The Last Reel: TV Terroir

The rapid growth of television came out of the TV Terroir of 1950s America. Almost all TV programming has its roots in that fertile soil.

This installment of The Last Reel with Allan Arkush examines the hybrids: family shows that from today’s vantage point are the very definition of anachronistic, all manner of puppets, women with magical powers, and a weekly gift of a movie worth millions of dollars.

Eagle-eyed fans will notice title sequences from Andy’s Gang (see Squeaky fly an airplane!!), Howdy Doody, Father Knows Best, Queen For a Day, Ozzie & Harriet, and Car 54 Where Are You?, plus some Marshall McLuhan and Million Dollar Movie moments.