The Rockford Files (1977) – Quickie Nirvana & Irving the Explainer

  Jim Rockford (James Garner) finds himself in all manner of trouble in this week’s episodes. First up is Quickie Nirvana, which aired 11 November, 1977 and was written by David Chase. The phone gag this time around featured someone calling, complaining about having left a message a few times, and wondering if Jim still…

Magnum, P.I. (1981) – The Woman on the Beach & From Moscow to Maui

  Rick’s (Larry Manetti) broken heart ends up setting Thomas (Tom Selleck) on a ghost hunt in the first episode in this week’s double episode. The Woman on the Beach originally screened 22 October, 1981, it was written by Andrew Schneider and directed by Bellisario. When a girl doesn’t show up for a date with…

Doctor Who (Patrick Troughton) – The Faceless Ones

  More danger and excitement in the TARDIS  this week with an epic six-parter written by David Ellis and Malcolm Hulke and aired from 8 April to 13 May, 1967 and sees our heroes arriving at Gatwick airport on 20 July, 1966. Once again, sadly, there isn’t much in the way of original video recordings…

Touch of Evil (1958) – Orson Welles

  The next recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book for my screening of Citizen Kane, is this noir film starring Welles, Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh. This film was stunning for the beautiful camera work alone. Everyone talks about the opening shot, but it’s always amazing to see it. And…

The Lady From Shanghai (1947) – Orson Welles

  Welles takes us in to the film noir world as he writes, directs and stars in this adaptation of Sherwood King’s novel; the next recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of Citizen Kane. Welles plays Michael O’Hara, replete with Irish accent, a rough and tumble sailor,…

Magnum, P.I. (1981) – Missing In Action & Lest We Forget

  Thomas (Tom Selleck) takes on lost loves, broken hearts, and the military in this week’s two episodes. And while the theme isn’t in place yet (it doesn’t take over from the current them until Season 1 Episode 12 (next week)), it is woven throughout the episodes at this point. The first episode Missing In…

Magnum, P.I. (1981) – No Need to Know & Skin Deep

  The new year starts off with a bang for Thomas  (Tom Selleck). First off, he ends up tangling with the IRA in No Need to Know. This episode originally aired 8 January, 1981, and was written by Frank Lupo. It seems Robin has offered the estate to be used by one of Higgins’ (John…