Captain Video and His Video Rangers

Direct from the year 2254, Captain Video roared onto America's TV screens fighting evil with amazing futuristic weaponry and technology. Aided by the Video Ranger, his teenage sidekick, and an army of Video Rangers around the globe, Captain Video rocketed around the galaxy protecting the weak and defenseless from bizarre cosmic villains, usually led by his nemesis, Dr. Pauli.

Since "Captain Video and His Video Rangers" was shot live, five days a week, breaks were needed for scenery changes and set-ups. To fill the time, the action would shift suddenly to a small TV screen, where" the delayed circuit remote carrier" would pick up the Captain's "agents on earth," who often bore a striking resemblance to western heroes Bob Steele and Johnny Mack Brown! Lacking sponsors in the early years, other breaks would be filled with Video Rangers hawking various tie-in merchandise, such as the famous "Ranger Ring" - proof positive "should anyone question you of your identity as a Video Ranger." In other spots the Rangers would deliver patriotic messages, imploring young Rangers at home to practice racial tolerance and good citizenship.

These four extremely rare episodes feature both Al Hodge and Richard Coogan starring as Captain Video. Some of the originally broadcast commercials included here provide unforgettable, politically incorrect moments, such as when the announcer assures kids that their favorite breakfast cereal is "coated with candy!"

• television