Host History?

[hovaslash]

After watching very old episodes (thanks to Crystaldawn for that),
I got to wondering how they settled upon Robert Stack as the permanent
host. Was the plan to have a different host for each show? Raymond Burr
was OK. I have not seen Karl Malden's episode since it originally aired-
after viewing it again, he was far too animated and his trench/hat
looked like stage wardrobe. Mr. Stack was clearly the pick of the litter.
Does anyone know who else was considered for host?

[James T]

After watching very old episodes (thanks to Crystaldawn for that),
I got to wondering how they settled upon Robert Stack as the permanent
host. Was the plan to have a different host for each show? Raymond Burr
was OK. I have not seen Karl Malden's episode since it originally aired-
after viewing it again, he was far too animated and his trench/hat
looked like stage wardrobe. Mr. Stack was clearly the pick of the litter.
Does anyone know who else was considered for host?


From what I understand all three were offered the job but Burr and Malden both wanted a lot more than the show wanted to pay but Stack had no problem doing it for their offer so he got the gig, I can understand Burr as he was doing the Perry Mason TV Films where he was the star then which he did until his death but what was Karl Malden doing in 1987/1988? very little of note aside from bit parts in TV Films

[Kane]

After watching very old episodes (thanks to Crystaldawn for that),
I got to wondering how they settled upon Robert Stack as the permanent
host. Was the plan to have a different host for each show? Raymond Burr
was OK. I have not seen Karl Malden's episode since it originally aired-
after viewing it again, he was far too animated and his trench/hat
looked like stage wardrobe. Mr. Stack was clearly the pick of the litter.
Does anyone know who else was considered for host?

It looks to me that only the people at UM would know for certain as to who else (if anyone) was considered for hosting duties. They might have secretly considered other people, but we'll probably never know unless they tell us.

As far as what their initial intentions might have been, I imagine that they wanted a permanent host. The idea of having a different host each episode would never have worked. Indeed, Saturday Night Live (in addition to other shows of its ilk) has a different guest host each week, but what works for one show may not work for another. So the UM people used common sense in having a permanent host.

But it should be noted that when they started off with the specials, it was basically a trial run to see if the success of the specials would result in a regular series. So it was too soon for them to finalize any decision on who would regularily host the show.

[hovaslash]

malden was doing american express commercials around that time if
my memory servces me correctly.

[crystaldawn]

malden was doing american express commercials around that time if
my memory servces me correctly.

Yes I remember those. I do think he did a good job on the PSS but he looked a little too happy when talking about those sad stories.

[DarkDante]

I actually think the second special with Malden might be my favorite UM episode ever. It was just really well done although specials #4 & #5 with Stack were also well done.

[wiseguy182]

I also believe Malden looked a little too happy/goofy during the segments. Burr was ok, but I'm glad they settled on Stack. His voice just suited the show perfectly. On a thread not too long ago, some posters metioned John Goodman would be a good host if UM ever returned, and I would have to agree. While Goodman can do funny roles, he can also do dramatic, serious roles, and perhaps no other actor can sound as sincere as he does. Since there will probably never be a shortage of mysteries in the world, a show like UM could theoretically go on forever, so maybe a revival isn't totally far-fetched. In that event, I would have to go with Goodman.

[Kane]

From what I understand all three were offered the job but Burr and Malden both wanted a lot more than the show wanted to pay but Stack had no problem doing it for their offer so he got the gig

That wouldn't be too surprising. In fact, salary requests are a common factor. If a candidate asks for too much money, their chances of being hired are not good, especially if they are unwilling to compromise. So I too believe that Robert Stack was hired, due in part to a salary request that the studio was comfortable paying him.

I don't think you would ever see the likes of, say, Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, or Brad Pitt hosting UM. The chances of any big-time movie star doing so are slim to none, since the salary demands of such people would take up a considerable amount of the show's budget.

[hovaslash]

Goodman would be a good choice-he is a tremendous actor. I just hope
we could all put his potrayal of Fred Flintstone out of our minds while
watching UM.

[James T]

That wouldn't be too surprising. In fact, salary requests are a common factor. If a candidate asks for too much money, their chances of being hired are not good, especially if they are unwilling to compromise. So I too believe that Robert Stack was hired, due in part to a salary request that the studio was comfortable paying him.

I don't think you would ever see the likes of, say, Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, or Brad Pitt hosting UM. The chances of any big-time movie star doing so are slim to none, since the salary demands of such people would take up a considerable amount of the show's budget.


For sure they get many millions just for one movie and I think they would be awful in the role anyway, I think the role suited Stack down to the ground due to his eerie voice, the seriousness he bought to the cases and the sense of authority he gave off and it is hard to think of anyone around today who could come anywhere close to him although Dick Van Dyke seems to be at a loose end these days and he could do a nice tapdance to open the show;)

[DarkDante]

I think at some point actually before the regular run series began they settled on Robert Stack as well. After all he hosted four specials while the others only hosted two and one respectively.