User Reviews

We are told that the character Sid Caesar plays here is based on a real life performer in the San Francisco area. I thought it might have been based on Jean Shepherd whom I listened to as a lad in New York City. But Shepherd at his iconoclastic best had nothing on Caesar and the demons he's dealing with.

I was really taken with what Caesar did with this role. He's popping pills like a madman and has taken residence in the radio studio. He's afraid to leave because he's getting threatening phone calls so he stays there surrounded with only those he knows.

It's Caesar's wife Dianne Foster who calls in Checkmate because she's seriously concerned about his mental health. Let's say she's got every reason to be.

For those who only know Sid Caesar as one of the pioneer funny men of television this Checkmate episode is an eye opener.

I've been a lifelong fan of classic comedy in general and of Sid Caesar in particular. Only recently, however, did I come across a copy of this particular episode of "Checkmate" -- a show with which I was only vaguely familiar -- and I now view his talents in a whole new light. As eloquently described by BKOGANBING, Caesar's character is an all-night disc jockey in JFK-era San Francisco who's beset by inner demons. I don't want to give away any plot spoilers, and so will just say that Caesar gives an absolutely riveting performance that proves what a tremendous -- and incredibly underrated -- actor he was. I don't think any of the Method gurus of his era (or any other) could have conveyed this character's torment more convincingly or compellingly. If you can find a copy of this anywhere, please see it -- the whole show (including a delightfully droll Sebastian Cabot) is great fun to watch, but Caesar is simply great . . . ..