I recently got the DVD set of this classic TV show which I haven't seen in 60 years. Back then I had a genuine fascination with Mr. Lucky and his adventures. It may have been the dark edgy atmosphere, the mystery surrounding star John Vivyan's character, or the strong chemistry between the cast members themselves. Above all, it was Henry Mancini's magnificent music that really made the show a hit.
One point that needs to be mentioned is the reason why the show went off the air. Those of us who were alive back in 1959 recall that America was a very different place when it came to public mores, and for its time, Mr. Lucky was quite daring for a television show. Its protagonist was a complex character with a shady past, a professional gambler running a barely legal casino outside the three-mile limit. Along with all the gambling, there was lots of excessive drinking, smoking, partying, and overt sexual innuendos in the dialogue. Not to mention that Lucky and his lady friend Maggie had an "open relationship" when it came to commitment.
Soon CBS and sponsor Lever Brothers received flak from viewers in the South and Midwest concerning the show's alleged "immorality". This is partly why the show's format was changed mid-season from a casino to a swank supper club. However, this was not enough to placate viewers in the Bible belt. Thus, in spite of the shows' strong viewership and high ratings, Lever Brothers refused to renew its contract. Because the show was so hot, CBS was unable to find another sponsor. And so, to the great regret of its audience, Mr. Lucky was subsequently canceled, its last episode airing in September of 1960.
Back then Mr. Lucky was considered to be way too much over the top and paid the penalty for being ahead of its time. Today a show such as this would be a hit on TV but also probably be rated PG because of all the smoking and drinking.
For myself however, seeing this classic TV show once again and hearing the beautiful Henry Mancini score brings back warm memories of a simpler time, when television was indeed real entertainment.
And now, as Andamo ( Ross Martin) would say- "That's it and that's all!"
One point that needs to be mentioned is the reason why the show went off the air. Those of us who were alive back in 1959 recall that America was a very different place when it came to public mores, and for its time, Mr. Lucky was quite daring for a television show. Its protagonist was a complex character with a shady past, a professional gambler running a barely legal casino outside the three-mile limit. Along with all the gambling, there was lots of excessive drinking, smoking, partying, and overt sexual innuendos in the dialogue. Not to mention that Lucky and his lady friend Maggie had an "open relationship" when it came to commitment.
Soon CBS and sponsor Lever Brothers received flak from viewers in the South and Midwest concerning the show's alleged "immorality". This is partly why the show's format was changed mid-season from a casino to a swank supper club. However, this was not enough to placate viewers in the Bible belt. Thus, in spite of the shows' strong viewership and high ratings, Lever Brothers refused to renew its contract. Because the show was so hot, CBS was unable to find another sponsor. And so, to the great regret of its audience, Mr. Lucky was subsequently canceled, its last episode airing in September of 1960.
Back then Mr. Lucky was considered to be way too much over the top and paid the penalty for being ahead of its time. Today a show such as this would be a hit on TV but also probably be rated PG because of all the smoking and drinking.
For myself however, seeing this classic TV show once again and hearing the beautiful Henry Mancini score brings back warm memories of a simpler time, when television was indeed real entertainment.
And now, as Andamo ( Ross Martin) would say- "That's it and that's all!"