TV Guidance Counselor TV Guidance Counselor Episode 705: Josh Fadem
Sep 8, 2025
In this episode, comedian and film buff Josh Fadem dives deep into 1950s television and film noir. He shares his obsession with the genre, detailing his pandemic binge of classic noirs and the influence of this era on TV shows like 'Dragnet.' They explore the competitive relationship between film and television during that time and chuckle over quirky vintage ads from the period. Fadem also examines how live performances shaped entertainment, with memorable references to renowned acts like Ernie Kovacs and Ed Sullivan.
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Noir's Acting Reflects Postwar Trauma
- Many mid-century male leads conveyed a shared post-WWII trauma sensibility, giving noir protagonists a world-weary, numb tone.
- Actors' personal experiences and era-shaped performances contributed to a consistent noir mood beyond script details.
A Chance Meeting With Angie Dickinson
- Josh recalled meeting Angie Dickinson while PA-ing on a sports documentary and spending an afternoon chatting at her house.
- She gave him an Alan Price 'O Lucky Man!' record and said she'd like to see him again, a memory he treasures.
TV Was A Mix Of Live Theatre And Variety
- 1955 TV schedules were heavy on live or theatrical-style programming and variety shows transitioning from radio formats.
- Highbrow playwrights and prestige teleplays (Playhouse 90, writers like Paddy Chayefsky) populated early television alongside variety acts.
