BRACKEN’S WORLD (1969-1970) – This one-hour drama has the dubious distinction of being the series that replaced Star Trek on NBC’s Fall Schedule for the 1969 into 1970 season. The program was set at fictional Century Studios in Hollywood and presented dramas about life in the film industry. Dorothy Kingsley created and produced the show and wrote several episodes.
John Bracken ran Century Studios and in the first season all viewers got was his voice on the speakerphone, praising or crushing his employees. The voice was provided by Warren Stevens in the first season, then Leslie Nielsen took over the role and appeared in person as Bracken for the second season.
The episodes were sometimes self-contained with assorted guest stars at the center of each week’s backstabbing and maneuvering, but most revolved around a regular cast portraying figures who worked at or were under contract to Century Studios.
Appearing in all 41 episodes were Peter Haskell as producer Kevin Grant, Linda “Nova from Planet of the Apes” Harrison as ingenue actress Paulette Douglas, Elizabeth Allen as talent coach Laura Deane and Karen Jensen as established star Rachel Holt.
Other recurring roles with a lengthy run were filled by Madlyn Rhue as Kevin Grant’s wife Marjorie, Dennis Cole as stunt man and later assistant studio head Davey Evans and Stephen Oliver as Tom Hudson, a talented but volatile actor.
THE EPISODES:
101. FADE IN – Brandoesque Tom Hudson tries to make his mark as an actor, Paulette Douglas is reluctant to do a nude scene in her first film, but her ambitious show-business mother (Jeanne Cooper) insists she do it. Producer Kevin Grant’s marriage is in trouble over his use of the casting couch. Tony Curtis, Omar Sharif and Raquel Welch make brief appearances as themselves to sell the supposed “star power” of Century Studios. Continue reading
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