The Mission: Impossible TV pilot, without featuring Tom Cruise hanging from an airplane or Peter Graves sifting through IMF files in his apartment, nonetheless ignited one of Hollywood’s largest action series.
The idea behind the 1966-73 CBS series, “Mission: Impossible”, was conceived by Bruce Geller, an alumnus of Rawhide. This show combined two popular film genres of the time – spy thrillers and heist dramas – into a well-crafted hour of espionage. The show featured advanced gadgets like self-destructing tape recorders, hidden cameras in neckties, and masks that transformed Martin Landau into various fictional Eastern European dictators needing overthrow each week.
Bruce Geller, an alumnus of Rawhide, was the creator of “Mission: Impossible”, a 1966-73 CBS series. This show combined two of the era’s beloved film genres – spy thrillers and heist dramas – into a skilfully produced hour of espionage. The show showcased futuristic gadgets like self-destructing tape recorders, concealed cameras within neckties, and masks that made Martin Landau resemble various fictional Eastern European dictators who required removal each week.
Each member of the Impossible Mission Force had a unique skillset and a touch of charisma that made them stand out: Rollin Hand, played by Landau with his chameleon-like abilities (taken over by Leonard Nimoy in season four), Greg Morris as the resourceful gadget master Barney Collier, Peter Lupus as the powerful Willy Armitage, and Barbara Bain as Cinnamon Carter, a former model whose elegant grace made espionage feel like a fashion shoot.
As the initial leader of our gaming team, Daniel Briggs was portrayed by Steven Hill. However, he left following season one due to scheduling conflicts between Friday night reshoots and his Orthodox Jewish practices. Graves then stepped in as Jim Phelps. Yet, it’s worth mentioning that the show’s true breakout star could very well have been its iconic theme song, a catchy tune with a jazzy rhythm and bongo beats by Lalo Schifrin. I mean, can you imagine embarking on a mission without that music?
You can find this story in the May 21 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Subscribe now to keep up with the latest issues!
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2025-05-24 21:24