Synopsis: Thrust Into Television

Many movie character actors found steady work and arguably more exposure with the advent of television. 

MICHAEL PATE (1920-2008) 

Michael Pate was an Australian actor, writer, director, and producer, better known for his prolific work as a supporting actor in Hollywood films and American Television during the 1950s and 1960s. His range of characters spanned the globe. Though with only a slight variation of an accent, he may be most familiar as an American Indian, a Turkish ruler or guide, or an Eastern European spy or assassin. As a guest star, he played villains in American television comedies, including Batman (1966).

After serving during World War II, Pate had a brief acting career in his native country before heading to Hollywood in the 1950s. He appeared in over 300 television shows and films, including his most distinct introduction in 1954 for a

Climax! live production of Ian Fleming's Casino Royale. Pate played the role of "Clarence Leiter," opposite Barry Nelson's "Jimmy Bond." Two years later, he was cast in a supporting role in Danny Kaye's masterpiece comedy, The Court Jester. Numerous sources list all his films, some of which are notably famous.

During his time in the United States, Pate became an acting instructor and lecturer, and wrote many screenplays and plays for American films and television series. He appeared in nearly all the popular television Westerns during the decade as well as many adventure shows, before returning to Australia to become a television producer, winning two Logie Awards for his efforts. Pate retired in 2001 but kept busy doing voice-over work and writing screenplays.

The Man From Hanna-Barbera

Ed Benedict (1912-2006) started with Walt Disney in 1930 but left three years later to work at Universal Studios as an animator with Walter Lantz Productions. His ultimate fame arose after joining Hanna-Barbera in 1957 to help create their first television series, The Ruff and Reddy Show. Benedict was responsible for designing the characters on many of Hanna-Barbera’s earliest and most popular series, including Huckleberry Hound, Yogi Bear, The Flintstones, Quick Draw McGraw, and numerous others of the 1950s and 1960s, including the character design for the television show, Bewitched. His simple contour drawing approach captured each character's movements and expressions precisely. He left Hanna-Barbera at the end of the 1960s, but continued to do occasional projects for the studio, including background and layout advisor on one of Hanna-Barbera’s final cartoons, Johnny Bravo.

Synopsis: Thrust Into Television

Many movie character actresses found steady work and arguably more exposure with the advent of television. 

ROSEMARY DECAMP (1910-2001) 

DeCamp was an American radio, film, and television actress. Her film career got traction by the 1940s, but it was probably television where she was most visible, though many could not place her name. Wholesomely attractive, the actress often blended into a film's cast in an uncredited or supporting role. In later years, she could play a much older character than her costar, though perhaps only a few years separated them. She became associated as the ubiquitous small-town mother with a calm and steady presence. She finished out her career on numerous popular comedy and drama series during the 1970s and 1980s. Seen above in her promo for Borax. Still known as "what's her name."

Discover more about DeCamp's career at IMDB.

An Influential Illustrator

Bob Peak (1927-1992) was an award-winning American illustrator whose mixed media, sketchy style contributed thirty years to the film industry. He was famous for his many cover illustrations for TV Guide, other magazine advertisements, USPS stamps, and portraits.

What about Bob.

Synopsis: Thrust Into Television

Many movie character actors found steady work and arguably more exposure with the advent of television. 

MYRON HEALEY (1923-2005) 

Healey's characters may be despised more than others in film or television during the 1950s, thanks to his condescending delivery as a villain. When Healey was "bad," he could be despicable. He somewhat carried the torch from actor Harry Lauter, nine years his elder. He appeared in some 140 films, including more than 80 westerns, frequently for Monogram Pictures. But it was television that brought him intimate exposure. Healey served in World War II as an Air Corps navigator and bombardier, flying in B-26 Martin Marauders in the European Theatre. After the war, he continued military duties, retiring in the early 1960s as a captain in the United States Air Force Reserve.

Discover more about Healey's career at IMDB.

Big idea. No Sale.

Bohn Aluminum and Brass Corporation, Detroit, Michigan, were known for their futurism illustrations. One of their least bazaar concepts was a future commuter train. Its basic design came to reality in 1956 as the experimental Aerotrain, General Motors' two highly styled train sets. Their automotive designs were the inspiration and if one looks closely at Bohn's version, they may spot port holes (or not) that were closely associated with GM's Buick division. GM decided to use their city bus shells as coaches to save weight and cost. The lightweight coaches gave an unsettling ride for high-speed rail travel. Despite testing with major railroads, only the Rock Island Railroad bought them for use only in commuter service.

More on the Aerotrain here.

Just Add Water

If you spot this brand in your neighborhood supermarket it is not from Scandinavia. The unique spelling originated in Seattle, Washington in 1932. Rose Charters and her husband decided to tackle the challenge of making the perfect, easy-to-prepare pie crust. She called her product Krusteaz by cleverly combining “crust” and “ease.” The spirit of innovation continued with their introduction of “just add water” Pancake Mix and Belgian Waffle Mix. The Krusteaz fan base expanded eastward to become a national favorite by offering a variety of products. 

Pictured is a current box of Krusteaz Waffle Mix.