Customer Reviews

Suspense: The Lost Episodes - Collection 3

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This is the third and final set of SUSPENSE tv series. Based on the radio program of the same name with original network commercials of Auto-Lite, the sponsor. This series was dramatized "live" from theatrical stages so it's as early television broadcasting history as one can get. They are limited with sets and costumes but most of the productions, compared to other TV series during the live broadcasting era, but they are above average.

Boris Karloff stars in "The Yellow Scarf." Rod Serling's "Nightmare at Ground Zero" comes recommended. Also note the 1963 episode without host Sebastian Cabot but stars James Whitmore and the 1958 unaired TV pilot with Keenan Wynn. These are just some of the surprises in this box set. As for transfer quality, it doesn't get any better from kinescopes.

I recommend you buy all three sets to have as complete a set as you can get.

This is a terrific unique look at what was live TV in the 1950's. The stories do vary in quality, both in transfer quality and plot elements, (frankly none measure up to the level of the excellent radio series of the same name), but they are always interesting to watch. Nothing on TV today is directed or filmed quite like this.

The episodes have many fine performances with familar faces from their younger days. Each episode has a directorial style much closer to stage work than film or TV. And it was all done live, with the usual surprises that can come with that, (ex: a train compartment door coming off the hinges). From time to time you may even catch the occasional glimpse of a cameraman in the scene. And the Auto-Lite commercials are just icing on the cake.

If you have a fondness for vintage TV shows or even a passing curiosity, this would be a fine purchase to add to your collection. And while you're at it, consider ordering a collection of programs from the very fine Suspense radio series. Taut, compelling, truly suspenseful, and superbly acted, you would be well rewarded.