Customer Reviews

Private Secretary aka Susie, Vol. 1

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PRIVATE SECRETARY stars Ann Sothern as Susie MacNamara, the meddlesome secretary to New York talent mogul Peter Sands (Don Porter). Susie often gets confused as to the limitations of her job and becomes frequently entangled in the lives of Peter and his clients. Snappy dialogue and great comic support is provided by Ann Tyrrell as Susie's workmate Vi Praskins. The show originally ran on the CBS network from 1954-57, and later went under the title of "Susie" for syndicated re-runs.

Ann Sothern is the perfect anchor for the show; her brittle, no-nonsense comedy style holds the series together, and her chemistry with Don Porter is undeniable. Ann Tyrrell steals many scenes as daffy receptionist Vi.

This volume of episodes from Critics Choice includes:

"Cat in a Hot Tin File" - When a stray cat wanders into the office, Susie and Vi decide to keep it, despite Peter's new actress client Edmee Esmond (guest-star Jean Parker) being allergic. Original airdate 18th March 1956.

"Elusive" - In an obvious homage to New York's most reclusive screen legend Greta Garbo, Susie and Peter attempt to coax a former screen star back into the limelight. Original airdate 10th June 1956.

"Dollars and Sense" - In an effort to try and curb her spendthrift habits, Susie begs Peter and Vi to help in organising her finances. Original airdate 25th November 1956.

"The Efficiency Expert" - Susie becomes suspicious when Peter discusses plans to merge his talent agency with a rival one. Original airdate 17th February 1957.

TECHNICAL DETAILS:

Single-sided, single-layer disc

Keep case

Audio: 2-channel stereo (remixed mono)

Since the other reviewer has listed the shows, I will not do that here. I wish all reviewers would learn that what we all want most is a list of shows, the number of discs, etc....all the info that Amazon mostly leaves unknown. There are some dark backgrounds and muddy scenes here, and nothing special with the sound, but still I bought all 4 volumes in this Critic's Choice collection. Considering the other company Amazon carries gives you the same 4 shows and charges 2 dollars more, these are your best buys. As long as they stay on Amazon's 4 for 3 special, you only pay 3.75 per disc. I loved this show as a teenager and I still do. Good plots, great characters, good acting, good sets, and Ann Southern. Who could ask for more? I COULD!! SOMEBODY PLEASE PUT OUT THE WHOLE SERIES!!!

Spectacular, classic television situation comedy. Great fun as Ann Sothern stars as Susie, private secretary for Peter Sands (played by Don Porter), a New York City talent agent. Susie is constantly involved in life or office dramas and endless schemes to salvage her life or job. Ann Sothern plays the part perfect and Ann Tyrrell as Vi, her timid co-worker is wonderful. The scripts are well written. Plus, Ann as Susie is a proverbial fashion plate.

Private Secretary premiered on the CBS network during September 12, 1954 and continued until September 10, 1957. Then the episodes were nationally re-released via syndication under the title "Susie."

The four episodes on this disc are from later syndication prints with the syndication title "Susie". But, the content is the same as the original Private Secretary episodes except they may be one or two minutes shorter per episode in order to accomodate sponsor messages and commercials. This was the beginning of the endless erosion of program material to accomdate sponsors and advertisers.

These episodes are from very good prints which I rate at 8 - 8.5 out of 10. The first episode is Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, which was orignally broadcast during March 18, 1956. If you like cats you will love this episode.

"Elusive" is the second episode originally broadcast during June 10, 1956. "Dollars and Sense" is the third episode originally broadcast during November 25, 1956. "Efficiency Expert" is the fourth episode and it was originally broadcast during February 17, 1957.

Meanwhile, during October 6, 1958 "The Ann Sothern Show" premiered on CBS. Ann played the assistant manager of a New York City hotel. Her boss was played by Ernest Truex but in mid-season he was replaced by Don Porter playing "Mr. Devery."

I highly recommend this disc especially if you can buy the disc for $2.00 or less. Susie is a doozie.