Peter Gunn

One of the recent little joys in my life is the (re)discovery of some classic television.
I was raised in the 50s and 60s, and even though I didn’t understand all the subtlety or theme of a Playhouse 90, or Requiem for a Heavyweight, I knew sometimes something important was being told.
On of my childhood memories was the TV show Peter Gunn (1958-1961).
Here was the quintessential TV PI, no office, his contact telephone was in a bar, where his girlfriend sang.  He had a loose relationship with with the police, specifically a Lieutenant Jacoby, who always says his first name is Lieutenant-no name is ever offered.
Thievery, blackmail, murder, drugs, alcoholism, race-relations, the mob – all filmed in darkness.
And the ubiquitous Henry Mancini theme music.
As a kid, I was especially drawn to the ‘walking bass’ in the backgrounds.  This was TV NOIR at it’s best.
Edie Hart (Lola Albright) was the girlfriend, who at first seemed to be just eye candy. but, then she sang.  They actually let her sing whole classic tunes.  She was great.
And now, I get to see all of them on RTV (Retro Television).  In glorious black-and-white.
And marvel in the cheesy sets, no-name big city, and the police lieutenant with no first name.
And, some decent plots, fair acting and good music.  Noir.
(Attention FTC – no one pays me for this or anything else – get lost!)
For the unfamiliar, I’ve placed Lola Albright on the You Tube sidebar, today.