Classic TV Theme: Alias Smith and Jones (1971) David Gideon 2024-03-12 | A light-hearted Western in the mold of Butch and Sundance, 'Alias S&J' details the adventures of two reformed thieves who are given secret amnesty by the governor. It will become permanent and public if they demonstrate good behavior. Meanwhile, the law will still be after them. Pete Duel and Ben Murphy had the chemistry, and recurring characters (played by Sally Field, Burl Ives, et al) added to the fun. Sadly Duel's private demons led to suicide, and Roger Davis (who had provided the opening narration) took over the role. But the spark was gone. The show was cancelled after 50 episodes. The light-hearted Western theme comes courtesy of Billy Goldenberg ('Banacek').00:00 Opening titles: season one.01:01 Opening titles: season three.02:06 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: Saints and Sinners (Elmer Bernstein) David Gideon 2024-06-18 | There was an ulterior motive behind Four Star's various anthology series: almost any episode could become a pilot for a future show. 'Zane Grey Theatre' alone spawned seven Western series. The pilot for 'Saints and Sinners' aired in 1961 on 'The Dick Powell Show' and starred Nick Adams as a dedicated, intense newspaperman; the series followed in 1962. Guest stars included Red Buttons, Barbara Eden, Elizabeth Montgomery, Ray Walston, Cloris Leachman, and (in his final screen appearance) Paul Muni. Created by Adrian Spies, a real-life newshawk, 'Saints and Sinners' was realistic and serious; unfortunately it ended after 18 episodes. The dramatic Elmer Bernstein theme is a winner; like the series, it's worthy of rediscovery.00:00 Opening titles.and episode intro.01:19 End credits and logo.
Classic TV Theme: Spiral Zone (1987) David Gideon 2024-06-15 | In a post-apocalyptic world, five heroes do battle against the evil scientist, Overlord, who seeks to rule Earth via his deadly Zone Generators capable of transforming people into zombie-like beings. (Summary cribbed from twitter's 'BaronDestructo'.) Reportedly J Michael Straczynski worked on the pilot episode but left after a disagreement with the producers. Voice artists included Mona Marshall, Frank Welker, and Dan Gilvezan. 'Spiral Zone' ran for one season (65 episodes) in first-run syndication. The theme song is credited to no less than seven collaborators: Steve and Stephanie Tyrell, Ashley Hall, Richard Kosinski, Samuel Winans, David Kitay, and Barry Mann.00:00 Opening titles.01:01 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: The Quest (1976 • Kurt Russell) David Gideon 2024-06-13 | Morgan (Kurt Russell) and Quentin (Tim Matheson) were brothers; then Indians abducted Morgan and sister Patricia. The Army eventually rescued Morgan, and he teamed with Quentin to find their sister. Guest stars included Keenan Wynn, Dan O'Herlihy, Woody Strode, and Erik Estrada. (O'Herlihy had worked with Russell on 'Travels of Jaimie McPheeters' and his 'Quest' character mentions meeting Morgan when he was just a freckle-faced kid.) The pilot movie rated well but when the series began too many viewers turned the channel to check out a new show with three female detectives and an unseen boss. NBC ended 'The Quest' after 11 episodes, leaving four unaired. Richard Shores' theme is effective and unusual; its odd syncopations are a result of using a 5/4 rhythm in some passages. ('Mission: Impossible' is probably the most famous 5/4 tv theme.) Shores also composed the 'Nervous' theme used on 'Dick Powell Theatre' and season four of 'Richard Diamond'.00:00 Opening titles.01:01 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: The Quest (1982 • Mike Post) David Gideon 2024-06-11 | One of Stephen J Cannell's less successful productions, 'The Quest' involved four people distantly related to past rulers of a European country. The current king had no family and didn't want France to claim the territory should he die, so he found four people who had at least a few drops of royal blood. They would compete in a complicated around-the-world 'Amazing Race' style quest to see who would be chosen. It's a somewhat bonkers premise, but I've seen worse. NBC gave it five weeks and then pulled it, leaving four more episodes to fill out the DVD release that will never happen. The theme song ('Kings and Queens') by Mike Post and Stephen Geyer is A-1, and vocalist Lisa Lee Morgan really sells it. It's hard to believe this is her only IMDB credit. 00:00 Opening titles.01:06 End credits, pilot episode. Cannell would sometimes indulge himself with lengthy credits rolls and this is one of the longest, running over three minutes. But you get to hear that much more of theme song, and it may end up sticking in your head too.04:13 Typing.FYI: The pilot episode is available on youtube at youtube.com/watch?v=qKdiMObUh9k
Thats Hollywood: Hollywood Hit Parade David Gideon 2024-06-09 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. In this installment Tom Bosley looks at movie music: from the early days of sound to the scores and the songs that became part of Hollywood's 'Hit Parade'. It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to all the clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.03:12 Part one.12:20 Part two.22:14 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Full Stereo) David Gideon 2024-06-07 | In 1992 Joss Whedon's theatrical film of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' was released to mixed reviews. The movie was a modest success but other cooks had watered down Whedon's broth. In 1997 the tv series debuted, and this time Whedon (as EP and show runner) had control. 'Buffy' ran for seven seasons, and its spinoff 'Angel' lasted for five. The show won three Emmys and ranked #7 of TV Guide's 'Greatest Sci-Fi' Shows of All Time'. The theme is by California punk band Nerf Herder (Alyson Hannigan had asked Whedon to check out their music).00:00 Opening titles, season one. 00:50 Opening titles, season three. The band made a new recording of the theme, introduced in this season.01:40 Opening titles, season seven. Streaming services have 'remastered' Buffy for widescreen. Many fans didn't approve of how it was done (and Whedon reportedly had no say in it) but it didn't do too much harm to the intro.02:29 End credits.
