12 O'Clock High

'Twelve O'Clock High', the television version of Gregory Peck's classic war film, was a remarkable achievement when it debuted, in 1964. While utilizing stock war footage for bombardment and dogfight scenes, the story lines addressed the timeless issues of warfare (heroism and cowardice, integrity, loyalty) on an intimate scale that 'the big screen' couldn't match. It also made a star of Robert Lansing, the rugged, pensive actor who had previously garnered rave reviews in the series, '87th Precinct'. His 'Frank Savage' was a man of courage and a conscience, and he lifted each episode far above the 'typical' TV war show of the era.

With a soaring, beautiful theme (by the versatile Dominic Frontiere), the strong production values of Quinn Martin, and a veteran supporting cast including Frank Overton and John Larkin, the series garnered rave reviews, and was poised for a long, award-winning 'life' on the small screen.

Unfortunately, ABC stepped in, however, and decided to 'improve' the series...

The network produced figures that indicated that younger audiences weren't watching in big enough numbers, and that the show didn't provide enough 'action' for fans craving battle scenes. Lansing wasn't 'pretty' enough to attract female viewers, and there were no 'hunky' co-stars to fill the gap. As for offering a 'Message'? Sure, that was okay...as long as it didn't interfere with the bullets flying, the plane crashes, and the mostly happy endings.

So the program was retooled for the second season. Robert Lansing was killed off, shot down over Europe, and Paul Burke was brought in as his replacement. Best known from the cop show, 'Naked City', Burke was actually two years older than Lansing, but he had a more 'classic' leading man 'look', and had gotten a lot of female fan mail during the run of the earlier show. Most of the older cast also got the ax, and young Chris Robinson was brought in, as another potential 'heartthrob'.

The result of the changes was a diluted show, with less 'heart', if more 'glamor' and 'action'. While Burke tried to provide Lansing's subtlety and depth, he simply wasn't as good an actor, and the series lost the very qualities that had made it, initially, so memorable.

When 'Twelve O'Clock High' was canceled, after struggling through two seasons with the new cast, ABC downplayed the event, choosing to ignore the fact that the series had begun so promisingly, and that they had 'killed' it.

But for those of us who remember that first season with fondness, it is a reminder that creative minds make 'Classic TV', not network demographics!

I had never heard of this series, yes I had seen the movie, it was terrific, now my husband and I are really enjoying this Series. No one could play the part of Frank Savage, like Robert Lansing does. He has all the Human Passion, that a man in his position requires. I am in awe at how he always gives a man the benifit of the Doubt, the men want to be what he wants them to be, and do what is expected of them.

A very well done Series as far as I have seen. It is one that I want on video, as it shows us how fear must have engulfed the men in the air force. Little do we know how their necks would have been raw from turning their heads constantly, searching for the enemy, a heartwarming series, that make us say "Thank You" to all the men and women in World War11, whether on the ground or in the air, or in the boats on the ocean.

Thanks to everyone of you, we have freedom, let us be Thankful.

A First Time Viewer Joy

It is truly fine to be among the fans and supporters of this fine old chestnut. I am also in my fifties, and I knew a lot of WWII vets when I was a kid. My father rebuilt the big airfield at Foggia in Italy and the pastor of the church I went to was a nose gunner in B-24's. I've known 17, 24, and 29 pilots. To them the series was right on the money.

I always liked Lansing's Savage better than Peck's, but none of you noticed that the first few episodes were written by the men who wrote the original novel. In most cases, that usually makes for high production values and attention to characterization. Lay and Bartlett had a good ear for the experience because they lived it.

I have used "The Men and the Boys" and "Golden Boy Had Nine Black Sheep" as teaching tools in my European history and American history classes. The kids generally take to them, once they get past them being in black and white.

When this comes out so I can put it alongside "Rawhide" on my shelves, I will truly be a happy man.

Bob Potter Wilmington, Delaware

I like military shows especially the ones with airplanes, so this program was just fine with me. I liked both Robert Lansing and Paul Burke but I liked Lansing better as he seemed more the kind of leader I would like to have. (I spend 4 years in the Air Force in the early 60's and Paul Burke's cousin was my roommate). I used to like the clashes between the commanders and TSGT Komansky. I wish this show would be brought back in reruns somewhere.

This is one of the great television shows of the sixties that needs to be brought back. I don't know if the problem was popularity, subject, or because it was in back and white. Color would have killed it. The show took a minor dive when Robert Lansing left, but it was great entertainment and an example of great television they don't do today. I can still catch myself humming the theme.