Classic TV and Movies: July 2016

Thursday, July 28, 2016

An Affectionate Look at George Burns

An Affection Look at George Burns

Wayne and Shuster take a look at the greatest straight man that ever lived, George Burns. He made a huge success of talking about what a failure he was. This documentary is jam-packed with wonderful clips of the Burns and Allen TV Show and movies. You will also see George and his pals in clips from numerous guest appearances on television. Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, Bobby Darin, Carol Channing and many others. And of course, the story would not be complete without Gracie with the story of her early years in movies. Available on DVD from Nostalgia Merchant.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Affectionate Look at the Marx Brothers

Wayne and Shuster take a look at the famous comedy team and their film classics. The film also explores the early lives of the trio before they became superstars. Very nice docu-drama style film with plenty of action-laughed-packed clips from the Marx Brothers famous movies. You will especially enjoy the football clips in this film. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

TV Variety Shows - Vol. 4

TV Variety Shows - Vol. 4 - Another rare collection of TV Variety shows from the early 1950s. Included in this set are game shows, musical variety, daytime family shows and more. There's even a wonderful, early patriotic special from Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Be sure to check out our previous three volumes of TV Variety Shows. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Lock-Up

This rare TV classic from the 1950s dramatizes how innocent citizens can be accused and punished for serious crimes. The inspiration for these episodes came from the personal files and case histories of prominent, Philadelphia lawyer, Herbert L. Maris. Starring MacDonald Carey each half hour episode portrays the attorney as a man who has devoted his life to saving the innocent. Purchase and view titles at Nostalgia Merchant.

The Gray Ghost - Vol. 1

The Gray Ghost - Vol.1

The Gray Ghost was based on the real-life military career of the legendary Confederate hero Major John Singleton Mosby, whose daring exploits and elusive raids of the Yankee forces in Virginia earned him the nick name “Gray Ghost.” This rare TV classic was devoted to duty, honor and love of country. Tod Andrews starred as Major Mosby. Also starring Phil Chambers. 1957-58.
The Gray Ghost only lasted one season. Volume One includes the Trailer Promo and three complete episodes. URGENT: This rare TV Classic could be withdrawn at any time and could be banned forever due to it’s politically incorrect content dealing with the Confederacy, the Confederate (Rebel)flag, and because it honors a Civil War hero. These episodes are excellent quality film transfers. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

War of the Worlds

War of the Worlds Collection

The Night America Trembled! The War of the Worlds was made famous by Orson Wells on his Mercury Theatre on the Air. It was performed as a Halloween episode of the series on October 30, 1938, and aired over the Columbia Broadcasting System. Directed and narrated by actor Orson Welles, the episode was an adaptation of H. G. Wells’ novel The War of the Worlds. This collection includes that original radio broadcast on compact disc, two film versions, as well as four more classic science-fiction movies. View titles and purchase from Nostalgia Merchant.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Buck Benny Rides Again

Radio star Jack Benny, intending to stay in New York for the summer, is forced by the needling of rival Fred Allen to prove his boasts about roughing it on his (fictitious) Nevada ranch. Radio star Jack Benny, intending to stay in New York for the summer, is forced by the needling of rival Fred Allen to prove his boasts about roughing it on his (fictitious) Nevada ranch. Meanwhile, singer Joan Cameron, whom Jack’s fallen for and offended, is maneuvered by her sisters to the same Nevada town. Jack’s losing battle to prove his manhood to Joan means broad slapstick burlesque of Western cliches. Starring: Jack Benny, Ellen Drew, Eddie ‘Rochester’ Anderson, Andy Devine, Phil Harris, Dennis Day. 1940 – BW – 82 Minutes. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

Boston Blackie’s Chinese Venture

Created by pulp writer Jack Boyle, Boston Blackie was a reformed thief who always found himself accused of crimes he had nothing to do with (think of him as a blue-collar Lone Wolf). Chester Morris played him in 14 fast-moving comedy-mysteries, and in this, the last of the series, Blackie is accused of murdering a Chinese laundry owner. With perennial nemeses Insp. Farraday (Richard Lane) and Sgt. Matthews (Frank Sully) on his tail, Blackie and sidekick The Runt (Sid Tomack) are once again in a deadly race to clear themselves before their fortune cookies are permanently crumbled. Don McGuire, Joan Woodbury, Philip Ahn, Benson Fong, Victor Sen Yung and the beauteous Maylia (Fong’s wife) co-star. Don’t expect the typical Hollywood stereotypes to be trotted out for this one; there are some incredibly incisive and humorous observations about 1940s race relations wrapped into this comic adventure. Newly remastered and available from Nostalgia Merchant.

