"Drier than a perfect martini," the back cover of this double-disc, 16-episode set boasts. "Cooler than a saxophone solo. Tough enough to win over the mob, the cops, and the critics." Well...two out of three ain't bad. Craig Stevens stars as that "perfect American detective" Peter Gunn, in this Blake Edwards created, produced and scripted 1958-61 series, which launched the career of then newcomer Edwards, and cemented that of its already renowned 34-year-old music director, Henry Mancini. (Mancini's Grammy winning theme is still one of the most instantly recognizable musical compositions ever written.) Clearly modeled after Cary Grant, and with tongue often firmly planted in cheek, the suave, chain-smoking, jazz-savvy Gunn ("hot on the case, cool under fire") forever broke the Marlowe mold of rumpled gumshoes with his smooth moves, natty suits and sophisticated tastes. Having first given credit where its due, I must now say that, while the top-rated detective series of that day, Peter Gunn is now so dated as to be literally unwatchable. Boasting dreadfully written scripts, and bereft of any dramatic tension or intentional humor (strange, considering Edwards' future efforts), this far from the bee's knees A&E release will be a mighty hard sell to all but the most TV nostalgic of contemporary audiences. Not recommended. [Note: also available, Peter Gunn: Set 2, at the same price.] (S. C. Sickles)
Peter Gunn: Set 1
A&E, 2 discs, 400 min., not rated, $39.95 June 3, 2002
Peter Gunn: Set 1
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