DOWNTOWN with Huell Howser on L.A. Channel

[failsafe]

I've just discovered this show in Huell's never ending visiting series. Saw 3 of them so far and I liked them. Finally a program regarding Downtown L.A. I'm a lifelong L.A. resident, so it's interesting to me. Have you people seen it? Has it been on for a while or is it still new?

 

[Carmine5]

Haven't seen this particular show but here's a typical Huell Howitzer interview:

Huell: So what have we got here?

Man: I'm dipping apples into caramel sauce

Huell: You mean you're actually taking apples and putting them in this here sauce?

Man: That's right.

Huell: Well, how do you do that?

Man: I take this stick, poke it through this apple and dip it in caramel.

Huell: Now let me get this straight--you take this lil' old stick, shove it into this apple and then dip it into this caramel?

Man: That's right.

Huell: Well, golly! And how long you been doing this?

Man: Since 1947.

Huell: You mean to tell me, you been shoving sticks into apples and dipping them into caramel sauce for 61 years?

Man: That's right.

Huell: Well, goll...y!

And on and on it goes. No matter what kind of show he does, Huell's schtick is always the same and it's worn pretty thin.

In a former life I was a television news photographer and segment producer and, at times, had to take insignificant subject matter and stretch it to fill a time slot.

But Huell is the undisputed master.

C5

 

[ercjncpr]

Haven't seen this particular show but here's a typical Huell Howitzer interview:






And on and on it goes. No matter what kind of show he does, Huell's schtick is always the same and it's worn pretty thin.

In a former life I was a television news photographer and segment producer and, at times, had to take insignificant subject matter and stretch it to fill a time slot.

But Huell is the undisputed master.

C5

If you think he is silly, then don't watch him. Huell is loved by millions of Californians who don't need a sarcastic commentary like yours.

 

[Carmine5]

Give me a break.

Howser has been strip mining California's history for his own personal gold for too long. Now that he's reaching the end of the vane, (I guess viewers are a little tired of hearing about the history of Happy Camp or wherever he happens to be that week), he wants to rip off a concept done decades ago by a much better broadcaster/journalist, namely Ralph Story.

"Ralph Story's L.A.", which began in the mid-60's was a weekly show that took the history, lore, events, sites and culture of Los Angeles and wove them into witty and often compelling half-hour tales. It was very popular and won several Emmys.

Huell is obviously trying to put some fresh tread on this concept and run with it (and, hey, maybe he'll win an Emmy!). The problem with Huell is that while Ralph Story's narrative style was witty and warm, Huell will just slather on an extra helping of corn pone, hoping no one will notice his shortcomings as a broadcaster.

Besides, I know a couple of people who have worked with Huell in the past. Let's just say that he's not the person he appears to be on camera.

C5

 

[failsafe]

Give me a break.

Howser has been strip mining California's history for his own personal gold for too long. Now that he's reaching the end of the vane, (I guess viewers are a little tired of hearing about the history of Happy Camp or wherever he happens to be that week), he wants to rip off a concept done decades ago by a much better broadcaster/journalist, namely Ralph Story.

"Ralph Story's L.A.", which began in the mid-60's was a weekly show that took the history, lore, events, sites and culture of Los Angeles and wove them into witty and often compelling half-hour tales. It was very popular and won several Emmys.

Huell is obviously trying to put some fresh tread on this concept and run with it (and, hey, maybe he'll win an Emmy!). The problem with Huell is that while Ralph Story's narrative style was witty and warm, Huell will just slather on an extra helping of corn pone, hoping no one will notice his shortcomings as a broadcaster.

Besides, I know a couple of people who have worked with Huell in the past. Let's just say that he's not the person he appears to be on camera.

C5

So what? I asked about the current show, not an attack on his character. I've been watching his programs since the Videolog days on PBS.
Maybe you have no interest in history, but others do. So take a chill pill, Will. Knowmsayn?

 

[Carmine5]

Give me a break.

Howser has been strip mining California's history for his own personal gold for too long. Now that he's reaching the end of the vane, (I guess viewers are a little tired of hearing about the history of Happy Camp or wherever he happens to be that week), he wants to rip off a concept done decades ago by a much better broadcaster/journalist, namely Ralph Story.

"Ralph Story's L.A.", which began in the mid-60's was a weekly show that took the history, lore, events, sites and culture of Los Angeles and wove them into witty and often compelling half-hour tales. It was very popular and won several Emmys.

