I have a book before me now.
Reminds me of another in terms of its exhaustive scope (though, obviously, on a smaller scale).
This OTHER has the rather modest title captured in 3 words: The Film Encyclopedia… but continues beyond the cover for 1504 pages!
And among other things, it garnered, this VERY special review:
“ Wow! What a book!” – KATHERINE HEPBURN
Well, I have the SAME reaction to, as I say, the book before me now:
“Broderick Crawford starring in Highway Patrol” by Gary Goltz and (our own) Ralph Schiller!
If you grew up in the 50s you experienced the dawning of the FREE television medium. To add insult to injury, the theater monopolies was taken away from the Hollywood Studios and made their finances even more uncertain.
Hence, MANY old movie stars were beginning to transition over (as well as those just starting out). And Academy Award Winning Actor, Broderick Crawford, was among these.
And Brod hitched his wagon to a star in it’s own right- an early pioneer in first run television productions: Ziv Television Programs Inc.
(You will learn all about Ziv’s contributions to the new medium: over 40 distinct TV Shows/Series by a quick count.)
Brod was sought out by none other than the head honcho himself, Frederick W. Ziv.
Having enjoyed Brod’s performance in “Down Three Dark Streets”, “Ziv was determined to build a police show around the powerhouse actor.”
Highway Patrol ran from 1955-59, for a total of 156 episodes. A half hour show with a strict shooting schedule and budget, and as opposed to being a sleeper, it soon became a runaway hit.
There are summaries and a list of cast members for EACH episode and you get to appreciate what a wonderful vehicle this was for those just starting out, most of whom I have NEVER heard of but a few notables worth mentioning include Judy Lewis (Young-Gable), Leonard Nimoy, and Clint Eastwood.
Filled with MANY photos and copies of original Ziv production documents… if you grew up and LOVED watching this show you will be EXTREMELY satisfied with the thorough job that went into this labor of PURE love!
Gary and Ralph- 10/4!
PS As for a “Flynn” connection, there are 2 mentions: one being Joe, of McHale’s Navy fame, and the other, a photo of Flynn as a part of group shot appearing in the “Friar’s Frollics”… with Broderick Crawford in DRAG!
Here’s the link:
— Karl
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