Classic TV Themes: Feds / South Beach (Stereo) David Gideon 2024-06-04 | Double play: Even the best tv producers can have an off day now and then. Here are two short-run, long-forgotten shows created by none other than Dick Wolf.• Feds: This 1997 series was a sort of 'Law and Order' but focusing on the FBI. Blair Brown and Adrian Pasdar were the leads; the CBS show lasted a total of six episodes.• South Beach: Filmed in Florida, this 1993 action-adventure hour used the familiar device of a criminal recruited by a government agency ('It Takes a Thief', 'Three', etc). Cast included Yancy Butler, John Glover, and Patti D'Arbanville. This one was just a smidge more successful: seven episodes were produced (though NBC only aired six).00:00 Feds: opening titles. ASCAP credits Mike Post with the theme.00:49 South Beach: opening titles. Theme by Mark Mothersbaugh.
Thats Hollywood: This Is Raquel! David Gideon 2024-06-02 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. Here Tom Bosley looks at the career of Raquel Welch, from a 'Hollywood Palace' walk-on to super-stardom. It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to all the clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Opening titles. The pre-titles segment is unavailable.00:55 Part one.09:50 Part two.19:10 End credits. A portion of the end credits is missing.
Classic TV Theme: Dumb Bunnies (Full Stereo) David Gideon 2024-06-01 | CBS tried something new for their Saturday morning schedule: live action shows instead of cartoons. It didn't work, and in 1998 they returned to animation. 'Dumb Bunnies' was one of their new crop of cartoons, an international co-production involving a half-dozen countries (according to IMDB). The voice artists (Dwayne Hill, Linda Kash, et al) were predominantly Canadian. 26 episodes were produced. The theme is by Guy Gross ('Farscape') and has a bit of a 'Looney Tunes' feel to it.
Classic TV Theme: Thriller (UK) aka Wide World of Mystery David Gideon 2024-05-29 | Similar to the US 'Thriller' (hosted by Boris Karloff) the UK series of the same title offered stories of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. It was produced by Brian Clemens (of 'The Avengers'). Meanwhile in the US, ABC had trouble with their late night schedule. In 1973 they came up with 'The Wide World of Entertainment', with different types of programs rotating on a weekly basis. They invested in the Clemens series, which is why so many episodes feature an American actor. In the US these shows aired during the 'Wide World of Mystery' weeks. Clemens brought in 'Avengers' composer Laurie Johnson, whose music gave these inexpensive productions a special quality. One writer noted that the theme tune and incidental music are 'a quintessential example of how music can play a major role in the establishment of mood and atmosphere, turning the most innocuous scene into one of foreboding.' Comparisons have been made to Bernard Herrmann's music for 'The Twilight Zone'.00:00 Opening titles.00:22 End credits.
Thats Hollywood: Black Magic (award-winning episode) David Gideon 2024-05-26 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. Tom Bosley narrates this roundup of great black music and dance artists in films; the episode was honored with an NAACP Image Award. It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to the many clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.02:44 Part one.12:47 Part two.22:18 End credits.
Classic TV Themes: Jack & Jill (Full Stereo) David Gideon 2024-05-23 | This 1999 romantic dramedy is here thanks to a viewer request. The show ran for one-and-a-half seasons on the WB as Jack (Amanda Peet) and Jill (Ivan Sergei) meet, strike up an attraction, interact with friends etc. The theme song ('Truth About Romeo') is by Jeff Cohen.00:00 Opening titles, season one. 'Pancho's Lament' is credited as performer, but that's actually Cohen.00:41 End titles, season one. The jazzy piano riff is by Michael David Frank ('Fortune Hunter', 'The Mole').01:10 Opening titles, season two. The 'Romeo' theme gets a new arrangement and new performers: David Crosby and Beth Hart. The visuals got a makeover as well.01:49 End titles, season two. A new piano bit, this time a solo, composed by James Raymond ('To Have and to Hold'). He is (not so coincidentally) the son of David Crosby..
