Search - Dangerous Assignment: The Complete Television Collection on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 3/29/2023...

Pretty interesting spy stories but the sound quality is a bit annoying.

Dangerous Assignment complete collection

OTR | 01/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoyed the old radio programs but didn't realize that there was a TV series as well. I ordered it and I have watched the first few programs and enjoy it as much as the radio series. I recommend it as being well worth the price."

From radio to television . . .

trebe | 07/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brian Donlevy is US agent Steve Mitchell, in producer Harold Knox's Dangerous Assignment, a suspenseful TV series that ran during the 1952-1953 season. Most episodes start in Washington DC, where Mitchell, who works for an unspecified agency, drops in at the office of `The Commissioner' to be briefed about his latest assignment. And then he's off, usually to some exotic foreign location, at the far corner of the world. Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South and Central America and the Far East, are just a few of the places that Mitchell assignments take him to. Often when taking a flight, Mitchell provides a narrative regarding his upcoming mission, or at other times he comments on his current status.

Mitchell is competent and thoroughly professional, and he needs to be, as he is almost always in unfamiliar territory. At his destination, there is usually someone he is to contact, to either get help or information. Things sometimes unfold like a detective story, and other times events happen like an adventure. Mitchell, in his 50's, isn't flashy or a great fighter, he relies on his wits and a keen eye for detail, to develop and follow leads. The tone is almost always serious, and Mitchell appears a little stiff at times, almost always dressed a suit. The opposition is clever, and for all his skills, Mitchell is baffled or misled at times, and gets coshed on the head more than a few times. Still, he usually finds a pretty credible way to come out on top.

Overall, this series is entertaining and very well-written. The stories are usually gritty and mostly believable. Mitchell appears in many situations and locations, which helps keep things interesting. He may not be the most charismatic fellow, but Mitchell gets the job done without any gimmicks or gadgets. His fights are usually very short, and he rarely uses a gun, or has to kill someone. The series may be seen as too ancient or slow, by those accustomed to the modern James Bond style of intrigue.

Dangerous Assignment was first a NBC radio program (1949-53), with Donlevy as Steve Mitchell. Donlevy worked to bring the program to the then new medium, television. Utilizing some of the same creative team, the TV show is quite similar to the radio program, in the type of stories, style of presentation, and even the same theme music. Some radio episodes were adapted for the screen, and Herb Butterworth who was The Commissioner on the radio show, also appeared in the role a few times on the TV program. Making several appearances in various minor roles is Jim Davis (Dallas)."

Campy Fun Show

Rude Boy 1979 | Today I'm in Ybor City | 03/07/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You could be one of two different fans of this show, a person who has fond memories of seeing it earlier in their lives, or a younger person who can appreciate the camp factor this series has. I am younger and like old TV series but I recognize how campy this show is as well. Know how younger viewers rip Star Trek for all the Red Shirts dying in the series, well if you grew up on the show you probably never saw it that way until you heard it recently and it's true! Well here the camp factor with Dangerous Assignment is of all the episodes I've seen, all of Steve's allied agents get killed. If the Commissioner said that I was to work with Secret Agent Steve Mitchell, I'd turn in my Secret Agent ID and gun and resign! The production values are good enough so it's still good to watch and whether you are into it, or laugh a little (or a lot), it's all good entertainment. Donlevy is not nearly as "wooden" here as many of his critics say of his movies and being a Brian Donlevy fan myself, I enjoy watching this series I had never heard of until recently. Donlevy comes across kind of like an older American Roger Moore's James Bond if you will, and it saves the show as the humor is much needed to make this show still work. The DVD prints are clean by the way with only a trademark brand shown briefly during the intro. 4 of 5 stars."