"Johnny Staccato" (1959) TV series

User Rating:

8.7/10   

Writers:

John D.F. Black (writer)
Stanford Whitmore (story) (episode "Collectror's Item")

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

10 September 1959 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Jazz Musician | Pianist | Jazz Score | Private Detective | Character Name In Title

Cast

John Cassavetes	...	Johnny Staccato / ... (27 episodes, 1959-1960)
Eduardo Ciannelli	...	Waldo (18 episodes, 1959-1960)

Also Known As:

Staccato (USA) (short title)

Runtime:

30 min (27 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Filming Locations:

Revue Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Revue Studios

This was sheer brillance starring John Cassavetes

JOHNNY STACCATO: Produced by Revue Productions/Universal Television and ran for just one season on NBC-TV from 1959-1960. In all 27 episodes were produced all in black and white. Starring John Cassavetes with Bert Freed and Eduardo Ciannelli. Filmed on location in New York City.

This was in fact one of the coolest,hippest detective shows that I ever had the pleasure of watching and believe me this was just one "cool" incredible show that centered around the mixture of intrigue,suspense and mystery and all with a truly remarkable jazz score! However the censors canned this show for being too violent or too explicit,but who cares! This short-lived series showcased John Cassavetes' terrific acting ability which would propel him to the next level as one of the most influential American artists in American cimema.In other words,this would be the only TV-series that Cassavetes would star in. He plays Johnny Staccato,a jazz musician who moonlights as a private investigator who is surrounded by mobsters,beatniks,hop-heads,crooked musicians,and femme fatals. It's was such a treat that certain guest stars would make their appearances on this show:stars like Martin Landau Micheal Landon,Yvonne Craig,Tina Louise,Norman Fell,Jack Klugman,and the musical stylings of Shelly Mann and his band. If you should ever catch this show,you'll be glad you did since cable channel TRIO shows this short-lived series every so often. Worth viewing.