Classic TV Theme: Hot Off the Wire (Jim Backus) Upgraded! David Gideon 2024-05-21 | This 1960 sitcom starred Jim Backus as the boss of a low-rent news service (even lower rent than Carl Kolchak's INS). Melody Patterson ('F Troop') made her tv debut playing bit parts in several episodes. One of the directors on the show was Gene Reynolds, who would go on to bring M*A*S*H to tv. Producers Ray Singer and Dick Chevillat were behind one of the funniest entries in the latter days of old-time radio ('The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show'). David Rose composed many enduring tv themes (some under pseudonyms). His theme for this show isn't all that well remembered (like the show itself) but it's one of my favorites.00:00 Opening titles.00:32 End credits.Upgraded: Improved audio and video.
Thats Hollywood: Hollywood at Sea David Gideon 2024-05-19 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. We're sailing over the bounding waves as Tom Bosley narrates a look at all sorts of nautical adventures involving pirates, submarines, sailing ships, luxury liners, and more It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to the many clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.02:13 Part one.11:51 Part two.22:13 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: Quick Draw McGraw (1959) David Gideon 2024-05-18 | 'Quick Draw McGraw' was Hanna-Barbera's answer to the Westerns that were all over television around 1960. Quick Draw was the sheriff, Baba Looey was his deputy. (Both were voiced by Daws Butler.) Occasionally Quick Draw would dress as 'El Kabong', a parody of Guy Williams' 'Zorro'. 45 episodes were produced. airing over three seasons. Theme by Hoyt Curtin. Episodes available at Internet Archive: archive.org/details/quick-draw-mcgraw00:00 Opening titles and episode intro.00:47 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: The Others (Full Stereo) David Gideon 2024-05-16 | In its final attempt to program a 'Saturday Night Thrillogy', NBC decided to follow up 'The Pretender' and 'Profiler' with 'The Others' (2000). A group of 'gifted' persons (psychics, seers of dead people, etc) encounter troublesome paranormal forces. Glen Morgan and James Wong were among the producers/writers and Tobe Hooper directed an episode. But after 13 weeks the 'Thrillogy' (all of it) was officially dead. The theme is by Frankfurt-born Klaus Badelt, who had come to America to work with Hans Zimmer.00:00 Opening titles.00:47 End credits.
Godspell Stereo Restoration (atop World Trade Center) David Gideon 2024-05-14 | While 'Godspell' was basically a folk-rock musical, it made room for a few novelty numbers, like this vaudeville throwback 'All for the Best'. New York locations seen here include Lincoln Center, the Times Square Accutron sign, and the Met, finally wrapping with the performers on the unfinished roof of the World Trade Center's North Tower. (Elevators only took them so far; they had to climb the last eight stories via scaffolding and ladders.) The young fellow portraying Jesus is Victor Garber ('Alias', 'Legends of Tomorrow', etc); he played the role a year earlier in a Canadian production with Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Gilda Radner, Dave Thomas, Paul Shaffer and Martin Short. (That would have been something to see.)Godspell was in stereo when first released to theaters, but on DVD, Blu-Ray, and streaming, the audio is mono. Synchronizing the stereo tracks with the film revealed that the latter half of the pre-recorded song had been slightly slowed down during the shoot, possibly because it was too fast for the troupe to negotiate (especially when you're on the roof of a skyscraper).
Thats Hollywood: Famous Faces, Hollywood Style David Gideon 2024-05-12 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. This time Tom Bosley hosts a retrospective of real people and how Hollywood depicted them in films. It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to all the clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.02:44 Part one.12:33 Part two.22:15 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: Zazoo U (Stereo) David Gideon 2024-05-11 | A university for animals where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, 'Zazoo U' (1990) aired for just 13 episodes on Fox, but it's acquired a following since then thanks to its off-kilter, bizarre comic situations. Voice artists included Jerry Hauser and Dorian Harewood. Plus there's the cool, bluesy theme song by Richard Morton and Shane De Rolf, performed by Mr Morton...not bad!
