Reviews (2)

I Spy - So Long Patrick Henry and The Warlord
Since other reviewers have commented on the high quality of the dramas on these two discs, I want to talk about the audio commentary by actor/writer Robert Culp, which is, if you are interested in how series TV was created in the Sixties, reason enough to buy these DVDs. Mr. Culp talks engagingly and personally about the genesis of the series; his troubled professional relationship with producer Sheldon Leonard; his unsuccessful attempts to get Sam Peckinpah hired onto the show as a director; the unadulterated joy of working with Bill Cosby for three years; where his script ideas came from and how they were developed; working with creative collaborators like directors Richard Serafian and Tom Gries; how John Chambers worked, unpaid, for six months to create Culp's make-up for "The Warlord"; how Earl Hagen's scores enriched certain shows -- in short, everything you've ever wanted to know about I SPY. These excellant commentaries -- thorough, entertaining, and well-researched -- add up to the book about I SPY that no one has yet written. Much thanks to Mr. Culp and Image Entertainment for these invaluable discs.

The Best Episodes Ever!
Robert Culp saved "I Spy" from being just another spy show during the James Bond craze of the early and mid-sixties. He saved it by writing intelligent scripts that were long on characterization and tight, swiftly-moving plots, a stark difference from the wincingly trite bill of fare offered up to us on shows like "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." and others. Culp's scripts showed us that Robinson and Scott were a couple of CIA working-stiff operatives with plenty of heart, rather than comic book superheroes in tight pants. Kel and Scotty sweated and suffered through their jobs, and the episodes on this first volume of the Robert Culp collection were amongst their finest hours. Honestly, this is arguably the among the finest television that came out of the sixties, certainly in the spy genre, if not in television as a whole. We owe a great deal to Robert Culp for raising the bar in television drama to establish a standard of excellence that is still recognized today. All three episodes are cases-in-point, but if I had to pick one out of the lot, I would say that "The Loser" is the finest. This episode covers an incredible amount of ground in 51 minutes and never-not once-meanders into the absurd. An excellent plot and moving, relevant dialog make for one hell of a fine viewing experience, and even the most discriminating audience will be pleased. Incidentally, the commentary tracks (there are three) are informative and entertaining, too. Thanks, Bob, for all of your hard work on "I Spy" and all of the other shows on which your talent and heart showed through. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

it all comes back!
Bonanza was the first series I watched on tv and it's great to see it back. This is a real good buy: eight episodes of good image and sound quality. The stories are a bit too simple for these times, but these episodes sling you right back forty years ago when you were a twelve year old kid. Great! Everything seemed clear and simple then. Hum. Curious but fun.

Bonanza Episodes.
This dvd has two discs with a total of 8 episodes. A snap case and double sided.[Brentwood home video] Episodes are,Disc 1 side A.1. Escape to Ponderosa.2. The Ape.Disc 1 side B.1. The Bloodline.2. Death at Dawn.Disc 2 side A.1. Blood on the Land.2. Badge withouit Honor.Disc 2 side B.1. Day of Reckoning.2. Desart JusticeThe sound and picture is very good you can hear clearly and see clearly but the bad thing is how many times are they going to re..release the same episodes over and over again???Features are simple....play,choose sceen and the story of Bonanza.If you don't have these episodes on dvd or vhs do buy this one, because of the picture and sound it's worth the money.I bought this in a video store just a short time ago and I couldn't pass it up so I thought I'd pass some info to other amazon buyers. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the 1960s audiences were crazy for secret agents, and two of the coolest guys to go undercover were found on television's I Spy. Robert Culp and Bill Cosby played a pair of American agents whose cover story was that they were a pair of happy-go-lucky globetrotting athletes following the "tennis circuit." The show was considered something of a milestone in the 1960s for having an African American in a lead role, but when viewed decades later what's remarkable about the show is simply how much fun it was. In the four episodes in this package Culp and Cosby run around Hong Kong and Tokyo, looking totally cool in blazers, sneakers, and sunglasses, and their battles with agents working for "the other guys" always seem to involve beautiful women. The assignments given the unlikely agents, such as finding a foreign agent who is to be traded for an American spy plane pilot, or stopping "Red China's top scientists" from waging germ warfare, are utterly implausible. But who cares? What counts is that the agents engage in flashy martial arts slugfests with enemy agents, have gun battles in back alleys, and must always ponder the motivations of the aforementioned beautiful women. These programs epitomize escapist entertainment. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Tag You're It
This DVD contains my all-time favorite "I Spy" episode, "An American Empress," featuring France Nuyen, who was Robert Culp's wife at the time. I looked it up and it was originally broadcast on Christmas Day in 1967. I happened to catch the rerun in August just before the show was cancelled by NBC.

