The
Streets of San Francisco (1972)
Paramount
Cast:
Karl Malden, Michael Douglas.
Rating:
G.
Run
time: 14 episodes - 60 mins each.
Genre:
TV (crime).
Verdict:
Beautiful
(see rating
system)
It's
been a very long time since I watched this 70s' favourite
and I'm delighted to report it that while it's obviously dated
(the hair! those clothes!) it still entertains.
As
a bonus, the picture and sound quality is also way better
than I expected. Some shows from this era have all sorts of
picture and sound flaws. It's possible to fix them with today's
digital technology, but expensive and studios don't always
want to spend the money. Paramount is to be congratulated
for doing a first-class job - San Francisco simply gleams!
Streets
was an ABC ratings hit from 1972 - 1977, thanks to good stories,
plenty of action and many big-name guest stars. But the biggest
factor was the teaming of movie veteran Karl Malden and the
very young Michael Douglas - an inspired piece of casting.
Malden
played the seen-it-all, wise veteran detective, Lt. Mike Stone
and Douglas was his college-educated partner, Insp. Steve
Keller. Stone's calm and methodical approach contrasts with
the hot-headed Keller, who often jumps to the wrong conclusions
on a case. However, sometimes Keller's instinct proves right
and he's absolutely fearless in a tight spot.
This
set includes the fine pilot movie that persuaded ABC they
had a potential hit on thier hands. Robert Wagner is a shifty
business lawyer suspected of killing a girl after a brief
fling. Her body is found found floating in San Francisco Bay,
but despite mounting evidence against the lawyer and Keller
eager to turn up the heat, Stone isn’t convinced.
This
4-DVD set of shows from Season 1 includes a 1972 on-set interview
with Malden and Douglas.