Classic TV Themes: Too Something / Minor Adjustments (Stereo) David Gideon 2024-05-09 | Double play: Two not-so-hilarious sitcoms from that wonderful year 1995.• 'Too Something': An aspiring photog and an aspiring author are roommates in Manhattan. Can two men share an apartment without...well, we've heard that before. It ran for eight episodes then Fox pulled it and announced a contest to give the show a new name. It finally came back (after the season was over) as 'New York Daze'. After a half-dozen episodes Fox yanked it for good, leaving eight unaired.• 'Minor Adjustments' A child psychologist has a special affinity for talking to children; his wife plays 'straight man' and keeps an eye on their two precocious (natch!) children. Eight episodes aired on NBC, then it was off to UPN purgatory for the remaining 12.00:00 Opening titles, Too Something. ASCAP credits Mark Mothersbaugh and Bruce Kirschbaum for 'cues' but who wrote the theme? Still under research.00:32 Opening titles, Minor Adjustments. Theme by George Englund and Wendell Yuponce.
Classic TV Theme: Two Guys and a Girl (two versions • Stereo) David Gideon 2024-05-07 | This 1998 sitcom was originally titled 'Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place', but halfway through its run the pizza place was written out. So it became 'Two Guys and a Girl' starting in season three. (When the show went into reruns the shorter name was retroactively applied to the first two seasons for consistency's sake.) The premiere episode, with Drew Carey as its lead-in, attracted 18 million viewers. That would be the show's peak; a few months later the viewership would be less than half that number. A movie to Friday nights in season four foretold the end.00:00 Opening titles, seasons one and two. A cover version of 'Blister in the Sun' by Violent Femmes (composed by Gordon Gano, Victor de Lorenzo). Rarely seen nowadays as reruns usually replace it with: 00:21 Opening titles, seasons three and four. Theme by show composer Freddy Curci.00:32 End credits, season three and four. Episodes that didn't run credits over dialogue used an extended version of Curci's theme.
Thats Hollywood: Stars Are Born David Gideon 2024-05-05 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. In this episode, Tom Bosley looks at some of Hollywood's biggest names, and the movies that launched them into stardom (along with earlier flicks that didn't). It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to the many clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.02:41 Part one.12:26 Part two.22:12 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: Kid n Play (1990) David Gideon 2024-05-04 | Based on the real-life hip-hop duo, this animated series portrayed the performers as teenagers. They would deal with teen situations, some with a more serious tone, and learn life lessons along the way. The 13 episodes were co-produced by Marvel Productions, who published a short-run comic. The theme for the series was one of the duo's hits: 'Rollin' with Kid 'n Play'. The end credits would feature one of their other songs; this episode used 'Back to Basix'.
Classic TV Themes: Life With Roger / Homeboys in Outer Space (Stereo) David Gideon 2024-05-01 | Double Play: Two single-season sitcoms from that wonderful year 1996. They appeared on two different networks that would ultimately morph into The CW.• 'Life With Roger' finds the title character (played by Mike O'Malley) about to commit suicide; a doctor comes along and talks him out of it. Meanwhile Roger talks the doc out of his impending marriage. So naturally they move in together, but can two men share an apartment without driving each other crazy? One season on The WB.• 'Homeboys in Outer Space" Two mismatched buddies (Flex and Darryl M Bell) fly around the 'verse in a ship with a smart-aleck computer; Paulette Braxton co-stars as a bounty hunter. One season on UPN.00:00 Opening titles, Life with Roger. Theme by David Schwartz ('Northern Exposure').00:33 Opening titles, Homeboys in Outer Space. Theme by Kevin Guillaume.
Thats Hollywood: Broadway Goes Hollywood David Gideon 2024-04-28 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. Tom Bosley narrates this salute to the great musicals that travelled from Broadway to the silver screen of Hollywood. It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to the many clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.02:38 Part one.11:45 Part two.22:14 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: Mysterious Ways (two versions • Full Stereo) David Gideon 2024-04-26 | A sort of 'X-Files' for family friendly viewing, this 2000 series started out on NBC, then it moved to PAX where it would air for the remainder of its run. Adrian Pasdar leads an investigative team into miraculous phenomena. His two colleagues are more grounded and tend to offer more down-to-earth explanations. Terry Frewer ('Dead Man's Gun') is credited with the music.00:00 Opening titles, season one. The opening music (under the narration) is from the Euromusic library: "Fabric of Dreams" by Lindsay Tomasic. What follows (at 0:31) may also be licensed from a library, or possibly by Terry Brewer.00:46 Opening titles, season two.01:31 End credits (hat-tip @jxsilicon9).