Adventures of Smilin Jack

Starring Tom Brown, Rose Hobart, Edgar Barrier and Marjorie Lord

Daredevil pilot Smilin’ Jack Martin stumbles onto a legend that could turn the tide of World War II to the allies’ favor. Rumors of a hidden mountain path connecting China and India pit Jack against the ruthless Fraulein Von Teufel in a race to discover the passage. This trail would provide a safe trade route for the tormented Chinese, but the fierce mountain tribe that defends it are not willing to give up their secret so easily. 13 Chapters – 1943 – 2 DVD Set. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

Saturday, July 16, 2016

The Life of Riley - Vol. 1

Life of Riley – Vol. 1

Life of Riley – Vol. 1 – Televison’s classic lovable bumbler, Chester Riley, was played by William Bendix. Marjorie Reynolds portrayed his wife Peg, and Wesley Morgan was Junior. Here is the original Life of Riley collection. Many of these episodes have been uploaded to streaming video services like VEOH, YouTube, and others, without our permission. However, we are the original source of these rare episodes. We are very proud of our Life of Riley collection. You’ll love the quality. 32 Episodes – 8 DVD Set. See titles and purchase from Nostalgia Merchant.

The Jimmy Stewart Show - Complete Series

The Jimmy Stewart Show

James Stewart made a rare sojourn into the world of Situation Comedy on NBC at the dawn of the Seventies. His gift for comedy, on grand cinema display since the dawn of his career, made him a congenial fit for the familial world of episodic comedy. Stewart plays Professor James Howard, an anthropologist struggling to make sense of the generation gap with his college students and just plain struggling to make sense of his own family. Jim and wife Martha are busy raising an eight-year-old, as is their twenty-nine-year-old first born, Peter (James Daly) and his wife, Wendy (Ellen Geer). And Uncle Teddy (Dennis Larson) is sure to demand the proper respect from his five-day-older nephew, Jake (Kirby Furlong). Its a good thing Jim has a Nobel Prize-winning best friend, chemistry professor Dr. Luther Quince (John McGiver) to help make sense of the chaos, especially after a house fire forces Peters family to move in with Jims! 1971-72- BW – 24 Episodes. 3 DVD Set. The series only lasted one season and 24 episodes. They are all included in this rare set. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

It's a Great Life

It’s a Great Life

This classic TV show from the early 1950s, starred Frances Bavier, before she became Aunt Bee on the Andy Griffith Show. Two ex G.I.’s Denny and Steve return home and take a room at the boarding house of the doting Amy Morgan. Also in the house are the young and beautiful Cathy, and Amy’s irrasciable, penny-pinching chisler brother Earl. The series follows the boys’ exploits as they try to get rich quick and meet the girls of their dreams while working as vacuum-cleaner salesmen.
74 episodes of this rare TV classic. Great for family viewing. 20 DVD Set. Please Note: These episodes have a small logo in the bottom right corner of the screen. This cannot be helped. DONOT ORDER this collection if this is a problem for you. We will not refund your money. Very good quality, beautifully packaged. See episode titles and purchase from Nostalgia Merchant.

Hudson's Bay Collectors Series

Hudson’s Bay Collectors Series

Hudson’s Bay was and adventure series from the late 1950s featuring stories connected to the Hudson’s Bay Company. Famous for its fur trade shortly after North America was colonized, this television series told tales of adventure each week to its eager viewers. Trappers, explorers, Native Americans, French and British alike all traveled the territory seeking their fortunes and finding fame and adventure. This collection includes 21 rare classic episodes of Hudson’s Bay starring Barry Nelson and George Tobias. – 21 half-hour episodes – DVD, Digitally remastered. See titles and purchase from Nostalgia Merchant.

Gabby Hayes Show

The Gabby Hayes Show was a western television series in which Roy Rogers sidekick, George ‘Gabby’ Hayes narrated each episode. He usually began with one of his tall tales about an old uncle or aunt of his. Then as he sat whittling, he would introduce ‘today’s rip roarin yarn.’ This series was a Saturday morning feature in 1956.

This collection includes 52 half-hour episodes in a 10 DVD set. Film transfers, digitally remastered and restored. Purchase from Nostalgia Merchant.

