We received this cry for help from an early tv fan:

Hi...
I am trying to get some information about an early T.V. series, and hope you can help me.

In the mid-fifties, my sisters & I watched Rin Tin Tin every week. We loved the stories about Rusty and Rinty. They were so exciting to us.

We liked listening to the tales about the indians as the "lieutenant" talked around the campfire. In particular, our favorite was about the "Legend ofthe WHITE BUFFALO". There was a ballad he sang and it has stayed with us through the years. I used to sing it to my kids before bedtime, and I still sing it to my grandkids. I would love to get the actual lyrics & music for this song. If it was ever recorded, I'd like to get a copy of it.

I believe Rin Tin Tin was on ABC, but I could be wrong. I have written to various T.V. guide-type publications, but have never received any response to my letters. The song is not listed in any music store records. It may have only been used for that show. If you can help me, or give me any suggestions, I would be so thankful.

I stumbled onto your homepage and have really been enjoying reading the "memories". Sure is neat to find it. I am very new on the internet, but am hoping to find a lot more things I can use & enjoy. Glad I found you!

Thanks for your time & your help.

JoEllen
joned@jps.net

JoEllen,

I'm afraid I can't help much about Rin Tin Tin, but I'll put your message up on my site and maybe someone can help.

As I recall, it was a syndicated show, sent to us on 16mm film. I remember they sent a uniform for the announcer to wear as Sgt. something, and we built a set to look like an old stone building with a hitching post in front. We did the breaks live, and I never saw much of the show because we were always rehearsing the commercials.

I do remember (painfully) one time we had a new stage hand who forgot to put sandbags in back of the flats to stabilize them. The Sgt. leaned against the set door and the whole thing fell down on the air. That was live TV.

Aloha, Ma Barker