Genre Drama | Country of origin United States | |
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Also known as ''Deadline for Action'' Written by Al C. WardFrederick Brady Directed by Lance ComfortTom Gries Starring Dane ClarkGeorge BrentMercedes McCambridge | ||
Wire Service is an American television drama series that aired on ABC as part of its 1956-57 season lineup.
Contents
Synopsis
Wire Service focuses on three reporters for the fictional Trans Globe wire service, which was similar to (and obviously inspired by) real-life news wire services such as the Associated Press and United Press International. It was the first hour-long, weekly scheduled dramatic series with continuing characters to last a full season on network television. However, the three reporters functioned independently of each other, meaning that the series was essentially three different ones sharing a time slot and title.
This program was aired at 9 p.m. (Eastern time) Thursdays from September 1956 to February 1957, when it was moved to Mondays at 8:30. It was not renewed for a second season, and the last prime time broadcast under this title was in September 1957. However, when a gap developed in the ABC schedule in February 1959, the episodes starring Dane Clark (only) were then rebroadcast under the title Deadline for Action. The last of these repeat episodes was broadcast on September 13, 1959.
The program was produced by Desilu Productions at Desilu Studios in Hollywood, California.
The series sometimes delved into topics that were controversial for its era. They included profiteering, nuclear testing, and prison reform.
Cast
The producers were Don Sharpe and Warren Lewis.
Home video
A DVD set, Wire Service Volume 1, was released by Alpha Video on March 1, 2016.