the > producers wanted hit which translates to money in Hollywood. There is > "showbiz" term (which I cannot remember) where an actor has test score > on how well they are received with an audience. His or her > likeability. I think Robert Justin mentioned this in interview about > two years ago. That plays a big part in who they cast. Hugh O'Brian > was already set to play Lockwood and I guess he didn't want to do 23 > shows for a whole season. Also, after long period of time off and > movie career that didn't take off in the late 60's (Cowboy in Africa) > this was his big triumphant return to TV. Since the Probe Pilot was > hit, I'm sure NBC expected a lot from Search. That's when Leslie > Stevens decided to hedge his bets and add two more Probes. > Even though Tony Franciosa was fired from his late 60's critically > acclaimed groundbreaking hit Name of the Game, another three star > rotating series in which Leslie Stevens produced the Franciosa > episodes; he was still big name in Hollywood and force to be reckoned > with. He helped paved the way for Italian American leading men in the > 60's on the big screen and had just missed becoming a movie star > legend. Had he stayed on the road of the early promise (Hateful Rain, > Rio Conchos, and Career) he showed with better movies and more Oscar > caliber performances, his name would mentioned right up there with > Marlon Brando and Paul Newman today. Anyway, he was the star that > received the most attention in Name of Game, which I think was > considered the best show on television at the time, so casting him > seemed to be a no brainier. I liked the Bianco episodes, but sometimes > I got tired of Tony's tough guy act. It seemed like he always went out > of his way to beat somebody up as opposed Lockwood's cool calculating > approach before kicking some a%# or Grover's "Jim Rockford" like > approach of trying get out it. I think he was a little rough and over > the top in his first Search episode "One of our Probe's is Missing", > but I think he settled down in his role for the latter episodes. My > favorite episodes of his were Operation: Iceman, Let us Prey, and the > Clayton Lewis Documents. Don't really know what happen to his career > afterwards. He had a few good roles, but was also in some junk. Did > Franciosa piss off to many people in Hollywood or did he just walk > away from it all. > Although not taken as serious as an actor as O'Brian and > Franciosa, Doug McClure surprised everyone and stole show from James > Drury in NBC's high rated and critically acclaimed The Virginian. The > show, which ran for 9 years, made McClure a star. I think at the time > he was trying to kick his young (even though he was 37 at the time) > sidekick image and pursue mature leading men roles and Search was his > opportunity. Also, Leslie Stevens produced the Doug McClure/ Trampas > episodes for the Virginian's last season under the title of "Men from > Shiloh, which did a rotating wheel of four stars. This probably > explains how McClure was hired for Search. Also, if you look on IMDB, > Doug McClure starred in several popular and critically acclaimed > movies before and after Search. Some, which I would love to see, are > considered early 1970's TV movie gems. Among them: The Birdmen, Terror > in the Sky (Inspired the Airplane movies),The Death of Me Yet (which I > think inspired Kevin Costner's 1987 No Way Out), Playmates, with > MASH's Alan Alda, Shirts/Skins, Death Race, and Satan's Triangle > (which I hear is pretty damn scary to this day). I think with the > failure of Search, McClure went back to what he thought was safe by > being a Cowboy again in the short lived Wild, Wild West rip-off, The > Barbary Coast with Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner. After that, > in my own humble opinion, McClure did nothing but junk. Did McClure > run out of friends in Hollywood or did he just stop caring about t his > career. He and his Virginian co-star James Drury were best friends and > were known in Hollywood for their drinking and partying. Although my > favorite Probe, I think McClure took a little longer than O'Brian and > Franciosa to channel in on his Grover role. > Although Short Circuit is one of my favorites, McClure doesn't > seem 100% comfortable on how to play the role yet. This was an episode > that needed to be about 30 minutes longer with all the running around > Grover does and the as much time as Grover spends in his Corvette, the > projection backdrop while he is driving takes away from realism. I > thought "In Search of Midas" was one of the weakest episodes in the > series. I thought it was silly and that was no real danger was > involved. This is the one they should have held until the end of the > season instead of "The Packagers". "A Honeymoon to Kill" (the one I > remember as a kid) and "The Packagers" are the very best of the Grover > lot. Good stories, action, and Doug has perfected his Grover > character." Numbered for Death" is good, but the new series format > takes away from it. Although it has its moments, "Goddess of > Destruction" just plays flat. The real highlight of "Moment of > Madness" is that it is a Cameron episode with Grover on hand to assist. > I guess the producers were shocked to see that their triple > threat macho, middle aged, romantic leading men, with past hit series > to their names were beat in the ratings by a fat balding non-leading > man who played Matt Dillon on radio, Probe one true enemy......FRANK > CANNON! Well, sorry to ramble on, but I had some time on my hands and > love talking about Search. > > > Chris > > -----Original Message----- > From: Richard D. Perez > To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:53:16 -0500 > Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads > > > Other possible reasons: > > * In the early 70s, rotating dramas were NBC's unique way of > creating multiple sets of hit series, and hedging its bet on > failures. If one failed, you could simply replace one part of the > wheel, rather than the whole thing. I think NBC brass decided to > experiment with rotating leads as they did with THE NAME OF THE > GAME earlier. > * Once decided, the two crews shooting two different episodes makes > sense. Interestling emough, today ER shoots four episodes > simultaneously. > * My original theory that O'Brian did not want to commit to a > regular series, so other leads were brought in. However, this > theory, upon closer examination, does not make sense, since > Franciosa had a reputation for being difficult to work with, and > McClure just did not fir with the concept. I think NBC overly > researched the show and again chose three leads to hedge its bets > against failure. > > Richard D, Perez > Norton, MA > > ronaldheld wrote: > > One answer is that you have three sets of teams filming. If one of > > the shows is late for some reason, one of the other two could fill in > > for it. > > > > > > --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "actingman_jc" > > wrote: > > > > > > Someone who found probecontrol.com wrote to me privately regarding > > the > > > reason for rotating leads. I have no idea, so I put it here in the > > > forum for discussion. > > > > > > -------ORIGINAL MESSAGE------ > > > > > > > > > Your website FAQ has the following entry: > > > > > > Why did the leads change every week? > > > > > > Hugh O'Brian played Lockwood in the pilot. This was his return > > to > > > series tv after a number of years (he was also a part owner of the > > > show.) We don't have any definite sources as to why they decided to > > go > > > with rotating leads for the series, although there was precedent for > > > this. Tony Franciosa starred in the pilot for the Name Of The Game > > > series. When the show went to series, it had three rotating leads, > > and > > > Leslie Stevens worked on the show. He may have liked that set up > > > (which made for a bigger variety of stories and styles) and always > > > intended it for Search. Or it's possible Hugh O'Brian didn't want > > the > > > grind of 12 hour days for 24 straight weeks, or a variety of other > > > possibilities. If anybody out there knows for sure, please let us > > know. > > > > > > > > > It's my understanding that the networks back in the 1970s (I'm > > giving > > > you a lead here to follow-up on, I'm not quoting gospel) operated > > > quite differently (obviously) from how they'd operate today. Back > > > then, it's my understanding that networks needed to diversify their > > > "star power risk" with different actors who were under contract > > with a > > > given network (part of the problem behind the Leslie Stevens > > departure > > > as well). > > > > > > You will see evidence of this with several things that NBC did back > > > then... an example would be the way they rotated MacMillan and Wife, > > > McCloud, Columbo, and Banacek (another set of excellent show, > > > incidentally) in the same manner. > > > > > > This is just another view that I had heard someone mention many > > years > > > ago and never thought anyone would be interested in such a > > factoid... > > > again, it's unsubstantiated, so take with a grain of salt... just > > > passing it along. > > > > > > Again, all the finest! > > > Phil 3670 From: dmanmetz@... Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 4:23pm Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads dmanmetz@... Q SCORE.......THAT"S IT! I sorry that bothers you Rich when so-called true fans get so much incorrect, but this is just an outlet for fun for me. I am in the military and preparing to go on a one year deployment to Iraq in a couple of months. Hopefully we won't lose anymore soldiers when I go "down range". I am tired of going to funerals and putting these kids in ground, so I apologize if I couldn't remember the "Oh so important" term........Q score. Hope I don't get an Article 15 for that. Have fun in the States with your consulting in the media business while I go off and fight a war. :) Chris -----Original Message----- From: Richard D. Perez To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 08:09:21 -0500 Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads Greetings, I am a consultant in the media business. It bothers me that so-called true fans would get so much incorrect in this posting. The 'Hollywood buzzword' is very simple.....it's called a Q score, and it was, and still is used to measure star popularity. I corresponded heavily with Bob Justman, who was one of the principal architects of the Star Trek universe. He is an honest man with a passion for quality television. Unfortunately, Fred Freiberger, recently deceased, was a hack producer best known for making vast changes to Star Trek that caused longtime fans to tune out in the 1960's. His involvement also killed THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN, another long running series. It is not surprising that Freiberger's meddling made a mess of SEARCH. While it is possible Stevens tried to help out his friend Franciosa, who was fired from THE NAME OF THE GAME for his arrogant attitude and inability to show up for shoots on time, thus wasting production money. However, since NBC was having success with the 'wheel' concept, I still suggest it was the network who suggest they try it with SEARCH. McClure's involvement was an effort by the actor to broaden his range, as most casting directors saw him as a'westerns' actor. In this regard, he succeeded, as he went on to play other diverse roles until his death. Since O'Brian is the only one still alive from the SEARCH starring cast, it should be the priority of this group to quiz him on these matters rather than fawning over him as the star of the show. A lot of these matters could be completely settled. Richard D. Perez dmanmetz@... wrote: > > I have my own theory on this. I think most importantly, the > producers wanted hit which translates to money in Hollywood. There is > "showbiz" term (which I cannot remember) where an actor has test score > on how well they are received with an audience. His or her > likeability. I think Robert Justin mentioned this in interview about > two years ago. That plays a big part in who they cast. Hugh O'Brian > was already set to play Lockwood and I guess he didn't want to do 23 > shows for a whole season. Also, after long period of time off and > movie career that didn't take off in the late 60's (Cowboy in Africa) > this was his big triumphant return to TV. Since the Probe Pilot was > hit, I'm sure NBC expected a lot from Search. That's when Leslie > Stevens decided to hedge his bets and add two more Probes. > Even though Tony Franciosa was fired from his late 60's critically > acclaimed groundbreaking hit Name of the Game, another three star > rotating series in which Leslie Stevens produced the Franciosa > episodes; he was still big name in Hollywood and force to be reckoned > with. He helped paved the way for Italian American leading men in the > 60's on the big screen and had just missed becoming a movie star > legend. Had he stayed on the road of the early promise (Hateful Rain, > Rio Conchos, and Career) he showed with better movies and more Oscar > caliber performances, his name would mentioned right up there with > Marlon Brando and Paul Newman today. Anyway, he was the star that > received the most attention in Name of Game, which I think was > considered the best show on television at the time, so casting him > seemed to be a no brainier. I liked the Bianco episodes, but sometimes > I got tired of Tony's tough guy act. It seemed like he always went out > of his way to beat somebody up as opposed Lockwood's cool calculating > approach before kicking some a%# or Grover's "Jim Rockford" like > approach of trying get out it. I think he was a little rough and over > the top in his first Search episode "One of our Probe's is Missing", > but I think he settled down in his role for the latter episodes. My > favorite episodes of his were Operation: Iceman, Let us Prey, and the > Clayton Lewis Documents. Don't really know what happen to his career > afterwards. He had a few good roles, but was also in some junk. Did > Franciosa piss off to many people in Hollywood or did he just walk > away from it all. > Although not taken as serious as an actor as O'Brian and > Franciosa, Doug McClure surprised everyone and stole show from James > Drury in NBC's high rated and critically acclaimed The Virginian. The > show, which ran for 9 years, made McClure a star. I think at the time > he was trying to kick his young (even though he was 37 at the time) > sidekick image and pursue mature leading men roles and Search was his > opportunity. Also, Leslie Stevens produced the Doug McClure/ Trampas > episodes for the Virginian's last season under the title of "Men from > Shiloh, which did a rotating wheel of four stars. This probably > explains how McClure was hired for Search. Also, if you look on IMDB, > Doug McClure starred in several popular and critically acclaimed > movies before and after Search. Some, which I would love to see, are > considered early 1970's TV movie gems. Among them: The Birdmen, Terror > in the Sky (Inspired the Airplane movies),The Death of Me Yet (which I > think inspired Kevin Costner's 1987 No Way Out), Playmates, with > MASH's Alan Alda, Shirts/Skins, Death Race, and Satan's Triangle > (which I hear is pretty damn scary to this day). I think with the > failure of Search, McClure went back to what he thought was safe by > being a Cowboy again in the short lived Wild, Wild West rip-off, The > Barbary Coast with Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner. After that, > in my own humble opinion, McClure did nothing but junk. Did McClure > run out of friends in Hollywood or did he just stop caring about t his > career. He and his Virginian co-star James Drury were best friends and > were known in Hollywood for their drinking and partying. Although my > favorite Probe, I think McClure took a little longer than O'Brian and > Franciosa to channel in on his Grover role. > Although Short Circuit is one of my favorites, McClure doesn't > seem 100% comfortable on how to play the role yet. This was an episode > that needed to be about 30 minutes longer with all the running around > Grover does and the as much time as Grover spends in his Corvette, the > projection backdrop while he is driving takes away from realism. I > thought "In Search of Midas" was one of the weakest episodes in the > series. I thought it was silly and that was no real danger was > involved. This is the one they should have held until the end of the > season instead of "The Packagers". "A Honeymoon to Kill" (the one I > remember as a kid) and "The Packagers" are the very best of the Grover > lot. Good stories, action, and Doug has perfected his Grover > character." Numbered for Death" is good, but the new series format > takes away from it. Although it has its moments, "Goddess of > Destruction" just plays flat. The real highlight of "Moment of > Madness" is that it is a Cameron episode with Grover on hand to assist. > I guess the producers were shocked to see that their triple > threat macho, middle aged, romantic leading men, with past hit series > to their names were beat in the ratings by a fat balding non-leading > man who played Matt Dillon on radio, Probe one true enemy......FRANK > CANNON! Well, sorry to ramble on, but I had some time on my hands and > love talking about Search. > > > Chris > > -----Original Message----- > From: Richard D. Perez > To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:53:16 -0500 > Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads > > > Other possible reasons: > > * In the early 70s, rotating dramas were NBC's unique way of > creating multiple sets of hit series, and hedging its bet on > failures. If one failed, you could simply replace one part of the > wheel, rather than the whole