Code 3 - Classic TV Shows

Code 3 Collectors Series

Code 3 was a crime-drama series that aired in syndication in 1957. The stories were based on actual files of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s office. Richard Travis starred as Assistant Sheriff Barrett. Nice collectors set of 18 full-length episodes on 4 DVDs. 1957 – BW – 450 Minutes. DVD, Digitally remastered. You can view titles and purchase this DVD set from Nostalgia Merchant.

Christmas Classics - TV Shows

Christmas Classics

Christmas Classics – Now you can enjoy hours of wonderful holiday entertainment with 40 classic TV shows from the 1950s. Comedy, Drama, Adventure, Mystery and Westerns, all in one Holiday TV package. 10 DVD Set. View titles at Nostalgia Merchant and purchase the set.

Beulah - Rare Classic TV Shows

Beulah

Beulah is the maid of Harry and Alice Henderson and she is constantly getting into trouble when she attemps to solve household problems for the Hendersons and their son Donnie. She is assisted in her efforts by boyfriend/handyman Bill Jackson and Oriole, the next door neighbors’ maid. Originally starring Ethel Waters, then Hattie McDaniels, who died after starring in only six episodes, then Louise Beavers and Amanda Randolph. This is a real treasure. Enjoy it. Some of the episodes have the original commercials. 1950 – BW – 30 Minutes Per Episode. Available on DVD from MyVideoClassics.
Like Amos and Andy, this show is consider politically incorrect. Most of the original films were destroyed long ago. These five shows are most likely, the only one’s in existence.

Amos ‘n’ Andy – Check and Double Check

Amos ‘n’ Andy – Check and Double Check

Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, (Amos ‘n’ Andy) brought radio’s highest-rated program to the big screen. Partners in the Harlem-based Fresh Air Taxicab Company, our heroes spend most of their time helping a young couple locate a missing deed to some inherited property. Eventually, the boys unwittingly end up in a haunted house. Digitally remastered and restored. 1930-BW-77 Minutes. Starring: Freeman Gosden, Charles Correll, Irene Rich, Sue Carol, Charles Morton, Duke Ellington and his Orchestra. Available on DVD from Nostalgia Merchant.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Bruce Gentry - 15 Chapter Serial

Starring Tom Neal

Famed aviator Bruce Gentry is working with scientist Andrew Benson, setting out to uncover the origin of a deadly secret weapon---an electronically controlled flying disc. Based on the Bruce Gentry comic strip created by Ray Bailey, it probably included the first cinematic appearance of a flying saucer. 2 DVD Set - 15 Chapters (1949). Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

The Whistler - Rare TV Classics

The Whistler was a half-hour television mystery series, based on the radio series of the same name. Thirty-nine episodes were produced and aired on CBS from 1954-55. William Forman was both narrator and the voice of “The Whistler.” The TV version used many of the same scripts as radio and some of the same stars that had appeared on The Whistler radio series. If you enjoy mystery, you might also like The Mysterious Traveler.
This 4 DVD set includes 16 rare episodes with such stars as Lon Chaney, Les Tremayne, Richard Arlen, Ellen Corby (The Waltons), John Howard, and many more. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

Klondike - Rare TV Classics

Klondike

Klondike was set during the early days of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 in the
town of Skagway, Alaska. GOLD! The explosive fuse that turned a quiet outpost of civilization into a roaring, rushing, trampling human stampede that became the Klondike of ’98. Only 17 episodes were filmed and this rare collection includes 12 full-length episodes transferred from the best available sources including tape and film. Stories of action and adventure starring Ralph Taeger, Joi Lancing and James Coburn. 4 – DVD Set – 30 Minutes per episode. Available on DVD from Nostalgia Merchant.

Sky King - Special Release

Sky King

“From out of the clear blue of the western sky comes… Sky King!” These thrilling words announced the high-flying adventures of “Sky” King (Kirby Grant), his niece Penny (Gloria Winters), and the Songbird (Sky’s sleek Cessna 310-B plane) in the beloved TV series from the 1950s, “Sky King.” Working from the Flying Crown Ranch in Arizona, Sky and Penny use their expert airborne skills and the latest technology helping their friends and the sheriff whenever trouble arises. Whether winging it to a rescue or grounding a criminal, Sky King always flies straight! Enjoy four thrilling episodes. By the way, these are not the same old Alpha Video reruns, there were transferred straight from film. Available on DVD from Nostalgia Merchant.

Great Gildersleeve – TV Shows

Willard Waterman repeats his radio role as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, the portly, pompous water commissioner of Summerfield (Waterman had taken over from the original Gildersleeve, Harold Peary, in 1955). Featured in the cast are Stephanie Griffin and Ronald Keith as Gildy’s niece Marjorie and nephew Leroy; Lillian Randolph as Birdie the housekeeper; and Forrest Lewis as town druggist Mr. Peavy (“Well, now, I…wouldn’t say that”). This DVD Collection includes 10 shows of the series. Looking for Great Gildersleeve radio shows? Check Here.

