{"product_id":"big-town-collection","title":"Big Town Collection","description":"\u003ci\u003eBig Town\u003c\/i\u003e began as a radio series on CBS in 1937 starring Edward G. Robinson and Claire Trevor. It focused on the exploits of Steve Wilson, crusading newspaper editor of \u003ci\u003eThe Illustrated Press\u003c\/i\u003e, and his star reporter (and love interest) Lorelei Kilbourne. With hard-hitting storylines pulled from the day's headlines, \u003ci\u003eBig Town\u003c\/i\u003e became the highest-rated drama on radio (it was second only to \u003ci\u003eThe Jack Benny Show\u003c\/i\u003e.) With such success on the airwaves, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood produced a big-screen version. The first of four pictures based on the show, \u003ci\u003eBig Town\u003c\/i\u003e (a.k.a \u003ci\u003eGuilty Assignment\u003c\/i\u003e) stars Philip Reed as Wilson and Hillary Brooke as Lorelei (the actress had previously appeared in three of the Basil Rathbone-Nigel Bruce Sherlock Holmes films, and would later become one of the regulars on \u003ci\u003eThe Abbott and Costello Show\u003c\/i\u003e.) After telling the story of how Steve Wilson became editor of \u003ci\u003eThe Illustrated Press\u003c\/i\u003e, the feature is broken down into four exciting tales based on the radio show's most popular episodes. These include a grisly roller coaster murder and a mysterious 'Vampire Killer' who preys on the young women of the city. A smash hit at the box-office, \u003ci\u003eBig Town\u003c\/i\u003e received its own issue of \u003ci\u003eMovie Comics\u003c\/i\u003e, leading to a regular series from DC (lasting from 1951 to 1958.) Coincidentally, co-star Robert Lowery is best known for playing the Caped Crusader in the serial \u003ci\u003eBatman and Robin\u003c\/i\u003e (1949). \u003cp\u003eNote: Due to the age and rarity of this film, some picture anomalies exist.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePLUS: \"THE LOVERS\" and \"THE SNIPER\" (BW, 1955):\u003c\/b\u003e With radio drama on its way out, \u003ci\u003eBig Town\u003c\/i\u003e made the leap to television in 1950. After three seasons featuring Patrick McVey as Steve Wilson, the actor was replaced by Mark Stevens, who stars in both of these rare shows. In \"The Lovers\", the newspaperman must untangle a messy love triangle that leads to murder. This episode is notable as the last work of Hollywood legend Busby Berkeley. \"The Sniper\" is a tension-filled portrait of a crazed gunman who hunts police officers, and is written and directed by George Waggner (\u003ci\u003eThe Wolfman\u003c\/i\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alpha Video","offers":[{"title":"DVD","offer_id":45802757456022,"sku":"089218779496","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0703\/9621\/5446\/files\/089218779496.jpg?v=1762202649","url":"https:\/\/moviezyng.com\/products\/big-town-collection","provider":"Movie Zyng","version":"1.0","type":"link"}