The Name of the Game

By nickarons

Universal Studio's "The Name Of The Game" was singularly the best most interesting ,and most exciting adventure series produced in television history. Reflecting that period in America's "Golden Age" when our country and most of the world was experiencing a high tide in every area, economically, sexually, culturally, educationally and politically, "The Name Of The Game " literally covered it all.

In Fact, "covering it" all was exactly what the show was about.

Gene Barry played the role of multi-millionaire publisher Glen Howard, owner of Howard Publications and it's three internationally acclaimed magazines, Crime, People, and one other I believe. Each of these magazines had an editor or chief correspondent. Robert Stack was at Crime, Tony Franciosa at People with Susan St.James as an editorial assistant.

Each week, viewers were treated to an exciting international adventure featuring one of these stars as the featured protagonist, the other two rotating out till the following episode. It was a case of investigative reporter as secret agent and Howard Publications was "The Agency" Although Gene Barry's "Glenn Howard" rarely played the quiet behind the scenes "M" (ala 007Bond). Of note, Universal used a similar rotation and general style in its short-lived but worthy effort the 1972 "Search" with Hugh O'Brian, Doug Mclure, and Burgess Meredith.

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During my early teens, this was one of my very, very favorite shows. For three years in the late sixties early Super70s, this was Friday night 8.30 viewing not to be missed. Each show was an hour and a half long and the stars, Gene Barry, Robert Stack and Tony Franciosa rotated leading man status every three weeks. The one constant was the dippy Susan St James, in a Girl Friday type role. There is sparse reference to the show on the net, but this much is certain, it was wonderfully cool and hip, and directed by the top people in the industry including one episode by Steve Spielberg. The international locations and clothes and storylines reflected the fact that this was the most expensive TV show of its time. Given the current generation's fascination with all things retro, witness the new movie Down With Love, shows like the Name of the Game, the Persuaders and the Robert Wagner vehicle It Takes a Thief, have extra relevance. It would be terrific to access videos of this show but none appear anywhere. The Name of the Game may have been lost forever, but even the faintest of of a rerun on cable will keep the fire burning. --Steve

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