Mr. Lucky (1959)
Blake Edwards' stylish CBS adventure-drama following a charming gambler navigating intrigue aboard a floating casino, with a legendary Henry Mancini score.
Mr. Lucky - Series Information
- Original Title: Mr. Lucky
- First Air Year: 1959
- Last Air Year: 1960
- Created by: Blake Edwards
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 34
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 24, 1959 (Canada - PG), October 24, 1959 (Mexico - B)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: Spartan Productions (III), CBS Studios
Mr. Lucky - Plot
Mr. Lucky is a CBS adventure/drama television series that aired from October 24, 1959, to June 18, 1960, with repeats until September 3. Blake Edwards developed the program as a retooling of his Willie Dante character from Four Star Playhouse, where the role was played by studio boss Dick Powell. In the 1960–1961 season, Howard Duff assumed the role of Willie Dante in the NBC adventure/drama series Dante. Mr. Edwards directed and co-wrote the first episode of Mr. Lucky, and the credits of the first eighteen episodes included "Entire production supervised by Blake Edwards." Jack Arnold produced the show and directed fifteen of the thirty-four episodes. Henry Mancini's smooth theme music for the show reached Number 21 in the US singles charts. He released two successful LP's based on the show, Mr. Lucky and Mr. Lucky Goes Latin.
Mr. Lucky - Trailer
Get a glimpse of the suave world of Mr. Lucky in the official video below.
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Mr. Lucky - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Blake Edwards
Main Cast
- Ross Martin
- John Vivyan
- Tom Brown
- Pippa Scott
- Herschel Graham
- Sol Gorss
- Peter Whitney
- Stanley Adams
- Norman Alden
- Alean 'Bambi' Hamilton
Writers
- Gene L. Coon
- Jameson Brewer
- Blake Edwards
- Stirling Silliphant
- Milton Holmes
Mr. Lucky - FAQs
Is Mr. Lucky connected to any other TV series?
Mr. Lucky grew out of Blake Edwards' Willie Dante character from Four Star Playhouse, where Dick Powell played the role. After Mr. Lucky ended, the character was reimagined for NBC's Dante (1960–1961), with Howard Duff stepping into the role for that separate but thematically linked adventure series.
What made Henry Mancini's Mr. Lucky theme so memorable?
Henry Mancini's silky, jazz-inflected theme for Mr. Lucky climbed to Number 21 on the US singles charts — a rare feat for a TV theme at the time. Mancini expanded the music into two successful LPs: Mr. Lucky and Mr. Lucky Goes Latin, cementing his reputation as a master of cool, atmospheric television scoring.
Where can you stream Mr. Lucky today?
Mr. Lucky is available to buy on Amazon Video. Free ad-supported streaming options include The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Xumo Play, and Tubi TV, making it easy to revisit this classic CBS series without a subscription.
Who played the lead role in Mr. Lucky?
John Vivyan starred as the suave, resourceful Mr. Lucky, a gambler running a floating casino. Ross Martin co-starred as his loyal sidekick Andamo, and Tom Brown played Lieutenant Rovacs, the persistent law enforcement figure keeping a watchful eye on the pair's seafaring adventures.
How many episodes did Mr. Lucky produce in its single season?
Mr. Lucky ran for 34 episodes across its sole season on CBS, airing from October 24, 1959, to June 18, 1960, with repeat broadcasts continuing through September 3. Director Jack Arnold helmed fifteen of those episodes, while Blake Edwards personally directed and co-wrote the series premiere.
Who were the key writers behind Mr. Lucky?
The writing team was remarkably talented for its era. Gene L. Coon, Jameson Brewer, Blake Edwards, Stirling Silliphant, Milton Holmes, and Michael Fessier all contributed scripts. Stirling Silliphant in particular would go on to win an Academy Award, making Mr. Lucky an early showcase for exceptional television writing talent.
What is Mr. Lucky actually about?
The series follows Mr. Lucky, a charming and resourceful gambler who operates a floating casino. Alongside his quick-witted partner Andamo, he navigates a world of adventure, intrigue, and moral grey zones — all while staying one step ahead of Lieutenant Rovacs and the complications that come with life on the water.
What shows are similar to Mr. Lucky?
Fans of Mr. Lucky's breezy mix of gambling, adventure, and sharp characters might enjoy Las Vegas (2003), Deadwood (2004), Boardwalk Empire (2010), or Black Sails (2014). For something lighter with a similar nautical or luck-driven spirit, Acapulco (2021) and Stan Lee's Lucky Man (2016) are also worth exploring.
More About Mr. Lucky
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