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‘Tunnel’ Outlook Dark
Low ratings plague ABC-TV’s Friday night adventure show |
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| • “Time Tunnel—ABC. Pseudo-scientific stories whose complicated gadgetry and silly involved plots make it unsuitable for children.” |
That’s the capsule criticism of Frank Orme, the executive vice president of the National Association for Better Broadcasting, an outfit assuming the mantle of auditor of all TV shows as they affect youngsters. Yet, separate studies by the network indicate viewers to the age of 18 enjoy the hour-long, Friday night program.
Youngsters Dig it
Adults just don’t understand the wildly improbable premise of Time Tunnel. Children believe the stories about a pair of young scientists who invent and use a time travel machine which catapults them into the thick of historical events. The shows are “unsuitable” to the unbending, too-logical minds of the mature.
The series finished filming the other day and probably will not return to the screen next season. Mr. Nielsen’s crowd of viewers (1100 nationwide) who report their TV watching time as the gospel for 55 million set-owners, placed Time Tunnel in the high 70’s range out of some 100 network programs. This is not a passable mark, and James Darren, for one, finds the failing grade a public tragedy.
“I think the shows serve two purposes,” the co-star of the series explains. “We give the youngsters lots of entertainment and at the same time pique their interest in history. We tried our best to make the stories as logical as possible, but I guess this is the year of the big movies.”
Budget Lacking
Unfortunately, the budget for Time Tunnel does not allow the expenditure for big sets and casts of thousands which most of the historical narratives demand. “It is a little like re-making The Bible for a nickle a page,” says Darren, “but I don’t believe the young fans in the audience really mind. They like to see the action first, read the real story later. I think it is a service.”
The youthful actor-singer, who comes from South Philadelphia, an area which has produced such entertainers as Eddie Fisher, Joey Bishop, Bobby Rydell, Fabian, Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker and Buddy Greco, knows he can go back to warbling in night clubs when Time Tunnel goes off. This time around it won’t be such a struggle. |
By Bob Hull |
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James Darren (left) and Bob Colbert are “Time” travelers | | |
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Los Angeles
Herald-Examiner
TV WEEKLY
Feb. 26-March 4, 1967 |  |  | | | Cover | |
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