BEHIND CLOSED DOORS (1958-1959) – This Cold War spy series starred and was narrated by Bruce Gordon, who portrayed U.S. Navy Commander Matson (no first name given). Matson would take an active role in some episodes and would narrate from a supporting role in others.
The half-hour series ran for 26 episodes and was based on the espionage files of Rear Admiral Ellis M. Zacharias, who had served in World War One and World War Two. Zacharias offered closing commentary in 17 of the episodes.
Behind Closed Doors was a docu-drama and is generally pretty entertaining. The half-hour running time and the inventive plots prevent any potential boredom from setting in.
THE EPISODES:
THE CAPE CANAVERAL STORY – Commander Matson and U.S. Naval Intelligence deal with a Soviet submarine sent to monitor American rocket tests at Cape Canaveral as well as with a Russian spy who tries forcing a charter boat captain in the area to take him to a spot where he can observe launches. Virginia “Mrs. Olson” Christine also stars.
FLIGHT TO FREEDOM – Dr. Brauer (Francis Lederer), a German rocket scientist now working for the Soviet guided missile program, is motivated to try defecting to the U.S. when his longtime colleague Dr. Von Elm is lobotomized by the communists for dissent. Television debut of Arlene Martel. Continue reading
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