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Premiere DateFebruary 18, 1954
Foreign Intrigue was a half-hour dramatic television series that first aired in 1951. The show was produced by Sheldon Reynolds, who also worked on some episodes of the popular World War II TV series, 'The Shadow'. The show lasted for five seasons, from 1951 to 1955, and aired on CBS. Foreign Intrigue follows the adventures of a fictional American detective named Peter Chaney, who operates out of Europe.
The show was one of the earliest and most successful examples of the spy genre on television. The plot typically revolved around Chaney's attempts to solve a mystery, often involving espionage, sabotage, or a hidden conspiracy of some kind. Each episode typically took place in a different European country, adding an element of travelogue to the show's appeal. The episodes were also sometimes set in exotic or unusual locations, such as a remote French chateau or an exclusive Swiss ski resort.
Chaney was played by Jerome Thor, who brought a suave, debonair quality to the role. Chaney was a man of action, always ready to use his fists or his gun when necessary, but he was also a keen observer of human nature. He had a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor, which helped him to outsmart his opponents. In many ways, Chaney was a precursor to later television spies such as James Bond and Jason Bourne.
One of the most interesting aspects of Foreign Intrigue was its use of real locations and local actors. The show was filmed on location in Europe, which gave it an authenticity that was rare for television at that time. Each episode was also populated with local actors, who added to the show's international flavor. The show's production values were high for the time, with impressive location shoots and well-staged action scenes.
The show's appeal also came from the fact that it was produced during a time when America was transitioning from isolationism to internationalism. The aftermath of World War II had made Americans aware of the importance of global politics, and Foreign Intrigue reflected this new awareness. The show's stories often dealt with issues of political and economic power, and explored the complex relationships between European countries and the United States.
Foreign Intrigue was also notable for its sophisticated writing. The show's scripts were written by some of the best writers in the business, including Robert Bloch (who would later write the novel Psycho), Richard Deming, and Harold Swanton. The show's stories were typically character-driven, and the writers took care to give each episode a unique flavor. Some episodes were tense and suspenseful, while others were more lighthearted and comedic.
Despite its success, Foreign Intrigue has largely been forgotten by modern audiences. The show was never released on DVD, and few episodes are available online. However, the show's influence can still be seen in the spy genre today, particularly in the work of writers like John le Carré and Ian Fleming. Foreign Intrigue remains an important part of the early history of television, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the spy genre.
Foreign Intrigue is a series that ran for 1 seasons (14 episodes) between February 18, 1954 and on