thing. I think NBC brass decided to > experiment with rotating leads as they did with THE NAME OF THE > GAME earlier. > * Once decided, the two crews shooting two different episodes makes > sense. Interestling emough, today ER shoots four episodes > simultaneously. > * My original theory that O'Brian did not want to commit to a > regular series, so other leads were brought in. However, this > theory, upon closer examination, does not make sense, since > Franciosa had a reputation for being difficult to work with, and > McClure just did not fir with the concept. I think NBC overly > researched the show and again chose three leads to hedge its bets > against failure. > > Richard D, Perez > Norton, MA > > ronaldheld wrote: > > One answer is that you have three sets of teams filming. If one of > > the shows is late for some reason, one of the other two could fill in > > for it. > > > > > > --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "actingman_jc" > > wrote: > > > > > > Someone who found probecontrol.com wrote to me privately regarding > > the > > > reason for rotating leads. I have no idea, so I put it here in the > > > forum for discussion. > > > > > > -------ORIGINAL MESSAGE------ > > > > > > > > > Your website FAQ has the following entry: > > > > > > Why did the leads change every week? > > > > > > Hugh O'Brian played Lockwood in the pilot. This was his return > > to > > > series tv after a number of years (he was also a part owner of the > > > show.) We don't have any definite sources as to why they decided to > > go > > > with rotating leads for the series, although there was precedent for > > > this. Tony Franciosa starred in the pilot for the Name Of The Game > > > series. When the show went to series, it had three rotating leads, > > and > > > Leslie Stevens worked on the show. He may have liked that set up > > > (which made for a bigger variety of stories and styles) and always > > > intended it for Search. Or it's possible Hugh O'Brian didn't want > > the > > > grind of 12 hour days for 24 straight weeks, or a variety of other > > > possibilities. If anybody out there knows for sure, please let us > > know. > > > > > > > > > It's my understanding that the networks back in the 1970s (I'm > > giving > > > you a lead here to follow-up on, I'm not quoting gospel) operated > > > quite differently (obviously) from how they'd operate today. Back > > > then, it's my understanding that networks needed to diversify their > > > "star power risk" with different actors who were under contract > > with a > > > given network (part of the problem behind the Leslie Stevens > > departure > > > as well). > > > > > > You will see evidence of this with several things that NBC did back > > > then... an example would be the way they rotated MacMillan and Wife, > > > McCloud, Columbo, and Banacek (another set of excellent show, > > > incidentally) in the same manner. > > > > > > This is just another view that I had heard someone mention many > > years > > > ago and never thought anyone would be interested in such a > > factoid... > > > again, it's unsubstantiated, so take with a grain of salt... just > > > passing it along. > > > > > > Again, all the finest! > > > Phil 3671 From: Brooks Cook Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 4:29pm Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads brooksatphoenix On Mar 22, 2006, at 11:23 AM, dmanmetz@... wrote: > Q SCORE.......THAT"S IT! I sorry that bothers you Rich when so- > called true fans get so much incorrect, but this is just an outlet > for fun for me. I am in the military and preparing to go on a one > year deployment to Iraq in a couple of months. Hopefully we won't > lose anymore soldiers when I go "down range". I am tired of going > to funerals and putting these kids in ground, so I apologize if I > couldn't remember the "Oh so important" term........Q score. Hope I > don't get an Article 15 for that. Have fun in the States with your > consulting in the media business while I go off and fight a war. :) > > Chris WELL DONE, CHRIS! As I read his response, I was like "Yikes! This cat seems a might salty here. We're just just a bunch of fans havin' some fun..." Dude, GOOD LUCK with that!!! Sort of puts all of our stateside problems in a wee bit of proper perspective. By the time you get back, the entire SEARCH Yahoo Group will have grilled Mr. O'Brian extensively (having rigged him up to the latest lie detector machine) and have all his answers in alphabetical order. Hopefully, that will suffice. Take care, Chris! Brooks 3672 From: actingman@... Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 6:19pm Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads actingman_jc I dunno...I hope you do get a few Article 15's...then maybe they won't send you over there. One aspect about Fred Freiberger that I want to address here attached to your message Chris, after Richard brought his name into it (and I wrote this on a Space:1999 mailing list): I learned only after FF's passing that he flew bomber missions over Germany in WWII, and he was shot down, and he was a prisoner of war. So I regret that I was never in his lifetime able to thank him for his service to this country. And so I now always refer to him as "Mr. Freiberger." And Chris, I thank you for your service. This list should be the last thing on your mind over there, but if you wish, please drop us a line when you can. -----Original Message----- >From: dmanmetz@... >Sent: Mar 22, 2006 11:23 AM >To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com >Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads > > Q SCORE.......THAT"S IT! I sorry that bothers you Rich when so-called true fans get so much incorrect, but this is just an outlet for fun for me. I am in the military and preparing to go on a one year deployment to Iraq in a couple of months. Hopefully we won't lose anymore soldiers when I go "down range". I am tired of going to funerals and putting these kids in ground, so I apologize if I couldn't remember the "Oh so important" term........Q score. Hope I don't get an Article 15 for that. Have fun in the States with your consulting in the media business while I go off and fight a war. :) > >Chris > >-----Original Message----- >From: Richard D. Perez >To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com >Sent: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 08:09:21 -0500 >Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads > > >Greetings, > >I am a consultant in the media business. It bothers me that so-called >true fans would get so much incorrect in this posting. The 'Hollywood >buzzword' is very simple.....it's called a Q score, and it was, and >still is used to measure star popularity. > >I corresponded heavily with Bob Justman, who was one of the principal >architects of the Star Trek universe. He is an honest man with a passion >for quality television. > >Unfortunately, Fred Freiberger, recently deceased, was a hack producer >best known for making vast changes to Star Trek that caused longtime >fans to tune out in the 1960's. His involvement also killed THE SIX >MILLION DOLLAR MAN, another long running series. It is not surprising >that Freiberger's meddling made a mess of SEARCH. > >While it is possible Stevens tried to help out his friend Franciosa, who >was fired from THE NAME OF THE GAME for his arrogant attitude and >inability to show up for shoots on time, thus wasting production money. >However, since NBC was having success with the 'wheel' concept, I still >suggest it was the network who suggest they try it with SEARCH. > >McClure's involvement was an effort by the actor to broaden his range, >as most casting directors saw him as a'westerns' actor. In this regard, >he succeeded, as he went on to play other diverse roles until his death. > >Since O'Brian is the only one still alive from the SEARCH starring cast, >it should be the priority of this group to quiz him on these matters >rather than fawning over him as the star of the show. A lot of these >matters could be completely settled. > >Richard D. Perez 3673 From: Brooks Cook Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 6:27pm Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads brooksatphoenix On Mar 22, 2006, at 1:19 PM, actingman@... wrote: > > This list should be the last thing on your mind over there, but if > you wish, please drop us a line when you can. Agreed, Actingman! Chris, if you can - please do. 3674 From: "Richard D. Perez" Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 6:38pm Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads rperez1025 Well, it is admirable that Freiberger served our country, but whatever damage they did to him as a POW obviously affected his work. He is credited with destroying some really great programs, SPACE: 1999 being another. The changes he made caused the show to become unwatchable. Richard D. Perez PS, as a Proud Republican living in a Very Blue State, I