The Classic TV Archive - US Dramatic Anthology Series

 

########################################################

############## CLIMAX! #############
########################################################

 

__________________

CLIMAX!   

__________________

 

aka Mystery Theatre

 

 

Host: William Lundigan

 

 

Co-Host: Mary Costa (joined summer 1956)
 

October 7, 1954 to June 26, 1958
CBS Thursday 8:30-9:30
 

Climax! was first done live then film and later taped productions.

26 episodes directed by John Frankenheimer

 

Shower of Stars aired monthly during Climax! run.

 

Trivia: 11 of the Climax! scripts were sold to the movies.

 And each episode cost upward of $40,000.1955

 

EMMY nominations
Best Actress: Ethel Barrymore (nominated)"The Thirteenth Chair".
Best Actress: Dorothy McGuire (nominated)"The Gioconda Smile".
Best Art Direction: James Dowell Vance (nominated)
Best Written Dramatic: David Dortort (nominated)"An Error In Chemistry".

1956 EMMY nominations
Best Producer: Martin Manulis (nominated)
Best Director: John Frankenheimer (nominated)"Portrait in Celluloid".
Best Dramatic Series: (nominated)
Best Camerawork: A.J. Cunningham (nominated)
Best Art Direction: James Dowell Vance (nominated)
Best Television Adaptation: Rod Serling (nominated)"The Champion".

1957 EMMY nominations
Best Series - one hour or more (nominated)

1958 EMMY nominations
Best Dramatic Anthology Series (nominated)
Best Art Direction: Beulah Frankel (nominated)

 

Music: Jerry Goldsmith

Music: Bernard Herrmann

 

###############################

############ Climax! ############

######### season 1 1954-55 ########

###############################

 

1.01 [--] Climax!: THE LONG GOODBYE

07Oct54

Teleplay by E. Jack Neuman
Based on the Raymond Chandler novel The Long Goodbye (Houghton Mifflin, 1954).
Directed by William H. Brown

starring

Dick Powell ....... Philip Marlowe

Cesar Romero ....... Mendy Mendez

Teresa Wright ....... Eileen Wade

Horace McMahon ....... Detective Farmer

Tom Drake ....... Terry Lennox

Tristram Coffin ........ The Body

Synopsis:

Private Detective Philip Marlowe decides to help out a friend Lennox when

his wife is found brutally murdered. Marlowe winds up in jail accused of her murder

and tries to solve the case after his release. [RF]
*

* NOTE: This was the sixth in the Philip Marlowe series, The Long Goodbye

was also the last book by Raymond Chandler.

TRIVIA: CBS apologized the following day as actor Tristram Coffin the deadman,

 got up and walked away after he thought the scene had ended.

 

1.02 [--] Climax!: THE THIRTEENTH CHAIR

14Oct54

Producer, Bretaigne Windust

Teleplay by Walter Brown Newman

Based on a work by Bayard Veiller.

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Ethel Barrymore ....... Mme. Rosalie La Grange (Emmy nomination)

Dennis O'Keefe ....... Inspector Marney

Joan Evans ....... Helen O'Neill

Arthur Franz ....... Dick Crosby

Lamont Johnson ....... Lionel Trent

John Alvin ....... Sir Roscoe Crosby

Synopsis:

When his friend is murdered, Edward Wales sets out to capture the killer. He stages

a seance and invites 13 people, any one of who may have killed the dead man,

but it ends in chaos when the killer strikes again during a blackout. [RF]

 

1.03  [--] Climax!: CASINO ROYALE

21Oct54

Producer, Bretaigne Windust

Teleplay by Anthony Ellis & Charles Bennet

Based on the novel by Ian Fleming

Directed by William H. Brown

starring

Barry Nelson ....... James Bond

Linda Christian ....... Valerie Mathis

Peter Lorre .......  Le Chiffre

Michael Pate .......  Clarence Leiter

Eugene Borden ....... Chef DePartre

Jean Del Val ....... Croupier

Kurt Katch ....... Zolto

Gene Roth ....... Basil

Synopsis:

 Bond foils the sinister Le Chiffre by beating him at baccarat. [RF]

*NOTE: The first dramatization of a James Bond novel.

 

1.04 [--] Climax!: SORRY, WRONG NUMBER

04Nov54

Producer, Bretaigne Windust

Written by Lucille Fletcher

Directed by Allen Reisner

Music by Bernard Herrmann
starring

Shelley Winters ....... Leona Stevenson

Nestor Paiva

Paul Guilfoyle

Lillian Bronson

Paul Picerni

Don Megowan

Ralph Peters

Dennis King Jr.

Don Brodie

Barbara Slate

Henry Blair

Robert B. Williams

Eve McVeagh

Paula Winslowe

Clayton Post

Joe Forte

Charlotte Lawrence

Synopsis:

A neurotic invalid whose only contact with the outside world is her phone. One night,

because of a crossed wire, she hears plans for a murder which turns out to be her own.

Her frantic efforts to get help and her growing terror and realization of

the truth chill you to the bone. [RF]

 

1.05 [--] Climax!: THE GIOCONDA SMILE

11Nov54

Teleplay by John Monks Jr.
Based on a story by Aldous Huxley

Music Alex North
starring

Dorothy McGuire ....... Janet Spence (Emmy nomination)

Franchot Tone ....... Henry Hutton

Eduard Franz ....... Dr. James Lifford

Synopsis:

The death of his crippled wife causes upheaval for the husband and his mistress.

Only his family friend believes in his innocence. [RF]

 

1.06 [--] Climax!: THE AFTER HOUSE

25Nov54

Based on Mary Roberts Rinehart's novel "The After House".

starring

Steve Cochran ....... Ralph Leslie

Patricia Medina ....... Laura

Synopsis:

A steward aboard a yacht thinks his job is easy sailing until the dream voyage turns

into a nightmare. The ship's officer is thrown overboard and another

is hacked to death who is next. [RF]

 

1.07 [--] Climax!: AN ERROR IN CHEMISTRY

02Dec54

Producer Bretaigne Windust

Teleplay by David Dortort

Based on the short story by William Faulkner

Directed by William H. Brown

starring

Edmond O'Brien ....... Joel Flint

Margaret Field ....... M'liss

Lon Chaney ........... Old Man Pritchel
Douglas Kennedy ...... Uncle Gavin
Tommy Ivo ............ Billy Sartoris
Dan White ............ Ben Berry
James Bell ........... Sheriff
Tyler McVey .......... Prospective Property Buyer
William Schallert .... Farmer
Marilee Phelps ....... Farmer's Wife

Synopsis:
A carnival confidence man mistakenly winds up in the trap he has set for his prey.

* NOTE: Writer David Dortort received an Emmy nomination for his adaptation of

 the short story by William Faulkner first published in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine.

 

1.08 [--] Climax!: EPITAPH FOR A SPY

09Dec54

Producer, Bretaine Windust

Written by Donald S. Sanford & David Friedkin

Based on the book by Eric Ambler also title 'Epitaph for a Spy'.

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Edward G. Robinson ......... Josef Vadassy

Melville Cooper

Marjorie Lord

Dave O'Brien

Sheila Bromley

Ivan Triesault

Nicholas Joy

Hilda Plowright

Maurice Marsac

Robert F. Simon

Synopsis 1:

An unsuspecting Iron Curtain refugee is used as a pawn by two French traitors

 while he is at a resort in France. [JB]

Synopsis 2:

Josef Vadassy, on holiday in France, is happy wandering the cliffs and snapping

photographs, until he turns in some film to be developed. Soon afterwards he is arrested

under suspicion of espionage, because a portion of the roll of film is devoted to

 photos of military installations. Vadassy claims to have no memory of taking these pictures,

but the police are unimpressed. Under threat of prosecution, they recruit him to go

undercover to try to catch the real villain. [JB]

 

1.09 [--] Climax!: THE WHITE CARNATION

16Dec54

Producer Martin Manulis
Teleplay by R.C. Sherriff
Based on Dorothee Carousso's novella "Flowers from a Stranger"

(Woman's Home Companion, July & August 1945).
Music by Bernard Herrmann
starring

Boris Karloff ....... Dr. Philip Nestri

Teresa Wright ?

Claudette Colbert ?

Synopsis:
A woman receives some mysterious white carnations

which seem to be an innocent gift but lead to terror. [MN]

 

1.10 [--] Climax!: NIGHTMARE IN COPENHAGEN

30Dec54

Based on a story by Martha Albrand

starring

Lili Skala

Synopsis:
Helga becomes the bait in a trap to catch a ruthless traitor. [RF]

* NOTE: Suspense, mystery, thriller writer Albrand is the pseudonym

of Heidi Huberta Freybe Loewengard.

 

1.11 [--] Climax!: THE BIGGER THEY COME

06Jan55

Adaptation of A. A. Fair's "The Bigger The Come. 

A. A. Fair is the pseudonym of Erle Stanley Gardner.

starring

Art Carney ...... Donald Lam

Jane Darwell ...... Bertha Cool

Synopsis:

Private investigators Cool and Lam become involved in this

 suspenseful tale of thugs, thieves and legal chicanery. [RF]

 

1.12 [--] Climax!: ESCAPE FROM FEAR

13Jan55

Producer, Bretaigne Windust

Written by Bernard Girard

Based on a work by A.J. Cronin.

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Howard Duff

Mari Blanchard

Tristram Coffin

Jay Novello

Synopsis:

An American engineer in Germany crosses over into the Soviet Zone

on business and becomes entangled with the secret police. [RF]

 

1.13 [--] Climax!: THE MOJAVE KID

27Jan55

Based on Louis L'Amour's short story “The One for the Mohave Kid”

(Western Short Stories, September 1954; collected in

THE COLLECTED SHORT STORIES OF LOUIS L’AMOUR,

VOLUME I: THE FRONTIER STORIES, Random House 2003)
starring

Ricardo Montalban ....... Pete McLean

Ward Bond ....... Sheriff

Barbara Ruick ....... Judith Kale

John Lupton ....... the Mojave Kid

Synopsis:
The Mojave Kid is warned to stay away from a small town feud.

 

1.14 [--] Climax!: THE LEAF OUT OF THE BOOK

03Feb55

Producer Bretaigne Windust
Teleplay by Morton Fine & David Friedkin

Based on a book by Margaret Cousins

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Diana Lynn

Sylvia Sidney

George Brent

Hugh Beaumont

Louis Jean Heydt

Tom Powers

Linda Williams

George Sherwood

Ron Brogan

Tony Michaels

Synopsis:

The story revolves around two women, one a successful career woman,

the other an ambitious girl.  After giving the daughter of an old friend a job,

 the successful businesswoman realizes the drawbacks of her generosity. [RF]

 

1.15 [--] Climax!: THE VALIANT MEN

10Feb55

Teleplay by Antony Ellis

Adaptation of "The Valiant Men" from a trilogy by Nicholas Monsarrat

starring

Robert Young ...... Lieutenant Commander Knowles

Synopsis:

Lt. Commander Knowles is assigned to skipper the USS Hamilton from England

back to New York. While he and his crew celebrate New Year's

an unknown danger lurks nearby. [RF]

 

*Preempted by Shower of Stars "That's Life"

17Feb55

 

1.16 [--] Climax!: THE BOX OF CHOCOLATES

24Feb55

Adaptation of Anthony Berkley's mystery "The Avenging Chance".

Pearson’s Magazine, Sept. 1929; reprinted in

The Best Detective Stories of the Year 1929 (London: Faber & Faber, 1930) .

starring

Robert Preston ....... William Struthers

Pat O'Brien ....... Police Lieutenant Moore

Vanessa Brown ....... Vera

Victor Jory ....... Robert

Synopsis:
A hated columnist becomes involved in murder after receiving an

 innocent-looking box of chocolates with a note from the

 manufacturer asking him to try them. [MN]
 

1.17 [--] Climax!: SOUTH OF THE SUN

03Mar55

Teleplay by Wade Miller & E. Jack Neuman

Based on the John D. MacDonald novel "The Damned".

