Classic TV's Lost "Bits & Pieces" Rediscovered!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 23, 2004 -- (BOSTON, Massachusetts) November 23nd, 2004 - S.M.Russo, independent television/film media researcher and historian announces the location of 100s of hours of lost TV footage dating as far back as the 1950�s.

However, this isn't your run of the mill find of �lost� television programs like the famous "Honeymooners Lost Episodes," but forgotten footage such as lost interviews, network promos and sales spots, product sponsor reels and more.

Some examples of this material include a rare interview with �The Great One� Jackie Gleason from 1961, Rod Serling (creator of �The Twilight Zone�) speaking about his �Famous Writers Correspondence School� from the 1960�s, and what Russo sees as the most interesting part of this collection, William Bendix as Chester A. Riley (his character from the long running radio and TV show �The Life of Riley�) in a special promotional contest for GULF service stations� called "Live the Life of Riley" from 1956. Other parts of the collection include appearances of classic TV stars from the 50's & 60's IN CHARACTER for sponsor products and appearances (as spokespeople) for various causes.

"This material was considered disposable, and literally thrown out by television stations and networks by the truckload," Russo explains. "If it wasn't for a handful of collectors and forgotten closets, this stuff would be lost forever."

This particular collection was actually assembled from private collectors and retired broadcasting professionals who held onto the footage for decades, because according to Russo, �They wanted a souvenir of their past.� Although, it took several years to compile, he says, "It's been as much fun as it's been hard work locating this material, and well worth the effort." Footage exists in various formats and quality. "Sometimes you get lucky and find footage that looks as good as the day it was shot, other times you'll find it worn out and run to death." He added, "You have to remember, what is found may be the only copy in existence."

In order for this material to be viewed again, Russo, through his production company, "The Midnight Matinee" created a retrospective DVD called THE FUN RETRO WORLD OF CLASSIC TV, which he describes as �A Video Festival of 50's & 60's Pop-Culture." The 67-minute DVD is currently available through online retailer Amazon.com, and will be in wide release by mid-January, 2005.

He hopes that this will be the first of a series to showcase this type of material, and feels strongly about making these finds available to the general public. �Classic television is the common denominator for the baby boomer generation,� Russo says. �This material should be seen again, not collecting dust in some archive. What is the sense of finding this stuff if it can't be viewed and enjoyed, to bring back memories of the 'Nooks and Crannies" of television history.