This episode was shot on location in San Francisco and includes Culp and Bill Cosby at their best in terms of the rapport between the two. There's also a catchy jazz theme throughout.

4 Unforgettable episodes- Spy School!
The first three episodes on this wonderful DVD are set in San Francisco. In "An American Empress", Robinson & Scott take a beautiful Chinese heiress (Frances Nuyen) on a tour of the city, only to discover that she plays an unwitting part in a plot to gain control of the government of China. The 2nd episode is one of the best of the entire series: "Anyplace I Hang Myself Is Home"; After Alexander Scott mysteriously tries to take his own life, a series of flashbacks show Scott & Robinson's early days in spy school, including their very first encounter with one another, in which both consider the other "helplessly square"!! In "Tag, you're It", our heroes return to spy school for a training exercise that goes badly wrong (look for our boys hiding out in the Haight-Ashbury district dressed as Hippies!); and in "A Few Miles West Of Nowhere", the pair investigate the killing of a fellow agent in a small town in which local vigilantes make them less than welcome. ... Read more

Product Description

Barney's First Car; The Darlings are Coming; Dogs, Dogs, Dogs; The Great Filling Station Robbery ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Chrysanthemum" - Assigned to recover stolen documents, agents Robinson and Scott are ordered to assist Maximilian D'Brouget, an eager but hopelessly confused counterspy. Co-Starring Marcel Hillaire. "Dragon's Teeth" - Robinson and Scott are being introduced to George Serengi, fiance of hostess Alicia Cavanaugh, when Serengi drops to the floor, apparently poisoned. Co-Starring Mike Faulkner and Joanne Linville. "No Exchange on Damaged Merchandise"--In Hong Kong, agents Robinson and Scott seek double agent Erik Thorsten, the only person the Communists will trade for a captured American pilot. Co-Starring Kurt Kreuger and Sue Randall. "A Time of the Knife"--Missing microfilm is involved in the untimely death of agent Michael Fane in Kyoto, Japan, and places his bereaved fiancee, Jean Dillard, in great danger. Co-Starring Madlyn Rhue and Warren Stevens. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I Spy, I Like!
One of my favorite old TV series is "Man from UNCLE". With actors Robert Vaughn and David McCallum, how couldn't I like it? So when I found this DVD I though I'd try it out. And I though "I Spy" was fantastic! Robert Culp and Bill Cosby are good! There are four episodes in one DVD:

"Chrysanthemum": Agents Telly Robinson (Robert Culp) and Alexander Scott (Bill Cosby) are forced to work with Maximilian D'Brouget (Marcel Hillaire), a very eager yet not very bright counterspy.* Most boring episode of all four episodes. Very slow, I wince every time I see D'Brouget mess up, which he does quite often.

"Dragon's Teeth": While in Hong Kong, Robinson's old friend, Alicia Cavanaugh (Joanne Linville) introduces him and Scott to her fiance, George Serengi (Mike Faulkner). But while at a party, Serengi dies mysteriously.* Makes up for "Chrysanthemum". The ending was so surprising I at first couldn't believe it!

"No Exchange Damaged Merchandise": Again in Hong Kong, Robinson and Scott look all over for Eric Thorsten (Kurt Kreuger) to exchange him for a captured American pilot from the Communists.* Another good episode. Culp and Cosby's banter is very funny!

"A Time of the Knife": When Robinson's friend, Michael Fane (Warren Stevens) is killed in an accident, he and Scott are sent on a mission to find some missing microfilm with the help Fane's fiancee, Jean Dillard (Madlyn Rhue).* Culp and Cosby are really good at judo! They actually do a lot of it. But the most interesting thing about the episode is that it takes place in Japan. I live in Japan and has been to most of the places, though it's much more modern now than it was before.

Though "Man from UNCLE" is my forever favorite, I would still like to get more of the "I Spy" DVDs. People who like old movies and TV series will like "I Spy"!