also salute all servicemen who are making this world safer by wiping out terrorists. actingman@... wrote: > I dunno...I hope you do get a few Article 15's...then maybe they won't > send you over there. > > One aspect about Fred Freiberger that I want to address here attached > to your message Chris, after Richard brought his name into it (and I > wrote this on a Space:1999 mailing list): I learned only after FF's > passing that he flew bomber missions over Germany in WWII, and he was > shot down, and he was a prisoner of war. > > So I regret that I was never in his lifetime able to thank him for his > service to this country. > > And so I now always refer to him as "Mr. Freiberger." > > And Chris, I thank you for your service. > > This list should be the last thing on your mind over there, but if you > wish, please drop us a line when you can. > > -----Original Message----- > >From: dmanmetz@... > >Sent: Mar 22, 2006 11:23 AM > >To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com > >Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads > > > > Q SCORE.......THAT"S IT! I sorry that bothers you Rich when > so-called true fans get so much incorrect, but this is just an outlet > for fun for me. I am in the military and preparing to go on a one > year deployment to Iraq in a couple of months. Hopefully we won't > lose anymore soldiers when I go "down range". I am tired of going to > funerals and putting these kids in ground, so I apologize if I > couldn't remember the "Oh so important" term........Q score. Hope I > don't get an Article 15 for that. Have fun in the States with your > consulting in the media business while I go off and fight a war. :) > > > >Chris > > > >-----Original Message----- > >From: Richard D. Perez > >To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com > >Sent: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 08:09:21 -0500 > >Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads > > > > > >Greetings, > > > >I am a consultant in the media business. It bothers me that so-called > >true fans would get so much incorrect in this posting. The 'Hollywood > >buzzword' is very simple.....it's called a Q score, and it was, and > >still is used to measure star popularity. > > > >I corresponded heavily with Bob Justman, who was one of the principal > >architects of the Star Trek universe. He is an honest man with a passion > >for quality television. > > > >Unfortunately, Fred Freiberger, recently deceased, was a hack producer > >best known for making vast changes to Star Trek that caused longtime > >fans to tune out in the 1960's. His involvement also killed THE SIX > >MILLION DOLLAR MAN, another long running series. It is not surprising > >that Freiberger's meddling made a mess of SEARCH. > > > >While it is possible Stevens tried to help out his friend Franciosa, who > >was fired from THE NAME OF THE GAME for his arrogant attitude and > >inability to show up for shoots on time, thus wasting production money. > >However, since NBC was having success with the 'wheel' concept, I still > >suggest it was the network who suggest they try it with SEARCH. > > > >McClure's involvement was an effort by the actor to broaden his range, > >as most casting directors saw him as a'westerns' actor. In this regard, > >he succeeded, as he went on to play other diverse roles until his death. > > > >Since O'Brian is the only one still alive from the SEARCH starring cast, > >it should be the priority of this group to quiz him on these matters > >rather than fawning over him as the star of the show. A lot of these > >matters could be completely settled. > > > >Richard D. Perez 3675 From: actingman@... Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 6:56pm Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads actingman_jc Speaking of getting something "incorrect in this posting": Why do you bring up Fred Freiberger? He had NO involvement in Search whatsoever...unless Mr. Justman told you something about his being an uncredited consultant to the show that the rest of us have never heard about up until now. And can we have some equal criticism for Mr. Roddenberry, who basically bailed on Trek for the third season because he didn't feel it was worth the effort with a Friday night 10pm time slot? (And though this isn't the forum for it...although I don't mind off-topic discussions on other shows...I've read lots of critical discussion suggesting that Trek started to decline in it's second season...so I reject the all Freiberger all the time blame.) And I get so tired about the Six Million Dollar Man reference. I for one bailed on that show long before Mr. Freiberger took over the final season...in fact I did not know until years later that he had joined the show. If I had known that, I would have watched that final season. (I had also bailed on Bionic Woman at the same time...only having watched the first couple of episodes when it moved to NBC to see what changes would occur.) I do applaud you Richard for not bringing up Wild Wild West as some mistakenly do...since he actually worked the first season of that show, and therefore would be entitled to that as a "win" in his column since that show ran 4 years...if we are going to score in that fashion. I have never been able to decide on FF in my own mind. I know the pros and cons on his work. I have never understood the anger though, that some people express towards him. Maybe he would have been a better fit in Irwin Allen's company...but that never happened. For every show that Mr. Freiberger worked on, there was an executive producer who hired him...and knew what they were getting...and let him have his way. -----Original Message----- >From: "Richard D. Perez" >Sent: Mar 22, 2006 8:09 AM >To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com >Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads > >Greetings, > >I am a consultant in the media business. It bothers me that so-called >true fans would get so much incorrect in this posting. The 'Hollywood >buzzword' is very simple.....it's called a Q score, and it was, and >still is used to measure star popularity. > >I corresponded heavily with Bob Justman, who was one of the principal >architects of the Star Trek universe. He is an honest man with a passion >for quality television. > >Unfortunately, Fred Freiberger, recently deceased, was a hack producer >best known for making vast changes to Star Trek that caused longtime >fans to tune out in the 1960's. His involvement also killed THE SIX >MILLION DOLLAR MAN, another long running series. It is not surprising >that Freiberger's meddling made a mess of SEARCH. > >While it is possible Stevens tried to help out his friend Franciosa, who >was fired from THE NAME OF THE GAME for his arrogant attitude and >inability to show up for shoots on time, thus wasting production money. >However, since NBC was having success with the 'wheel' concept, I still >suggest it was the network who suggest they try it with SEARCH. > >McClure's involvement was an effort by the actor to broaden his range, >as most casting directors saw him as a'westerns' actor. In this regard, >he succeeded, as he went on to play other diverse roles until his death. > >Since O'Brian is the only one still alive from the SEARCH starring cast, >it should be the priority of this group to quiz him on these matters >rather than fawning over him as the star of the show. A lot of these >matters could be completely settled. > >Richard D. Perez > >dmanmetz@... wrote: >> >> I have my own theory on this. I think most importantly, the >> producers wanted hit which translates to money in Hollywood. There is >> "showbiz" term (which I cannot remember) where an actor has test score >> on how well they are received with an audience. His or her >> likeability. I think Robert Justin mentioned this in interview about >> two years ago. That plays a big part in who they cast. Hugh O'Brian >> was already set to play Lockwood and I guess he didn't want to do 23 >> shows for a whole season. Also, after long period of time off and >> movie career that didn't take off in the late 60's (Cowboy in Africa) >> this was his big triumphant return to TV. Since the Probe Pilot was >> hit, I'm sure NBC expected a lot from Search. That's when Leslie >> Stevens decided to hedge his bets and add two more Probes. >> Even though Tony Franciosa was fired from his late 60's critically >> acclaimed groundbreaking hit Name of the Game, another three star >> rotating series in which Leslie Stevens produced the Franciosa >> episodes; he was still big name in Hollywood and force to be reckoned >> with. He helped paved the way for Italian American leading men in the >> 60's on the big screen and had just missed becoming a movie star >> legend. Had he stayed on the road of the early promise (Hateful Rain, >> Rio Conchos, and Career) he showed with better movies and more Oscar >> caliber performances, his name would mentioned right up there with >> Marlon Brando and Paul Newman today. Anyway, he was the star that >> received the most attention in Name of Game, which I think was >> considered the best show on television at the time, so casting him >> seemed to be a no brainier. I liked the Bianco episodes, but sometimes >> I got tired of Tony's tough guy act. It seemed like he always went out >> of his way to beat somebody up as opposed Lockwood's cool calculating >> approach before kicking some a%# or Grover's "Jim Rockford" like >> approach of trying get out it. I think he was a little rough and over >> the top in his first Search episode "One of our Probe's is Missing", >> but I think he settled down in his role for the latter episodes. My >> favorite episodes of his were Operation: Iceman, Let us Prey, and the >> Clayton Lewis Documents. Don't really know what happen to his career >> afterwards. He had a few good roles, but was also in some junk. Did >> Franciosa piss off to many people in Hollywood or did he just walk >> away from it all. >> Although not taken as serious as an actor as O'Brian and >> Franciosa, Doug McClure surprised everyone and stole show from James >> Drury in NBC's high rated and critically acclaimed The Virginian. The >> show, which ran for 9 years, made McClure a star. I think at the time >> he was trying to kick his young (even though he was 37 at the time) >> sidekick image and pursue mature leading men roles and Search was his >> opportunity. Also, Leslie Stevens produced the Doug McClure/ Trampas >> episodes for the Virginian's last season under the title of "Men from >> Shiloh, which did a rotating wheel of four stars. This probably >> explains how McClure was hired for Search. Also, if you look on IMDB, >> Doug McClure starred in several popular and critically acclaimed >> movies before and after Search. Some, which I would love to see, are >> considered early 1970's TV movie gems. Among them: The Birdmen, Terror >> in the Sky (Inspired the Airplane movies),The Death of Me Yet (which I >> think inspired Kevin Costner's 1987 No Way Out), Playmates, with >> MASH's Alan Alda, Shirts/Skins, Death Race, and Satan's Triangle >> (which I hear is pretty damn scary to this day). I think with the >> failure of Search, McClure went back to what he thought was safe by >> being a Cowboy again in the short lived Wild, Wild West rip-off, The >> Barbary Coast with Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner. After that, >> in my own humble opinion, McClure did nothing but junk. Did McClure >> run out of friends in Hollywood or did he just stop caring about t his >> career. He and his Virginian co-star James Drury were best friends and >> were known in Hollywood for their drinking and partying. Although my >> favorite Probe, I think McClure took a little longer than O'Brian and >> Franciosa to channel in on his Grover role. >> Although Short Circuit is one of my favorites, McClure doesn't >> seem 100% comfortable on how to play the role yet. This was an episode >> that needed to be about 30 minutes longer with all the running around >> Grover does and the as much time as Grover spends in his Corvette, the >> projection backdrop while he is driving takes away from realism. I >> thought "In Search of Midas" was one of the weakest episodes in the >> series. I thought it was silly and that was no real danger was >> involved. This is the one they should have held until the end of the >> season instead of "The Packagers". "A Honeymoon to Kill" (the one I >> remember as a kid) and "The Packagers" are the very best of the Grover >> lot. Good stories, action, and Doug has perfected his Grover >> character." Numbered for Death" is good, but the new series format >> takes away from it. Although it has its moments, "Goddess of >> Destruction" just plays flat. The real highlight of "Moment of >> Madness" is that it is a Cameron episode with Grover on hand to assist. >> I guess the producers were shocked to see that their triple >> threat macho, middle aged, romantic leading men, with past hit series >> to their names were beat in the ratings by a fat balding non-leading >> man who played Matt Dillon on radio, Probe one true enemy......FRANK >> CANNON! Well, sorry to ramble on, but I had some time on my hands and >> love talking about Search. >> >> >> Chris >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Richard D. Perez >> To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com >> Sent: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:53:16 -0500 >> Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads >> >> >> Other possible reasons: >> >> * In the early 70s, rotating dramas were NBC's unique way of >> creating multiple sets of hit series, and hedging its bet on >> failures. If one failed, you could simply replace one part of the >> wheel, rather than the whole thing. I think NBC brass decided to >> experiment with rotating leads as they did with THE NAME OF THE >> GAME earlier. >> * Once decided, the two crews shooting two different episodes makes >> sense. Interestling emough, today ER shoots four episodes >> simultaneously. >> * My original theory that O'Brian did not want to commit to a >> regular series, so other leads were brought in. However, this >> theory, upon closer examination, does not make sense, since >> Franciosa had a reputation for being difficult to work with, and >> McClure just did not fir with the concept. I think NBC overly >> researched the show and again chose three leads to hedge its bets >> against failure. >> >> Richard D, Perez >> Norton, MA >> >> ronaldheld wrote: >> > One answer is that you have three sets of teams filming. If one of >> > the shows is late for some reason, one of the other two could fill in >> > for it. >> > >> > >> > --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "actingman_jc" >> > wrote: >> > > >> > > Someone who found probecontrol.com wrote to me privately regarding >> > the >> > > reason for rotating leads. I have no idea, so I put it here in the >> > > forum for discussion. >> > > >> > > -------ORIGINAL MESSAGE------ >> > > >> > > >> > > Your website FAQ has the following entry: >> > > >> > > Why did the leads change every week? >> > > >> > > Hugh O'Brian played Lockwood in the pilot. This was his return >> > to >> > > series tv after a number of years (he was also a part owner of the >> > > show.) We don't have any definite sources as to why they decided to >> > go >> > > with rotating leads for the series, although there was precedent for >> > > this. Tony Franciosa starred in the pilot for the Name Of The Game >> > > series. When the show went to series, it had three rotating leads, >> > and >> > > Leslie Stevens worked on the show. He may have liked that set up >> > > (which made for a bigger variety of stories and styles) and always >> > > intended it for Search. Or it's possible Hugh O'Brian didn't want >> > the >> > > grind of 12 hour days for 24 straight weeks, or a variety of other >> > > possibilities. If anybody out there knows for sure, please let us >> > know. >> > > >> > > >> > > It's my understanding that the networks back in the 1970s (I'm >> > giving >> > > you a lead here to follow-up on, I'm not quoting gospel) operated >> > > quite differently (obviously) from how they'd operate today. Back >> > > then, it's my understanding that networks needed to diversify their >> > > "star power risk" with different actors who were under contract >> > with a >> > > given network (part of the problem behind the Leslie Stevens >> > departure >> > > as well). >> > > >> > > You will see evidence of this with several things that NBC did back >> > > then... an example would be the way they rotated MacMillan and Wife, >> > > McCloud, Columbo, and Banacek (another set of excellent show, >> > > incidentally) in the same manner. >> > > >> > > This is just another view that I had heard someone mention many >> > years >> > > ago and never thought anyone would be interested in such a >> > factoid... >> > > again, it's unsubstantiated, so take with a grain of salt... just >> > > passing it along. >> > > >> > > Again, all the finest! >> > > Phil 3676 From: Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 8:58pm Subject: OT: IT TAKES A THIEF Major Motion Picture probecontrol Weren't we talking about how cool this would be not too long ago? Looks like it's come to pass. Looks like Smith will be playing his *second* 60's TV icon (after James West). ;) Jim Alexander ==================== From tvguide.com: AT THE MOVIES: Per Variety, Will Smith is now committed to star as a CIA-recruited professional pinch in a big-screen adaptation of the Robert Wagner-fronted TV series It Takes a Thief.... 