Action Autographs
American television talk show (1949–1950)
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Action Autographs is an American television talk show that was broadcast on ABC April 24, 1949 - January 8, 1950.[1]
Overview
Action Autographs used films "to drop in on many interesting people and watch their activities".[2] Episodes included interviews and "human-interest films".[1] Jack Brand was the initial host;[3] Ed Prentiss succeeded him.[1] Topics of episodes included: the Shark Men ("World War II's most incredible combat team"[4]), a four-month hunt for gold,[5] a water show,[2] psychoanalysis of Richard Basehart's character in the film She Walks at Night,[2] and harness racing.[6] Guests on the program included lecturer Burton Holmes,[7] water-skiing champion Willa Worthington,[8] actor Eddie Albert,[5] singer Burl Ives[2] and automobile racer Wilbur Shaw.[9]
Production
Action Autographs was initially broadcast on Sundays from 10 to 10:15 p.m. Eastern Time.[3] Its competition included Girl About Town on NBC and a newscast on CBS.[10] When it returned in 1950, it was seen on Sundays from 6:30 to 6:45 p.m. E. T.[2]
Brand and Marge Bishop produced and directed the series,[11] which was owned by Brand Productions.[12] Bell & Howell was the sponsor[2] in that company's first venture into advertising on TV.[13] The program originated from WENR in Chicago.[11]