Early Episodes - Work in Progress
The early episodes, in Hong Kong especially, have a certain poignancy, but they're too trite and corny and sometimes stilted to really love.

Chrysanthemum introduces "Scottie's Theme" and other tunes that were a staple of the show. Besides on-site camera work - for the most part (you can see the LA coastline in some of the scenes) the show was a vehicle for Earle Hagen's music. This episode was a Pink Panther rip-off but its saving grace was the "goodness" of the two heros and they're love of other people, their loyalty to Max, regardless of how ridiculous he is.

Dragon's Teeth is an attempt at an Agatha Christie story. You get a look at a young James Hong, playing an old man, what else? For the most part it's slow and Alicia Cavanaugh's make-up is hideous.

No Exchange ... about half-good. Has themes that are echoed in future episodes, and the heroes start to look hip.

Time of the Knife - now we're getting there. The scenery is great but the story has a tendency to limp, and the music is not well integrated. Nevertheless, worth four stars - the dialog works in nearly every scene. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I Laughed Out Loud
The four episodes on this DVD were great. Sitting alone in a hotel room watching this DVD on my computer I found myself laughing out loud. Really enjoyed it. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Nice first effort.
"That Girl" was a groundbreaking TV program. The source of this program's appeal is of course Marlo Thomas, in the role that defined her acting career. Thomas as the perky Ann Marie, and Ted Bessell as the handsome, logical Donald Hollinger made perhaps the perfect sixties TV couple, rivaled in popularity perhaps only by Don Adams and Barbara Feldon of "Get Smart". Show-stealer Lew Parker is also outstanding as Ann's crusty dad, a restaurant owner with a machine gun style of delivering dialog, who thinks that every guy who dates his daughter is just a "bum". These episodes are, to use an overused term, "classic TV", and should not be missed by any true aficionado of 60's television. Hopefully this is the first of many releases for this wonderful program, which still seems fresh after 35 years.

This first collection of episodes is an attempt at capturing an overview of the series. While this effort is for the most part successful, it could have been arranged better. Anchor Bay should be applauded for including nine episodes of "That Girl" on this first release. Total runtime is a whopping 225 minutes. Compare that to Star Trek's standard two episodes per DVD. Instead of being arranged in chronological order, the episodes are subdivided into three thematic groups, which may not have been the best idea.

The series first aired in 1966, and ended in 1971. During that time, the characters, particularly Ann and Donald undergo significant changes in appearance and wardrobe. There is no mistaking the Ann of 1966 with the Ann of 1971. By not following chronological order, we see the characters changing appearance significantly between some episodes, disrupting continuity. Also, two consecutive episodes feature instances of Ann's employer making a pass at her. Once again, a little more thought could have gone into how the episodes were arranged. These are minor quibbles, but as a result, the overall flow of the episodes is somewhat uneven, and doesn't feel quite right. For any future releases, I suggest that the episodes be arranged closer to chronological order.

The fact that there are no bonus materials is also a major disappointment, especially as this is the first collection of episodes to be released. The printed booklet is a good start, but this series deserves much more. A series retrospective would have been nice. An interview with Ms. Thomas, the only member of the principal cast who is still with us, would have been appropriate. Anchor Bay should be aiming to build the audience for the forthcoming releases. Overall video quality is very good, although focus does suffer at times.

Despite these criticisms, "That Girl" is not to be missed. Take a trip back to a world far removed from today. The signature hairstyle, the music, the bowling ball stuck on the toe, and Ann dancing in a chicken suit, are all waiting for you. Experience the charm of "That Girl".

Can't wait for Volume 2.

Which episodes?
Here is a listing of the episodes of "That Girl" included on this disc:

1. Don't Just Do Something, Stand There 2. Anatomy of a Blunder 3. Counter Proposal 4. Call of the Wild 5. Nobody Here But Us Chickens 6. The Snow Must Go On 7. This Little Piggy Had a Ball (Rob Reiner and Teri Garr have a cameo) 8. Pass the Potatoes, Ethel Merman (guest starring -- you guessed it -- Ethel Merman) 9. Those Friars (Milton Berle and Danny Thomas guest star)

As for my opinion on the disc itself, I think it's a nice, well-rounded grouping of some of That Girl's best moments. Watching this disc, I like the show even more now than I already did. It was interesting seeing how Donald met Ann Marie, and the very funny episode where Donald is supposed to meet Ann's parents for the first time, but a run of bad luck seems intent on ruining any good first impression he might make on them. The episode where Donald finally proposes to Ann is included on here as well. Another thing I found interesting was seeing how much fashions changed during the show's run.