3677 From: "Richard D. Perez" Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 9:01pm Subject: Re: OT: IT TAKES A THIEF Major Motion Picture rperez1025 It will be terrible, just as WWW was. This may upset some people, but I am very tired of the trend to 'niggerize' or 'gayify' good TV programs. Has it now become a sin to cast a white straight guy in the lead in a TV remake? I won't waste my money...... probecontrol@... wrote: > Weren't we talking about how cool this would be not too long > ago? Looks like it's come to pass. Looks like Smith will be > playing his *second* 60's TV icon (after James West). ;) > > Jim Alexander > > ==================== > > >From tvguide.com: > > AT THE MOVIES: Per Variety, Will Smith is now committed to > star as a CIA-recruited professional pinch in a big-screen > adaptation of the Robert Wagner-fronted TV series It Takes a > Thief.... 3678 From: dmanmetz@... Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 10:56pm Subject: Re: OT: IT TAKES A THIEF Major Motion Picture dmanmetz@... Send Email Rich, YOU ARE A PIECE OF WORK. Although I agree that casting Will Smith is probably not the right choice, I totally disagree with your racist remarks, which has turned my stomach. As an African American who has been servicing his country for 12 years, I take personnal offense to your term "niggerize". Hollywood just decided to cast a black actor in the lead. It may or may not work. Michael Keaton proved them wrong in Batman and Battlestar Galatica fans have excepted a female Starbuck. So, I guess to make my point loud and clear, I really enjoy this site, the show, and the people on it, so how about doing all of us a favor and keep your personnel hang ups to yourself. Chris -----Original Message----- From: Richard D. Perez To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 16:01:48 -0500 Subject: Re: [probe_control] OT: IT TAKES A THIEF Major Motion Picture It will be terrible, just as WWW was. This may upset some people, but I am very tired of the trend to 'niggerize' or 'gayify' good TV programs. Has it now become a sin to cast a white straight guy in the lead in a TV remake? I won't waste my money...... probecontrol@... wrote: > Weren't we talking about how cool this would be not too long > ago? Looks like it's come to pass. Looks like Smith will be > playing his *second* 60's TV icon (after James West). ;) > > Jim Alexander > > ==================== > > >From tvguide.com: > > AT THE MOVIES: Per Variety, Will Smith is now committed to > star as a CIA-recruited professional pinch in a big-screen > adaptation of the Robert Wagner-fronted TV series It Takes a > Thief.... 3679 From: dmanmetz@... Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 11:02pm Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads dmanmetz@... Thanks, glad you liked it. Almost forgot what the whole point to all this was. (LOL) Chris -----Original Message----- From: Brooks Cook To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 09:41:16 -0500 Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads Wow Chris - that was very interesting, well written stuff! I laughed out loud with your "SEARCH's most unbeatable villian, Frank Cannon" stuff! Thanks! Brooks On Mar 21, 2006, at 11:46 PM, dmanmetz@... wrote: > > I have my own theory on this. I think most importantly, the > producers wanted hit which translates to money in Hollywood. There > is "showbiz" term (which I cannot remember) where an actor has test > score on how well they are received with an audience. His or her > likeability. I think Robert Justin mentioned this in interview > about two years ago. That plays a big part in who they cast. Hugh > O'Brian was already set to play Lockwood and I guess he didn't want > to do 23 shows for a whole season. Also, after long period of time > off and movie career that didn't take off in the late 60's (Cowboy > in Africa) this was his big triumphant return to TV. Since the > Probe Pilot was hit, I'm sure NBC expected a lot from Search. > That's when Leslie Stevens decided to hedge his bets and add two > more Probes. > Even though Tony Franciosa was fired from his late 60's > critically acclaimed groundbreaking hit Name of the Game, another > three star rotating series in which Leslie Stevens produced the > Franciosa episodes; he was still big name in Hollywood and force to > be reckoned with. He helped paved the way for Italian American > leading men in the 60's on the big screen and had just missed > becoming a movie star legend. Had he stayed on the road of the > early promise (Hateful Rain, Rio Conchos, and Career) he showed > with better movies and more Oscar caliber performances, his name > would mentioned right up there with Marlon Brando and Paul Newman > today. Anyway, he was the star that received the most attention in > Name of Game, which I think was considered the best show on > television at the time, so casting him seemed to be a no brainier. > I liked the Bianco episodes, but sometimes I got tired of Tony's > tough guy act. It seemed like he always went out of his way to beat > somebody up as opposed Lockwood's cool calculating approach before > kicking some a%# or Grover's "Jim Rockford" like approach of trying > get out it. I think he was a little rough and over the top in his > first Search episode "One of our Probe's is Missing", but I think > he settled down in his role for the latter episodes. My favorite > episodes of his were Operation: Iceman, Let us Prey, and the > Clayton Lewis Documents. Don't really know what happen to his > career afterwards. He had a few good roles, but was also in some > junk. Did Franciosa piss off to many people in Hollywood or did he > just walk away from it all. > Although not taken as serious as an actor as O'Brian and > Franciosa, Doug McClure surprised everyone and stole show from > James Drury in NBC's high rated and critically acclaimed The > Virginian. The show, which ran for 9 years, made McClure a star. I > think at the time he was trying to kick his young (even though he > was 37 at the time) sidekick image and pursue mature leading men > roles and Search was his opportunity. Also, Leslie Stevens produced > the Doug McClure/ Trampas episodes for the Virginian's last season > under the title of "Men from Shiloh, which did a rotating wheel of > four stars. This probably explains how McClure was hired for > Search. Also, if you look on IMDB, Doug McClure starred in several > popular and critically acclaimed movies before and after Search. > Some, which I would love to see, are considered early 1970's TV > movie gems. Among them: The Birdmen, Terror in the Sky (Inspired > the Airplane movies),The Death of Me Yet (which I think inspired > Kevin Costner's 1987 No Way Out), Playmates, with MASH's Alan Alda, > Shirts/Skins, Death Race, and Satan's Triangle (which I hear is > pretty damn scary to this day). I think with the failure of Search, > McClure went back to what he thought was safe by being a Cowboy > again in the short lived Wild, Wild West rip-off, The Barbary Coast > with Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner. After that, in my own > humble opinion, McClure did nothing but junk. Did McClure run out > of friends in Hollywood or did he just stop caring about t his > career. He and his Virginian co-star James Drury were best friends > and were known in Hollywood for their drinking and partying. > Although my favorite Probe, I think McClure took a little longer > than O'Brian and Franciosa to channel in on his Grover role. > Although Short Circuit is one of my favorites, McClure doesn't > seem 100% comfortable on how to play the role yet. This was an > episode that needed to be about 30 minutes longer with all the > running around Grover does and the as much time as Grover spends in > his Corvette, the projection backdrop while he is driving takes > away from realism. I thought "In Search of Midas" was one of the > weakest episodes in the series. I thought it was silly and that was > no real danger was involved. This is the one they should have held > until the end of the season instead of "The Packagers". "A > Honeymoon to Kill" (the one I remember as a kid) and "The > Packagers" are the very best of the Grover lot. Good stories, > action, and Doug has perfected his Grover character." Numbered for > Death" is good, but the new series format takes away from it. > Although it has its moments, "Goddess of Destruction" just plays > flat. The real highlight of "Moment of Madness" is that it is a > Cameron episode with Grover on hand to assist. > I guess the producers were shocked to see that their triple > threat macho, middle aged, romantic leading men, with past hit > series to their names were beat in the ratings by a fat balding non- > leading man who played Matt Dillon on radio, Probe one true > enemy......FRANK CANNON! Well, sorry to ramble on, but I had some > time on my hands and love talking about Search. > > > Chris > > -----Original Message----- > From: Richard D. Perez > To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:53:16 -0500 > Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads > > > Other possible reasons: > > * In the early 70s, rotating dramas were NBC's unique way of > creating multiple sets of hit series, and