Classic TV Themes: Cutters / The Second Half (Stereo) David Gideon 2024-04-23 | Double play: Two short-lived sitcoms from that wonderful year 1993.• 'Cutters' starred Robert Hays who manages a barbershop that's losing money, while the beauty parlor next door is in the red. So why not tear down the wall between them and see what happens? Five episodes were all CBS could take.• 'The Second Half' was a vehicle for stand-up comic John Mendoza; he played a sports columnist in the mold of Oscar Madison (i.e. divorced, broke, and sloppy). He has to deal with children, neighbors, co-workers, etc. NBC gave it 15 episodes and that was probably being generous.00:00 Opening titles, Cutters. Theme by Patrick Williams ('Lou Grant').00:57 Opening titles, The Second Half. Theme by Robben Ford and the Blue Line. You can learn more about Mr Ford at his website: robbenford.com
Thats Hollywood: Blonde Bombshells David Gideon 2024-04-21 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. From Jean Harlow to Marilyn Monroe and beyond, Tom Bosley looks at the blondes who made men's hearts flutter. It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to the many clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.02:23 Part one.13:27 Part two.22:25 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: The Drak Pack David Gideon 2024-04-20 | An attempt to update the classic Universal monsters from the 30s and 40s, 'Drak Pack' (1980) focused on descendants of Dracula, the Frankenstein Monster, and Lawrence Talbot aka The Wolf Man. For 16 episodes they fought for good against the Organization of Generally Rotten Enterprises. Voice artists included Hans Conreid, Julie McWhirter, Chuck McCann, and Alan Oppenheimer. Theme by Hanna-Barbera music director Hoyt Curtin.
Classic TV Themes: Ozzie and Harriet 1952-1966 (+ Extras!) David Gideon 2024-04-18 | One of early TV's longest-running sitcoms, 'Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' began on the radio, then went to ABC TV (for a few years co-existing with the radio edition). Ozzie Nelson was director, writer, executive producer, and star; his real-life family played themselves. Characters broke the fourth wall on occasion, and after three seasons Ozzie convinced ABC to allow viewers to see Mom and Dad sleeping in the same bed (a first for a major network). Ozzie had a talent for spotting future stars (Kent McCord, Tuesday Weld, Mark Harmon et al), and he helped make son Rick a musical superstar. Over the years the tv series had over a half-dozen different closing themes (we've chosen the best-remembered), but the openings all used a motif heard on the radio show to introduce the first act of the story.00:00 Opening titles with sponsor plug (Listerine). From season three.01:13 Opening titles with sponsor plug (Hotpoint). From season four. That little dancing pixie would later move to Minneapolis and call herself 'Mary Richards'.02:30 End credits. The first end credits theme was the main theme of the radio show. It was based on a song by Ozzie Nelson ('Mary, I'm in Love With You') with a few adaptive touches by Billy May. It was arranged without an ending so that it could repeat itself and then fade out when needed. Three end credits rolls are seen here: season three (beginning with Hotpoint plug), season one, and season five. As the credits roll the voiceovers are silenced so you can hear the music.04:45 Opening titles with Kodak extension. In season five when Kodak came on board the opening theme was extended to play under the sponsor's commercial. The voiceovers and narration are muted here so you can hear just the music, something that never happened on the show itself.05:55 End credits. A new closing theme was introduced a few seasons into the Kodak years. 'Nelson Family Theme' is a jazz combo number composed by Ozzie. Again voiceovers have been muted.06:50 End credits. A different arrangement of 'Mary I'm in Love With You' came on the scene shortly after the 'Nelson Family Theme'. This full orchestra version is more like the treatment heard on the radio show. Voiceovers muted.08:06 End credits. 'Malt Shop Blues' is so named because it often played in the background during scenes set in the Campus Malt Shop. The composer is unclear but it's so similar to the 'Nelson Family Theme' Ozzie is a likely suspect. It's here in its entirety, without voiceovers, as never heard on the show itself. (The credit to Jimmie Haskell for 'special music' is unrelated to the themes or scoring of the episode. Haskell arranged and produced Rick's singing segments.)09:40 Opening titles, season 14. For its final season the show was seen in color. 10:08 End credits. 'Buzz's Bounce' is a ditty by Buzz Adlam, written in 1947. Adlam had composed the background score for early seasons of O&H.Extras:11:30 Opening titles with Kodak commercial, voiceovers and narration included. That date you see with David would become Mrs David Nelson and join the series in its tenth season.13:00 Clairol commercial.13:58 Opening titles with Coca-Cola commercial (starring The Brothers Four and Anita Bryant).