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Jeffrey Hunter ....... Wesley Jerome Penn

Thomas Gomez ......... Senor Torres, Commandante of Police

Natalie Schafer ........ Lucrece Durhurst

Edward Arnold ......... Jock Fathian

Margaret O'Brien ........ Kathy Fathian

Synopsis:

They were strangers to each other, even the married ones, and they all dreamed

in human ways. But the least of these eight persons did something about his little

dream. In so doing, he bound the strangers in an intimate circle, whether they

knew it or not. He touched them all in passing and changed their lives and dreams

 forever, according to their own choices. In one turn of the earth something happened. [RF]

 

1.18 [--] Climax!: THE GREAT IMPERSONATION

10Mar55

Producer Martin Manulis
Teleplay by William Kozlenko

Based on a novel by E. Phillips Oppenheim

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Michael Rennie ....... Lord Everard Dominey/Major General Von Ragenstein

(Live TV Debut)8 Climax shows

Maureen O'Sullivan ....... Lady Dominey

Zsa Zsa Gabor ....... Princess Stephanie

Paul Cavanaugh

Steven Geray

Lumsden Hare

Lillian Kemble Cooper

Milton Parsons

Anthony Eustral

Justice Watson

Leonard Carey

Synopsis:

The action of this tale of intrigue and espionage takes place in the jungles

of East Africa in 1914. The destinies of Germany and Great Britain are dependent

upon one man whose decision is influenced by one of the two women in his life. [RF]

 

1.19 [--] Climax!: THE DARKEST HOUR

24Mar55

Original Script Written by Adrian Spies

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Joanne Dru ......... Marcia
Zachary Scott ...... Steve Rollins

Synopsis:
An ex-cop is released from San Quentin after five years and

sets out on revenge against the men who framed him for manslaughter. [MN]

 

This was also made into a feature film called "Hell on Frisco Bay"

with Alan Ladd and Edward G. Robinson. [JB]

 

1.20 [--] Climax!: THE CHAMPION

31Mar55

Producer Martin Manulis

Written by Rod Serling (EMMY nominated for this episode)

Based on a story by Ring Lardner

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Rory Calhoun ....... Midge Kelly

Geraldine Brooks ....... Emma Herich

Ray Collins ....... Jerome Harris

Wallace Ford ....... Bunco Kelly

Wally Brown ....... Tommy Haley

Tommy Cook ....... Connie Kelly

Peggy Maley ....... Grace Knight

Lewis Charles ....... Lou Hersch

Charlotte Knight

John Craven

Tommy Garland

Richard Monda

Steve Roberts

Synopsis:

The famous story deals with a boxer whose rise to fame has been at the expense

of friends and associates. Through flashbacks, we see how Midge Kelly rose

from the Chicago slums to a world championship. [JB]

 

1.21 [--] Climax!: PRIVATE WORLDS

07Apr55

Producer Martin Manulis
Teleplay by Mel Dinelli

Based on a novel by Phyllis Bottome

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Claudette Colbert ... Dr. Jane Everest
Lorne Greene ........ Dr. Charles Saunders
Marguerite Chapman .. Myra Saunders
Marilyn Erskine ..... Sally McGregor
Warren Stevens ...... Dr. Alec McGregor
Katherine Warren .... Matron
William Tannen ...... McLean
Eve March ........... Carrie
Glen Vernon ......... Glenn
Michael Ross ........ Jerry
Peter Camlin ........ Attar
Ann Seaton .......... Nurse

Synopsis:

A woman doctor probes the twisted minds of her patients in a mental institution. [RF]

*NOTE: Miss Colbert also starred in the 1935 movie.

 

**Preempted by Shower of Stars "Ethel Merman's Show Stoppers".

14Apr55

 

1.22 [--] Climax!: FLIGHT 951

21Apr55

Producer, Martin Manulis

Written by Milton Geiger

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Paul Douglas ....... Dr. Merle Gardner

Barbara Britton ....... Duana Clarke

Cathy O'Donnell ....... Mona Herbert

Irene Hervey ....... Nancy Blount

John Emery ....... Abel Dennis

Lili Darvas ...... Ingrid Lorne

Kenneth Tobey ....... Captain Coppedge

Robert H. Harris

Mary Lawrence

Tom Avera

Peter Camlin

Booth Colman

Roger Etienne

Randy Cramer

James M. Jones

Synopsis:

A doctor forsakes the medical profession following a court trial where he was the defendant.

Now a successful businessman traveling under an assumed name, he must decide between

keeping his secret and saving the eyesight of a fellow passenger. [JB]

 

1.23 [--] Climax!: THE FIRST AND THE LAST

28Apr55

Teleplay by William Kozlenko

Based on a story by John Galsworthy

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Peggy Ann Garner ....... Nora Wallen

Robert Newton ....... Keith Dorrant

John Agar ....... Larry Dorrant

John Carradine ....... John Evan

Synopsis:

The threat of scandal, revolving around the death of a man in London, prompts an ambitious

lawyer to disregard both legal and moral principles. His concern for his own career puts

an innocent man's life in jeopardy. [JB]

 

1.24 [--] Climax!: THE DELIVERANCE OF SISTER CECILIA

05May55

Teleplay by DeWitt Bodeen

Based on a story by William Brinkley

starring

Claudette Colbert ....... Sister Cecilia

Synopsis:
A courageous nun suffers ordeals while trying to

escape from behind the Iron Curtain. [MN]

*NOTE: True story as told by Sister Cecilia to William Brinkley.

 

*Preempted by Shower of Stars "High Pitch"

12May55

 

1.25 [--] Climax!: NO STONE UNTURNED

19May55

Written by Whitfield Cook

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Jeff Donnell ....... Kay Matheson

Dan O'Herlihy ...... Ian Hamilton

Cedric Hardwicke ....... Professor Robertson

Tom Drake ....... Alan

Synopsis:

A Scottish student has the historical Stone of Scone stolen from Westminster Abbey.

His purpose is to get England to recognize Scotland's independence. [JB]

 

1.26 [--] Climax!: A FAREWELL TO ARMS

26May55

Producer Martin Manulis
Teleplay by Gore Vidal

Based on A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway.

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Diana Lynn ..... Catherine Barkley

Guy Madison

Martin Brooks

Betty Caulfield

Katherine Warren

Michael Vallon

John Mylong

Jerry La Zarre

Veronika Pataky

Tony De Mario

Gilbert Frye

Peter Davis

Angie De Panza

Nicky Blair

Robert Canto

Synopsis:

An American, in the Italian Army during World War I, who

meets a nurse and falls in love with her.

Together they try to find a haven from the turbulence around them. [JB]

 

1.27 [--] Climax!: THE UNIMPORTANT MAN

02Jun55

Written by Marie Baumer & John Cavanaugh

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Macdonald Carey ...... John Benson

Ruth Hussey ...... Katherine Benson

Elliott Reid ...... Scotty Henderson

Synopsis:

The life of an ordinary, mild-mannered man is changed when he

identifies the murderer of his employer's brother. [JB]

 

1.28 [--] Climax!: THE DARK FLEECE

16Jun55

Teleplay by DeWitt Bodeen

From a story by Joseph Hergesheimer

 which appeared in The Saturday Evening Post Aug 25, 1934.

starring

Lloyd Bridges ..... Jason Burrage

Joan Bennett ..... Honora

Phyllis Thaxter ...... Olive

Synopsis:
A gold miner returns to his righteous California hometown, circa 1857.

 He has great wealth but also a burdened conscious; he has killed a man. [MN]

 

1.29 [--] Climax!: TO WAKE AT MIDNIGHT

23Jun55

Written by Rod Serling

Directed by John Frankheimer

starring

Wendell Corey ....... Lieutenant Erich Ganz

Maria Riva ....... Marie

Akim Tamiroff ....... Albert Ganz

Synopsis:
All the pent-up prejudices and hatreds of postwar Europe

 are revived when a Nazi lieutenant recovers consciousness in

a British hospital after being in a coma for years. [MN]

 

1.30 [--] Climax!: THE DANCE

30Jun55

Producer Edgar Peterson
Teleplay by James P. Cavanagh

From the story by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Janet Blair ....... Joan Hale

Richard Kiley ..... Charley Kincaid

Vanessa Brown ..... Marie Bannerman

Ethel Waters ..... Aunt Kate

Barbara Baxley ..... Catherine Jones

Jan Merlin ..... Joe Cable

Addison Richards ..... Papa

Robert Middleton ..... Sheriff

Frieda Inescort ..... Martha Hale

 

1.31 [--] Climax!: WILD STALLION

07Jul55

Producer, Edgar Peterson
Teleplay by DeWitt Bodeen

Based on William Faulkner's "Knight's Gambit."

Directed by Herbert Swope Jr.

starring

Paul Henreid ....... Captain Sebastian Gualdres

Evelyn Keyes ....... Laura Harris

Mary Astor ....... Mrs. Harris

Richard Long ....... Max Harris

Wilton Graff ....... Gavin Stevens

Kathleen Crowley ....... Hence Cayley

Gladys Holland

Roy Glenn

Synopsis:

A handsome, devil-may-care fortune hunter [from South America] makes his home with a

well-to-do Southern family. He is attracted at first to the daughter, until he discovers the

mother is the one who holds the key to the family fortune. [RF]

 

1.32 [--] Climax!: THE ESCAPE AT MENDES-FRANCE

14Jul55

Producer, Edgar Peterson

Written by Whitfield Cook

Based on an article by Pierre Mendès-France

Directed by Allen Reisner

Narrated by Walter Cronkite

starring

Louis Jourdan ........ Pierre Mendes-France

Eva Ralf

Maurice Marsac

Kurt Katch

Werner Klemperer

Jerry La Zarre

Rick Vallin

Jan Arvan

Jean De Val

Peter Norman

Alphonse Martell

Synopsis:
A Frenchman becomes Premier and escaped from his French fascist captors

during the German occupation in 1940-41. The hero is arrested, falsely accused

and unjustly condemned to six years in prison, escapes by tying his bed sheets

together and climbing down them. [RF]

 

1.33 [--] Climax!: THE HEALER

21Jul55

Teleplay by DeWitt Bodeen

Based on the novel by Dr. Frank Slaughter

starring

Barry Sullivan ..... Dr. Donald Carter

Geraldine Fitzgerald ..... Miriam Lambert

Arthur Franz ..... Dr. Joyce

Bonita Granville ..... Laura Jordan

Marguerite Chapman ..... Mrs. Carter

Synopsis:
A brilliant surgeon, burdened with a self-centered wife and a

beautiful heiress who's in love with him, becomes tormented by

doubts about his ability after losing a patient during a difficult operation. [MN]

 

1.34 [--] Climax!: DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE

28Jul55

Producer Edgar Peterson
Script by Gore Vidal
Story by Robert Louis Stevenson
Directed by Allen Reisner
starring

Michael Rennie ......... Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde

Lowell Gilmore ........ Dr. Lanyon

Cedric Hardwicke ....... Utterson

Mary Sinclair  ....... The Girl

John Hoyt ............ Poole
Karen Scott .......... Girl Companion
Gil Stuart ........... Policeman
Keith McConnell ...... Fiance
Harry Fields ......... Pianist
Diane Doxee .......... Singer
Barbara Morrison ..... Dowager
*
Technical Director ... Robert Colvin
Set Decoration ....... Anthony Mondell
Art Direction ........ Robert Tyler Lee & Albert Heschong
Special Music composed and conducted by Jerry Goldsmith

Synopsis:

Classic Stevenson tale of a scientist whose experiments into the duality of man

transform him into the misshapen, murderous Mr. Hyde. [RF]

 

1.35 [--] Climax!: ONE NIGHT STAND

04Aug55

Teleplay by Bernard Girard

An original story by Bob Crosby and Gil Rodin (his manager)

Directed by Bernard Girard

starring

Bob Crosby ........... Himself
John Forsythe ........ Joe Sullivan
Cloris Leachman ...... Mrs. Sullivan
Bob Sweeney .......... Gil Rodin
Donald Buka .......... Bob Zurko
Ray Bauduc ........... Bobcat
Bobby Haggart ........ Bobcat
Nappy La Marr ........ Bobcat
Matty Matlock ........ Bobcat
Eddie Miller ......... Bobcat
Joe Venuti ........... Bobcat

Synopsis:
In 1937 the members of a jazz ensemble come to the aid of

one of their colleagues who is stricken with tuberculosis. [MN]

 

1.36 [--] Climax!: EDGE OF TERROR

11Aug55

Written by Irving Elman

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Lloyd Bridges ...... Joe Donner

Dennis O'Keefe ..... Evans

Phyllis Kirk ..... Mrs. Evans

Karen Steele .... Gloria

Raymond Greenleaf .... Mr. Saunders

Tom Laughlin .... Paisan

Ed Binns .... Lieutenant Lewis

Joe Downey .... Barber

Jean Porter .... Joan

Synopsis:
A small town banker and his family are threatened with death if

 he identifies the leader of the gang that tried to rob his bank. [MN]

 

1.37 [--] Climax!: FEAR STRIKES OUT

18Aug55

Teleplay by Mel Goldberg
Based on Jim Piersall & Al Hirschberg's

book FEAR STRIKES OUT (Little Brown, 1955)
Directed by Herbert Swope Jr.
starring
Tab Hunter ........... Jimmy Piersall
Mona Freeman ......... May Piersall

Lori Nelson

John Conte

Synopsis:

True story of ballplayer battling mental illness and domineering father. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A young Boston Red Sox shortstop, worried about his ability

 to make good and support his wife, suffers a blackout and

awakens in an asylum to find that eight months

 are missing from his memory. [MN]

 

1.38 [--] Climax!: DEAL A BLOW

25Aug55

Written by Robert Dozier

Directed by John Frankenheimer

hosted by Art Gilmore

starring

MacDonald Carey ..... Tom Ditmar

James MacArthur ..... Hal Ditmar  (his first TV role)

Whit Bissell ..... Mr. Grubbs

Phyllis Thaxter ..... Helen Ditmar

Edward Arnold.... Lt. Shipley

Jeff Silver .... Jerry

Byron Foulger .... Man in Theatre

Steve Terrell .... Lynn Spears

Gil Frye .... Police Clerk

William Hughes .... Doorman

Synopsis:

A teenage boy gets into a dispute with an abusive movie theater manager Mr. Grubbs.