What's on the 2nd tape?
Can anyone tell me the title of the 2nd tape in the "That Girl Box Set -VHS", and which episodes tape 2 includes? I don't see any mention (or picture) of the second tape.

Thanks!

LOVE 'THAT MARLO'
I never missed an episode when the show originally aired! Ann Marie was a role model to me at a time when few good ones were to be found; and Marlo Thomas represented all the same admirable qualities in real life. I quickly bought every episode available on VHS and, later, the only DVD that, to date, has been issued. When will we see more on DVD? Is Anchor Bay Entertainment listening? There are many of us waiting for more!

Complete Seaon DVD Boxsets Would Be Good!
I was only a year old when That Girl was first shown on TV but I do remember watching the show when I was a little girl probably about 4 or 5 years old and thinking the show was pretty funny and I think I was about 7 years old when they first started showing reruns and I remember liking how perky and spunky Marlo Thomas's character Ann was and I also liked Ted Bessell who played Donald and I remember having a crush on him. I like that they have episodes of the show on DVD and I would love to see every episode put on DVD and I think complete season boxsets like they did with Mash would be really nice. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "There Was a Little Girl" - Assigned to guard the teenage daughter of a U.S. Cabinet Member, Kelly Robinson and Alexander Scott discover that "baby-sitting" can be a very hazardous operation. Co-Starring Mary-Jane Saunders. "Sparrowhawk" - The youthful ruler of a foreign country visits Las Vegas on a vacation but it is no holiday for agents Robinson and Scott when they are entrusted with the safety of the boy, who becomes an assassin's target. Co-Starring Clive Clerk "Its All Done With Mirrors" - Brainwashed by a hostile power until he believes his friend Alexander Scott is a traitor to the U.S., Kelly Robinson sets out to murder his fellow agent. Co-Starring Fay Spain and Carroll O'Connor. "Lori" - Nancy Wilson is a guest star as a Las Vegas singer embroiled in the violence of international intrigue when her would-be agent brother is marked for death. Co-Starring Malachi Throne and Greg Morris. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What A Wonderful Episode
This is an excellent episode.Hoss finally gets to meet his uncle Gunar who turns out to be a comanchero.Nevile Brand is great playing the long lost uncle who in the end is not what he appears to be after all. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Bridge of Spies" - On assignment in Italy, agents Robinson and Scott meet a beautiful Italian guide who takes them on a tour of baffling murders. Co-Starring Barbara Steele. "A Gift from Alexander" - Agents Robinson and Scott do some moonlighting between assignments to help locate a priceless manuscript in Venice, Italy. Co-Starring Anna Karina and Michael Constantine. "To Florence with Love, Part I" - Katie, an innocent New England girl, attempts to return a priceless painting to a gallery in Italy. She is thwarted by a band of bumbling but dedicated Italian thieves. Co-Starring Joey Heatherton. "To Florence with Love, Part II" - Stunned to learn that the Madonna portrait they have delivered is a fake, Robinson, Scott and Katie concoct a desperate scheme to correct their goof before the news gets out in the conclusion part of "To Florence with Love." ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A good collections of episodes
I was introduce to this series by the move I Spy Retrun.

The only episode I didn't like the first time is the "A Gift from Alexander", all other three episodes is very well done.

That is why I give it 4/5.

A great series ill served
From one of the greatest TV-series ever made, these episodes are wonderful. But...these are, without a doubt, the worst DVD transfers you will ever see. No attention was paid to the quality of the transfer - they continually go in and out of focus. I have both #13 and this one and they are both dreadful quality. I'd love to buy all of them but I won't buy another. I have a state of the art gaming computer and every DVD I own plays perfectly except for these I-Spy DVDs. Image Entertainment and Peter Rodgers Organization should be ashamed to be foisting these off on the public. Disgraceful.

