Key to the Missing explained

Runtime:30 minutes
Starring:Archdale Jones
Country:United States

Key to the Missing is a documentary TV series that aired on the DuMont Television Network from July 4, 1948, to September 23, 1949. Each 30-minute episode was hosted by Archdale Jones.[1]

Based on the radio program Where Are They Now, Key to the Missing sought to find missing people. Techniques used included displaying pictures and samples of handwriting of missing people and interviewing their relatives and friends. Viewers who had insights into where any of the missing people might be were asked to call with relevant information.[2]

The program's schedule had it on Friday nights for most of its time on the air, but it was on Sunday nights August - October 1948 and Thursday nights March - April 1949. Its competition included Places Please on CBS.[3]

Production

Jones was the producer and director, with James Caddigan as technical director. The program originated from WABD in New York City and was sustaining.[4]

Reception

A review of the June 27, 1948, episode in the trade publication Billboard noted a "phony and completely unnecessary build-up" to one segment of the program, and it summarized, "Production was poor, pace non-existent."[4]

Episode status

As with most DuMont series, no episodes are known to survive.

See also

Bibliography

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: McNeil. Alex. Total Television: the Comprehensive Guide to Programming from 1948 to the Present . 1996. Penguin Books USA, Inc.. New York, New York. 0-14-02-4916-8. 449. 4th.
  2. Book: Brooks. Tim. Marsh. Earle. The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present. 1999. The Ballentine Publishing Group. New York. 0-345-42923-0. 537–538. 7th.
  3. Book: Hyatt . Wesley . Short-Lived Television Series, 1948-1978: Thirty Years of More Than 1,000 Flops . 2015 . McFarland . 978-1-4766-0515-9 . 6 . April 20, 2022 . en.
  4. Csida . Joe . Key to the Missing . March 7, 2022 . Billboard . July 17, 1948 . 10 17.