Classic TV Theme: Three (1998 • Full Stereo) David Gideon 2024-04-15 | A trio of exceptionally skilled criminals are snatched from prison. David Warner becomes their contact from a shadowy agency that needs their unique talents to take down bad guys who slip through conventional cracks. The premise is 'It Takes a Thief' combined with 'Mission: Impossible', with a bit of MTV flair (they co-produced the series). WB aired eight episodes, leaving five more in tv purgatory. The theme is by Greg DeBelles. Producer Evan Katz wrote: 'Greg did the music for a series I created, "Three" which was on the WB not long after that network launched. Did a wonderful, creative job.'00:00 Introductory explainer, used in a few early episodes.00:34 Opening titles.01:03 End credits.
Thats Hollywood: Monkeys Are the Craziest People David Gideon 2024-04-14 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. Tom Bosley narrates a look at movie simians: some funny, some scary, and some with a planet all their own. It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to the many clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.03:06 Part one.12:06 Part two.22:12 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: Wasteland (Full Stereo) David Gideon 2024-04-11 | This 1999 drama from Kevin Williamson ('Dawson's Creek') followed six friends, recently graduated from college, and their lives, friendships, romances etc. Williamson wrote the first two episodes, but after episode three aired, ABC cancelled the show. (All 12 episodes would eventually air on Showtime cable.) ABC had picked this series instead of a pilot from David Lynch. That pilot would eventually become the movie 'Mullholand Drive'. The 'Wasteland' theme ('In Comes You') is by Tim James, co-founder of 'The Rock Mafia'. The end credits music is likely by the show's composer Stewart Levin ('Picket Fences').
Classic TV Themes: Moloney / Dangerous Minds (Stereo) David Gideon 2024-04-09 | Double play: Two one-hour dramas from that wonderful year 1996. Both premiered in September; neither made it to the next September.• Moloney: Peter Strauss ('Rich Man, Poor Man') plays a psychiatrist who works for the local police force. No it's not the same as Lindsay Wagner in 'Jessie': she was a shrink for the cops, but Moloney is a shrink *and* a fully commissioned police officer...two jobs in one. Nevertheless, CBS cancelled the show after 21 episodes.• Dangerous Minds: Annie Potts takes over the Michelle Pfeiffer film role as real-life Marine-turned-inner-city-teacher LouAnne Johnson. There were critics who liked it better than the movie, but more didn't. ABC cut the cord after 17 episodes.00:00 Opening titles, Moloney. Theme by Russ Landau ('Survivor').00:42 Opening titles, Dangerous Minds. The theme is 'Gangsta's Paradise' by Coolio (who appeared in the show as a sex-ed teacher), LV, and Doug Rasheed.
Thats Hollywood: Hollywoods Bad Girls David Gideon 2024-04-07 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. This time Tom Bosley hosts a retrospective of movie femme fatales, shady ladies, and other girls gone wrong. It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to all the clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.02:36 Part one.12:30 Part two.22:14 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: Rubik, The Amazing Cube (+ Bonus!) David Gideon 2024-04-06 | Rubik (1983) was one of the first animated series to feature mostly Hispanic/Latino characters (with Ron Palillo of 'Kotter' fame playing the title role). The cube came to life when properly solved to use its superpowers. But the show didn't prove to be very amazing; it only lasted 12 episodes. Dean Elliott ('Thundarr') contributed the theme song, performed by Menudo.00:00 Opening titles and end credits.00:59 BONUS: Original commercials from ABC broadcast.
Classic TV Theme: Swift Justice (1996 • Full Stereo) David Gideon 2024-04-04 | A Dick Wolf series that aired on UPN, 'Swift Justice' follows a former SEAL, fired from the NYPD, who becomes a P.I. and operates somewhat like 'The Equalizer'. (Wolf described the concept as 'Batman without the mask.') Complaints about violence led UPN to cut the cord after 13 episodes. The gritty theme is by drummer/percussionist Rick Marotta.
