Burke's Law: Season 1, vol. 1

Briefly, if you have fond memories of "Burke's Law" as a child and you have a significant other who did not have the opportunity to previously review the series, I strongly recommend that you watch the series by yourself.When I was seven (7) years old, I vividly remember watching the noted series. More importantly, I also remember where and how I was commonly positioned (laying on the carpet), in front of our black and white television set, how our living room was arranged, the lasting aroma from dinner still lingering in the air, and even how my hair was styled (in long braids).During the noted period, I lived in a small town located in the "Bay Area" and everything in my life was pretty routine and predictable. Conversely, I was @ an age where I was beginning to formulate some ideas about what I liked and disliked about my life (do you get the picture??).In any event, one evening, "Burke's Law" popped on our T.V. set and I suddenly learned about a smooth, sophiscated, rich, and sauve LAPD cop being chauffeured by a limo driver. How exciting!!Amos Burke's life seemed so glamourous, tantalizing, a litte dangerous, and all I knew is that I wanted more. While investigating and solving crime, he also did alot of kissing, which made me curious about how to kiss a boy?? (I am still questioning whether I am doing it right??).Specifically, last night, besides all of the expected smooching, I watched the third (3rd) episode of the first (1st) series, which featured among many stars, "Mary Astor" (famous for her role in "The Maltese Falcon" w/Humphrey Bogart).To summarize my viewing, I watched the noted episode with great wonder as well as disappointment. I watched with wonder because "Astor" still possessed her acting chops. You can always count on "Mary" to add a certain degree of suspense to any role and she delivered in "Burke's Law." She was marvelously entertaining!! Oh, the drama....However, I was rather disappointed in how she appeared in the series. Although, she was advanced in age (not an issue), I could not get over how she was poorly dressed (very drabbed), which was contrary to my memories of her (usually a well dressed woman). How simply unfortunate to see "Astor" in that manner. Clearly, Astor's appearance had everything to do with casting and playing the specific role (i.e. a rundown and rejected woman).Nevertheless, if you enjoy watching detective shows especially from the 60's, featuring a host of great stars (some you may actually miss seeing) such as Paul Lynde, John Saxon, Elizabeth Montgomery, Lizbeth Scott, Zsa Zsa Gabor, etc., than "Burke's Law" is worth some of your T.V. viewing time.

How many of LA's Chief of Detectives, have been chauffeured to work in a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, live in a palatial mansion, and are the toast of society? Enter one, Amos Burke, played expertly by Gene Barry, whose only real distinction in the cinema was a starring role in George Pal's "War of the Worlds," (1953).Barry, not unlike the character depicted in "Burke's Law," was well-suited to the role. Born into a family with musical credentials, (his father was a violinst; his mother a singer) Barry had a sense of effortless style, grace, charm and an attractive baritone voice and, at one time, entertained the idea of an operatic career for the stage.After appearing in several forgettable films, save "War of the Worlds," Barry embarked on a successful acting career throughout the 50's and 60's. He even had the distinctive honor to be the first villain in the pilot for "Columbo" entitled "Prescription Murder" (1968), as what else? An eminent psychiatrist suspected of killing his wife. In the 70's Barry starred in the short-lived series, "The Adventurer" with Barry Morse and the lovely Catherine von Schell (Maya from Space 1999), as a globetrotting, ultra wealthy, bachelor (although a little too old for the role)solving international capers. The european locales added a bit of flair to this otherwise pedestrian series.Nonetheless, this first set of Burke's Law comes highly recommended. VCA has done a superb job of remastering the episodes and has even included vintage commercials from LARK and L&M cigarettes, Crest toothpaste, and other interesting spots from VCA's vaults--all accessible from the menu screen. The only downside to this set is that VCA has opted to only release the first 16 epsidoes of Season 1, rather than the whole season. Taking the economically expedient and profitable route, it seems VCA's practice has become all too familiar with these popular vintage series' cherished by classic television fans like me.The show also stars a pre-"Land of the Giants" Gary Conway as Burke's indispensable assistant. The show has a bevy of recognizable guest stars that reads like recitation from Hollywood's Walk of Fame--even silent star Zazu Pitts and Anne Francis in the pilot episode, "Who Killed Honey West?"If you like classic crime dramas as I do, here is yet another collection you will add to your DVD library.

Excellent detective series with Gene Barry in the role of Amos Burke. Also there is a strong supporting cast with Regis Toomey and and Gary Conway in supporting roles, and a host of prominent guest stars of the day.

Great quality with several of the earlier episodes featuring 'Next on Burke's Law' trailers. Many old Hollywood stars mixed with future stars. Never takes itself too seriously. You have to be a 'baby-boomer' to appreciate the humor.

Yes the premise is unbelievable but the main fun is the performances and the guest stars who are often given some great characters. Where else will you get to see David Niven as the worlds greatest juggler or Sammy Davis do a 5 minute comedy bit that virtually has nothing to do with the plot?

Just excellent. Now if only they would release the Amos Burke secret agent episodes that came after season two

very good series