Good for fans of the series
If you like I Spy then get this DVD. It has the only two part episode (To Florence With Love) and a good spy episode with Bridge of Spies. The best of the lot, on this DVD, is A Gift From Alexander. It's an engaging, humorous tale with good plot and twists. In the end, Robinson and Scott get decorated by the USSR. A hoot, considering this was filmed/aired during the mid-60s. The color and quality of the episodes are good. But there are no extras that many DVDs now-a-days have. It has chapter selections that are basically the same places where the comercials would have went. Still, if you are an I Spy fan, or spy show fan, this is a good one. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very emotional Bonanza.
But fun. It's about a boy who's struggling to get over his father's death when Ben killed him in self defense. It's fun, emotiomal, dramatic, and many more adjectives I can't think of right now. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Blackout" - When Kelly Robinson is implicated in the murder of a beautiful Russian ballerina and suspected agent, he and his partner Alexander Scott are given eight hours to disprove the charges. Co-Starring Zohra Lampert and Alan Oppenheimer. "Room with a Rack" - Obviously troubled over his slow physical and emotional recovery from a severe beating that imperils his career and a normal life, Kelly Robinson takes desperate measures to prove his worth. "Get Thee to a Nunnery" - American and British intelligence agents attempt to outfox each other while seeking a reputed fortune in World War II contraband. Co-Starring Peter Lawford. "Mainly on the Plains" - A fun-loving old man whose formula for a missile device places him in constant jeopardy refuses to take the threats seriously. Co-Starring Boris Karloff. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Three Out Of Four Ain't Bad
Out of the four episodes presented on this disc, two are outstanding, and one is pretty darned good, especially if you're a Boris Karloff fan (you know who you are). Despite the fact that the episode entitled "Get Thee To A Nunnery" would have been better left on the cutting room floor, the disc is worth having, especially at the nice price. "Blackout" is superb, and is a showcase for Robert Culp's excellent acting skills. No other actor during the '60's spy craze gave such credibility to his character than Bob Culp, and his work here proves why audiences then (and now) preferred to spend their Thursday nights with the NBC Peacock. "Room With A Rack," is also a fine episode, although the writer(s) do, at times, ask the audience to suspend their groundings in reality just a tad too far and too long(just why would a highly trained undercover CIA agent allow himself to be persuaded--in public--to fight a bull in a ring? Criminey!). Ah, but such is the nature of television, and it sure the hell beat out anything else out there in the genre at that time. Which brings us to "Mainly On The Plains," a light-hearted look at an eccentric rocket scientist (Boris Karloff), whose belief that he is Cervantes's Don Quixote is due to the burdens of carring around a secret anti-missile missle formula. That Culp and Cosby had a great time filming the story is patently obvious, and their repartee transcends the flaws in the script (a guard strums a guitar to the chords of a Rodrigo guitar sonata, rather than holding Scott, Robinson and Don Silvando at bay with a machine gun, which is propped up against a wall. Double-criminey!!). I suspect that working with Mr. Karloff was a treat for the two principles, as their light-heartedness pervades through the entire episode and is downright infectious. Of particular note is Earle Hagen's delightful score, which rounds out the episode quite nicely. Three out of four episodes ain't too bad, and I Spy-lovers should be pleased. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "The Medarra Block" - Robinson and Scott race against time in their effort to thwart a plot to overthrow the Moroccan government. Co-Starring Norman Fell. "Let's Kill Karlovassi" - Arriving at a resort community on the Greek coast, Robinson and ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Episodes
In addition to the Medarra Block (Morocco,)in which Kelly and Scott try to stop a plot to overthrow the Moroccan government,

this DVD has:

Let's Kill Karlovassi (Greece)Kelly and Scott are on an assassination assignment.

Laya (Greece)Scotty falls in love with a foreign embassy clerk who gets caught between sides

The Beautiful Children (Greece) Kelly ans Scott are assigned to bring an foreign agent, who doesn't want to be rescued) across the Greek border.

