He put it off as long as possible but Lee Marvin eventually starred in his own TV series, M Squad, which premiered September 20, 1957 on NBC. He eventually became a producer of the hit three-year series but it was not anything he particularly liked working on. Why? One reason was things like this….
Another reason was having to do p.r. for the show. For a straight forward and straight talking man like Lee Marvin, the result was often profiles, such as the lead written for a TV Guide profile below….
Along with the crass commercialism, requiste p.r and rushed schedule of TV, there was also the need for picure posing….
But, still in all, he did what was required and each week viewers tuned in to hear him intone: “My name is Lt. Frank Ballinger of M Squad, a special detail of the Chicago Police Department…”
The effect the show had on his personal relationships, marriage and career almost brought all three to an end until the show itself finally came to an end in 1960. How did that finally come about and how did he deal with it? All are answered in the pages of Lee Marvin Point Blank.
More great stuff, Dwayne. Love the series and have the box set with all 117 episodes.
Hey John Crummett,please tell me where I can get a set of ”M Squad ”myself
Ebay or Amazon works best price-wise.
Excellent interview, Dwayne.
I always liked Lee Marvin (especially after finding he drove a Shelby Mustang!). He epitomized a whole genre of movies I used to and continue to enjoy.
BTW: You sure are getting a lot of mileage out of this book! Congratulations to you!