The boy's father Tom Ditmar  accepts the manager's somewhat twisted version of the

incident and doesn't give his son a chance to explain his side of the matter. [RF]

*Note: Director John Frankenheimer made this episode into his feature film debut.

The film was called "The Young Stranger" and starred James Daly as Tom Ditmar and

James MacArthur reprised his TV role as Hal Ditmar.

###############################

############ Climax! ############

######### season 2 1955-56 #######

###############################

2.01 [--] Climax!: THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN

01Sep55

Teleplay by DeWitt Bodeen

Based on the novel by Mark Twain

Directed by Herbert Swope Jr.

starring

Thomas Mitchell ....... Old Man Finn

Charles Taylor ....... Huckleberry Finn

John Carradine ........ the Duke

Walter Catlett ....... Judge Thatcher

Elizabeth Patterson ...... the Widow Douglas

Minor Watson

Bobby Hyatt ...... Jim

Synopsis:

Huck and Jim once again embark on their adventure-filled trek down the Mississippi . [RF]

 

2.02 [--] Climax!: PUBLIC PIGEON #1

08Sep55

Producer, Martin Manulis
Written by Devery Freeman

Directed by Seymour Burns

starring

Red Skelton ....... Rusty Morgan

Ann Rutherford ....... Edith Enders

Brad Dexter

Vici Raaf ...... Rita DeLacey

Jimmy Cross

Frank Wilcox

Ray Kellogg

Dick Ryan

Jan Arvan

Ralph Sanford

Mari Blanchard

John V. Connors

Lennie Bremen

Synopsis:

Cafeteria worker Rusty is cheated by stock swindlers and winds up in jail,

 but the crooks have to break him out in order to recover their loot,

which was stashed in Rusty's safety deposit box. [RF]
*Note: Made into a feature film with Skelton the following year.

 

2.03 [--] Climax!: SILENT DECISION

(aka Hand of Decision)

15Sep55

Written by Adrian Spies

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Franchot Tone ....... Dr. Ken Jaynes

Betty Furness ...... Beth Jaynes

John Baragrey .... Perry Bates

Katharine Bard .... Lisa Janson

Synopsis:

A surgeon finds out about his wife's unfaithfulness,

and takes matters into his own hands. [RF]

 

2.04 [--] Climax!: NIGHT OF EXECUTION

22Sep55

Produced by Martin Manulis
Written by James P. Cavanagh

Based on the story by Faith Baldwin

Directed by Allen Reisner

Associate producer Edgar Peterson

Announcer Art Gilmore
starring

Vincent Price ....... Gideon Rone

Nina Foch ....... Emily Rone

Dick Foran ....... Robert Maxwell

Harry Bellaver ....... Craig
Peter Votrain ........ Keith Rone
Bart Burns ........... District Attorney
Kathryn Card ......... Mrs. Craig
Amzie Strickland ..... Jane

*
Technical Director ... A.J. Cunningham
Set Decoration ....... Buck Henshaw
Art Direction ........ Robert Tyler Lee & Albert Heschong
Synopsis 1:

A mother watches her cruel and destructive husband continually expose their young

son to all kinds of violence. Finally she feels she must take steps to save her

son from this sinister influence. [RF]

Synopsis 2:

A frightening story of a sadistic and cruel father who teaches

his son the same evilness and cruelty. [JB]

 

2.05 [--] Climax!: SAILOR ON HORSEBACK

29Sep55

Teleplay by Paul Monash

Based on the novel by Irving Stone

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Lloyd Nolan .......... Jack London
Mary Sinclair ........ Charmaine
Mercedes McCambridge.... Eliza

Summary:

Irving Stone's Sailor on Horseback charged head on into TV taboos-illegitimacy,

Socialism and failure. As hard-living Novelist Jack London, Actor Lloyd Nolan

seemed physically too slight for the role but in the essential scenes he created

a sense of force and fury that lifted the play over its hurdles. Mercedes McCambridge

played London's chillingly correct sister, and Mary Sinclair was excellent in her despairing

efforts to be the proper wife for a national hero. The play's simple story line;

how a proud man pulls down his world and himself, just missed a Greek starkness.

The ending had imagination as the camera panned down a row of shelves to

show the dwindling of London's annual output; from four books

to two to one to none and death.

 

2.06 [--] Climax!: THIN AIR

13Oct55

Written by Ben Starr

starring

Robert Sterling ...... Husband
Pat O'Brien .......... Police Lieutenant
Marguerite Chapman ... Wife
Synopsis:
An advertising executive's wife disappears during a summer vacation.

 

2.07 [--] Climax!: HOUSE OF SHADOWS

20Oct55

Written by Devery Freeman

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

James Daly ....... George Norren

Diana Lynn ....... Ruth Barrows

Ernest Truex ....... Uncle William

Jane Darwell ....... Mrs. Koestler

Synopsis:
A woman keeps her elderly uncle locked up as a prisoner in his own

home when a man decides to investigate the story himself.

 

2.08 [--] Climax!: THE PINK CLOUD

27Oct55

Written by Ben Starr

starring

Brian Donlevy ...... Sam Marvin

Sally Forrest ...... Jean Hamilton/Cherry Carson

Jay C. Flippen ...... Joe

Doris Dowling ..... Maria

Synopsis:
An ex-con returns to New York looking for the man

responsible for the crime he did time for. [RF]

 

[--] Climax!: preempted for Shower of Stars

03Nov55

 

2.09 [--] Climax!: SCHEME TO DEFRAUD

10Nov55

Written by Marc Brandel

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Dennis O'Keefe ....... Fred Long

Marilyn Erskine ....... Alice James

Phyllis Thaxter ...... Joan Long

Synopsis:

An insurance underwriter and his secretary are both disgruntled over their dull,

monotonous routine. They fall in love, and then discover a way to cash in

on a $70,000 insurance claim. [RF]

 

2.10 [--] Climax!: A PROMISE TO MURDER

17Nov55

Teleplay by John Kneubuhl

From Oscar Wilde's "Lord Arthur Saville's Crime".

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Ann Harding ....... Lady Bertha Weatherby

Peter Lorre ....... Mr. Vorhees

Louis Hayward ....... Randy Townsend

Synopsis:
At his wealthy aunt's insistence, a rising young London barrister submits to

having his palm read. The prophecies come true with alarming accuracy. [RF]

 

2.11 [--] Climax!: PORTRAIT IN CELLULOID

24Nov55

Producer, Martin Manulis

Written by Rod Serling

Directed by John Frankenheimer (Emmy nominated for this episode)

Art directors: Robert Tyler Lee & James D. Vance
Music: Jerry Goldsmith
Costumes: Marjorie Corso
Sets: George R. Nelson

starring

Jack Carson ....... Art Shaddick

Don Taylor ....... John Appleby

Kim Hunter ....... Barbara Williams

Audrey Totter ....... Edna Shaddick

Robert F. Simon

John Gaullaudet

Synopsis:
Art Shaddick, formerly a writer, now a writer's agent, sits in his gaudy, pretentious office,

on the bookcase reposes an Oscar, won by Art for his last picture. That was in 1929.

Since then he has gone steadily downhill, shouting all the way. When suddenly

a young writer appears with a great script, it is just what Art needs,

a golden opportunity to rise again to greatness. [RF]

 

2.12 [--] Climax!: MAN OF TASTE

01Dec55

Producer, Martin Manulis

Teleplay by Leonard Spigelgass

From a story by Judy Ross and George W. George,

from an idea by Morris Pfaelzer

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Michael Rennie ....... Charles Martin Westling

Zsa Zsa Gabor ....... Mme. Florizel

John Kerr ....... Matt Sloane

Werner Klemperer

Sallie Brophy ....... Laurie

Fay Roope

Alphonse Martell

Synopsis:

A cultured Englishman, living in Paris, becomes interested in art for

purely mercenary reasons. He sponsors a young artist and goes to great

lengths to keep his protege's canvases valuable. [JB]

 

2.13 [--] Climax!: THE PASSPORT

08Dec55

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Frank Lovejoy ....... Ben Dana

Viveca Lindfors ....... Soledad Barojo

Charles Korvin ....... General Stack

Synopsis:
An American correspondent, assigned to Europe shortly after

World War II, is offered part of a fortune in confiscated gems in

return for letting a former Nazi officer use his passport. [MN]

 

2.14 [--] Climax!: THE DAY THEY GAVE THE BABIES AWAY

22Dec55

Producer Martin Manulis

Written by Dale Funson & Katherine Funson

Based on a true story by Dale Funson.

Directed by Allen Reisner

Narrated by Joan Evans
starring

Brandon de Wilde ....... Robbie Funson

Barbara Hale ...... Mamie Funson

Leif Erickson

Stephan Wootton

Bobby Clark

Mimi Gibson

Lizz Slifer

Jean Chandler

Terry Burnham

Nolan Leary

Lenore Kingston

Gail Bonney

Ralph Sanford

Louise Lewis

Tiger Fafara

Robert Bice

Mary Treen

Milton Parsons

Synopsis:

While decorating a Christmas tree, narrator Joan Evans recalls the story of the

Christmas of her ancestors during the 1860s in Wisconsin. A 12-year old boy becomes

 the head of his family when both parents die. On Christmas Eve he finds a way to

provide homes for his five younger brothers and sisters. [JB]

 

2.15 [--] Climax!: BAILOUT AT 43,000 FEET

29Dec55

Producer Martin Manulis

Written by Paul Monash

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Charlton Heston ....... Lieutenant Paul Peterson

Richard Boone ....... Colonel Hughes

Nancy Davis ....... Carol Peterson

Lee Marvin ....... Captain Cavallero

Bart Burns

John Gaullaudet

Harvey Grant

Charles Davis

Don Donaldson

Gil Frye

William Hughes

Synopsis:

Three men prepare to test the ejector seat of a jet bomber.

As they wait for favorable weather conditions, each reacts differently. [RF]

 

2.16 [--] Climax!: THE PROWLER

05Jan56

written by F.W. Durkee

starring

Claire Trevor ...... Phyllis Talbot
Cameron Mitchell ... San
Pat O'Brien ........ Ed Talbot
Wallace Ford ....... Sheriff
Blanche Yurka ...... Margaret
Synopsis:
A rancher's wife is bored with her monotonous life. One night when her husband is away,

 her mother-in-law inadvertently suggest the "perfect escape". [RF]
 

2.17 [--] Climax!: THE HANGING JUDGE

12Jan56

Producer Martin Manulis

Teleplay by Whitfield Cook

From the play by Raymond Massey, based on the novel by Bruce Hamilton.

