Dating to January of 1956, this kinescope reel — a film record of a program shot with video or television cameras — shows outtakes or rushes from a test shot at the DuMont Television Network. According to the clapperboard, the unknown drama shown here was directed by one of TV’s most prolific directors John Peyser, whose career spanned four decades. We don’t know the names of the actors involved but the male lead appears to be Carl Betz, who worked with Peyser on the 1956 drama “Appointment with Adventure.” It’s unclear what the point of this test was, possibly just a rehearsal or to see how multiple television cameras could be used in a studio for live production, or for some other purpose. The DuMont Television Network was one of America’s pioneer commercial television networks, rivaling NBC and CBS for the distinction of being first overall in the United States. Dumont ceased to exist as a network in August, 1956.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com