The Chinese Typewriter (1979) Tom Selleck TV Pilot

1979 pilot written by Stephen Cannell for Tom Selleck and James Whitmore Jr. It's a story about two opposites (one's a genius, the other's a weapons expert) who team up to bring back a stolen jet for their rich, powerful client. Parts were filmed in Hawaii (apparently at the estate that would later be used for Magnum PI) and Los Angeles. Tom Selleck is a work in progress in this vehicle providing the eye candy. James Whitmore Jr. gets to play a more interesting set of characters throughout the story. This movie, paired with all the other pilots that Selleck did in the 70's prior to Magnum, make for a fun evening of mindless entertainment.

[@allenedmonds2010]

I heard an interview with Donald Bellesario about Tom Selleck being reluctant to do the "Magnum P.I." pilot because of the previous pilot failures. Thankfully, he was talked into it.

[@KrakenMan5853]

The theme is definitely another Mike Post/Pete Carpenter classic!!!

[@MeMe-qg2pi]

HOPE SOMEONE CAN DOWNLOAD THIS SHOW BECAUSE I WANT TO SEE IT. ALWAYS BEEN A BIG FAN OF TOM SELLECK.

[@bertmustin]

Thank goodness Magnum was able to become head of security at Robins Nest.

[@JimmyMichaelsMusic]

LOVE this theme tune! Very Alan Silvestri...

[@RonaldCharlesEpstein]

I don't know if Tom Selleck or James Whitmore Jr. were ever actually in Waterloo in 1978, but I was there, on a Belgian bus tour, in 1988.

[@normanheilig3583]

Cool intro cool theme.

[@the_Zyx]

Magnum born here.

[@IG2HI]

I'd use this track as a theme song for Luke Cage and Iron Fist.

[@thechucknorrisarchives892]

how long did this show last?

[@Ronbo710]

This looks like something made up Tom would show on a late night talk show lol.

[@1BigBen]

ok i tv pilot show and not a movie on vhs hehe

[@KrakenMan5853]

I wonder what the actual title of the proposed series would have been? I think "The Chinese Typewriter" was more of an episode title than a series title.

[@Madbandit77]

"Boston & Killbride". th-cam.com/video/BahdCx8KmFs/w-d-xo.html

[@feather031]

You're correct. The show was going to be titled "Boston and Kilbride"

[@mikereif7240]

Tom throws a baseball like a girl.

[@samcrubish1336]

yet he can get girls. You? Not so much.