Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Classic TV: Captain Video & His Video Rangers (1949)

Honeymooners fans know that this is the favorite TV show of Ed Norton (Art Carney). Captain Video & His Video Rangers aired ahead of primetime programming on DuMont during its run, airing 6 nights a week. It was popular enough to warrant a Saturday morning spinoff.

While Al Hodge is most closely associated with the role of Captain Video, he wasn't the only actor to essay the part. Richard Coogan was the first Captain, but was gone in less than a year. Hodge, who was one of the actors to voice The Green Hornet on radio, became an icon of early television upon assuming the role of Captain Video. Future soap star Don Hastings (As The World Turns) was the Video Ranger.

Let's take a look at a sample episode from 1952.



I'm not sure if DuMont had any daytime programming at all, but, rightfully, Captain Video could've been an after-school treat. At least Ed Norton could watch the show over dinner.

No rating.

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