Johnny Staccato: Television's Jazz Detective

Oh they really don't make 'em like this anymore-this has got to be the coolest detective show i have ever seen-never heard of it b4-it was shown on NBC & ABC in 1959 & 1960-not sure if it was ever shown in the UK-filmed in New York City it stars John Cassavetes as jazz pianist Staccato who is also a PI. Each episode is like a mini film noir,a lot of the action takes place in the jazz club 'Waldos'in Greenwich Village-27 episodes full of violence,guns,cheap broads,booze,jazz,smoking-what more do u want to relax to? -great quality prints.

Naked City and Johnny Staccato were my two favourite series in the late 50s and early 60s, and were an important part of my love for the city of New York and Jazz. I've was so pleased when I stumbled across the collection of all 27 episodes of Johnny Staccato featuring the great actor John Cassavetes and so many future-to-be well-known movie actors.The stories hold up, are well produced and directed, and, being black-and-white, show off beat generation NYC to its nourish best. Lots of good on-the-street footage and great music. Highly recommended.

I used to be a great fan of John Cassavetes, but now that I'm older I find his acting a bit mannered, although he's still very watchable, and, oh, the guy was cool! These episodes were enjoyable enough at first, but the whole thing eventually became rather set bound, with less and less action on the streets. The stories also became more predictable, very much like other US TV series of the late Fifties and early Sixties. That said, the jazz music is great, as is the moody offbeat atmosphere at the club where Staccato plays the piano. Cassavetes' Chandleresque narration is also sharp and cynically witty. Watching out for guests stars is fun though, which is why I buy these things. My favourite was the episode where Cassavetes meets a lovely, intelligent blonde on a plane, played by his real-life wife, Gena Rowlands. Great prints, no subtitles. If the current prices hold, (check out the various buying options), it's terrific value for 27 twenty-five minute episodes, and a pleasant trip down memory lane.

Rather dated with obvious sound stage sets.

This series was one of the best detective series of the time,and for those who have never seen it you are in for a surprise.Good storylines.and a host of great guest stars in various episodes.Pity it only ran for one series.Great print also

Excellent item and seller.Recommended.

These were ahead of their time when they first appeared - film noire for television. Is there anyone out there who can tell me when this excellent collection will be available for Region 2?

Just to endorse what the other reviewers have said, this is a great reminder of the kind of tough, laconic crime series that American TV was so good at in the fifties. Although I didn't notice at the time, when it seemed very hip and cool, it was really quite old-fashioned in some ways - very much in the noir style of ten years earlier. The New York locations, the music and John Cassavetes are excellent and, while no-one could claim that the shows were literary or thespian masterpieces they are thoroughly enjoyable - especially if you were around at the time, although my thirtyish daughters enjoy them too.The only reason I bothered to file this review is to say that, if you fancy seeing these period gems, don't worry about the discs being Region 1 - they play perfectly well in a normal Region 2 player (at least, mine do) - and jolly good prints they are too.