The Lot

STINKS! "The Lot" is a nerdy attempt to be provocative and profane. I've seen better high school plays. The Lot is a "cue-card" enactment loaded with wooden performances throughout. (Performances???) This series, in which each episode runs less than a half hour, and in which uses up nearly four and a half minutes for head titles and end credits over live action, tends to appear historically incorrect, or shall we say inaccurate, in its pretense to portray popular celebs of the day. This company's research department missed the boat when it comes to certain actual events and even, in one episode, makes mention of a mouthwash product that didn't "make the scene" until the mid-'60s. Don't forget the time-frame here is supposed to be the late '30s. This series is so bad, I doubt it could pass as "noon-time soaper" material. (My opinion, of course) I watch just to see how ostentatiously bad it can get. (Who could love a studio that is run by a sweaty Tor Johnson lookalike?) Your juxtapositions aren't working, Mitz. (Again, just my opinion)

It's hard to grasp why this silly series was ever made. AMC's weekly episodic promos indicate each show was patterned after an actual event. If there is any similitude to an actual historical Hollywood happening, public or clandestine, I can't find it. Somewhat disjointed story-wise, there are a few nice sets. Especially nice is the dungeon-appearing set in which character Colin Rhome (Michael York) displays his prowess as a master swordsman. Not many laughs to be had, but there is one particular funny moment when a Maitre'D presents the bar bill to a "dead" Colin Rhome. However the scene was abruptly interrupted by one of AMC's clumsy commercial breaks, destroying the moment and further displaying their inept degree of showmanship. Probably the most harmful aspect of this series is the abundance of vulgar insinuations, of which there are many. Of course the viewer must have his/her mind in the proper canal in order to catch on. It makes one wonder where the minds of the writers live.

I recently re-watched some taped episodes of this television series and my original impressions of how terrific this series was, has been confirmed. It is clever and witty; the cast is terrific; and the period sets and costumes are outstanding. Although there is a hilarious "camp" quality to many of the dramatic events in the storyline, I found the characters believable and endearing. What I had initially overlooked is how cleverly the story commented on social issues. Being a movie buff, I thoroughly enjoyed viewing this series about a fictitious Hollywood studio and its employees, set in the golden years of movie-making. I wish the whole series was available on DVD.

Remarkable how The Lot, with each episode, just keeps sinking to lower and new found levels of incredibility. I put it on a par with "Plan 9 From Outer Space," director Ed Woods' best. This is one of the worst and most thoughtless presentations I've ever seen on TV and it comes from the NYUK channel, American Movie Classics (AMC). This probably explains, as far as I'm concerned, AMC's sudden decline in popularity and aimless descent into le potee. Also gone from AMC is their last remaining air of dignity, Bob Dorian, who always displayed himself as a knowledgeable and truly authoritative presenter. Thus leaving us with Wee Baby Burke and his sluggish monotoned delivery to tell us all about the picture we are about to see. I wouldn't doubt that most of the movies on AMC was filmed before he fell to earth. If you want to see a really good TV show about the struggle to "make it" in the movies, look for "Tales from the Hollywood Hills: A Table at Ciro's." This one hour show was combined and intercut with another and retitled "Power, Passion and Murder" and still shows up on TV occasionally. As for "The Lot," stay close to the flush handle.

Great TV it ain't, but pleasant nostalgia TV it definitely is. I enjoyed the overdone allusions to Hollywood's past particularly for that reason: they were overdone, and fun. All the regulars were good. I refuse to comment on the point that "Remember WENN" was replaced by "The Lot," because there's room for superb apples and pretty good oranges on AMC. I'd like to see "The Lot" brought back in a sharper form, same regulars -- but with stronger and more vivid writing about the foibles of old-time Hollywood. And while I'm writing this communication -- AMC: KNOCK OFF THOSE IRRITATING COMMERCIAL BREAKS IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR PROGRAMS!! Otherwise you'll drive me to TCM.