python command mis-interprets arrow keys

[Rahul]

My python command line seems messed up. I can't seem to be able to use my 
backspace key nor my arrow keys. 

I only get control characters: ^[[A^[[D^[[D^[[D^[[C^[[C^[[C etc.

I access my Linux box via  a SecureCRT console. Only after opening the 
python interpreter does this occur. Linux command like is OK. vim 
interprets keystrokes correctly. So do other interpreters e.g. gnuplot.

$LANG $TERM 
en_US xterm-color

Versions:
Python 2.4.4 
GCC 4.1.2 20070925 (Red Hat 4.1.2-33)


Any sugesstions? Google did not throw anything relevant. 


-- 
Rahul