Fans of TV science fiction can always identify "Tales of Tomorrow" as the earliest sci-fi anthology program. The series established the future format for "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits" and provided many young actors with opportunities at the beginning of their careers.
The format called for a new sci-fi/fantasy story every week. Each episode was live and about 27 minutes long with very short commercial interruptions (mostly for watchbands). The shows were intelligently written and compelled the viewer to pay attention and follow along, unlike today's shows which are little more than roaring laugh tracks and shallow, candy-coated stories. Don't expect flashy special effects or fancy camera work though-the live format caused the actors to regularly flub their lines, and the camera often is not directed correctly. The existing episodes are kinescopes and vary widely in picture and audio quality.
Among the actors appearing were Leslie Nielsen, James Dean, Robert Middleton, Eva Gabor, Paul Newman, Rod Steiger, Lee J. Cobb, Joan Blondell, Zachary Scott, Boris Karloff, Brian Keith, William Redfield, Darren McGavin, and many others. Most of these actors did very well with the challenge of a live format although Lon Chaney Jr. completely messes up his performance, later saying he thought he was in a rehearsal.
Technically very primitive but very compelling, "Tales of Tomorrow" makes great viewing for fans of early TV. Those who expect polished color episodes full of beautiful people will be disappointed, but those who appreciate the show will love the intelligent stories and the charm of live TV. The series isn't for everyone, but it's great for those who prefer intelligent early TV.
The format called for a new sci-fi/fantasy story every week. Each episode was live and about 27 minutes long with very short commercial interruptions (mostly for watchbands). The shows were intelligently written and compelled the viewer to pay attention and follow along, unlike today's shows which are little more than roaring laugh tracks and shallow, candy-coated stories. Don't expect flashy special effects or fancy camera work though-the live format caused the actors to regularly flub their lines, and the camera often is not directed correctly. The existing episodes are kinescopes and vary widely in picture and audio quality.
Among the actors appearing were Leslie Nielsen, James Dean, Robert Middleton, Eva Gabor, Paul Newman, Rod Steiger, Lee J. Cobb, Joan Blondell, Zachary Scott, Boris Karloff, Brian Keith, William Redfield, Darren McGavin, and many others. Most of these actors did very well with the challenge of a live format although Lon Chaney Jr. completely messes up his performance, later saying he thought he was in a rehearsal.
Technically very primitive but very compelling, "Tales of Tomorrow" makes great viewing for fans of early TV. Those who expect polished color episodes full of beautiful people will be disappointed, but those who appreciate the show will love the intelligent stories and the charm of live TV. The series isn't for everyone, but it's great for those who prefer intelligent early TV.