Classic TV/Movie Themes: The Man from O.R.G.A.N. (Dick Hyman) David Gideon 2024-04-02 | For years Dick Hyman was one of the most sought-after session musicians; he played piano and organ on more recordings than even he could count. But when Enoch Light brought Hyman over to Command Records he gave Hyman the opportunity to headline major releases on one of the fastest growing record labels of its time. This collection of tv/movie themes shows Hyman's great versatility in music styles, while getting the most out of Lowrey's electronic organs. Liner notes and track titles superimposed. Recorded in brilliant stereo, transferred from a Command reel tape for highest fidelity.00:00 The Liquidator (Lalo Schifrin)02:38 The Third Man* / Danger* (Anton Karas / Tony Mottola)06:11 The Man from O.R.G.A.N. (Dick Hyman)08:29 Honey West* (Joseph Mullendore)10:57 I Spy* (Earl Hagen)13:13 The Ipcress File ('A Man Alone') (John Barry)16:31 Thunderball (John Barry)19:16 Mr Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (John Barry)21:40 The Man from U.N.C.L.E.* (Jerry Goldsmith)24:12 Joy House ('The Cat') (Lala Schifrin)26:55 The Spy Who Came In From the Cold (Sol Kaplan)30:09 Agent Double-O-Soul (Edwin Starr-Bill Sharpley)*Classic TV ThemeFor more LPs and tapes of Classic TV Themes see our playlist here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WNLYaR72a2r-5Jsk700xot5
Thats Hollywood: The Great Movie Spectacles David Gideon 2024-03-31 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. This is a tour of Hollywood's biggest productions, as Tom Bosley shows us the early D.W. Griffith epics, later historical and Biblical sagas, plus modern sci-fi spectaculars. It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to all the clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.02:54 Part one.12:54 Part two.22:11 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: Blackstar (1981) David Gideon 2024-03-30 | John Blackstar, astronaut, a man barely alive... No wait, let's try that again...John Blackstar, astronaut, a man swept through a black hole into an alien universe where The evil Overlord seeks to take power. The show pre-dated 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe', which is said to have many similarities to 'Blackstar'. But 'He-Man' would go on to produce 130 episodes, while 'Blackstar' ended after 13. Music by Yvette Blais (pseudonym for record producer Ray Ellis) and Jeff Michael (Filmation exec Norm Prescott).
Classic TV Themes: Disneyland Thru the Years 1954-1983 David Gideon 2024-03-26 | Walt Disney's anthology series may be been conceived as a way to help finance and promote his theme park, but it became much more than that. Along with animation and family-friendly fare the show aired documentaries about nature, space travel, and atomic energy. Disney introduced US TV's first Hispanic heroes with the serialized stories of the real-life Elfego Baca and the fictional tales of Zorro. Over a nearly 30-year run the show had six different names, aired on all three major networks, and helped sell a lot of tickets to that theme park. Disney moved its attention to their cable channel when the series ended in 1983, but a few years later they would be back on broadcast tv, though it wasn't really the same show. Over its 29 years Disneyland etc only had two themes composed for the series; most of the time the show used music from Disney productions, with 'When You Wish Upon a Star' the most prominent.00:00 Opening titles, 'Disneyland'.01:09 Opening titles, 'Walt Disney Presents'.01:31 End credits, 'Walt Disney Presents'.01:57 Opening titles, 'The Wonderful World of Color'. In 1961 the show moved to NBC where color tv was making its first big splash. The theme is by Disney stalwarts Richard and Robert Sherman.02:33 End credits, 'The Wonderful World of Color'.02:56 Opening titles version a, 'The Wonderful World of Disney'.03:52 Opening titles version b, 'The Wonderful World of Disney'.04:49 End credits, 'The Wonderful World of Disney'.05:20 Opening titles: "Disney's Wonderful World'. A new theme was used for just one season. It was composed by John Debney and John Klawitter.06:01 Opening titles: 'Walt Disney'. The show aired its final two years on CBS.06:28 End credits: season one.07:06 Introductory sponsor plug.07:45 Original commercial.08:43 Sponsor plug, end credits with movie promotion.Special hat-tip to @keepingwaltindisney where you can find an extensive collection of classic Disney tv episodes (many more than on Disney+). Some of the clips scene here are from this channel, which any Disney aficionado should visit.
Rare Stereo Recording: Ramakrishna Monastery (Omegatape ST-55) David Gideon 2024-03-25 | One of the most unusual reel tapes issued by Omega, or any label of the 50s, 'In a Monastery' was recorded inside California's Ramakrishna Monastery at the request of Alexander Poniatoff, President of Ampex (known for producing audio/video recorders and tape). The story goes that he was so impressed with the acoustics that he requested a recording be made there as an 'acoustical experiment'. Somehow it ended up on Dave Hubert's Omegatape label and here it is, nearly 70 years later, in full stereo. Notes and selection titles will appear on screen.For more information on Omega, the late 50s audiophile record/tape label, see here: omegatape.us/index2.htmlFor more videos in this series see the Omega playlist: tinyurl.com/bdznypxhFor more about the Ramakrishna Monastery see their website: ramakrishnamonastery.org00:00 Aratrika Service02:20 Khandana Bhava Bandhana04:03 Breaking of This World's Chain05:08 O Mother, Make Me Mad With Thy Love08:48 Rakhal10:14 In the Cave12:34 Old King Janaka13:39 Kali Kali Ma
Thats Hollywood: Salute to Irving Berlin David Gideon 2024-03-24 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present (as of 1978) with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. Tom Bosley narrates this salute to one of America's great songsmiths: Irving Berlin. It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to the many clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.02:14 Part one.12:03 Part two.22:14 End credits.