Huell is obviously trying to put some fresh tread on this concept and run with it (and, hey, maybe he'll win an Emmy!). The problem with Huell is that while Ralph Story's narrative style was witty and warm, Huell will just slather on an extra helping of corn pone, hoping no one will notice his shortcomings as a broadcaster.

Besides, I know a couple of people who have worked with Huell in the past. Let's just say that he's not the person he appears to be on camera.

C5

So what? I asked about the current show, not an attack on his character. I've been watching his programs since the Videolog days on PBS.
Maybe you have no interest in history, but others do. So take a chill pill, Will. Knowmsayn?

A) I'm totally chilled. It's you who seem a little hot under the collar over my (and others in the industry) assessment of Huell.

B) If you want the L.A. Story as explained by Jethro Clampett, be my guest.

Sheesh. I've forgotten Huell's hypnotic power over the Metamusel crowd.

C5

 

[failsafe]

Give me a break.

Howser has been strip mining California's history for his own personal gold for too long. Now that he's reaching the end of the vane, (I guess viewers are a little tired of hearing about the history of Happy Camp or wherever he happens to be that week), he wants to rip off a concept done decades ago by a much better broadcaster/journalist, namely Ralph Story.

"Ralph Story's L.A.", which began in the mid-60's was a weekly show that took the history, lore, events, sites and culture of Los Angeles and wove them into witty and often compelling half-hour tales. It was very popular and won several Emmys.

Huell is obviously trying to put some fresh tread on this concept and run with it (and, hey, maybe he'll win an Emmy!). The problem with Huell is that while Ralph Story's narrative style was witty and warm, Huell will just slather on an extra helping of corn pone, hoping no one will notice his shortcomings as a broadcaster.

Besides, I know a couple of people who have worked with Huell in the past. Let's just say that he's not the person he appears to be on camera.

C5

So what? I asked about the current show, not an attack on his character. I've been watching his programs since the Videolog days on PBS.
Maybe you have no interest in history, but others do. So take a chill pill, Will. Knowmsayn?

A) I'm totally chilled. It's you who seem a little hot under the collar over my (and others in the industry) assessment of Huell.

B) If you want the L.A. Story as explained by Jethro Clampett, be my guest.

Sheesh. I've forgotten Huell's hypnotic power over the Metamusel crowd.

C5

So how big is that chip on your shoulder, Bruce? You make two essays on his character when all I asked about is the show. You seem to have a personal gripe against him. Maybe he fired you for being a slacker.

 

[Carmine5]

Have never worked for the man and, given the horror stories I've heard, would never work for him. I don't need that kind of abuse.

But Howser is a joke in the business (and I'm just stating a fact here). Everyone does a riff on him. Mine was mild compared to some I've heard.

From what I've read of 'Downtown' it sounds like a resurrection (or re-tread or rip-off) of "Ralph Story's L.A.". If you've never seen 'RSLA' you missed a truly great show.

I'm sure Huell's show is a pale imitation by comparison.

C5

 

[TVC1500]

Carmine..somewhat funny riff on Huell. Part of the problem is many of those shows seem to be shot for elementary school kids. I always thought it would be great for him to visit a Nevada Cat house, and do his running commentary. I like the guy, but sure sometimes he stretches the act.

Ralph Story rocked, literate-sharp-cool and very L.A. One of the last shows I saw which he produced
was something called "It isn't there anymore" , with all these great art deco palaces around LA, odd
road houses, and amusement parks. Very Raymond Chandlerish, he was the best.

 

[Carmine5]

Carmine..somewhat funny riff on Huell. Part of the problem is many of those shows seem to be shot for elementary school kids. I always thought it would be great for him to visit a Nevada Cat house, and do his running commentary. I like the guy, but sure sometimes he stretches the act.

Ralph Story rocked, literate-sharp-cool and very L.A. One of the last shows I saw which he produced
was something called "It isn't there anymore" , with all these great art deco palaces around LA, odd
road houses, and amusement parks. Very Raymond Chandlerish, he was the best.

Only somewhat funny? Oh, well.

That's it! Huell's shows are like the field trips we took in grade school. No wonder they're such a drag.

In some ways, Ralph Story's shows, including the one you mention "Things That Aren't Here Anymore" which he did for KCET, were like radio with pictures. Of course, you appreciate the visuals, but the writing was so sharp and Ralph's unique narrative style was so strong that his shows would have been equally fascinating on radio.

Indeed, there was a point in Story's career when he was pulling double duty on both KNX radio and KNXT channel 2. Truly a remarkable broadcaster.