hedging its bet on > failures. If one failed, you could simply replace one part of > the > wheel, rather than the whole thing. I think NBC brass decided to > experiment with rotating leads as they did with THE NAME OF THE > GAME earlier. > * Once decided, the two crews shooting two different episodes > makes > sense. Interestling emough, today ER shoots four episodes > simultaneously. > * My original theory that O'Brian did not want to commit to a > regular series, so other leads were brought in. However, this > theory, upon closer examination, does not make sense, since > Franciosa had a reputation for being difficult to work with, and > McClure just did not fir with the concept. I think NBC overly > researched the show and again chose three leads to hedge its > bets > against failure. > > Richard D, Perez > Norton, MA > > ronaldheld wrote: >> One answer is that you have three sets of teams filming. If one of >> the shows is late for some reason, one of the other two could fill in >> for it. >> >> >> --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "actingman_jc" >> wrote: >>> >>> Someone who found probecontrol.com wrote to me privately regarding >> the >>> reason for rotating leads. I have no idea, so I put it here in the >>> forum for discussion. >>> >>> -------ORIGINAL MESSAGE------ >>> >>> >>> Your website FAQ has the following entry: >>> >>> Why did the leads change every week? >>> >>> Hugh O'Brian played Lockwood in the pilot. This was his return >> to >>> series tv after a number of years (he was also a part owner of the >>> show.) We don't have any definite sources as to why they decided to >> go >>> with rotating leads for the series, although there was precedent for >>> this. Tony Franciosa starred in the pilot for the Name Of The Game >>> series. When the show went to series, it had three rotating leads, >> and >>> Leslie Stevens worked on the show. He may have liked that set up >>> (which made for a bigger variety of stories and styles) and always >>> intended it for Search. Or it's possible Hugh O'Brian didn't want >> the >>> grind of 12 hour days for 24 straight weeks, or a variety of other >>> possibilities. If anybody out there knows for sure, please let us >> know. >>> >>> >>> It's my understanding that the networks back in the 1970s (I'm >> giving >>> you a lead here to follow-up on, I'm not quoting gospel) operated >>> quite differently (obviously) from how they'd operate today. Back >>> then, it's my understanding that networks needed to diversify their >>> "star power risk" with different actors who were under contract >> with a >>> given network (part of the problem behind the Leslie Stevens >> departure >>> as well). >>> >>> You will see evidence of this with several things that NBC did back >>> then... an example would be the way they rotated MacMillan and Wife, >>> McCloud, Columbo, and Banacek (another set of excellent show, >>> incidentally) in the same manner. >>> >>> This is just another view that I had heard someone mention many >> years >>> ago and never thought anyone would be interested in such a >> factoid... >>> again, it's unsubstantiated, so take with a grain of salt... just >>> passing it along. >>> >>> Again, all the finest! >>> Phil 3680 From: dmanmetz@... Date: Wed Mar 22, 2006 11:13pm Subject: Re: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads dmanmetz@... Thanks for the support Brooks. Chris -----Original Message----- From: Brooks Cook To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 11:29:27 -0500 Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads On Mar 22, 2006, at 11:23 AM, dmanmetz@... wrote: > Q SCORE.......THAT"S IT! I sorry that bothers you Rich when so- > called true fans get so much incorrect, but this is just an outlet > for fun for me. I am in the military and preparing to go on a one > year deployment to Iraq in a couple of months. Hopefully we won't > lose anymore soldiers when I go "down range". I am tired of going > to funerals and putting these kids in ground, so I apologize if I > couldn't remember the "Oh so important" term........Q score. Hope I > don't get an Article 15 for that. Have fun in the States with your > consulting in the media business while I go off and fight a war. :) > > Chris WELL DONE, CHRIS! As I read his response, I was like "Yikes! This cat seems a might salty here. We're just just a bunch of fans havin' some fun..." Dude, GOOD LUCK with that!!! Sort of puts all of our stateside problems in a wee bit of proper perspective. By the time you get back, the entire SEARCH Yahoo Group will have grilled Mr. O'Brian extensively (having rigged him up to the latest lie detector machine) and have all his answers in alphabetical order. Hopefully, that will suffice. Take care, Chris! Brooks 3681 From: "Anthony" Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 0:09am Subject: Re: In Memoriam--Tony Franciosa (1928-2006) fusillade2000 I don't post here often, but wanted to get around to this. Not too much more that could be said that hasn't already, perhaps a couple of points. One particularly relevant here was again the lack of mention of SEARCH on some of the obituaries. Yes, it was only on for the one season and TF was only 1 of 3 leads (and unlike NAME OF THE GAME he wasn't even in the pilot). Still, SEARCH seems to be remembered fondly by many, and not only those on this board. One instance IIRC is that even a "dead pool" (stiffs.com) had complimentary talk of the series with a note that now only 1 of the 3 leads (Hugh O'B) is left (the same could be said for NOTG). Another thing, (IMO) too much space in those death notices was spent recounting TF's "temper." While it's very likely true that back in the day TF had his share of moods, he was also a professional who always (or almost always) gave his energy toward the best performance in a given play, film or television show. Not all the altercations he was involved in at work were necessarily his fault (an example would be his run-in with Peter Sellers...). Indeed, those obits that noted his Oscar nomination could have (and maybe should have) additionally noted that he actually won the Golden Globe for Best Dramatic Actor (for CAREER). And why didn't those that listed RIO CONCHOS among his notable motion pictures list his Golden Globe nomination for that one? Plus there was TF's work in civil rights, again unnoted in the obits (IMDb lists it though)... It was sort of interesting that Shelley Winters, one of TF's exes (and/or equally valid to say he was one of her exes), passed on shortly before him. On the other hand, I don't see TF and Shelley sharing some sort of "romantic ending" in the afterlife where they live together again forever. They were married for just a few years long ago, then divorced. Maybe at best if they meet up again they are hopefully on friendly terms. It would be more accurate to say that Rita Thiel was the "love of his life" as they were together for 35 years, right till the end, and had 2 children. TF seems to have been one of those actors, like Ernest Borgnine and even Mickey Rooney, who finally "got it right" in marriage after a few unsuccessful tries. Guess that's about it. RIP Tony, we'll continue enjoying your performances via video, here and elsewhere, yet you'll be missed. Anthony 3682 From: STEPHEN RUSELL Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 0:37am Subject: Re: OT: IT TAKES A THIEF Major Motion Picture secretconcierge Will Smith again in It Takes a Thief. NO way Im gonna see it (maybe later DVD) BUT NO theatre. Unless trailers show otherwise. Damn him how he ruined WWW. probecontrol@... wrote: Weren't we talking about how cool this would be not too long ago? Looks like it's come to pass. Looks like Smith will be playing his *second* 60's TV icon (after James West). ;) Jim Alexander ==================== From tvguide.com: AT THE MOVIES: Per Variety, Will Smith is now committed to star as a CIA-recruited professional pinch in a big-screen adaptation of the Robert Wagner-fronted TV series It Takes a Thief.... 3683 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 1:52am Subject: Re: OT: IT TAKES A THIEF Major Motion Picture dghprobe3 I agree Will Smith wasn't the best choice to play James West, however, he keeps showing up in movies because they do sell tickets and make money, bad as the movies may be. And there are SO many different ways one can criticize Will Smith, however indicting an ethnic group is not the way to go. It's sorta like criticizing Search because of the "honkie-ization" of the leads. --- In probe_control, "Richard D. Perez" wrote: > It will be terrible, just as WWW was. This may upset some people, > but I am very tired of the trend to 'niggerize' or 'gayify' good TV > programs. Has it now become a sin to cast a white straight guy in > the lead in a TV remake? I won't waste my money...... 3684 From: actingman@... Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 0:42am Subject: OT: Any Good Remakes? actingman_jc The news that Will Smith will be taking on another classic tv character for the big screen makes me ask: Can anybody name any big screen remakes of old tv shows they did like? 3685 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 2:03am Subject: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads dghprobe3 A number of the questions raised in this post are answered in the excellent interview with Search associate producer John C. Strong, conducted by our own Jim Alexander. I believe Actingman will be reprinting this interview on the probecontrol.com website shortly, but in the meantime, the interview is highly recommended for those new to the list, or for those who somehow missed it the first time. Jim Alexander's intro to John Strong interview: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/message/2868 John C. Strong Interview Part 1: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/message/2874 Part 2: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/message/2889 Part 3: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/message/2893 Part 4: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/message/2898 Part 5: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/message/2900 Part 6: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/message/2992 --------------------------------- --- In probe_control, "Richard D. Perez" wrote: > > Other possible reasons: > > * In the early 70s, rotating dramas were NBC's unique way of > creating multiple sets of hit series, and hedging its bet on > failures... 3686 From: STEPHEN RUSELL Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 2:08am Subject: Re: OT: Any Good Remakes? secretconcierge Untouchables, 1987 Avengers Superman Batman Fantastic 4. Hulk Phantom Tarzan Lord of Flies were Good solid remakes. WWW could have MINUS WILL SMITH in role. Otherwise good FX used for 1870s era. Bad plot & corny acting sunk it. Another WWW might be nice (minus Will Smith). actingman@... wrote: The news that Will Smith will be taking on another classic tv character for the big screen makes me ask: Can anybody name any big screen remakes of old tv shows they did like? 3687 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 2:08am Subject: Re: OT: Any Good Remakes? dghprobe3 The Star Trek movie series is the ultimate example that a faithful translation from small screen to big screen can indeed work very well. But they had to learn from the terrible mistakes that were made during the production of the first movie, "Star Trek - The Motion Picture." Once they were able to keep costs from spiraling out of control, all they had to do after that was come up with decent scripts that stayed true to the character of the original series. ------------------------------- --- In probe_control, actingman@... wrote: > Can anybody name any big screen remakes of old tv shows they did > like? 3688 From: STEPHEN RUSELL Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 2:09am Subject: Re: Re: OT: IT TAKES A THIEF Major Motion Picture secretconcierge I would not mind a Racially Mixed SEARCH movie done. For agents & controllers etc. Yes Id favor that. But retain Probe Control set flavor, atmos. dghprobe3 wrote: I agree Will Smith wasn't the best choice to play James West, however, he keeps showing up in movies because they do sell tickets and make money, bad as the movies may be. And there are SO many different ways one can criticize Will Smith, however indicting an ethnic group is not the way to go. It's sorta like criticizing Search because of the "honkie-ization" of the leads. --- In probe_control, "Richard D. Perez" wrote: > It will be terrible, just as WWW was. This may upset some people, > but I am very tired of the trend to 'niggerize' or 'gayify' good TV > programs. Has it now become a sin to cast a white straight guy in > the lead in a TV remake? I won't waste my money...... 3689 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 2:25am Subject: Re: Someone's Thought on Rotating Leads dghprobe3 Back in May 2002, Jim Alexander met Hugh O'Brian at an autograph show. There is an article at www.probecontrol.com http://www.probecontrol.com/methob.html O'Brian said that he almost did not do the Search series because he did not want the weekly grind of a full season. He did not get into whether it was NBC or Leslie Stevens who came up with the idea of the rotating leads. The idea was presented to him, and it was then that he agreed to do the series. O'Brian was asked if he knew why Search was never syndicated in the U.S. after it's initial 1972-73 NBC run, and he replied he did not know. As well as a number of other questions. So he has been quizzed. ------------------------------------- --- In probe_control, "Richard D. Perez" wrote: > ..O'Brian is the only one still alive from the SEARCH starring cast, > it should be the priority of this group to quiz him on these matters > rather than fawning over him as the star of the show. A lot of these > matters could be completely settled. 3690 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 2:49am Subject: Re: OT: IT TAKES A THIEF Major Motion Picture dghprobe3 The big problem we have is hardly anyone remembers Search, as far as the public at large is concerned. Let's say we could wave a magic wand and have a Search movie re-made by magic. I daresay most people would take a glance and say "Oh, that's too much like Alias, or 24, or the Mission Impossible movies, The Lone Gunmen, Fortune Hunter, etc. etc. Even if Leslie Stevens were still with us, I'm certain that he would be taking things as they are now and project technology ahead another 25 years or so in doing a remake. Remember that all the decisions that went into Search/Probe back in 1972-73 were based on what was available on a limited TV budget for that time. Now we're talking about a 2006 movie budget. I'm afraid there would be very little resemblance to the original, even if some of the original cast/crew who are still with us were placed in charge. First thing, we gotta get SOME cable/satellite outlet to give the reruns some exposure, for the first time in 33 years. So far that has seemingly been an impossibility. ---------------------------------- --- In probe_control, STEPHEN RUSELL wrote: > > I would not mind a Racially Mixed SEARCH movie done. > For agents & controllers etc. > Yes Id favor that. > But retain Probe Control set flavor, atmos. 3691 From: Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 4:23am Subject: Re: OT: Any Good Remakes? actingman_jc Stephen...you are the first person I have every heard who had anything positive to say about the Avengers movie (I haven't seen it myself.) For the sake of this discussion, I had in mind works that started out as tv shows...Wild Wild West, Car 54, The Avengers, etc. I don't think I would include those works that originally started out in some other form...like most of the ones on this list that started out in comics form. > >Subject: Re: [probe_control] OT: Any Good Remakes? > From: STEPHEN RUSELL > Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 18:08:15 -0800 (PST) > To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com > >Untouchables, 1987 > Avengers > Superman > Batman > Fantastic 4. > Hulk > Phantom > Tarzan > Lord of Flies > were Good solid remakes. > WWW could have MINUS WILL SMITH in role. > Otherwise good FX used for 1870s era. > Bad plot & corny acting sunk it. > Another WWW might be nice (minus Will Smith). > 3692 From: STEPHEN RUSELL Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 4:26am Subject: Re: OT: Any Good Remakes? secretconcierge Avengers came out in 1997. Unique, good yarn. Very Brit. Car 54 stunk, WWW with Will Smith stunk, MI stunk (tahnks Tom Cruise). actingman@... wrote: Stephen...you are the first person I have every heard who had anything positive to say about the Avengers movie (I haven't seen it myself.) For the sake of this discussion, I had in mind works that started out as tv shows...Wild Wild West, Car 54, The Avengers, etc. I don't think I would include those works that originally started out in some other form...like most of the ones on this list that started out in comics form. > >Subject: Re: [probe_control] OT: Any Good Remakes? > From: STEPHEN RUSELL > Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 18:08:15 -0800 (PST) > To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com > >Untouchables, 1987 > Avengers > Superman > Batman > Fantastic 4. > Hulk > Phantom > Tarzan > Lord of Flies > were Good solid remakes. > WWW could have MINUS WILL SMITH in role. > Otherwise good FX used for 1870s era. > Bad plot & corny acting sunk it. > Another WWW might be nice (minus Will Smith). 3693 From: Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006 4:29am Subject: Re: OT: Any Good Remakes? actingman_jc Don...at first I thought "why did I forget Star Trek?" But then I thought about it some more and realized that I didn't think of it because I had more i