All Hands on Deck

One of my favorite movies - All Hands on Deck – Zany goings-on aboard a Navy ship fly when a girl reporter stows away and an Indian crew member brings a live turkey aboard, throwing the entire Navy into confusion. Story of a Navy ship with a captain obsessed with catching a fish, a singing executive officer wanting to get married, and an Indian with a turkey as a pet. A few laughs with Pat Boone as the hopeful suitor, Barbara Eden as his girl, and Buddy Hackett assigned to Boone to stay out of the captain`s way.
Starring: Pat Boone, Buddy Hackett, Barbara Eden – 1961 – COLOR – 98 Minutes. Available on DVD from Nostalgia Merchant.

Stump the Stars - Rare TV Classics

Stump the Stars

Originally titled Pantomime Quiz Time, Stump the Stars was produced and hosted by Mike Stokey. Originally telecast from 1947 to 1959, it has the distinction of being one of the few television series to air on all four TV networks during the Golden Age of Television. Stump the Stars was based on the popular parlor game of Charades. The competition involved two teams of four contestants each (three regulars and one guest). In each round, one member acts out (in mime) a phrase or a name while the other three try to guess it. Each team had five rounds; the team that took the less amount of time to guess all phrases won the game. The show featured numerous Hollywood stars, both as regulars and guest. This collection includes twelve complete shows. You will enjoy watching these rare TV shows and what makes them ever more fun is the original commercials for the sponsor the Ralston Purina Company.
Please note that these rare TV shows have been carefully selected from archival films. State of the art technology has been used to present the highest quality production. Minor imperfections in image and sound are unavoidable. These are not recycled Alpha Video shows. All films were transferred by our studio from the original assets. There are no logos or other film overlays in this collection. Available on DVD from Nostalgia Merchant.

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Ken Murray's Hollwood

Ken Murray's Hollywood

Performer Ken Murray first arrived in Hollywood in 1927 a relative unknown from his then hometown of Kingston, New York. Instead of sending postcards of Hollywood back to his family, he instead purchased a 16mm camera, filmed Hollywood stars - many he didn't even know at the time - and sent the resulting film back to his family. This movie is a compilation of much of that footage taken over thirty-five years, plus some additional professional footage provided by his now Hollywood friends. The footage takes place on the street, on movie sets, and wherever Hollywood stars play and/or relax, including their homes. As a bonus we've included a rare Ken Murray TV show. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

December Bride

December Bride centered around the adventures of Liily Ruskin, a spry widow who was not in fact a December bride but very much desired to become one, if the right man came along. Aiding Lily in her search for this prospective suitor were her daughter Ruth, her son-in-law Matt, and her close friend and peer, Hilda Crocker. A next door neighbor, Pete Porter, was a frequent guest. Married miserably himself, according to his constant complaints about his unseen wife Gladys, he despised his mother-in-law. December Bride aired for five seasons, beginning in 1954 and ending in 1959. Spring Byington starred as Lily Ruskin in December Bride. This rare collection includes 24 episodes in a 6 DVD Set. Also starring Harry Morgan who later starred in the spinoff of December Bride, Pete and Gladys. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

Pete and Gladys

When December Bride ended its run after five successful seasons in 1959 the television comedy Pete and Gladys was spun off as a new series. Harry Morgan reprised his role as Pete Porter. This rare collection includes 24 episodes in a 6 DVD set. Excellent quality film transfers. In December Bride, Pete Porter (Harry Morgan) was the next-door neighbor who spent most of the time complaining about his scatterbrained wife Gladys, who never was seen. In this spin-off series, she was seen, and heard, in the form of redheaded comedian Cara Williams. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

Stage Show

Bandleaders Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey hosted this music- variety series. First airing as the hour-long summer replacement for The Jackie Gleason Show, the show returned as a weekly half-hour series during the 1955-56 season. Stage Show is now best remembered as the show where Elvis Presley made his national TV debut. Beginning on Jan. 28, 1956, the future "King" would make a total of six appearances. This collection includes 10 full-length half hour shows.
Stage Show co-starred the June Taylor Dancers. Ten Full-length episodes, digitally remastered and restored.

