It's been a while but here I am. I just stopped at In 'N' Out Burger for two healthy cheeseburgers (with the works, including grilled onions) and a mouthwatering order of fries. However, I first detoured to the Cap and Cork Liquor store for a quart of really cold Coors beer! I'm feasting here in the park as I write this. The beer's still in the brown paper bag for security reasons. A plastic cup isn't a frosted beer glass, but...
Growing up in the LA television viewing area was special, especially in the 1960's. With seven stations, three network affiliates and four independents, there was a fantastic assortment of local programs. This was notably true for the indies, KHJ (Ch.9), KTTV (Ch.11), KCOP (Ch.13) and KTLA (Ch.5).
Each of the indies had their own local, well-known personalities. The network affiliates (KNXT 2, KNBC 4 and KABC 7),too, had show hosts that the LA people were quite familiar with.
The affiliates had a mix of network and local programming that lasted until prime time took over in the evening when it switched to network shows. The indies, though, were local programming throughout the day.
Out of this abundance of quality, locally produced viewing, Ben Hunter's Matinee Movie stands out for me. It aired on KTTV.
Monday through Friday, 12:30-3:30, Ben, with his big, ingratiating smile, easy going style and cup of coffee, hosted movies and a vast assortment of guests. The set was far from elegant or fancy but it was comfortable in its simplicity.And his show, like others in the area, also had live commercials. Those for Pfaff sewing machines, with demonstrations of what they could do, stand out in particular.
The show was unpretentious. It was simple for simpler times. The easy-going banter between Ben and his guests made life seem even more at ease, especially with the Civil Rights movement gaining traction.
Guests discussed a myriad of topics, from upcoming local events, places of interest and the various activities of local and civic organizations. I remember one guest in particular, a young female soldier, who modeled a proposed dress uniform for the US Army in the mid 1960's. She said it was patterned after the cavalry dress uniforms worn by US soldiers during middle part of the 19th century...a close-fitting jacket in dark blue for men and women; sky blue pants for both men and women. A skirt, in the same dark blue of the jacket, was optional. As far as I know, this uniform combination wasn't accepted by the Army.
At some point during the first movie, Ben would make himself comfortable and have his lunch, right there on the set! It originated fresh from Norm's Restaurant on La Cienega. With the camera up close, Ben would describe what he was having that day; a toasted Reuben sandwich with potato salad; or a cheese burger and fries; or a hot roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy. A small steak with a baked potato and a salad was not uncommon. And I assume his guest enjoyed the same excellent lunch. Once Ben started to enjoy his meal, the movie resumed.
It was the lunch from Norm's, fresh and tantalizing, that really set Ben's show apart from other local programs. By sharing with viewers what he was having that day, it almost seemed like Ben was family. Teamed with the live ads, it added immensely to a small town-like ambiance even though the whole affair was encircled by metropolitan Los Angeles.
Ben Hunter's Matinee Movie is long gone but the fond memories will always survive.
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