The Culver City Historical Society will be hearing from Chuck Harter, the author of Mr. Novak: An Acclaimed Television Series, on Tuesday October 27 at 7 pm.
Mr. Novak was a television series starring James Franciscus in the title role as a high-school teacher. The hour-long drama produced by MGM Television aired on NBC for two seasons, from 1963 to 1965. It won a Peabody Award in 1963. The first show to depict both teachers and students in a dramatic and realistic manner, it was very influential on the educational community.
Succeeded by school shows from Room 222 to Abbot Elementary, it allowed realistic conflicts in education screen time when television was just becoming a part of daily life.
Chuck Harter is described as “a champion” for the mostly forgotten show.
The text in
cludes comprehensive coverage of the original filming and airdates, an episode guide with vintage reviews and fresh perspectives, a list of all the awards the series won.
Culver City Historical Society
Vets Memorial Building
4117 Overland Ave. Culver City