Studio One - Westinghouse

As with many early television programs, Studio One had it's beginnings on radio. In 1948 it made it's debut on TV. Sponsored by Westinghouse,the series was seen on CBS, under several variant titles: Studio One Summer Theatre, Studio One in Hollywood, Summer Theatre, Westinghouse Studio One and Westinghouse Summer Theatre. Offering a wide range of dramas, Studio One received Emmy nominations every year from 1950 to 1958. The series staged some notable and memorable teleplays among its 466 episodes. Some created such an impact they were adapted into theatrical films. No other show would gather so many of Hollywood's future stars including Charleston Heston, Elizabeth Montgomery, James Dean, Natalie Wood, Grace Kelly, Steve McQueen, William Shatner and many more. Studio One spent one year as a radio drama series before its debut in 1948 on live television. This anthology series was probably TVs best written and performed live drama. This Studio One collection includes full-length shows, complete with the orginal commercials for Westinghouse. A fantastic must-have for your video collection. 6 Full-length, one hour episodes. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

Susie - Private Secretary

A great little sitcom featuring the comic adventures of Susie, private secretary to talent agent Peter Sands that ran on TV Sunday nights from 1953 – 1957. Susie keeps the office of International Artist humming in the world of snobbish actors, insecure writers and big-shot producers. Private Secretary on network Television became “Susie” in syndication. Ann Sothern plays Susie, Peter Sands is her boss, and Ann Tyrell is the receptionist Vi Praskins. You’ll roar with laughter as the shennigans of Susie, Private Secretary. The adventures of Susie aka Private Secretary. Ann Sothern is delightful in this early 1950s sitcom. This collection includes 16 rare episodes, digitally remastered and restored. Available from Nostalgia Merchant.

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Family TV Classics – Vol. 3

Family TV Classics - Vol. 3 includes some of the best and most rare classic TV shows of the 1950s. This collection has a little bit of everything; Sitcoms, variety shows, detective shows, game shows, cartoons, westerns and more. A Family Collection of favorite episodes 32 rare shows – 8 DVD Set. Available from Nostalgia Merchant. Also see a complete list of titles.

Family TV Classics – Vol. 2

Television… How Sweet it Was! In the 1950s and 60s the whole family could gather in the living room and watch their favorite shows. During this time, many of the genres that today’s audiences are familiar with were developed — westerns, kids’ shows, situation comedies, sketch comedies, game shows, dramas, news and sports programming.This is another 8 DVD Set that includes 31 Rare TV Classics for the 1950s and early 60s. Available from Nostalgia Merchant. Also see a complete list of titles.

FAMILY TV CLASSICS – VOL. 1

Family TV Classics - Vol. 1

Television programming has had a huge impact on American culture. Many have dubbed the 1950s as the Golden Age of Television. TV sets were expensive and so the audience was generally affluent. So television mostly broadcast serious dramas and plays. As the households with TVs multiplied and spread to other segments of society, more varied programming came in. Situation comedies and variety shows were formats that were borrowed from radio. Former vaudeville stars like Milton Berle, Sid Caesar and Jackie Gleason found stardom after years of toiling on the stages. Ernie Kovacs was one of the first comedians to really understand and exploit the technology of television and became a master of the sight gag.During the 50s, quiz shows became popular until a scandal erupted. For three years, producers of “The $64,000 Question” supplied an appealing contestant with the answers to tough trivia questions to heighten the drama.During this time, many of the genres that today’s audiences are familiar with were developed —westerns, kids’ shows, situation comedies, sketch comedies, game shows, dramas, news and sports programming. Television… How Sweet it Was! In the 1950s and 60s the whole family could gather in the living room and watch their favorite shows. This collection includes 32 rare episodes from the 1950s. 8 DVD Set. Available from Nostalgia Merchant. Also see a complete list of titles.

Burns and Allen Collection

George Burns and Gracie Allen

The real-life married couple established their personalities in radio with The Burns and Allen Show and brought their comedy to television in 1950. For nine years on CBS, every show opened with Burns, puffing his trademark cigar, regaling the audience with stories of their vaudeville days… and the latest antics of his beloved wife, Gracie. Often entangled with their neighbors the Morton’s, Gracie’s zany wit was always the cause (and solution) to their misadventures of domestic bliss. Burns would always end the show with ‘Say goodnight, Gracie’ to which Allen simply replied Goodnight. 64 Full-Length Episodes with the original network commercials. Starring George Burns and Gracie Allen. 16 DVD Set – Excellent Quality Film Transfers. Available from Nostalgia Merchant. A top seller on Amazon. Burns and Allen radio shows are also available from MyRadioClassics.