On DVD: Sky King (1951)

I just couldn't resist snagging a 4-episode compilation of the 1951-59 series, Sky King, which, like so many of its contemporaries, made the transition from radio to television. I'm glad I made the investment.

I have to admit I wasn't really interested when Sky King aired on cable several years back, but these days I find myself buying more and more old radio & television shows, and this, I felt would be a good addition to my collection.

Kirby Grant starred as Schuyler "Sky" King, owner of the Flying Crown Ranch and licensed pilot who patrolled the ranch property and the surrounding environs aboard his personal plane, Songbird, often in the company of his niece, Penny (Gloria Winters). It was typical family oriented adventure fare of the period, with Sky & Penny battling with common thieves and other villains.

The DVD set I have hop-scotches across the time line, the latest episode being from the series' final season, 1958-59. One episode, sponsored by Peter Pan peanut butter, includes commercials promoting the inevitable toy giveaway tie-in, in this case a portable microscope. It sounded like well traveled radio and film actor Gerald Mohr was the announcer for at least one episode (the one with the Peter Pan promotion), but I'm not sure about the other(s).

Edit: 4/11/14: Here's the episode, "The Wild Man", with announcer Gerald Mohr:





Would Sky King be revived today? Hard to say, with the world having changed so much. Grade: A-.