I think the episodes in Greece are especially good. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "The Lotus Eater" - The mysterious disappearance of Kelly Robinson somewhere in the Greek Islands sends Alexander Scott on a week-long search for his partner, who announces he has quit the service when he is finally found. Co-Starring Sheldon Leonard. "The Seventh Captain" - Baffled by the ease with which enemy anti-submarine experts have eluded detection in the waters off the Greek coast, the state department assigns Robinson and Scott, who not only lose their man but nearly their lives. Co-Starring Harold J. Stone and Nick Dennis. "Apollo" - Scott and Robinson thwart an attempt to sabatoge the United States moon shot project. Co-Starring Nancy Kovacs and Stewart Bradley. "Oedipus at Colonus" - Robinson and Scott must seek out Jahhad, the only man capable of averting a religious holy war from igniting in Morocco. Co-Starring Maurice Evans and Marne Maitland. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Mission: Find Volume 14
After James Bond and "The Avengers," "I Spy" just beats out "Mission: Impossible" as my all-time favorite espionage series. The stories are believable, with good action and light, non-campy humor, but the driving force of the show is its strong main characters. Robert Culp is an utterly charming leading man; Bill Cosby, playing it straight and only subtly humorous, comes off extremely cool and charismatic. Prior to watching "I Spy," I thought William H. Cosby, PhD., was nothing more than a boring, cutesy, "family-entertainment" comedian. Now I think the Cos kicks major booty and I'm one of his biggest fans. The wonderful friendship and chemistry he shared with Culp, on and off-screen, during an era when racism was en vogue, is something that truly touches me. Just one problem, though. After purchasing Volume 15, "The Lotus Eater," I looked at my video collection, and to my horror - I only have Volumes 1-13!!! Can someone throw me freakin' bone here and tell me if there's a Volume 14 out there, and if so, what's the title so I can look it up and buy it on Amazon.com?!

TV Star to American Diplomat
Bill Cosby is the Mark Twain of our times. As an entertainer and a writer he has infiltrated and influenced our national outlook for the better. His observances of the human condition will continue to inspire for generations to come. This series continues to elude most, but has a fervent following. At this point, there is nothing that can stop Mr. Cosby. Catch him here at an early peak in his career. I hope that he gets an Embassaborship. God Bless You Bill Cosby, you made my childhood a better time.

Best American TV Series Ever
With its combination of exterior location shots from all over the world and intelligent storytelling, this series stands at the apex of American TV. The stories on this DVD center around Hong Kong and probe deeply into Culp's and Cosby's characters and the nature of loyalty. If you haven't discovered the secret of I Spy, buy this DVD. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Vendetta" - A 16-year-old grudge has agent Kelly Robinson facing a death sentence in a kangaroo court when an embittered Italian family decides to settle an old score. Co-Starring Victor Francen. "Father Abraham" - Agents Robinson and Scott, entrusted with the life of a fellow agent being used as bait in a plot to foil enemy spies, are foiled themselves by their colleague's well-meaning, but meddling father. Co-Starring Tony Bill and Austin Willis. "Child Out of Time" - Because of her amazing retentive powers, the ten-year-old daughter of a former German collaborator becomes a pawn in her vengeful mother's plot to sell World War II secrets to the highest bidder. Co-Starring Nina Foch. "The Trouble with Temple" - Accused of being a spy, a movie producer in Spain uses his beautiful and unsuspecting girlfriend as a pawn in a death plot against agents Robinson and Scott. Co-Starring Jack Cassidy and Carol Wayne. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A widower rancher and single father ain't your typical TV Western hero. But put a Winchester in his hands and he becomes the Rifleman. Chuck Connors may have struck out as a major-league baseball player, but he was a hit as Lucas McCain in this classic 1958-1963 series that was reportedly Leonid Brezhnev's favorite American TV show. When the former Russian leader visited the U.S. in the early 1970s, he requested to meet Connors. This DVD contains the series' first four episodes, in which McCain and his idolizing son Mark make a fresh start in the "new and mighty fine country" of North Folk, New Mexico. The Wild Bunch director Sam Peckinpah wrote the first two episodes. In "Sharpshooter," McCain takes on the corrupt businessman who has rigged a turkey shoot (that's Dennis Hopper as McCain's competition). In "Home Ranch," henchmen of cattleman Oat Jackford drag McCain from a horse and burn his ranch to run him off his property. Peckinpah is at the reins of the episode "The Marshall," which introduced series regular Paul Fixx as redeemed sheriff Micah Torrance. The Peckinpah touch: one character is blown away with wind-tunnel force, and McCain himself is gunned down. "End of a Young Gun" guest-stars a pre-Bonanza Michael Landon as a bank robber who re-evaluates his life while recuperating from an injury at McCain's ranch. A bonus episode features veteran character actor Jack Elam as a local bully who is taught a lesson by a visiting Italian count. These episodes are surprisingly gritty and brutal. When McCain gets fired up, he goes ballistic. "I'll kill your stock and burn your barns," he threatens Jackford in "Home Ranch." But when things really get tough, he still takes time to teach Mark the story of Job. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Rifleman Vol 1 - A Revisit after forty years
I first saw " The Rifleman " series in Singapore in the mid 1960s. My family enjoyed watching this show. In particular, my elder brother and I grew up with the western films - on screen and TV. After more than 40 years, I still remember vividly Chuck Connors as the super-hero Rifleman. I really enjoyed this DVD and saw all 5 series in a row. I long for more, as the Rifleman is a different kind of hero from the modern hero I see today. The Rifleman balances both compassion with justice in withholding right values against wrong.There is a sense of genuinness when he fought for justice compared with today's heroes.
The 5 shows are very clear with superb sound and voice clarity. Till today, Chuck Connors remains my favourite hero and justice icon.

