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Revision as of 16:46, 13 March 2006 by Tomstoner (talk | contribs) (fixing "paul burke" link)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Naked City was a television series which aired from 1958 to 1963 on the ABC television network. It was inspired by the 1948 motion picure of the same name, and mimics its dramatic "semi-documentary" format.
Filmed on location in New York City, the series centers on the detectives of NYPD's 65th Precinct, but episode plots were often focused more on the criminals and victims portrayed by guest stars. Primary writer Stirling Siliphant nurtured a focus on intelligent drama with elements of comedy and pathos, leading to significant critical acclaim for the series, and leading film and television actors of the time sought out guest-starring roles. In addition, extensive location shooting made New York as much a star of the series as any of the actors.
The series first aired in 1958 as a half-hour series, which, while critically acclaimed, did not garner high ratings. Cancelled by ABC after its first season, one of the show's sponsors, along with production staff, lobbied the network to revive the show as an hour-long series, which premiered in 1960.
The 1960 version of the series featured Paul Burke as Detective Adam Flint, a sensitive and ploddingly cerebral cop in his early thirties who does much of the legwork in the episodes. Horace McMahon portrayed his seasoned and long-suffering superior, Lieutenant Parker. McMahon's character was also a regular in the earlier half-hour format series.
The series was notable for featuring young New York stage actors who later became major stars. Among the future stars to appear in the series were Robert Duvall, Robert Redford,Jon Voight, Sandy Dennis and, in a small role, Dustin Hoffman.
The theme song of the series, "Somewhere in the Night" by musician Billy May, became popular in its own right and appears in many jazz music compilations to this day.
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