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Raymond Massey ....... Sir George Sidney

Cedric Hardwicke ....... Sir Francis Brittain

John Williams ....... Sir Keith Nottingham

John Carradine ....... Colonel Archer

Hurd Hatfield ....... Ted

Alan Marshal

Reginald Denny

Lumsden Hare

Thomas P. Dillon

Queenie Leonard

Alex Frazer

Synopsis:

One of the most despised men in the legal profession clings tenaciously to the belief

that English law is infallible. Because of his fixation he even stands trial for

a murder he did not commit. [RF]

 

2.18 [--] Climax!: THE SECRET OF RIVER LANE

26Jan56

Script by Adrian Spies
starring

James Dunn ......... Eldon Abernathy
Lon Chaney Jr. ..... Frank Wiggins
Bobby Driscoll ..... Gary
Victor Jory ........ Sam Bellows
Gigi Perreau ....... Laurette Bradshaw
Dick Foran ......... Luke Bradshaw
Beulah Bondi ....... Aunt Caroline
Synopsis:
The son of a respected lawyer is involved in a case of homicide over the shooting

 of a schoolmate. Even though the father suspects his son's guilt, he tries to

protect him. The entire town is indignant when charges are not brought against

the boy immediately for lack of sufficient evidence. [RF]
 

2.19 [--] Climax!: GAMBLE ON A THIEF

02Feb56

Written by James P. Cavanagh

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Macdonald Carey ....... Allen Moore

Dewey Martin ....... Rocky Webb

Phyllis Kirk ....... Amy Connor

Elizabeth Patterson ....... Jane Connor

Synopsis:
A dedicated parole officer makes a daring effort to help a two-time

 loser who has violated the conditions of his parole. [MN]

 

2.20 [--] Climax!: THE FIFTH WHEEL

09Feb56

Producer Martin Manulis

Teleplay by Whitfield Cook

Based on a story by Leo Gallen

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Hume Cronyn ....... Father Joseph Muldoon

Peter Lorre ....... Normie

Bonita Granville ...... Mollie

Arthur Treacher ....... Bishop Thornley

Buddy Baer ....... Moe

John Lupton ....... Eddie Nolan

James Gleason ....... Father McCorkle

Donald MacBride

Bob Jellison

Thomas B. Henry

Synopsis:

Two sports-minded priests, off for a fishing holiday, become

involved with thieves, a stolen car and stolen money! [RF]

 

2.21 [--] Climax!: NIGHTMARE BY DAY

23Feb56

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Gene Nelson ..... Jess Shepard

Katy Jurado ..... Margo Nieto

Warner Anderson ..... David Allen

Coleen Gray ..... Amanda Shepard

Mary Astor ..... Ethel Allen

Synopsis:
The parents of a recently married young woman,

whose husband claims she's taken a trip to New York,

slowly become convinced she's been murdered. [MN]

 

2.22 [--] Climax!: THE SOUND OF SILENCE

01Mar56

Producer Martin Manulis
Teleplay by George Bruce
Based on the play "The Confession" by Jack De Witt
Directed by Allen Reisner
Hosted by Bill Lundigan
starring
Jean-Pierre Aumont .......... Father James Cannon
Lloyd Bridges ........ Mark Gillis
Raymond Burr ......... Lieutenant Shea
Mary Sinclair ........ Maria Sanchez

Raymond Greenleaf

Michael Ross

Joseph Vitale

Dorothy Adams

Robert Bice

Peter Mamakos

Synopsis:

A priest becomes involved in murder when the killer confesses his crime to him. [RF]

 

2.23 [--] Climax!: THE LOUELLA PARSONS STORY

08Mar56

Producer Martin Manulis
Teleplay by Whitfield Cook

Based on Louella Parsons "This Gay Illiterate "

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Teresa Wright ...... Louella Parsons

William Talman

Whit Bissell

William Roerick

Addison Richards

Nestor Paiva

Tyler McVey

Helen Winston

Ann Seaton

Sio Kane

Mary Grey

Harriet Brest

Jeri Lou James

Marilee Phelps

Synopsis:

The Louella Parsons story, based on incidents in her autobiography "The Gay Illiterate",

is a series of flashbacks. Teresa Wright portrays Miss Parson in the drama.

As she speaks with the stars the cameras will re-create incidents in her long career.

The time span is from the early twenties to 1948. We see Miss Parsons' early days

as a newspaper reporter in Chicago. Here she loses her job and departs for New York.

 In New York she resumes her career, only to be stricken with tuberculosis. When

she recovers from her illness, she meets the man who is to become her second husband,

and her rise as Hollywood columnist begins. As a climax to tonight's drama, there

will be a tribute from the stars of the movie industry. [RF]

Cameos by:  Robert Mitchum, Ginger Rogers,Robert Stack, John Wayne,

Jean-Pierre Aumont, Gracie Allen, Eve Arden, Lex Barker, Joan Bennett,

Jack Benny, Charles Boyer, George Burns, Eddie Cantor, Dan Dailey, Howard Duff,

Ida Lupino, Joan Fontaine, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Susan Hayward, Fred MacMurray,

Kim Novak, Merle Oberon, Maureen O'Sullivan, Gilbert Roland, Lana Turner, Robert Wagner.

 

2.24 [--] Climax!: PALE RIDER

  (aka Pale Horse, Pale Rider)

22Mar56

Producer Martin Manulis
Teleplay by F.W. Durkee JR.

Based on a novel by Katherine Ann Porter

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Dorothy McGuire ......... Miranda

John Forsythe ......... Adam Barclay

Ann Rutherford ......... Mary Townsend

Lili Darvas

Ralph Dumke

Charles Davis

Byron Foulger

Dick Elliott

Robin Morse

Synopsis:

A young woman lives in fear that a recurring dream foretells real tragedy. The premonition

persists when she falls in love with a young soldier about to leave for overseas duty. [RF]

 

2.25 [--] Climax!: AN EPISODE OF SPARROWS

29Mar56

Producer Martin Manulis
Teleplay by Eleanore Griffin

Based on the novel by Rumer Godden

Directed by Allen Reisner

starring

Brandon de Wilde ....... Tip Malone

Patty McCormack ....... Lovejoy Mason

Lynn Bari ....... Mrs. Combie

Jessie Royce Landis ....... Olivia Chesney

J. Carroll Naish ....... Mr. Combie

Sara Haden

Stephen Wootton

Robert Carson

Harry O. Tyler

Kay Cousins

Herbert Butterfield

Synopsis:

An 11-year old girl whose home has always been the slums, steals a packet

of flower seeds from a playmate. In her search for a small bit of earth in which

 to grow flowers, she is befriended by a youthful gang leader. [RF]

 

2.26 [--] Climax!: SPIN INTO DARKNESS

05Apr56

Written by Hagar Wilde

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Vincent Price .......... Casey Lodge

Ruth Roman ......... Suzanne Wayne

Charles Drake ........... Mickey Wayne

Virginia Grey ......... Edna

Synopsis:
After gambling away the money her pilot husband gave her for the down

payment on a plane, a woman takes as job as nurse to an alcoholic, who in

 a drunken stupor gives her $5,000 to recoup her losses and later reports

to the police that the money was stolen. [MN]

 

2.27 [--] Climax!: THE LOU GEHRIG STORY

19Apr56

Written by Mel Goldberg

Directed by Fielder Cook (BFI lists Allen Reisner as director)

starring

Wendell Corey ......... Lou Gehrig

Jean Hagen ......... Eleanor

James Gregory ....... Coach

Harry Carey Jr. ......... Bill Dickey

Russell Johnson .... Rusty
Harry Townes

Synopsis:

Baseball's "Iron Horse," whose brilliant career was ended by a terminal illness,

 and who struggled valiantly against adversity. [RF]

 

2.28 [--] Climax!: SIT DOWN WITH DEATH

26Apr56

Teleplay by James P. Cavanagh

Based on the story "After Dinner Story" by George Hopley

(aka Cornell Woolrich)

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Ralph Bellamy  ...... Phillip Hardecker Sr.
William Talman ..... Joe MacKenzie
John Williams ...... Harold Johnson
Vicki Cummings ..... Lisa Farley
Constance Ford ..... Ellen MacKenzie

Dan Barton
Irene Tedrow
Charles Davis
Synopsis:
A dinner party turns into a guests nightmare as

 a murder plot is uncovered. [RF]

 

2.29 [--] Climax!: THE EMPTY ROOM BLUES

03May56

Written by Adrian Spies

starring

Celeste Holm ....... Mary Miller

Gerald Mohr ....... Quinn

Peggy Webber ....... Inez Harley

Richard Carlyle ....... George Harley

Synopsis:
When her husband disappears with their savings and their son,

a woman fears for the child's life but can't convince her friends or the

police that the man is a pathological liar and a menace. [MN]

 

2.30 [--] Climax!: FLAME-OUT ON T-6

17May56

Written by George Lowther

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Richard Carlson ....... Colonel Dobie

Shepperd Strudwick ....... Doc

Kevin McCarthy ...... Brooks

Royal Dano ..... Sergeant

Jack Warden ..... Lieutenant Ravenna

Sidney Blackmer .... Professor Watson

Synopsis:
Ten men are assigned to a drifting ice floe near the North Pole to test

the effect of subzero weather on men supplied only with tents and meager

rations. One of the men goes berserk from the strain and wrecks the

group's radio so that no one can notify headquarters of their location. [MN]

 

2.31 [--] Climax!: THE SHADOW OF EVIL

24May56

Written by Hagar Wilde

starring

Elizabeth Montgomery ....... Betsy

Raymond Burr ...... Philip Moran

Jan Sterling ...... Dinah Lake

Richard Boone ...... David Neff

Eduardo Cianelli ...... Amelio

Skip Homeier ...... John Moran

Synopsis:
The unsuspecting girlfriend of a young man whose

brother is the head of a Rome narcotics ring arrives from the

 United States with an investigator at her heels. [MN]

 

2.32 [--] Climax!: FIGURES IN CLAY

31May56

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Edmund O'Brien ....... Leo Waldek

Lloyd Bridges ....... Paul Bellamy

Georgann Johnson ....... Julie Bellamy

Henry Hull ....... Abel Kirsch

Synopsis:
After agreeing to defend an irrational old man charged with murder,

an attorney finds that his partner believes he took the case for publicity reasons. [MN]

 

2.33 [--] Climax!: FACELESS ADVERSARY

(aka Faceless Enemy)

07Jun56

Written by Eliot Asinof

starring

Farley Granger ....... John Haywood

Phyllis Kirk ....... Barbara Phillips

Jay C. Flippen ....... Detective

Peter Hanson ....... Lawyer

Synopsis:
A man suspected of a young woman's murder denies even

 knowing her and claims he's being framed. [MN]

 

2.34 [--] Climax!: TO SCREAM AT MIDNIGHT

14Jun56

Teleplay by John McGreevey
Based on a story by Patricia Highsmith

Directed by John Frankenheimer

starring

Diana Lynn ....... Hilda Fraser

Dewey Martin ....... Emmett Shore

Karen Sharpe ....... Peggy Walsh

Richard Jaeckel ....... Jordan

Synopsis:
A wealthy young woman breaks down and is placed in a sanitarium

 after being thrown over by the man she loves. Her psychiatrist becomes

suspicious when the man reappears and claims he wants to marry her. [MN]

 

2.35 [--] Climax!: THE CIRCULAR STAIRCASE

21Jun56

Teleplay by Frank Gruber

Based on a story by Mary Roberts Rinehart (in 1908)

starring

Judith Anderson ......... Rachel

Kevin McCarthy ......... Halsey

Kathleen Crowley ........ Louise

Rhys Williams ......... Lt. Jamison

Synopsis:

A middle aged spinster decides to go to the country for the summer with her friend.

They end up becoming involved in a murder mystery.  [RF]

* Mary Roberts Rinehart is the author that produced the phrase "The Butler did it".

 

2.36 [--] Climax!: A TROPHY FOR HOWARD DAVENPORT

28Jun56

Written by Gene Levitt

starring

Dennis O'Keefe ....... Howard Davenport

Ruth Hussey ....... Martha

Gale Gordon ....... Dr. Raymond Forrest

Billy Chapin ....... Billy

Synopsis:
A Babe Ruth League team is perpetually in last place because its

compassionate manager tends to pick youngsters no other team wants.

When the team has a chance to place in the finals, he turns down a boy's

 plea to pitch in the big game and the boy then runs away from home. [MN]

 

2.37 [--] Climax!: PHONE CALL FOR MATTHEW QUADE

05Jul56

Written by Oliver Crawford

starring

Everett Sloane ......... Matthew Quade

Mona Freeman .......... Polly

Mary Astor .......... Martha

Arthur Franz ........ Walt

Synopsis:
A retired construction firm executive seeks a respite from enforced idleness and

oncoming old age. While waiting for a phone call that will confirm or deny his request for

a job back at his old firm, Matthew Quade relives his past. [RF]

 

2.38 [--] Climax!: FEAR IS THE HUNTER

12Jul56

Written by Arthur Rowe

starring

Steve Cochran ....... Jack Rice

Anne Bancroft ........ Audrey

Albert Dekker ...... Brewster

Synopsis:
A young man comes to the town of Brewster, his car in need of repairs,

and is ordered to leave at once. He soon learns that the ruthless man

after whom the town is named looks on any stranger as his potential murderer. [MN]

 

2.39 [--] Climax!: FURY AT DAWN

19Jul56

Teleplay by John McGreevey

Based on a story by James Joseph

Directed by Ida Lupino

starring

Howard Duff ......... Dr. John C. Clark

Jeff Morrow ....... Dr. Alvin C. Graves

Marilyn Erskine ........ Meg McIntyre

Henry Jones ........ Dr. Barney O'Keefe

John Hudson .......... Dr. John Wienecke

Mary Anderson ....... Babs Wienecke

Synopsis:
When an atomic bomb mounted on a 200-foot-tall steel tower fails

to detonate, a veteran nuclear physicist and his aides have to climb

the rickety tower to disarm the bomb. [MN]

 

2.40 [--] Climax!: THE MAN WHO LOST HIS HEAD

26Jul56

Teleplay by John Kneubuhl

Based on a short story by Ellis St. Joseph

starring

Sir Cedric Hardwicke ....... Clifton Lattimer

Debra Pagett ....... Maria

John Ericson ........ William Herrick

Peter Lorre ...... Mr. Ho

Synopsis:
A young sailor collapses on the estate of a wealthy Englishman

in the Orient and, upon reviving, is offered a strange

 bargain in exchange for his life. [MN]

 

2.41 [--] Climax!: CHILD OF THE WIND

02Aug56

Written by Anne Chapin & Frank Glicksman

starring

Agnes Moorehead

Susan Kohner

Marshall Thompson

 

2.42 [--] Climax!: NO RIGHT TO KILL

09Aug56

Teleplay by Victor Wolfson

Based on Fedor Dostoevski's "Crime and Punishment"

starring

John Cassavetes ........ McCloud

Terry Moore ........ Lisa

Joe Mantell ......... Angelo

Robert Harris ......... Porfear

Synopsis:
A starving author tests his theory about people who think they

are above the law by killing a pawnbroker.

