Best of Checkmate: Season One
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DVD details
Actor: CheckmateDirector: n/a
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, Box set, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 588 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-10-30
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Timeless Media Group
DVD Reviews of Best of Checkmate: Season One
DVD Review: One of My All-time Favorites
Summary: 5 Stars
Checkmate ran from 1960-1962 on CBS. I was 10 when it went on and 12 when it went off. It was my favorite show at the time.
Created by famous spy-novelist Eric Ambler, Checkmate concerned 3 men working for a detective agency designed to prevent crimes before they happened: leading man Anthony George as Don Corey, the agency head, Doug McClure, (in the 2nd of his many tv series,) as the young Jed Sills and Sebastian Cabot as criminologist Professor Dr. Carl Hyatt (who seemed to know everything and everyone in San Francisco) Cabot went on to greater success playing Mr. French on the mediocre comedy "Family Affair "3 years later. Sadly, none of the leads of this series still with us.
This black and white series had a nice film noir effect taking place, at night a lot, in San Francisco. The music and very distinctive theme, (if you heard it, you'll remember it,) was composed by Johnny Williams who a few years later got rid on the "ny" and became John Williams, the composer of Jaws, Star Wars, the Indiana Jones films, Superman and practically every other epic in Hollywood. (You can pick up the terrific soundtrack CD of this series from Film Score Monthly.)
The most amazing thing about this series were the terrific guest stars including many who did not do much tv. Some of the guest stars included Jack Benny (whose production company produced this series,) Charles Laughton, Walter Pidgeon, Joseph Cotton, Dana Andrews, David Janssen, Lee Marvin, Joan Fontaine and Scott Brady in 1 episode, Elizabeth Montgomery and Jack Lord, James Coburn and Nick Adams, Anne Baxter, Mickey Rooney,Dan Duryea, Dick Shawn, Robert Lansing, Patricia Neal,Peter Lorre, etc. etc. Amazing guest stars.
One thing to remember is, for some reason, the first season scripts are far better than the second season. I remember noticing the difference even when I watched it as a child. If you are only going to get one set, get the first season.
The picture quality of the dvds is average at best. However there is not too much one can do about this if you really want this series. The episodes chosen are also not the "best of" as this set is entitled. I've collected numerous episodes of this series over the years on videotape and many that I have are superior to the one on these sets. I have a feeling the company releasing these discs just picked the first 12 they were offered.
Despite this however, Checkmate was a superior series, one of my favorites of the numerous series I loved during this period. Why CBS cancelled it so quickly after only two years remains a mystery in itself.
DVD Review: Checkmate Revie
Summary: 4 Stars
This show was forgotten by me, but saw it on-line and bought it out of curiosity. The first episode was weak, but the ensuing ones get better as the cast gets into the show. Note that Sebastian Cabot wears the same outfit in each episode. They must have been on a tight budget! What the heck, sit back and enjoy the show. It's not compelling television, but helps pass the time before going to work or bed.DVD Review: checkmate
Summary: 5 Stars
I ENJOYED PROGRAMING OF ANY GENRE FROM THE 50'S & 60'S.THAT'S WHEN TELEVISION WAS AT ITS BEST.DVD Review: ? closed captioning
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this show but will not be buying it until I determine whether it has subtitles. I have been stung too many times. I can't give a review of the DVD only of the show 5+.DVD Review: Checkmate in two moves
Summary: 4 Stars
As a nine-eleven year old kid I loved this series and have waited for years for this to finally get to DVD. I want to thank the excellent reviews here since I now know exactly what to expect. I understand it is not the best episodes and they aren't in great condition, but I understand they are still decent quality and fun to watch. I immediately ordered the set when I saw they were available and I read your reviews. Anyone that enjoys the Sixties TV series should love this series. I myself have picked up a few like Route 66, Star Trek, and the Wild, Wild, West. I am debating about the second season as the changes to the cast and sets actually hurt the series. I plan to at least rent it first. I do highly recommend the first season. After watching a couple episodes I see that in fact they are in decent condition but suffer a few minor spots and age blemishes. This seasons episodes are still well worth the money. Especially if you are an original fan of this series or just a fan of police and detective series.
Description of Best of Checkmate: Season One
Checkmate was one of the best television dramas to come out of the 1960s, combining great scripts, locations and casting. Created by thriller-writer Eric Ambler and filmed on the streets of San Francisco, the series revolves around two investigators, Don Corey (Anthony George) and his young partner Jed Sills (Doug McClure). In their quest to prevent crimes before they happen, Dr. Carl Hyatt (Sebastian Cabot), a university criminologist, joins them. Some of America's most talented actors and actresses joined the sleuths in their weekly tales of intrigue and danger. Some of them include Anne Baxter, Joseph Cotton, Dick Shawn, Mickey Rooney, and in one of his very few TV appearances, Charles Laughton.General DVDs
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