Terrific, Peckinpah-Directed Episodes Best
The first episode (pilot episode) is the best. Episodes handled by Sam Peckinpah are the best because they have a somewhat harder "edge" and never get "sappy" as this series did in its last year or so (this DVD has the most Peckinpah episodes).

Too bad we get shortchanged, this DVD needs at least two more espisodes. DVD's longer service life makes it worthwhile to upgrade to have the best episodes of the best western series.

"The Rifleman" is superior to the other westerns of its era, nearly 30 years after its debut, this series was a prime component of one cable channel's lineup. Surprisingly, Conners began a short-lived attorneys series immediately after "The Rifleman" went off the air. This series was a coming together of talented actors with good chemistry together, mostly good scripts, and the best music of any TV show ever.

The Rifeman...The story begins.
"The Rifleman" was on TV before I was born, and though I dimly remembered the show growing up, I really became acquainted with the program when it was carried for a time on the Family Channel a few years ago. I enjoyed the program immensely, attracted by the relationship between Lucas McCain and his son Mark. Wonderful acting by the tough as nails Chuck Connors, and the adorable Johnny Crawford. Time really flies watching this program, it seems that it has only just begun, and then suddenly it's over. The same can be said of this DVD, as the episodes seem to quickly slip by one after another.

McCain is a single father, trying to find a new life with his son in North Fork. His goal is to teach his son what he needs to know to survive in the old wild West. McCain's methods are basic "tough love", and may seem harsh by today's standards. But underneath the gruff exterior, is the true warm love of a father for his son. A similar treatment is applied to others undergoing life crisis, like the alcoholic Micah Torrance, and Michael Landon's outlaw character, as well as many others in future episodes in order to help them see the error of their ways.

Issues of morality are typically presented as black and white, compromise is usually out of the question. Justice is often administered by McCain's tricked out Winchester lever-action rifle. Some episodes (particularly Peckinpah's), not necessarily in this collection, are particularly violent. The violence is treated as necessary, but the dead are not dwelt upon, and therefore the effect is softened, and passes as we fade to the commercial break. McCain kills only when forced to, and as a last resort.

Others may not agree, but "The Rifleman" is a show about men, primarily for men. Sure, it will find an audience with some women, but this show definitely has a masculine view of the world. In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks, there may more of an audience for a program where moral issues are clear, and justice is swift.

My only complaint is that there is not enough material included. Five episodes is good, but six, seven, or eight would have been better. Sorry, but I'm greedy, and don't want to buy an excessive number of DVD's to complete a series (like Star Trek or Twilight Zone). Volumes 3 and 4 already scheduled for release, so we can look forward to more Rifleman DVD's. Picture quality is excellent, and Elmer Bernstein's moving music comes in at all the right moments.

Whether you are not familiar with this series or not, this is definitely the place to begin. And thanks to MPI Home Video, there will be many more adventures on DVD to look forward to. This collection is highly recommended, and the best is yet to come.

One of the most popular westerns
MPI Home Video breaks new and welcome ground with the launching of a series of classic television programs in a DVD format for the home entertainment market. The Rifleman was one of the most popular of the westerns that dominated a early decade of American television and starred Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son, Mark McCain. Volume 1 (07886-0314-0, [amt.], 140 minutes) of the Rifleman series begins the debut episode "Sharpshooter" which introduced the principle characters as Lucas and Mark arrive in the North Folk area to buy their own ranch. In "Home Ranch" the McCains find themselves targeted for expulsion by a highhanded trail boss and his crew. "End Of A Young Gun" has Lucas compelled to give refuge to a young bank robber whose leg had been injured while saving Mark from falling off a cliff -- the enforced stay with the McCain family has unexpected consequences! "The Marshal" introduced a series regular as Lucas gives work to a drunk who was once a famous lawman -- and helps Micah Torrance regain his sobriety and a place as the Marshall of North Fork. "Duel Of Honor" features an Italian Count provoked to a gun challenge by rowdy cowhands.