*Note: Russian novelist Dostoevski first had "Crime and Punishment" published in 1866.

 

2.43 [--] Climax!: THE 78TH FLOOR

16Aug56

Teleplay by Leonard Lee
starring

Scott Brady ....... Johnny Stanton

Pat Crowley ........ Sue Martin

Otto Kruger ........ Walter Farrington

Rosemary DeCamp ........ Eleanor Farrington

Synopsis:
On a foggy afternoon just before a plane strikes the Empire State Building,

 a businessman recently gone blind is in one office dictating a suicide

note to his wife, while in another office a young man is trying to persuade

 his fiancee to help him rob the firm she works for so they can be married. [MN]

 

2.44 [--] Climax!: THROW AWAY THE CANE

23Aug56

Written by Elliot Asinof

starring

John Kerr ....... Danny Barron/Steve Barron

Sally Forrest ....... Myra (a late replacement for Piper Laurie)

June Walker ........ Mrs. Barron

Harry Townes ........ Joe Barron

Eduardo Ciannelli ......... Guilio

Beverly Garland ........ Jean

Synopsis:
A popular singer whose earnings are supporting his entire family

returns to his home town for a visit and proceeds to make a play for

the girlfriend of his twin brother, an aspiring concert pianist. [MN]

 

2.45 [--] Climax!: DARK WALL

30Aug56

Teleplay by John Kneubuhl

Based on Dr. Morton Prince's book "Disassociation of Personality".

starring

Shelley Winters ......... Margaret Corey/Ethel/Lillian/Ann

William Talman ......... Stan

Harry Townes .......... Reverend Muir

Shepperd Strudwick ......... Dr. Griffin

Synopsis:

An extreme form of disassociative reaction to stress in which two or more

separate personalities exist. The person may shift from one personality to

another, which is often very different. Each personality

has no memories of the other's thoughts and actions. [RF]

###############################

############ Climax! ############

######## season 3 1956-57 ########

###############################

3.01 [--] Climax!: BURY ME LATER

06Sep56

Teleplay by Jean Holloway & John McGreevey
Based on H.F.M. Prescott's novel DEAD AND NOT BURIED

 (Constable 1938, Dodd Mead 1938) (aka Hilda Francis Margaret Prescott)

starring

Angela Lansbury ..... Justina

Boris Karloff .... Vicar

Torin Thatcher .... John Philippson

Sean McClory .... Mark Yorke

Synopsis:
The police suspect that an elderly farmer who vanished was murdered

by an artist who was painting a portrait of the farmer's attractive young wife,

and who is suffering from a lapse of memory and has no alibi. [MN]

 

3.02 [--] Climax!: BURST OF VIOLENCE

13Sep56

Written by Fred Freiburger & Richard Landau

starring

Eddie Albert .... Gabe Douglas

Betsy Palmer .... Elizabeth

John Baragrey .... Floyd

Malcolm Brodrick .... Andy

Synopsis:
A Texas rancher whose opposition to slavery led him to fight for the

Union in the Civil War returns home to find himself despised

 for betraying the South even by his family. [MN]

 

3.03 [--] Climax!: THE GARSTEN CASE

20Sep56

Teleplay by Oliver Crawford
Based on Gordon Gaskill's short story "The Garsten Case"

(Woman’s Home Companion, October 1956)
starring

Everett Sloane ... Dr. Emil Garsten

Judith Evelyn .... Susan Garsten

Audrey Totter .... Dr. Helen Koenig

Warner Anderson .... Fleet

Synopsis:
Two nuclear scientists married to each other are working on a top-secret

experiment when the woman is accidentally exposed to atomic radiation.

With only a week to live, she and her husband decide to perform a series

 of usually fatal experiments in the name of science, with her as the subject. [MN]

 

3.04 [--] Climax!: THE FOG

27Sep56

written by Dale Wasserman

starring

Ralph Bellamy .... Hap Kennelly
Mona Freeman ..... Helen
James Whitmore ... Stash Prohaska
Wallace Ford ..... Dr. Karl Wendig
Hurd Hatfield .... Paul Randolph
Beverly Garland .. Shirley Connors
John Qualen ...... Geist
Synopsis:
A strange, poisonous fog envelops a small town. The only doctor within reach

 is an eccentric recluse. In the struggle against death in the mysterious fog,

several people re-evaluate their lives and those of others close to them. [RF]

3.05 [--] Climax!: ISLAND IN THE CITY

04Oct56

Written by Adrian Spies

starring

Ricardo Montalban ....... Joe Bermudes

Doris Dowling ....... Alicia

James Gregory ....... Dr. Froelich

Eduardo Ciannelli ....... Martinez

Murvyn Vye ....... Willy Martinez

Sal Mineo ....... Miguel

Synopsis:
A Puerto Rican detective in the big city tries to keep a

 youngster from getting into trouble but is suspended from

the force for alleged brutality to the boy. [MN]

 

3.06 [--] Climax!: JOURNEY INTO FEAR

11Oct56

Teleplay by James P. Cavanagh

Based on a novel by Eric Ambler

Directed by Jack Smight

starring

John Forsythe ....... Graham Johnson

Eva Gabor ....... Josette

Arnold Moss ....... Haller

Anthony Dexter ....... Jose

Leon Askin
Abraham Sofaer

Synopsis 1:

A munitions expert goes on an arms smuggling mission to Istanbul

and becomes a target for Nazi agents. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
An American engineer has just completed secret ordinance work in Turkey.

As he prepares to leave for home, he discovers a group of murderers is after him.

He tries to elude them by taking passage on a small boat to Genoa. [RF]

 

3.07 [--] Climax!: THE MIDAS TOUCH

18Oct56

starring

Anna Navarro .... Teresa

Robert Preston  .... Cleve Gordon

Margaret Hayes .... Sylvia

Walter Abel .... Stewart

George Dolenz .... Cortino

Synopsis:
The owner of a mine comes to a small South American town

 to investigate the cave-in which caused his brother's death

but the townspeople refuse to co-operate. [MN]

 

3.08 [--] Climax!: NIGHT OF THE HEAT WAVE

25Oct56

Written by Lowell Barrington

starring

Darren McGavin ......... Walter

Kurt Kasznar ........ Karfas

Phyllis Thaxter ...... Mary

Edward Andrews ...... Arnold

Synopsis:

After serving a six-year sentence for jewel robbery, a man is released from prison.

He and his wife are threatened by characters from the underworld who believe

the ex-convict knows where a missing $150,000 star-brilliant is hidden. Even

the man's brother tries to make a "deal" for the valuable gem. [RF]

 

3.09 [--] Climax!: FLIGHT TO TOMORROW

08Nov56

Written by Al C. Ward

starring

Terry Moore ........ Chris

Dale Robertson

Steve Forrest ....... Ben

Sir Cedric Hardwicke ....... Danielson

Richard Arlen ....... Nevers

Yma Sumac ...... Maria Sanchez

Rex Ingram ....... Petraca

Synopsis:
One of the partners in a Tangier air charter service masterminds a plot

to steal the receipts of a gambling casino by faking a plane crash. [MN]

 

3.10 [--] Climax!: NIGHT SHRIEK

15Nov56

Written by Hagar Wilde

starring

Joanne Dru  .......... Nancy
Brian Aherne ........ David
Isobel Elsom ........ Lady Grey
Edward Ashley ....... John Fenton
Synopsis:
The young bride of a Jamaica plantation owner is frightened by her husband's

violent outbursts of rage. She begins to believe the rumors that he was responsible

 for the death of his first wife, whose body was never found. [RF]
 

3.11 [--] Climax!: THE CHINESE GAME

22Nov56

Written by Charles Larson
starring

Macdonald Carey ... Harry Belgard
Rita Moreno ....... Irene
Constance Ford .... Helen
Harry Townes ...... Arthur Cook
Anna May Wong ..... Clerk
Synopsis:
A newspaper columnist buys an unusual Chinese game at a curio shop.

As he plays this game, he sees himself murdering his wife for another woman. [RF]
 

3.12 [--] Climax!: THE SECRET THREAD

29Nov56

Script by Ethel Vance

Based on Ethel Vance's novel THE SECRET THREAD (Harper, 1948)
starring

Richard Carlson ........ Cass Terhgune

Anna Maria Alberghetti ........... Edna

Elisha Cook ......... Pop

John Barrymore, Jr. ......... Matt

Jan Merlin ......... Gus

Synopsis:
On a visit to his childhood home, a man discovers a cache of stolen goods

 in the attic. He is injured by falling crates, and unable to leave finds himself at the

 mercy of the leader of the gang that stole the goods. [RF]

 

3.13 [--] Climax!: SAVAGE PORTRAIT

06Dec56

Written by Robert Bloomfield

starring

Joanne Woodward  ...... Katherine
John Cassavetes ...... Abel Wintery
Raymond Burr ......... Sergeant Ben Gurnick
Marie Windsor ........ Vivian Cummings
Synopsis:
After the loss of his patron and the failure of his one-man show,

an artist decides that the only way he can acquire money is to steal it. [MN]

 

3.14 [--] Climax!: STRANGE HOSTAGE

20Dec56

Written by Whitfield Cook

starring

Raymond Massey .... Doc Woodward

Richard Eyer .... Muldoon

Lori Nelson ... Mary

Vic Morrow ... Ted

Synopsis:
The kidnapping of a retired doctor whom the criminals mistakenly believe

to be wealthy is witnessed by a young boy whose story no one believes. [MN]

 

3.15 [--] Climax!: TEN MINUTES TO CURFEW

27Dec56

Based on a story by William Fay

starring

Dewey Martin

Susan Kohner

Neville Brand

Synopsis:
A paroled convict and a hoodlum are both in love with the same girl.

The hoodlum tries to provoke the ex-convict into a violation of his parole. [RF]

 

3.16 [--] Climax!: CARNIVAL AT MIDNIGHT

03Jan57

Written by Leo Lieberman

starring

Buddy Ebsen ....... Ben

Debra Paget ....... Natalie

Oscar Homolka ....... Christy Christakos

Peter Graves ....... Stanley

Synopsis:

The elderly owner of a carnival is infatuated with the bareback

rider he discovered. She rejects his love and his jealousy

drives him to plot murder. [RF]

 

3.17 [--] Climax!: THE GOLD DRESS

17Jan57

Teleplay by Robert Tallman
Based on Stephen Vincent Benet’s short story The Gold Dress

(???; collected in THE LAST CIRCLE, Farrar Straus 1946)

starring

Sylvia Sidney ....... Louella Wheedron

Leif Erickson ........ Richard Carmichael

June Lockhart ....... Jean Patterson

Cameron Prud'Homme ...... Judge Marshall

Synopsis:
A wealthy newspaper publisher dies in an accident but comes

 back to haunt the man who spurned her love. [MN]

 

3.18 [--] Climax!: CIRCLE OF DESTRUCTION

24Jan57

Written by James P. Cavanaugh

starring

Dale Robertson ........ Nicky Jordan

Beulah Bondi ....... Mrs. Jordan

Skip Homeier ...... Tim

Joe Mantell ...... Chet Martin

Karen Steele ...... Lee Rogers

Peggy Mauer ...... Kathy O'Conner

Synopsis:
A ruthless convict breaks out of prison and intimidates

his family into helping him stay free. [MN]

 

3.19 [--] Climax!: THE TROUBLE AT NUMBER 5

31Jan57

Written by Charles Larson

Based on Shelley Smith's novel THE PARTY AT NO. 5

(Collins 1954, U.S. title THE CELLAR AT NO. 5, Harper 1954)
starring

Ann Harding ...... Mrs. Roach

Patricia Collinge ...... Mrs. Rampage

Jacques Sernas ...... Martin

Reginald Owen ...... Doctor

Lisa Daniels ...... Celia Martin

Synopsis:
A middle-aged woman takes a job as a wealthy old lady's housekeeper

 and, in an attempt to gain the security she longs for,

plots to dispose of her employer. [MN]

 

3.20 [--] Climax!: THE STALKER

07Feb57

Written by Elizabeth McCoy

starring

James Whitmore ....... Tom Miller

Marilyn Erskine ....... Ann Miller

Jay C. Flippen ....... Ed Bagley

Synopsis:
A businessman testifies against a gangster learns

 that the criminal is now out of jail. [MN]

 

3.21 [--] Climax!: STAIN OF HONOR

14Feb57

Written by Adrian Spies

starring

Lee Marvin ...... 'Little Man' Brush

Don Taylor ...... Julian Coates

Betsy Palmer ...... Fran Coates

Wallace Ford ...... Samuel Cramer

Synopsis:
The son of a former governor who was assassinated is himself running

for the same office when the son of the killer, who was shot while trying to escape,

arrives in town under an alias. The candidate confronts the newcomer and makes

 it clear he plans to use the assassination to further his own career. [MN]

 

3.22 [--] Climax!: THE LONG COUNT

21Feb57

Written by John McGreevey

starring

Viveca Lindfors ....... Solange Tanbeau

John Ericson ....... Lindy Jackson

Jacques Bergerac ...... Guy Pirard

Paul Stewart ...... Dave Henessey

Helmut Dantine ...... Daniel

Synopsis:
After a cocky American boxer on a European tour is defeated by

a French fighter, he is befriended by a beautiful cafe owner who

tries to rouse him from the depression that threatens his career. [MN]

 

3.23 [--] Climax!: AND DON'T EVER COME BACK

28Feb57

Written by Dick Stenger

starring

Richard Boone ....... Jarech

Everett Sloane ....... Dave Dixon

Gene Lockhart ....... Henry Anderson

Kathleen Crowley ....... Sally

Elizabeth Patterson ....... Nellie Eldredge

Synopsis:
A man wrongly accused of murder is released from prison only after the guilty man

confesses to the crime on his deathbed. A newspaper reporter seeks to learn if the

townspeople will accept the ex-convict in their midst now that it has been proved

he was innocent of the crime. [RF]

 

3.24 [--] Climax!: NINE-DAY WONDER

(aka Night of a Rebel)

07Mar57

written by Victor Wolfson

starring

John Kerr ........ Poggi

Margaret O'Brien ......... Chip

Harry Townes ........ Mr. Stagg

Eduardo Ciannelli ........ Mr. Brenero

Sterling Holloway ........ Tobias

Benay Venuta ........ Mrs. Stagg

Synopsis:

A young boy is ashamed of his father's bootlegging activities.

