This episode is infamous for a Lon Chaney Jr. gaff on live TV.
Near the end of his career, Chaney had developed quite a drinking problem. As a result, many of his later roles were for characters which had little or no dialog (e.g. "The Indestructible Man"). Although this episode of "Tales of Tomorrow" would be broadcast live, since the role of the Frankenstein monster had no lines, it was assumed that Chaney could still do the job. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
By broadcast time, Chaney was smashed. Although he is able to appear and hit his marks, careful viewing of his performance reveals that when the monster should be going on a rampage and destroying all of the furniture and props on the set, the monster/Chaney gingerly picks up each piece of furniture and gently sets it back in place, while mumbling "Save it for the show.",... just as he had done earlier in the day at rehearsal!!!
Fans of Chaney will want to seek this out just to see Chaney made up as the Frankenstein monster one last time, even though it's an embarrassing performance. There are no other redeeming qualities here. I'm giving this a 2, and that's being generous.
Near the end of his career, Chaney had developed quite a drinking problem. As a result, many of his later roles were for characters which had little or no dialog (e.g. "The Indestructible Man"). Although this episode of "Tales of Tomorrow" would be broadcast live, since the role of the Frankenstein monster had no lines, it was assumed that Chaney could still do the job. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
By broadcast time, Chaney was smashed. Although he is able to appear and hit his marks, careful viewing of his performance reveals that when the monster should be going on a rampage and destroying all of the furniture and props on the set, the monster/Chaney gingerly picks up each piece of furniture and gently sets it back in place, while mumbling "Save it for the show.",... just as he had done earlier in the day at rehearsal!!!
Fans of Chaney will want to seek this out just to see Chaney made up as the Frankenstein monster one last time, even though it's an embarrassing performance. There are no other redeeming qualities here. I'm giving this a 2, and that's being generous.