Reviewed By Jason LockardClassic Flix Silver Series has been shining a light on some films and series that would probably never get a chance for a home video release. The latest release is The Official First Season of Public Defender. This is the first time all 26 season one episodes have been released in any format.
Public Defender was created by Mort R. Lewis and Sam Shayon, and was a late season replacement for Philip Morris Playhouse. The show premiered on March 11th, 1954. Reed Hadley probably best known for his time on the show Racket Squad takes the lead in this series.
The series follows a taxpayer funded defense attorney each episode deals with everyday stories based on real-life events, tackling every kind of thorny dilemma from juvenile delinquency to vehicular homicide, the series not only shed new light on this little known public office, but its attention to realistic detail made the show a key player in the history of television crime drama.
There was many amazing film and TV stars who found their way to the Public Defender show. Including but not limited to, Hugh Beaumont, Marie Windsor, James Gleason, Steve Brodie, Lyle Talbot, Adele Jergens, Jimmy Lydon, Mary Beth Hughes, John Qualen, Darryl Hickman, Harry Carey, Jr., Harold Peary, Alan Reed, Noel Neill, Glenn Langan and Barbara Whiting.
Disc One: The case of the Parolee / The Unfit Mother / Lost Cause / The Forger / The Prizefighter Story / The Clown / Behind Bars / Two Brothers / Badge of Honor
Disc Two: Let Justice Be Done / Pauper's Gold / Stepchild / Auto Accident / Confession of Guilt / Hobo Story / The Modern Fagan / Third Floor Rear / Out of the Past
Disc Three: A Call in the Night / Escape / High Stakes / Lisa / Baby for Sale / Think no Evil / Little Egypt / The Last Appeal
This is a really well written, acted and directed show. It is filled with real human drama. Reed Hadley does a remarkable job as the lead character Bart Matthews he would start each episode with this prologue.
“A public defender is an attorney employed by the community and responsible for giving legal aid without cost to a person who seeks it and is financially unable to employ private council.
It is his duty to defend those accused of a crime until the issue is decided in a court of law. The first public defender's office in the United State was opened in January, 1913.
Over the years, other offices were opened and today that handful has grown to a network...a network of lawyers cooperating to protect the rights of our clients."
This show is presented in it's original full screen 1.33:1 aspect ratio. These episodes are transferred from the original Hal Roach Studio Masters. I have to say these episodes look and sound better than any episodes I've ever seen! The picture is crisp and the sound is clear with no signs of hiss.
I am very impressed with this first season release. Classic Flix has done a tremendous job and should be applauded for this release. It has been announced that Season 2 will be released on August. I am looking forward to that release.
So if you love those 50's TV shows as much as I do! I can not recommend this one enough! There is no other way to get this complete first season series on home video, so it is a must own! Head over to Amazon.com and get your copy. Also check out all the amazing releases from Classic Flix by going to www.ClassicFlix.com.
Audiences: Families
Objectionable Material: Nothing
Length: 650 Minutes
Genre: Drama
DVD Value Rating: A
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