Posted on 10/20/2006 6:17:01 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
Herbert B. Leonard, who created and produced the 1950s western TV series "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin," and the gritty police drama "Naked City," has died. He was 84.
Leonard, who also produced the memorable series "Route 66," died of cancer Saturday at his home in the Hollywood Hills, said his daughter Gina Leonard.
Born in New York City, Leonard launched his career as a producer in the 1950s, developing adventure TV shows for Screen Gems, Columbia Picture's television subsidiary.
"The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin" featured a heroic German shepherd and his boy companion, Rusty. Set in a cavalry post, the Western-themed show ran from 1954-59.
"Naked City" came next, running on ABC from 1958 to 1963.
"Herbert B. Leonard was a key producer, creating unique entertainment on film starting in the late '50s," said Ron Simon, a curator at the Museum of Television & Radio in New York. "Unlike other producers, he worked to explore contemporary America."
Perhaps Leonard's best known series was "Route 66," shot on location in about 40 states and frequently featuring the writing of co-creator Stirling Silliphant.
"His 'Naked City' reflected the grittiness and realism of 1960s New York. And 'Route 66' in many ways brought the spirit of Jack Kerouac's 'On the Road' to a television audience," Simon said.
"Route 66" ran on CBS from 1960 to 1964, and starred Martin Milner as the Yale-educated Tod Stiles and George Maharis as street-wise Buz Murdock: two young men meandering across America in a Corvette.
Leonard's movie credits as a producer include "Popi," a 1969 comedy-drama directed by Arthur Hiller and starring Alan Arkin, and "The Perils of Pauline," a 1967 comedy starring Pat Boone. He also produced and directed "Going Home," a 1971 drama starring Robert Mitchum.
No ping needed, lol. Didn't know of this man precisely, but obviously knew a great deal of his work! May he R.I.P.
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