When the parents of his girlfriend refuse to let her see him,

he decides to run away to the big city to become a success. [RF]

 

3.25 [--] Climax!: LET IT BE ME

21Mar57

Written by Eileen and Robert Mason Pollock

starring

Eddie Albert ....... Barney Kanda

Steve Forrest ...... Pete Mayer

Maureen O'Sullivan ....... Miriam

Charles Ruggles ........ Dan Genessen

Jill Corey ........ Linda Wallis

Synopsis:
Corruption in the recording industry plays out just as the music plays in. [MN]

*NOTE: Title song "Let It Be Me" is sung by Jill Corey

 

3.26 [--] Climax!: STRANGE SANCTUARY

28Mar57

Written by Ellis Kadison

Directed by Buzz Kulik

starring

Michael Rennie ........ Sean 'Irish' Dillon

Cesar Romero ........ Miguel

Rita Moreno ....... Maria

Noah Beery Jr. ....... Sheriff Russell

Osa Massen ....... Sister Veronica

Synopsis:
Two Western bank robbers, one of them wounded, flee into

California and seek refuge at an isolated convent. [MN]

 

3.27 [--] Climax!: DON'T TOUCH ME

04Apr57

Written by Jerome Gruskin

starring

Shelley Winters ...... Carol

Mildred Dunnock ....... Aunt Ida

Henry Silva ....... Marc

Warren Stevens ...... Phil

Synopsis:
A successful woman designer returns to her small home town

in an attempt to ward off an emotional breakdown. She is still tormented

by the memory of a murder she witnessed as a child. [MN]

 

3.28 [--] Climax!: THE MAD BOMBER

18Apr57

Written by Adrian Spies

starring

Anne Bancroft ...... Elena

Dane Clark ...... Detective Nick Vallejo

Theodore Bikel ...... Martin Humphries

Jim Backus ...... Detective Herman

Estelle Winwood ..... Mrs. Humphries

Synopsis:
Months after the arrest of New York's notorious mad bomber,

new bomb threats terrorize the city. A detective who suspects the

 bombs are meant for him begins a slow painstaking search through

newspaper files in an effort to find a letter with handwriting matching

that of the threatening notes he's received. [MN]

 

3.29 [--] Climax!: AVALANCHE AT DEVIL'S PASS

25Apr57

Written by Eileen & Robert Mason Pollock

guest stars

Vincent Price ..... Dr. Farrin

Wanda Hendrix ...... Maggie

John Ireland ...... Greg

Edgar Buchanan ..... Spencer

Judith Evelyn ...... Lydia

Synopsis:
Among the passengers on a train trapped by an avalanche in a mountain

pass are a possessive woman, the irresponsible playboy she's been following,

a man hunting for a drug addict, and a conductor awaiting

news of the birth of his first child. [MN]

 

3.30 [--] Climax!: STRANGE DEATHS AT BURNLEIGH

02May57

Written by Charles Larson

starring

Sir Cedric Hardwicke ....... Dr. Martin Crandall

Joan Tetzel ..... Ann Laird

Michael Rennie ...... James MacLennan

Synopsis:
At the turn of the century, Scotland Yard receives letters accusing a village

doctor of killing some of his patients. The detective sent to investigate is

opposed by the townspeople and the doctor's attractive young niece. [MN]

 

3.31 [--] Climax!: BAIT FOR THE TIGER

16May57

Teleplay by Whitfield Cook

Based on Nicholas Monsarrat's novel "Castle Garac".

starring

Carl Esmond ...... Paul Ehrenhardt

Otto Waldis ...... Manfred

Peter Lawford ...... Tom Welles

Anna Maria Alberghetti ........ Angele Corton

Corinne Calvet ....... Anna

Synopsis:
Two swindlers in Italy hire a hungry novelist to find a woman who will pose

 as a missing countess entitled to an inheritance. Their plans go haywire

when one conspirator is driven to murder. [MN]

 

3.32 [--] Climax!: HAND OF EVIL

23May57

Teleplay by Leo Lieberman

Based on an original story by Jhan & June Robbins
starring

Vera Miles ....... Sally Jordan

John Forsythe ....... Tommy Jordan

Mary Anderson ......... Nora

Synopsis:
Poison pen letters threaten the career of a brilliant young college instructor

whose pregnant wife has just inherited half a million dollars. [MN]

 

3.33 [--] Climax!: THE DISAPPEARANCE OF AMANDA HALE

30May57

Written by Katherina and Dale Eunson

starring

Miriam Hopkins ....... Amanda Hale

Lloyd Bridges ...... Jay Brackett

Carolyn Jones ....... Helen

Alexander Scourby ....... Frank Martin

John Larch ....... Cab Driver

Douglas Odney ....... Leading Man

Verna Felton ..... Nurse

Synopsis:
An actress plagued with dread before opening night becomes

 terrorized when an unflattering picture of her is published in the morning

paper, her leading man suddenly falls ill, a man follows her on her way

to the theater, and she narrowly escapes injury from a falling sandbag. [MN]

 

3.34 [--] Climax!: MR. RUNYON OF BROADWAY

06Jun57

Written by Leonard Spigelgass

starring

Jack Lord ....... Charlie Mullaney

Ralph Bellamy ...... Damon Runyon

Joi Lansing ...... Lucy

Jay C. Flippen ...... Happy

Jesse White ...... Philly

Leo Fuchs ...... Moe

Synopsis:
New York sportswriter Damon Runyon becomes interested

 in a young boxer and backs him in an upcoming bout which gamblers

 try to make him throw by involving his wife in a rigged crap game. [MN]

 

3.35 [--] Climax!: THE MAN WHO STOLE THE BIBLE

13Jun57

Written by Gwen Bagni & Irwin Gielgud

starring

Guy Madison

Sally Forrest

Synopsis:
At carnival time in Havana an American salesman rescues

an attractive woman from revelers, spends some time with her,

and finds his hotel room ransacked when he returns. [MN]

 

3.36 [--] Climax!: A TASTE FOR CRIME

20Jun57

Teleplay by Ellis St. Joseph

starring

Michael Rennie ..... Dr. Fitzroy

Marsha Hunt ...... Ann Williams

Beverly Garland ...... Daisy

Peter Lorre ..... Benny Kellerman

Synopsis:
To prove his connection between body chemistry and the

criminal mind, a wealthy society doctor secretly joins

forces with a hunted fugitive. [MN]

 

3.37 [--] Climax!: THE TRIAL OF CAPTAIN WIRZ

27Jun57

Producer Ralph Nelson

Written by Saul Levitt

Directed by Don Medford

starring

Charlton Heston ...... Chipman

Everett Sloane ..... Captain Wirz

Harry Townes ...... Baker

William Schallert ..... Davis

Synopsis:

During the Civil War, thousands of captured Union soldiers were confined in the

Andersonville stockade in Georgia. Conditions there were so bad that over 12,000

prisoners died and the infamous reputation of the Andersonville stockade spread.

When the war ended, steps were taken to bring to justice those responsible. Tonight's

 60-minute drama re-creates the trial of Captain Henry Wirz, commandant of the

Andersonville prison. The charge--conspiracy to commit atrocities and murder among

the prisoners. The Union prosecutor is determined to prove that Wirz himself

shot down one of the prisoners. [RF]

 

3.38 [--] Climax!: LOCKED IN FEAR

(aka False Witness)

04Jul57

Teleplay by John McGreevey

Based on the drama "The Little Brown Jug" by Marie Baumer

Directed by Ralph Nelson
starring

Agnes Moorehead .......... Irene

Eddie Bracken ......... Ira

Dean Harens ......... Michael

Gloria Talbott ......... Carol

John Baragrey ......... Norman

Synopsis:
A man dies in an unfortunate accident at an remote hunting lodge.

A passing bum who saw the accident threatens to testify

 that the death was no accident-- unless the widow

and her mother give him cash and a home. [MN]

 

3.39 [--] Climax!: PAYMENT FOR JUDAS

11Jul57

Written by Oliver Crawford

Directed by Ralph Nelson
starring

Cameron Mitchell

Phyllis Thaxter

Synopsis:
When one of the ranchers who are resisting an unscrupulous

railroad agent's efforts to buy them out breaks ranks and decides to sell,

the other ranchers turn against him, his wife scorns

him and her brother is murdered. [MN]

 

3.40 [--] Climax!: WALK A TIGHTROPE

18Jul57

Written by Mann Rubin

Directed by Ralph Nelson
starring

Laraine Day .... Ellen Parker

Leif Erickson .... Doug Randell

Neville Brand .... Killer

Synopsis:
A man arrested for a murder that was committed for no

apparent reason claims he was hired by the victim's wife. [MN]

 

3.41 [--] Climax!: THE HIGH JUNGLE

25Jul57

Written by Sheldon Stark

starring

Charles Brickford ....... Martin Seaford

Mary Astor ........ Clarissa Bowman

Alexander Scourby ....... David Potter

Barry Atwater ........ Ralph Greeves

Synopsis:
A steel tycoon finds that his company is threatened by a younger man who is trying to

gain control through the proxy votes of the shareholders. The older man approaches his

late partner's widow in an effort to gain her support, but learns that she has already

promised to help the young man. [RF]

 

3.42 [--] Climax!: THE GIANT KILLER

01Aug57

Written by Mann Rubin
Directed by Ralph Nelson
starring

Inger Stevens ...... Marge

Dane Clark ...... Harry Harper

Jerry Colonna ....... Stan

Shepperd Strudwick ...... Bert

Synopsis:
A short man who's sensitive about his height picks a fight

on the job over the issue. Then his wife gives him a pair

of shoes designed to make him look taller. [MN]

 

3.43 [--] Climax!: TRAIL OF TERROR

08Aug57

Written by Seeleg Lester

Directed by Ralph Nelson
starring

Robert Preston .... Lieutenant Hogue

Diana Lynn  .... Julie Morton

Kurt Kasznar .... Duclerc

Synopsis:
A police detective investigating the apparently motiveless murder

of a young doctor learns that the victim had been trying to contact

the relatives of a patient who had died of a rare disease. [MN]

 

3.44 [--] Climax!: MURDER IS A WITCH

15Aug57

Teleplay by James P. Cavanagh

Based on John Bingham's novel THE THIRD SKIN (Gollancz 1954, Dodd Mead 1954)
Directed by Ralph Nelson
starring

Dean Stockwell .... Les Marshall

Nancy Kelly .... Irene Marshall

Mona Freeman .... Sylvia Marshall

Synopsis:
After meeting a woman who tells him she desperately needs money

for an operation for her mother, a young man agrees to go along with

a friend planning a robbery. When the other robber beats up the victim,

the young man confesses to his mother, who promises to protect him. [MN]

 

3.41 [--] Climax!: THE STRANGER WITHIN

22Aug57

Teleplay by Charles Larson

from a story by M. L. Vallons

starring

George Nader .... Harry Parker

Rita Moreno .... Denis Cardoza

Charles Korvin .... Dr. Andre Demerre

Kathleen Crowley .... Jeanne Warren

Regis Toomey .... Fred Warren

Synopsis:
A young man is visiting the sister of a friend who was killed in

South America when the woman claims she's being poisoned by

her doctor stepfather and begs the young man to help her. [MN]

