mcd_47

A masterful interpretation of a wonderful TV show AND musical experience (thank you, Henry Mancini). And thank you, Kabuki!! This was one of the hottest TV shows of the 1950's, spawning a slew of imitators, a chart-topping record from Ray Anthony, a theme that has been covered by dozens of artists and which caused at least one existing TV series (M-Squad, starring Lee Marvin) to change its theme to a jazzier format (thank you, Count Basie). I grew up with this stuff, and to my mind, Peter Gunn exemplified television's 'golden age' in a way few others could. If only today's television fare could come close.

The original -- and I mean ORIGINAL -- "Lost Drive In" -- was a masterpiece. Bruce Dern as host, driving a classic vehicle while wearing jeans, or coveralls, or janitors' garb -- bandanna -- cowboy hat -- WHATEVER it was that he wore was perfect for the scenario -- in the meantime, giving us some rare and unique insight into the history and people behind some of the cheesiest classics ever to emerge from Hollywood. What a homage to the lost era of Drive In Theaters, the movies that were shown there, and the great cars that people drove there to "watch the movies". It didn't really matter what was being shown on the screen -- most of it was crap. It was the experience of BEING there -- showing off your wheels -- making out in the back seat with your main squeeze -- and maybe getting ripped off at the concession stand -- that made the Drive In experience so exceptional. Bruce Dern captures it all in the ORIGINAL "Lost Drive In", and along the way, treats us to some of the worst flicks you will ever see in your life!! This new "updated" version, misses the point completely by (A) omitting Bruce Dern, and (B) showing some movies that were actually pretty good. Quite a departure for Rupert Murdoch, who has historically been uncanny at capitalizing on the average American's cultural and intellectual deficiencies.

Sam Groom carried this show all by himself. He was the kind of doctor we all wish we could find today -- kind, caring, benevolent, and respectful of your wallet. In other words, this show was Science Fiction -- OK I am kidding of course -- except for Sam Groom. He was cool. The last thing I ever remember him doing was commercials for AMC, plugging "The Tough Americans" in response to the Japanese automobile onslaught of the late seventies. Five-year-no-rust-through warranty. Oh -- he also did commercials for Quaker State motor oil -- "Bret Bodine finishes first" in North Wilkesboro -- I am dating myself seriously. Unfortunately, the "tough Americans" didn't play with the Howdy Doody generation. AMC is gone. But Sam Groom is still around somewhere. I wonder what he's doing these days. Sam, if you are out there, CHEERS.