Martin Kane, Private Eye, Vol. 4 (1949) On DVD

Debuting in 1949, "Martin Kane" was the first private eye on TV. A tough, no nonsense detective who's seemingly always in over his head, Kane's street smarts help him triumph in the end. A product of the dawn of broadcast television, the show was filmed live, giving it a nervous, unpolished energy, heightened by its cool jazz soundtrack. Sponsored by the United States Tobacco Company, the show was filled with vintage tobacco advertisements that were worked into its plot lines. Kane and his pals are regulars at the tobacco shop run by Happy McMann, played by Walter Kinsella, the only cast member to appear in all five seasons.

Shoeshine Murder: A boy fears for his life after witnessing a fatal stabbing. Starring Mark Stevens as Martin Kane.

The Milk Bottle Burglar: An elderly war veteran is suspected of a murder he didn't commit. Mark Stevens portrays Kane in this episode.

The Fortune Teller: The discovery of a strangled showgirl in a seedy hotel room sets Kane (William Gargan) on the hunt for her killer.

Murder On Ice: A hard-drinking hockey player is fatally injured during a game, and Kane (William Gargan) suspects murder. Roland (Charlie Chan) Winters guest stars.