Blue Light

In 1962, Paramount Pictures released THE COUNTERFEIT TRAITOR, based on the true story of Eric Ericson (William Holden), a Swedish industrialist, who, while 'working' for the Nazis, was actually an allied spy. While branded a 'collaborator' by his friends, he provided vital information, at great risk to his life.

Four years later, as the worldwide 'James Bond' craze was beginning to wind down, 20th Century Fox decided the film's concept might make an exciting espionage series, changed the lead from a Swedish businessman to an American correspondent, and cast popular Broadway/singing star Robert Goulet as the agent, code named 'Blue Light'.

Each episode, while pretending to support Nazi activities, and broadcasting anti-American propaganda, Goulet's 'David March' would actually be passing, in code, essential strategic information to the allies. The job, of course, branded him a traitor, a role he had to continuously play, even carrying on the charade with the woman he loved, Suzanne Duchard, portrayed by French actress Christine Carère (only the allied High Command knew his secret). Some members of the Gestapo had suspicions of March's sincerity, however, and would sometimes pass him 'bad' information, hoping to trip him up, and then execute him.

Shot in color, and broadcast on ABC, "Blue Light" placed March among the highest ranking Nazis, with frequent parties and social occasions providing an elegant backdrop to the intrigue. Goulet's performance was convincing in his dramatic TV debut, and the series wasn't bad, despite the occasional 'sixties' hairdo popping up, and the laughable German accents the actors portraying 'Nazis' all adopted. What ultimately killed the program was simply a bad time slot, and poor ratings.

For another 'take' on an American journalist/spy 'working' for the Nazis in WWII, catch MOTHER NIGHT, a MUCH darker 1996 film with Nick Nolte.

As pointed out in previous comments, Blue Light was part Counterfeit Traitor, part Operation Crossbow, part James Bond, and all Robert Goulet. Goulet was perfect, an earlier version of Pierce Brosnan in many ways, as "traitor" David March, double agent extraordinaire, trying his best to help win the war in WWII Europe almost singlehandedly. He was in his prime, handsome and virile, and convincingly charming and deadly, and his romantic interest and partner in spying was the exciting French actress Christine Carrere. Don't get me wrong, I came back week after week to see how David March could outwit the Nazis and advance the war effort, but I also came back to see Christine who, along with Diana Rigg as The Avengers' Emma Peel, was one of the sexiest European ladies on American 60's TV. Though historically inaccurate, the episode, which I believe was a larger part of the movie culled from the series, involved the destruction of the V-1 and V-2 rocket base at Peenemunde. It was for all intents and purposes an American James Bond taking on a Nazi version of a Spectre plot and great fun and adventure. Though I don't recall what was opposite it in its time slot, I was hooked, I know some veterans of WWII laughed at some of the plots, James Bond could be fantastic, but not David March in WWII, I still think, even today, that it was very underrated and Goulet should have been used more in roles like this. Today his voice is silent, most of his music is out of print, and this series is all but forgotten. Sadly, now that Robert Goulet has passed away, perhaps they'll resurrect his albums and put this short-lived series out on DVD. What a voice! How the heavens must sound today!

Goulet was excellent. He brought gravitas to the role of David March and all of the cast were very good. The guest stars and supporting players were well chosen and familiar from previous Nazi roles including Eric Brayden from Rat Patrol, Francis Lederer and Oscar Beregi. The actresses were all knockouts, of course. Unfortunately, the show lasted slightly over half a season. An official DVD and Blu Ray would be terrific but seems unlikely while crap gets the green light instead of the blue light.

I remember the series which we used to watch back in 1966. The intrigue and the plots were well executed (pardon the pun since there were a few Nazis, suspicious of David March' activities, who were bent on finding a reason to execute him).

David March was always one step ahead and always managed to complete his mission.

I also remember this program being made into a movie which was a combination of a few episodes from the TV series, which I found to be only slightly disappointing, since I enjoyed the TV series.

Now that Robert Goulet has survived the many years since the series was aired and he has entertained audiences since, both as a popular singer and as an excellent actor as his long list of credits prove, it would be nice if the series would be released on DVD. Hello? is anybody listening?

I agree! My sister and I loved this show. Robert Goulet was great, the plots were interesting (we were 11 and 16, in the prior to internet days) I would love to see these shows again. "where were the Yankees in '37, '38 etc". I wonder if anyone else remembers that reference! K

I'm sorry to hear Robert is ill, and awaiting a transplant. He and Carol Lawrence (the Broadway maria in West Side Story) were the height of glamour for us in the 60's. My best wishes and hopes go out to him

Loved the Emerald Nuts Ad--I think someone else remembered Blue Light

Why does this site insist on 10 lines?

I'm just trying to fill space to get me comments posted.