Classic TV Theme: M.A.S.K. (1985) David Gideon 2024-03-23 | The Mobile Armored Strike Kommand was a task force with transforming vehicles; they fought their enemy V.E.N.O.M. (Vicious Evil Network of Mayhem). A bit of 'G.I. Joe' with a touch of 'Transformers', it ran for 75 episodes over two mismatched seasons (65 in season one, 10 in season two). It was, of course, publicity for a toy line. The spirited theme comes courtesy of Shuki Levy ('Silver Surfer') and Haim Saban.
Classic TV Theme: Touched By an Angel (Stereo +Bonus!) David Gideon 2024-03-21 | Airing for nine seasons on CBS, 'Touched By an Angel' (1994) was almost a different kind of show. The pilot was darker, with the angels more like ghosts, holding the power of life and death over the living. Martha Williamson had a different concept, more positive and hopeful, with the spiritual beings helping people at a crossroads in their lives. The story-of-the-week made it a sort of anthology, but there were continuing threads with the heavenly participants. Most critics looked down their noses, but the show acquired 11 Emmy nominations and enjoyed four seasons in the top ten. The theme ('Walk With You') is by Marc LIchtman and is performed by Della Reese.00:00 Opening titles, season two.00:42 Opening titles, season nine.01:24 End credits.01:50 BONUS: Expanded album edition of 'Walk With You' performed by Della Reese and the Verity All-Stars, available on music streaming services.
Classic TV Theme: Public Morals (Mike Post) David Gideon 2024-03-19 | This 1996 sitcom from Steven Bochco and Jay Tarses is among the few US series to have the distinction of being cancelled after one episode. The mismatched vice squad detectives included the 'John Irvin' character from 'NYPD Blue', who would soon be back with his NYPD crew. The pilot was replaced (too vulgar) while the episode that did air was criticized for racial stereotypes. (Lead Donal Logue thought the series was too dark for a sitcom.) Theme by the prolific Mike Post ('Hardcastle and McCormick').
Thats Hollywood: Marvelous Marilyn David Gideon 2024-03-17 | A second-season episode from this rarely-seen series examining Hollywood's past and present with clips, commentary, etc in the manner of 'That's Entertainment!'. This time Tom Bosley narrates a look back at one of Hollywood's truly iconic stars: marvelous Marilyn Monroe, including a previously unseen clip from her final, unfinished film. It's unlikely 'That's Hollywood!' will ever be seen on tv or issued on home media due to all the clips that would have to be relicensed. For more episodes, see our That's Hollywood! playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctWPy_Se_WO4sbt7p3xaCl_oVSYewtsB00:00 Intro and opening titles.02:40 Part one.10:23 Part two.20:01 End credits.Note: This episode has been edited; a segment was removed due to copyright restrictions.
Classic TV Theme: Strange World (Stereo) David Gideon 2024-03-14 | Captain Paul Turner (Tim Guinee) is a doctor for the US Army who suffers from an extreme case of anemia. He is given periodic doses of a temporary cure by a mysterious woman from a shadowy (natch) government agency. His job is to deal with strange, bizarre, and unusual medical developments. Three episodes aired on ABC in 1999 but ratings were anemic and network suits were uncomfortable with the dark tone of the show. It was shuffled off to Sci-Fi (and eventually, Chiller). The producers had seen the handwriting on the wall and were able to write a 13th episode that resolved some threads, even if it was a bit of a downer. The opening title was honored by the American Institute of Graphic Arts who added it to their permanent collection. Theme by Michael Hoenig ('The District').00:00 Opening titles.00:45 End credits.For more about this series, see here: cancelledscifi.com/2019/03/22/cancelled-too-soon-strange-world-1999
Classic TV Theme: Alias Smith and Jones (end credits) David Gideon 2024-03-12 | A light-hearted Western in the mold of Butch and Sundance, 'Alias S&J' (1971) details the adventures of two reformed thieves who are given secret amnesty by the governor. It will become permanent and public if they demonstrate good behavior. Meanwhile, the law will still be after them. Pete Duel and Ben Murphy had the chemistry, and recurring characters (played by Sally Field, Burl Ives, et al) added to the fun. Sadly Duel's private demons led to suicide, and Roger Davis (who had provided the opening narration) took over the role. But the spark was gone. The show was cancelled after 50 episodes. The light-hearted Western theme comes courtesy of Billy Goldenberg ('Banacek').• Why just the end credits? The show is copyrighted, and in the USA the copyright holder does not permit the intros to be used on youtube. But we can bring you the theme via the end credits.If you are not in the US you can see our full post of this classic tv theme here: youtube.com/watch?v=tRMAkR9Mc48
