I was 16 years old then and Jim O Brian's weather forecast was my best part of Action News. It was a sad day when I heard of his death, it wasn't the same onymore. I'm now 54 and I still remember Jim as if he was still with us in our hearts. Thanks for sharing this video it brought back fond memories of Jim O Brian, we will never forget you Jim.
What a delight. I knew he was really good 40-some years ago, and I loved him and we all still miss him, but Jim O'Brien was superb in his basic role as a communicator. He was clear, even-tempered, pleasant, smooth and damn entertaining, but the basic information he gave never, ever, ever, got tangled. He made it look just so easy. He was immensely gifted. How I wish he wouldn't have left us so early. I'm glad these are around to still watch, though. They make me smile.
Absolutely, this was the golden era. Jim O'Brien was wonderful. This was far and away the most popular news show. Action News.. they had the best news intro - both the pictures and the terrific theme!
LOL, I had to Google her name. Sounded familiar. Classic Jim O’Brien, followed by background chuckling in the studio. Refers to Caribou, Maine as the last house out there. Explained weather in a manner we all could understand with a dose of humor. Also enjoyed the last topic about the captured bird with sarcasm, dry wit, and a chuckle from Jim Gardner. This was the Golden Age of local news.
Jim O'Brien was the best. His weather forecast was entertaining, low-tech, yet informative. There was no Action Radar or funky graphics needed to tell the viewers what the temperature was. He gave you a pithy and succinct weather report that was probably more accurate than what Cecily Tynan gives us today.
Richard D'Ambrosio You're right about that. Unfortunately, news programming has rapidly changed (for the worse, IMHO, but who am I?) and continues to change. 6 ABC's "Action News," while they introduce change slowly, nevertheless, has to change with the times. I miss the descriptive cloud (Happy, when the weather was going to be great, sad when it was going to be horrible, etc.). I also miss that map of Philly indicating what the temperature was in certain parts of the city (Northeast, Airport, WPVI Studios, and Camden, a.k.a. "East Philly").
He was the best!! His corny jokes and camaraderie with Jim Gardner and Steve Levy (and "Tolly") were EPIC! The Delaware Valley was in a state of prolonged shock and mourning for quite a few years after his shocking death in September, 1973. He was really irreplaceable and still missed and fondly remembered today.
@@bmasters1981 Yes...thanks...didnt even realize my typo when i commented. Fingers going faster than brain when using phone to comment. He WAS the BEST, though, wasn't he?
They probably are. We just have to look very hard. By chance, I just happen to find a Prime Time episode with Jim O'Brien, complete with the original theme.
I met Tollefson and Jim O'Brien in a Benehana restaurant in Bala Cynwyd in the mid 70's. I was about 10 years old and those guys took time to talk and sign a placemat for a star struck kid 👍