 

3.42 [--] Climax!: DEADLY CLIMATE

29Aug57

Teleplay by Russell S. Hughes

from a story by Ursula Curtiss

starring

Nina Foch .... Caroline Emmet

Kevin McCarthy .... Hal Carmichael

Warren Stevens ..... Henry Oliver

Estelle Winwood .... Mrs. Oliver

Edgar Buchanan .... Grandpa

Synopsis:
A woman vacationing on an island off the New England coast reports

that she witnessed a murder while walking in the woods, but no one

 in the small island town believes her except a reporter who finds

a shoe at the scene of the alleged crime. [MN]

###############################

############ Climax! ############

######## season 4 1957-58 ########

###############################

4.01 [--] Climax!: TRIAL BY FIRE

05Sep57

Written by Dick Stenger

starring

Forrest Tucker  ....... Chips Murphy
Linda Darnell ........ Helen Randall
Harry Townes ......... Don Randall
Malcolm Brodrick ..... Eddie
Byron Foulger ........ Frank

Synopsis:
After a small town near Los Angeles is almost destroyed by fire,

a newspaper editor discloses a note from a 13-year-old boy

threatening arson. The townspeople hold the youth responsible

 and begin tormenting his mother and stepfather. [MN]

 

4.02 [--] Climax!: THE SECRET OF THE RED ROOM ("Live" from Hollywood)

12Sep57

Teleplay by Charles Larsen

From an original story by Mary Loss

starring

Anna Maria Alberghetti  ... Kate
Michael Rennie ....... Lorenzo
Judith Evelyn ........ Nurse Helm
Una Merkel ........... Maud
Arthur Franz ......... Franco
Robert H. Harris
Synopsis:
At the turn of the century, a young woman who is about to come into an inheritance,

extends an invitation to a man who had befriended her as a schoolgirl in Europe.

Though seriously ill when he arrives, after being placed in the home's red room,

he unaccountably begins to regain his health. [RF]
 

4.03 [--] Climax!: NECESSARY EVIL

19Sep57

Written by Harold Jack Bloom

Directed by Buzz Kulik
starring

Lon Chaney Jr. .... Old Man Hawley

Margaret O'Brien ..... Angie Hawley

Dewey Martin .... Tom Coulter

Victor Jory .... John Coulter

Synopsis:
When a man with the reputation of a fast gun turns up in a small

New Mexico community, the townspeople including the man's son

want no part of him. Then two brothers who have vowed

revenge on the gunfighter ride into town. [MN]

 

4.04 [--] Climax!: ALONG CAME A SPIDER

26Sep57

Written by Leonard Spigelgass & Walter Reilly

starring

Ruth Hussey .... Alice Moore

Leif Ericson .... Richard Moore

Don Dubbins .... Chris Barker

Natalie Trundy .... Sally Moore

Jeanette Nolan .... Mrs. Barker

Synopsis:
Just as she's leaving home to meet her daughter at the airport,

a psychoanalyst receives a phone call from one of her patients who

tells her he's just killed a man. When the two women return

home the patient, who is waiting for them, pulls a gun, forces the

daughter into a room and locks the door. [MN]

 

4.05 [--] Climax!: JACOB AND THE ANGELS

03Oct57

Teleplay by Oliver Crawford

Based on an original story by Roland Brown & Clemmie Galloway
starring

Gig Young ....... Edgar Holt

Eva Gabor ....... Elissa Carlton

June Lockhart ....... Irene Mitchell

Otto Kruger ....... Judge Mitchell

Hugh Marlowe ....... Hunter

Keye Luke ....... Chen

Synopsis:
A lawyer whose career has been damaged by alcoholism tries

to redeem himself by defending a man accused of murder. [MN]

 

4.06 [--] Climax!: MASK FOR THE DEVIL

10Oct57

Teleplay by John McGreevey

Based on Charlotte Armstrong's novella "The Albatross"

(McCall’s, August & September 1957;

collected in THE ALBATROSS, Coward- McCann 1957)
starring

Nita Talbot ........ Esther Gardener

Steve Forrest ........ Tom Gardener

Jan Sterling ....... Audrey Caldwell

Paul Stewart ....... Paul Crichton

Synopsis:
Tom Gardener invites the invalid widow of a man he accidentally killed

to live with himself and his wife, unaware that her facade of sweetness

and gentleness conceals a scheme to destroy his marriage. [MN]

 

4.07 [--] Climax!: THE LARGEST CITY IN CAPTIVITY 

17Oct57

Producer Ralph Nelson
Script by John Vlahos
Directed by Buzz Kulik
starring

Franchot Tone ....... Kurt Baumann/Scott Malone

Viveca Lindfors ....... Lisa Muller

Lilia Skala ....... Mme. Muller

Otto Waldis ....... Emile

Kurt Kasznar ....... Lustig

Synopsis:
An American newspaperman in West Berlin and an East German

freedom fighter in the anti-Soviet underground not only bear a striking

 resemblance but are in love with the same woman, in whose apartment

 the freedom fighter takes refuge after being wounded. [MN]

 

4.08 [--] Climax!: TUNNEL OF FEAR

24Oct57

Producer Ralph Nelson
Written by Gerald Douglass

Directed by Paul Nickell

starring

Jack Carson ....... Eugene Skinner

Buddy Ebsen ....... Gaffney

Leora Dana ....... Rose Skinner

Darryl Hickman ....... Joe Skinner

Robert Ellenstein ....... Dr. Bernstein

James Flavin ....... Hogan

Sue George ....... Ann

Don Megowan

Keith Bryon

Gene Roth

James Gavin

Paul Thompson

Synopsis:

Drama about the men who struggle to move rivers and dig tunnels.

 

preempted for Shower of Stars

31-Oct-1957

 

4.09 [--] Climax!: KEEP ME IN MIND

07Nov57

Script by Jerry Davis
Directed by Ralph Nelson
starring

James Dunn ....... Warren

Marisa Pavan ....... Ginny

Johnny Desmond ....... Mike Owens

Synopsis:
When a Las Vegas singer with a reputation for publicity

stunts claims to have seen a man wanted for murder, no one except

 the murderer believes him. [MN]

 

4.10 [--] Climax!: TWO TESTS ON TUESDAY

14Nov57

Written by Jerry McNeely

Directed by Ralph Nelson
starring

John Drew Barrymore ....... Herm Farley

Susan Oliver ....... Pat Farley

John Baragrey ....... Dr. Frank Monk

Julie Adams ....... Coleen

Synopsis:
A college professor tries to help an ex-GI with a history of mental illness

whose anxiety over low grades caused him to cheat on his final exam. [RF]

 

4.11 [--] Climax!: A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

21Nov57

Based on John & Ward Hawkins' short story
Directed by Robert Stevens

Hosts Bill Lundigan & Mary Costa
starring
Ralph Meeker ....... Alex Hill
Betsy Palmer ....... Connie
Bradford Dillman ... Fletcher
Tina Louise ........ Maxine
Janis Paige ........ Barbara
Synopsis:
A man wakes up with a hangover one morning believing he is responsible for a murder.

All he can remember is standing over a body holding a broken bottle in his hand.

 The girl in love with him is convinced he is innocent and helps him try to prove it. [RF]
 

4.12 [--] Climax!: MURDER HAS A DEADLINE

28Nov57

Written by Shirl Hendryx

Directed by Ralph Nelson
starring

Eddie Albert ...... David Adams

Constance Ford ....... Harriet Adams

Harry Bellaver ....... Inspector Matthews

Isabel Jewell ....... Actress

Synopsis:
A ruthless gossip columnist who's been receiving threatening

letters asks for police protection and then, in a panic attack,

barricades himself in his apartment. [MN]

 

4.13 [--] Climax!: THE DEVIL'S BROOD

05Dec57

Written by Al C. Ward

starring

Angela Lansbury ....... Judith Beresford

John Ericson ....... Cameron Lacey

Stephen McNally ....... Clark Rutman

Torin Thatcher ....... Fred Beresford

Peter Whitney ....... Peter Chubo

Synopsis:
Two fugitives, hoping for a life of ease and respectability, leave for Australia

to buy a sheep ranch, not knowing they're being followed by a blackmailer. [RF]

 

4.14 [--] Climax!: HURRICANE DIANE

12Dec57

Written by Sam Gruskin

starring

Brian Keith ....... Sam Pryce

Jeffrey Hunter ....... Phil Aubry

Vanessa Brown ....... Marian

Beulah Bondi ....... Countess

Noah Beery, Jr. ....... Reverend Hall

Jan Merlin ....... Roy Turner

Synopsis:
Among the people seeking shelter from a flood at a rundown Southern hotel

 are a man accused of murder, the deputy sheriff to whom he's handcuffed,

a compassionate young social worker, a preacher, and the hotel owner's

 disturbed wife who claims she's a countess. [MN]

 

4.15 [--] Climax!: TO WALK THE NIGHT (live)

19Dec57

Producer Edgar Peterson
Written by Gwen Bagni & Irwin Gielgud

Directed by Buzz Kulik

starring

Richard Boone ........ Det. Ed Brooks

Walter Matthau ........ Charlie Mapes

Mary Anderson ....... Julie Brooks

Judith Evelyn ....... Evelyn

George Tobias ....... Sergeant Levy

Joe di Reda

Helen Kleeb

Rita Lynn

Bruce MacFarlane

Mercedes Shirley

Michael Anzel

Synopsis:

On a snowy Christmas eve, police detective Ed Brooks hopes to

be able to get away early. But a call comes in that a prowler,

who has murdered several women, has struck again. [RF]

 

4.16 [--] Climax!: SHADOW OF A MEMORY

26Dec57

Script by Charles Larson
Based on George Batson's play
starring

Ann Todd ....... Jane Palmer

Alex Nicol ....... Michael Patterson

Harry Townes ....... Harry Collier

Marguerite Chapman ....... Kitty

Synopsis:
A woman returns to the cottage owned by her late husband

and tries to settle in, but a body is discovered in the living room

and she is accused of murder. [MN]

 

4.17 [--] Climax!: SCREAM IN SILENCE

 (aka Sermon in Silence)

02Jan58

Written by Eileen & Robert Mason Pollock

Directed by Paul Nickell/Drew Handley
starring

Anne Francis ....... Mary Bellison

Skip Homeier ....... Dr. Landry

Betty Field ....... Calle

William Talman ....... Detective

Sidney Blackmer ....... Frank Bellison

Morris Ankrum ........ Dr. Conrad
Alan Dexter .......... Lt. Hanscom
Mary Alan Hokanson ... Nurse
Cheerio Meredith ..... Mrs. Mehaffey
Synopsis:
A young medical student tries to help his next-door neighbor, who

has become depressed after losing several jobs. When she awakens

after a blackout with a gun in her hand, she's convinced that

she killed the man her stepmother loves. [MN]

 

preempted for Shower of Stars

09Jan58

 

4.18 [--] Climax!: THIEVES OF TOKYO

16Jan58

Written by John McGreevey

starring

Dewey Martin  ....... Steve Hammond
Everett Sloane ..... Joseph Nezumi
Karen Sharpe ....... Jan Cooper
Michi Kobi ......... Aiko Nezumi
Synopsis:
While on the trail of a black-market ring in Tokyo, an undercover man

runs across a murder. During the investigation he begins to date a pretty

Japanese dancer, which upsets his American girlfriend. [RF]
 

4.19 [--] Climax!: SOUND OF THE MOON

(aka The Sound of Silence)

23Jan58

written by Gwen Bagni & Irwin Gielgud

starring

Vera Miles ....... Jan Michaels

Hoagy Carmichael ....... Jazzman

Royal Dano ....... Doctor

Ray Danton ....... Co-pilot

Synopsis:
Facing a personal crisis on a coast-to-coast flight, an airline hostess

appeals for help to a doctor on the plane but he claims he's too busy to see her. [MN]

 

4.20 [--] Climax!: BURST OF FIRE

30Jan58written

Written by Jerome Gruskin

starring

Dennis Weaver ....... Steve Maclyn

Sally Forrest ....... Nina

Richard Garland ....... Jamie Maclyn

Joe Mantell ....... Father Maclyn

Synopsis:
A singer orders a copy made of an antique cross for an old friend of hers, a priest.

