Trapped By Television

Crazed dreamer and schemer Bobby Blake (Mary Astor) swoons when inventor Fred Dennis (Lyle Talbot) tells her that he is on the verge of inventing a miraculous two-way television. But Fred has foolishly financed his experiments with gangster's backing and is forced into a relationship with the underworld in order to realize his lofty and costly vision. Once word of his television experiments leaks out, Fred and Mary find themselves involved in a dangerous adventure where everyone becomes a potential murder victim.

Filmed in 1936, Trapped By Television is a B-thriller that delivers while exploring the possibilities of the "new" invention of television.

This endearing feature from 1936 was wonderfully influenced by the birth of television and its general acceptance into popular culture. Fred Dennis (Lyle Talbot) is a crazy inventor who believes he is on the cusp of inventing a two-way television set. Bobby Blake (Mary Astor) finds Fred's eccentric ways endearing, and develops a huge crush on him. Sadly, Fred had to seek financial help from the mob to fund his project, and without any tangible results to show them, he becomes further embroiled in their lifestyle. As the film builds towards its climax, Fred and Bobby face a frantic challenge as they try to sever their underworld ties, and complete the experiment on which their future lives now depend.