C5

 

[Hunter]

Carmine..somewhat funny riff on Huell. Part of the problem is many of those shows seem to be shot for elementary school kids. I always thought it would be great for him to visit a Nevada Cat house, and do his running commentary. I like the guy, but sure sometimes he stretches the act.

Ralph Story rocked, literate-sharp-cool and very L.A. One of the last shows I saw which he produced
was something called "It isn't there anymore" , with all these great art deco palaces around LA, odd
road houses, and amusement parks. Very Raymond Chandlerish, he was the best.

Only somewhat funny? Oh, well.

That's it! Huell's shows are like the field trips we took in grade school. No wonder they're such a drag.

In some ways, Ralph Story's shows, including the one you mention "Things That Aren't Here Anymore" which he did for KCET, were like radio with pictures. Of course, you appreciate the visuals, but the writing was so sharp and Ralph's unique narrative style was so strong that his shows would have been equally fascinating on radio.

LMAO!!!!! Carmine you nailed HH's interview style and really made my night...very funny stuff. Although he is a goofball, he is mildly charming...but not enough for major market TV...even if it is a public station. Ralph Story on the other hand...a legend in human interest/local history pieces. I remember him when I was a kid growing up, but then I moved away. By the time I moved back in the mid 90's I think he had retired. I loved the two "Things That Aren't Here Anymore" docs and I wished that he had produced more before his passing.

 

[failsafe]

Carmine..somewhat funny riff on Huell. Part of the problem is many of those shows seem to be shot for elementary school kids. I always thought it would be great for him to visit a Nevada Cat house, and do his running commentary. I like the guy, but sure sometimes he stretches the act.

Ralph Story rocked, literate-sharp-cool and very L.A. One of the last shows I saw which he produced
was something called "It isn't there anymore" , with all these great art deco palaces around LA, odd
road houses, and amusement parks. Very Raymond Chandlerish, he was the best.

Only somewhat funny? Oh, well.

That's it! Huell's shows are like the field trips we took in grade school. No wonder they're such a drag.

In some ways, Ralph Story's shows, including the one you mention "Things That Aren't Here Anymore" which he did for KCET, were like radio with pictures. Of course, you appreciate the visuals, but the writing was so sharp and Ralph's unique narrative style was so strong that his shows would have been equally fascinating on radio.

Indeed, there was a point in Story's career when he was pulling double duty on both KNX radio and KNXT channel 2. Truly a remarkable broadcaster.

C5

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm very well aquainted with Ralph Story and his trips down memory lane, but that wasn't the topic of my thread, was it?
Do you hold the same view towards Vista L.A. as you do towards Howser?

 

[Carmine5]

Carmine..somewhat funny riff on Huell. Part of the problem is many of those shows seem to be shot for elementary school kids. I always thought it would be great for him to visit a Nevada Cat house, and do his running commentary. I like the guy, but sure sometimes he stretches the act.

Ralph Story rocked, literate-sharp-cool and very L.A. One of the last shows I saw which he produced
was something called "It isn't there anymore" , with all these great art deco palaces around LA, odd
road houses, and amusement parks. Very Raymond Chandlerish, he was the best.

Only somewhat funny? Oh, well.

That's it! Huell's shows are like the field trips we took in grade school. No wonder they're such a drag.

In some ways, Ralph Story's shows, including the one you mention "Things That Aren't Here Anymore" which he did for KCET, were like radio with pictures. Of course, you appreciate the visuals, but the writing was so sharp and Ralph's unique narrative style was so strong that his shows would have been equally fascinating on radio.

LMAO!!!!! Carmine you nailed HH's interview style and really made my night...very funny stuff. Although he is a goofball, he is mildly charming...but not enough for major market TV...even if it is a public station. Ralph Story on the other hand...a legend in human interest/local history pieces. I remember him when I was a kid growing up, but then I moved away. By the time I moved back in the mid 90's I think he had retired. I loved the two "Things That Aren't Here Anymore" docs and I wished that he had produced more before his passing.

Thanks, Hunter. I appreciate that. Goofball is a good description.

But for Failsafe's benefit, I'll cut Huell some slack.

An average half-hour show is 28:30. For commercial television that's about 20 minutes of actual content (minus commercial slots, produced open and closing credits).

But, for public TV, Huell has to fill almost the entire 28:30 (again minus a produced open and credits). This means one more visit to some sleepy burg in California's interior, a tour of yet another family-owned dairy or a few more redundant questions. It's a bit more work for him.

So, OK, I'll cut Howser a little slack for that. Not much, mind you. But a little.

C5