TV Western classic
Once you get beyond the kitschy intro and the occasional schmaltz, you get some outstanding early work by Sam Peckinpah and other western writers. Three or four out of the five episodes in this first series were written and in some cases directed by Peckinpah. None are simple good guy/bad guy stories, and the acting as well as the scripts are above average. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Little Boy Lost" - A teen-aged boy, reacting to the cold indifference of his father, a busy scientist, becomes the object of a frantic search by friendly and enemy agents when he disappears with a piece of classified equipment. Co-Starring Ronnie Howard. "Casanova from Canarsie" - A meek ex-government file clerk with knowledge of the U.S. nuclear program goes on vacation in Spain and becomes the target of a modern Mata Hari. Co-Starring Wally Cox and Leticin Roman. "Night Train to Madrid" - A troupe of USO entertainers is headed by a self-centered comedian who becomes an enemy propaganda target. Co-Starring Don Rickles and Barbara McNair. "Cops and Robbers" - Tommy, an enemy agent who exploits his friendship with Alexander Scott, attempts to steal top-secret data. Co-Starring Jim Brown and Beah Richards. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Winner--Even With Rickles
OK, so Rickles has a limited appeal (at best)--so what! While it's pretty ponderous (I wish I wouldn't spit when I say that), "Night Train To Madrid" is interesting, if for no other reason than to see Don Rickles play a character, rather than himself. Rickles started out as an actor, and while he's no slouch, the episode does drag. It appears evident that Culp and Cosby weren't too thrilled about the script; they lack their customary energy, and the whole thing seems like a collective shrug of the shoulder.

Now then, onto the good stuff. "Little Boy Lost" is a swell episode, even though the bad guys are wearing suits in a Santa Monica amusement park (!), and you can spot 'em a mile away. Welllll, it's 1966 entertainment, folks, so deal with it and look beyond the small stuff. In this episode, Kelly is less a womanizer than he is an idealist (he argues the virtues of "The Federalist" over "Das Kapital," thereby blowing his carnal chances with a shapely blonde spy), but loses none of his appeal as a charmer in the face of danger ("Hi there! How're things on your side??"). All in all it's not bad, and the Chayefsky-esque ending is a scream.

"Casanova From Canarsie" is fluff, pure and simple, but it's pretty funny, and allows Culp to stretch out his comedic talents. Cosby maintains an air of mock dignity a la Oliver Hardy throughout, perfectly consistent with the character of Alexander Scott. On the whole, a nice offering.

Ah, but "Cops and Robbers"--the best is saved for last. This episode marks one of Bill Cosby's finest performances, and with an intelligient subtlety explores the depth of his friendship with Kelly. Clearly, by the end of 1966, Cosby had perfected the character of a man who is both cool and complex. True, Jim Brown and his henchman are casted as the stereotypical badman and his psychotic assistant, but I will presume that this was done to illustrate the stark contrasts between the villains and the controlled intelligience of Robinson and Scott. After all, there's alot of ground to cover 51 minutes, and the "I Spy" team pulls it off quite well. I'd give this disc 4 1/2 stars.

Oh, by the way, the video image is superb throughout this disc, although I did notice that the soundtrack seemed muted, particularly on "Cops and Robbers." Still, this is a superb disc, and well worth the pittance it costs to experience a fine television series at the peak of its powers.

Episodes
This is not so much a review as to tell which episodes are on this DVD. Little Boy Lost (of course) with Ron Howard as a misunderstood boy who steals a piece of equiptment to get noticed by his too-busy Dad.

Casanova From Canarsie with Wally Cox as a government file clerk who becomes the target of a spy because of what he knows about the U.S. nuclear program.

Night Train to Madrid with Don Rickles as an obnoxious entertainer in a USO show.

Cops and Robbers (a boyhood friend of Scott's tries to use the relationship to get top-secret data). ... Read more