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- Title
Open End: A Mirror of the 1960s.
- Authors
Watson, Mary Ann
- Abstract
The article argues that television program "Open End" reflects the culture of the United States of 1960s, in general, and that of the genius of producer David Susskind, in particular. Open End's syndication began in 1958 and it quickly became the forum of choice for movers and shakers. Renowned guests were probed while seated around a coffee table in a sparse studio set with ladders and kleig lights visible in the background. Ashtrays and coffee cups littered the tabletop. Culture, politics, entertainment, science--no subject intimidated Susskind. In the early years, each weekly installment of "Open End" was of undetermined length--the show would go on as long as the conversation remained of interest to the host. Susskind was an indefatigable interviewer. In May 1960, he interrogated then U.S. Vice-President Richard Nixon for almost four continuous hours, Susskind puffing cigarettes and sipping coffee, while the Vice-President hardly budged. "Open End," despite its popularity, was never a moneymaker. In the early 1960s, Susskind was paid $39 per program. Nevertheless, it was Susskind's favorite pastime, his avocation.
- Subjects
UNITED States; OPEN End (TV program); TELEVISION syndication; TELEVISION interviews &; interviewing; TELEVISION programs; POLITICS &; culture
- Publication
Film & History (03603695), 1991, Vol 21, Issue 2/3, p70
- ISSN
0360-3695
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1353/flm.1991.a395789