"Biff Baker, U.S.A." (1952) TV series 1952-1953

Directors:

Herschel Daugherty
John English

Writer:

Barry Shipman (writer)

Seasons:

1 | unknown

Release Date:

6 November 1952 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure

Plot:

A Husband-and-Wife Spy Team pose as American Importers behind the Iron Curtain.

Plot Keywords:

Importer | Husband Wife Relationship | American Abroad | Character Name In Title

Cast

Alan Hale Jr.	...	Biff Baker (13 episodes, 1952-1954)
Randy Stuart	...	Louise Baker (13 episodes, 1952-1954)

Runtime:

30 min | 30 min (26 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

Revue Studios

The Skipper's First TV Series

Alan Hale, Jr., later the Skipper to his little buddy, made a fine espionage hero in "Biff Baker, U.S.A." Randy Stuart, whose main claim to fame was as the wife to "The Incredible Shrinking Man" in that famous sci-fi film from the same era, plays Louise Baker always accompanying her husband on his international travels. Seems he and his wife are big timers in the overseas import business. Biff was not an official spy but rather a businessman who somehow got involved in espionage as he and his wife plied their trade while globe trotting. Though a serious show, there was always an element of humor and lightness in each episode. Biff was always laughing at himself with his wife joining in. They were a compatible couple comparable to Nick and Nora Charles or Pam and Jerry North.

The program began with Biff and Louise preparing to board a plane on some international jaunt, a valet leading the way carrying the suitcases as they enter a restricted zone. Two suitcases and what appears to be a hat box are placed on a belt for loading. The big suitcase reads: "Biff Baker, USA." This is followed by the introduction of the two stars.

The episode I recently watched on DVD was called "Grey Market." Apparently a grey market was somewhere between the legitimate market and the black market. The story begins in Marsailles, France, with Biff and Louise picking up valuable imports through the help of a chef who obviously enjoys his own cooking. The two then stumble onto a grey market going on in their hotel involving the elevator operator. When the rascal picks on a helpless old woman and her son who are trying to leave the country for South America, Biff and Louise come to the rescue.