While she is in the jewelry store to pick up the cross, the store is held up by a

masked gunman who steals the cross and makes his escape. The thief resembles

the priest's brother. Then the third brother, a policeman, is assigned

to investigate the case. (Hollywood) [RF]

 

4.21 [--] Climax!: FOUR HOURS IN WHITE

06Feb58

Teleplay by Oliver Crawford
Based on a story by Ronald Sercomb

starring

Steve McQueen ....... Henry Reeves/Anthony Reeves

Dan Duryea ....... Dr. Dennis Sullivan

Ann Rutherford ...... Ann

Eduard Franz ....... Dr. Skinner

Gloria Talbott ....... Susan Anders

Rusty Lane ....... Policeman

Don Keefer ....... Orderly

Synopsis 1:

Trapped in a crossfire of human emotions, a hospital chief surgeon fights his own

conscience to decide the fate of two men. He must weigh the possible sacrifice

of one life for another. Drawing on years of experience, he defies the pressures of

time and personal fear to face one crucial moment of judgment. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
Just as Dr. Dennis Sullivan is about to leave for a weekend holiday, an emergency call comes in.

 Twin brothers have been injured in a motorcycle accident, one seriously.

The doctor plans a dangerous operation transplanting a vital organ from one twin to the other. [JB]

 

preempted for Shower of Stars

13Feb58

 

4.22 [--] Climax!: THE SECRET LOVE OF JOHNNY SPAIN

20Feb58

Written by Ellis St. Joseph

starring

Terry Moore ....... Julie

Gene Raymond ....... Grady Lederer

Audrey Totter ....... Anna Lederer

James Best ....... Shag

Conrad Nagel ....... Mr. Diamond

Johnny Desmond ....... Johnny Spain
Synopsis:
Four days before his movie is to be released, singing idol Johnny Spain is

killed in an airplane crash. His press agent decides he must dig up some publicity

to make the up-coming movie pay-off. He pressures Julie, a young starlet,

to pose as Spain's secret love. [MN]
 

*Note: Featured is an original song, "The Sands of Time,"

as recorded by Johnny Desmond [RF]

 

4.23 [--] Climax!: ALBERT ANASTASIA, HIS LIFE AND DEATH

27Feb58

Teleplay by Malvin Ward & Henry F. Greenberg

Based on a story by Bernard Girard

starring

Don Ameche ....... Sam Waterman

Eli Wallach ....... Albert Anastasia

Ted de Corsia ....... Big Joe

Doe Avedon ....... Alice Peters

Synopsis:

The story of Murder Inc. and the 1957 barber shop rub-out of mob czar Albert Anastasia.

Anastasia had an appeal that belied his reputation for brutality and impetuosity. He had a

sense of confidence and presence, and because he was so sure of himself

he was at ease with other people. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
On October 25 of last year two gunmen entered the barber shop of a large

Manhattan hotel, shot a customer to death and fled. The dead man had the reputation

of being familiar with such killings from the other end of the gun. Albert Anastasia was

reported to be the Lord High Executioner of Murder, Inc., and a powerful labor racketeer. [RF]

 

4.24 [--] Climax!: THE THIEF WITH THE BIG BLUE EYES 

06Mar58

Teleplay by Tom Coffey & Margaret Coffey

Based on a play by Will Lorin

starring

Lew Ayers ......... Bob Kilgore

Betty Furness ......... Ann Kilgore

Michel Ray ...... Urchin

Steve Stevens
Synopsis:
In Rome, an American actor and his wife come upon an Italian

 street urchin who appoints himself their guardian angel and after

awhile begins trying to cajole them into adopting him permanently. [MN]

 

4.25 [--] Climax!: SO DEADLY MY LOVE

13Mar58

Produced by Martin Manulis
Written by Marc Brandel
Based on the Stephen Ransome novel
Directed by Buzz Kulik

starring

Ralph Meeker ........ 'Griff' Griffith

Kim Hunter ......... Lynn Griffith

Scott McKay ........ Tim Hampden

Shepperd Strudwick ......... Father

Synopsis:
While on a date with her boyfriend a woman runs into her erratic

estranged husband. Later that night two ruffians beat up

 the boyfriend and kidnap the woman. [MN]

*NOTE:  Patricia Neal was announced to star in this

episode but at the last minute Kim Hunter was given the role.

 

preempted for Shower of Stars

20Mar58

 

4.26 [--] Climax!: THE GREAT WORLD AND TIMOTHY COLT

27Mar58

Teleplay by Mel Goldberg

based on Louis Auchincloss' novel THE GREAT WORLD AND TIMOTHY COLT

(Houghton Mifflin, 1956)

guest stars

Don Taylor ........ Timothy Colt

Cloris Leachman ........ Anne Colt

Maggie Hayes ........ Eileen Shelton

Milburn Stone ........ Mr. Dale

Edward Andrews ........ George Emlen

Synopsis 1:

A large Manhattan law firm and the tireless dedication of Timothy Colt, the new

young lawyer. As he rises in the firm the opportunity to see the conflict between ethics

and ambition are upon him. His disillusionment  and the constant dishonesty shakes

him to his foundations of belief against the bitter cynical conquest of his new great world. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
Timothy Colt is a rising young lawyer who aspires to a junior partnership in the

law firm of Sheffield, Knox and Dale. Given the task of handling the estate of ruthless

George Emlen, a nephew of Mr. Dale, Tim is appalled at Emlen's lack of ethics in

his business dealings, but realizes that partnership in the law firm hinges on how well

he serves Emlen. Then at a party Tim is goaded by Emlen into insulting him. [RF]

 

4.27 [--] Climax!: ON THE TAKE

03Apr58

Teleplay by Ellis Marcus

Based on a magazine article by Capt. Todd O. Thoman, Jr

starring

Paul Douglas .......... Lt. Todd Thoman

Nehemiah Persoff ......... Lt. Cal Nourse

Marian Seldes ......... Betty

Steve Brodie ......... Bert Hendricks

Katharine Bard ......... Rose

Synopsis:

In trying to clean up the local bookmakers, the Washington, D.C. Police department

becomes convinced that members of the force are accepting payoff money.

Lt. Todd Thoman is assigned the task of discovering the crooked cops. [RF]

 

4.28 [--] Climax!: THE VOLCANO SEAT

10Apr58

(repeated later in June 12)

Written by David Swift

Directed by David Swift

guest stars

Michael Wilding ......... MacKenzie Barton

Albert Salmi ......... Lt. Irwin Nichols

Patricia Cutts .......... Sharon Barton

Joe Di Reda

Bernie Hamilton

Russ Conway

Paul Smith

Gene Blakely

Robert Keys

James Gavin

Gregory Walcott

Michael Hagen

Robert Carson

Ed Locke

Synopsis:

This true story involving the crew of an in-air refueling operation for

Air Force bombers who take a training team on a dangerous mission.

RAF Flight Lieutenant MacKenzie Barton is assigned to an American Air Force

base as a result of an exchange of pilots between the RAF and the U.S. Air Force.

Barton receives orders to pilot an Air Force tanker--a plane which is capable of refueling

jet bombers in mid-air. But in trying to gain the confidence of the American crew members,

Barton encounters only resentment. The story is based on an actual experience

Based on a true event, tensions mount when the crew of an in-air refueling operation

 for Air Force bombers have to take a training crew on a dangerous mission. [RF]

 

preempted for Shower of Stars

17Apr58

 

4.29 [--] Climax!: SHOOTING FOR THE MOON

24Apr58

written by Henry F. Greenberg & Malvin Wald

starring

John Forsythe ......... Frank Colby

Dick York ......... Gordon Bates

Bethel Leslie ......... Jessica Colby

Alexander Scourby ......... Eric Betzdorff

Robert Armstrong ......... Barney Farrell

Synopsis:
Engineer Frank Colby and his staff have developed a nose cone capable of

launching into outer space. Now comes a tough new problem - letting this cone

and then retrieving it. This looks like a year's work. Suddenly the Army

sets a new deadline - 90 days. [RF]
*Note: With settings at Cape Canaveral, Fla., Huntsville, Ala., and Detroit,

 this episode offers a fictional story of the men behind the ballistic missiles.

 

4.30 [--] Climax!: THE DEADLY TATTOO

01May58

Producer Edgar Peterson
Teleplay by Oliver Crawford
Based on Ed McBain's novel THE CON MAN (Permabooks, 1957)
Directed by Paul Nickell

starring

Anne Francis ....... Teddy Baxter

Peter Graves ....... Steve Baxter

Henry Silva ........ Slayer

Anna Mae Wong ........ Mayli

Olive Deering

Synopsis:
A detective whose wife lost the power of speech after a polio attack

 is assigned to investigate a series of murders in which the killer left a

heart-shaped tattoo on each of his victims. [MN]

 

4.31 [--] Climax!: THE BIG SUCCESS

08May58

Teleplay by John McGreevey

Based on Ian Gordon's novel THE BIG SUCCESS (Dell, 1956)
starring

Jonathan Harris ......... Fritz Weiser

Scott Brady ......... Matt Beldon

Marilyn Erskine ......... Eve Rathvon

Ed Begley ......... Harry Rathvon

Richard Garland .......... Gil Rathvon

Synopsis:

Leo Carson a businessman who worked his way up from machinist's helper to

owner of a million-dollar business. He realizes too late that the important things in life,

 his family have chosen destructive lifestyles and his own mistakes have

caused harm to everyone else. [RF]

 

4.32 [--] Climax!: THE DISAPPEARANCE OF DAPHNE

15May58

Teleplay by Robert Blees

Based on Nancy Rutledge’s novella "Death Stalks the Bride"

 (Saturday Evening Post, 29 March-5 April-12 April-19 April 1958)
starring

Mona Freeman ......... Cynthia Crane

Ray Danton ........ Eric Bartholomew

Elaine Stritch ........ Kristie Crane

Irene Papas ........ Maxanne York

Eduardo Ciannelli ........ Papa Raoul

Synopsis:
A young heiress marries a dancer after a whirlwind courtship but soon

 comes to suspect he's responsible for the mysterious

disappearance of his former dancing partner. [MN]

 

4.33 [--] Climax!: TIME OF THE HANGING

22May58

Eritten by Harry Julian Fink and Arthur Geller

directed by Buzz Kulik

starring

Lee Marvin .......... Mannon Tate

William Shatner .......... Ben Tate

Marsha Hunt .......... Julie Brennan

Harry Townes .......... Sheriff Will Brennan

John Litel ........... Judge

Synopsis:

In Texas, during the 1880's, cattlemen resent the intrusion of homesteaders on

 their grazing lands. When cattleman Mannon Tate's brother is sentenced to hang

 for the murder of a homesteader, Tate makes a desperate attempt to prevent the

execution. Believing the sheriff is allied with the farmers, Tate takes him and his wife hostage. [RF]

 

4.34 [--] Climax!: THE PUSH-BUTTON GIANT

29May58

Adapted by Irving Wallace

based on Arnold Shaw's novel THE MONEY SONG (Random House, 1953)
Directed by Paul Nickell

starring

Barry Nelson ......... Dick Milton

Martha Hyer ....... Vi Johnson

Everett Sloane .......... Uncle Max Brewster

Bob Sweeney .......... Johnny Gregg

Barbara Nichols .......... Gale Benson

Synopsis:
A song plugger making his daily rounds meets an attractive young singer

 in a recording executive's waiting room and, by passing himself off as

her manager, begins climbing to the top of the music world. [MN]

 

4.35 [--] Climax!: SPIDER WEB

05Jun58

Producer Anthony Barr

Teleplay by Charles Hoffman

Based on a novel, The Candy Kid, by Dorothy Hughes

Directed by Buzz Kulik

Host William Lundigan

guest stars

Fernando Lamas .......... Jose Aragon

Rita Moreno ..........Francesca

Shai K. Ophir .......... Spider

Dina Merrill .......... Iris Farrar

Herbert Anderson .......... Devlin

Synopsis:

José Aragon, wealthy Texas cattleman, is on a cattle-buying expedition on the Mexican border.

 After a grueling day looking over the stock, Aragon returns to his hotel, tired and dirty.

 A beautiful young woman sees Aragon enter the hotel, and, because of his unkempt appearance,

 believes he is one of the local peasants. She approaches him and asks him to do her a favor.

 Amused when she offers him five dollars for the errand, Aragon consents to cross

the border and pick up a package for her [RF]

 

[--] Climax!: The Volcano Seat

12Jun58 (repeat of April 10/58)

 

4.36 [--] Climax!: HOUSE OF DOUBT

19Jun58

Teleplay by Irving Wallace

Based on Mabel Seeley's novel THE CRYING SISTERS (Doubleday, 1939)
starring

Vera Miles ....... Janet Reese

Stephen McNally ......... Steve Corbett

Patricia Medina ........ Liz Burdock

Gene Reynolds ....... Hank

Elizabeth Patterson ....... Mrs. Garr

Synopsis:
Janet Reese takes a job at the home of Steve Corbett, wealthy real-estate man,

caring for his young child. She learns that Corbett's wife has only recently died and

under mysterious circumstances. Soon Janet begins to fear for her own life. [RF]

 

4.37 [--] Climax!: CABIN B-13 (final show of the series)

26Jun58

Based on John Dickson Carr's radio play "Cabin B-13"

(Suspense, CBS, 16 March 1943; collected in

THE DOOR TO DOOM AND OTHER DETECTIONS, Harper & Row 1980)
guest stars