The Classic TV Archive - US Dramatic Anthology Series

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WESTINGHOUSE DESILU PLAYHOUSE

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Episode Guide
version 24.0 June 2009

(Ep 1.20)
compiled by
The Classic TV Archive

http://ctva.biz/index.htm

with contributions by:

Tom Alger

Des Martin
Rina Fox
references:
Library of Congress (telnet://locis.loc.gov)
Internet Movie Database (http://us.imdb.com)
UCLA Film and Television Archive
 

_________________________________________

DESILU PLAYHOUSE

aka Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse

A Desilu Production

in association with Westinghouse
 

Executive Producer Bert Granet

Desi Arnaz in Charge of Production
 

aka Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse

CBS
Oct 1958-Sep 1959 CBS Mon 10:00-11:00

Oct 1959-Jun 1960 CBS Fri 9:00-10:00

*Note Betty Furness who had been the spokesperson for Studio One, continued to

show off refrigerators and ranges throughout the two year of Desilu Playhouse.

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########### Desilu Playhouse ##########

########### season 1 1958-59 ##########

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[--] Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour: No.6 "Lucy Goes to Mexico"
06Oct58 CBS Mon

1.01 [--] Desilu Playhouse: BERNADETTE

13-Oct-1958 CBS Mon

(aka Song of Bernadette)

written by Ludi Claire

based on the story by Margaret Gray Blanton

directed by Ralph Alswang

producer Quinn Martin

Guest cast:

Pier Angeli ........ Bernadette Soubirous
Norman Alden ....... Denis Alexander
Jacques Aubuchon ... Mayor
Ludi Claire ........ Madame Lacade
Bruce Gordon ....... Francois
Don McHenry ........ Dr. Dozous
James O'Rear ....... Jacomet
Marian Seldes ...... Louise
Ron Soble .......... Pomian
Abraham Sofaer ..... Peyramale
Claudia Bryar
Paul Comi

Synopsis:

Based on the biography of a French peasant girl who had a vision of Mary the

mother of Jesus and became a nun. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
The story of Bernadette Soubirous and the events that took place in

1858 at Lourdes after she saw a vision of the Virgin Mary. [RF]

1.02 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE CASE FOR DR. MUDD

20-Oct-1958 CBS Mon

Adapted by Don Brinkley
From a story by Joseph Landon

Guest cast:

Lew Ayres .......... Dr. Samuel A. Mudd

Mary Anderson ...... Sarah Mudd
Donald Harron ...... Booth (Tyler)
Henry Brandon ...... Williams
Charles Cooper ..... Lieutenant Lovett
Theodore Newton .... Hennessey
Tom Pittman ........ Herold
James Westerfield .. General Ewing

Jack Weston ........ Root
Phil Coolidge ...... Stone
Simon Scott ........ Holt

Synopsis:
The story of Dr. Mudd who helped Lincoln's assassin. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
On a stormy night in April, 1865, Dr. Samuel A. Mudd treats a man for a fractured ankle.

Next day Mudd learns that President Lincoln has been assassinated.

Then Federal Troops arrive and arrest Mudd as a conspirator. [RF]

Synopsis 3:
The true story of Dr. Mudd, who treated John Wilkes Booth's injury

and was later arrested as a conspirator in the murder of Lincoln. [RF]

1.03 [--] Desilu Playhouse: MY FATHER, THE FOOL

27-Oct-1958 CBS Mon

written by Adrian Spies

directed by Jerry Thorpe

Guest cast:

Eli Wallach ........ Raymond Perez
Rita Lynn .......... Alicia Perez
Armand Alzamora .... Louis
Joe De Santis ...... Father Izgievdio
Esther Minciotti ... Mama
J. Carrol Naish .... Papa
Lalo Rios .......... Martinez
Jess Kirkpatrick

Synopsis:
Raymond Perez is a young lawyer of Puerto Rican parentage living in the Puerto Rican

section of New York. Ashamed of his heritage, he's cut himself off from his father because

of the old man's drinking. Then one night Perez's father is left at his door by a group

of teenagers and Perez hesitates to help him. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A New York lawyer, ashamed of his Puerto Rican heritage, cuts himself

off from his alcoholic father-until near-tragedy changes his outlook. [RF]

1.04 [--] Desilu Playhouse: DEBUT

03-Nov-1958 CBS Mon

written by Paul Monash

directed by Arthur Hiller

Guest cast:

Martin Milner ...... Barry Rodman
Maria Palmer ....... Vera Tchinskaya
Susan Strasberg .... Anna Tchinskaya
Wolfe Barzell ...... Marius Rossine
Henry Daniell ...... Belloc
Bruce Hoy .......... Dancer

Synopsis:

A young Russian dancer, living in Paris with her crippled mother,

is attracted to a young American. [RF]

1.05 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE TIME ELEMENT
10-Nov-1958
Written by Rod Serling
Directed by Allen Reisner

Director of photography Nicholas Musuraca
Guest cast:
Martin Balsam ...... Dr. Gillespie
William Bendix ..... Peter Jenson
Darryl Hickman ..... Janoski
Carol Kearny ....... Janoski's Wife
Jesse White ........ Bartender
Jesslyn Fax ........ Maid
Joe DeRita ......... Drunk
Alan Baxter ........ Army Doctor
Paul Bryar ......... Bartender at Andy's
Don Keefer ......... Reporter
Bartlett Robinson .. Editor
Synopsis:
A patient visiting a psychiatrist complains of recurrent dreams in which he imagines he is
living in Hawaii just before the attack on Pearl Harbor. A series of flashbacks shows him
living with his knowledge of what has happened in the seventeen years since, betting on
sure winners in sports events, but also seeking to warn a newly-married couple, newspaper
editors, and anyone else who will listen that they will be attacked by the Japanese.
Everyone is either too interested in a good time or too determinedly patriotic to give heed;
the man only gets punched on the jaw. In the end the psychiatrist is left looking at a blank
couch, and to steady his own nerves he goes to a bar to get a drink. There he learns his patient
was killed at Pearl Harbor. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
The story is a strong one. Small-time bookie Pete Jensen asks a psychiatrist
 to evaluate his story — he keeps waking up on December 6, 1941,
the day before the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. The scene jumps back
and forth from the past, where no one takes him seriously when he warns
 them of the impending attack. The ending provides a 'Twilight Zone' twist when
 the doctor goes into a bar, sees Jensen's picture on the wall and is informed
 he died December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor. [RF]
*Note: This episode was the genesis of Serling's later series The Twilight Zone.
 

1.06 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE NIGHT THE PHONE RANG

17-Nov-1958 CBS Mon

written by Aaron Spelling

directed by Allen Reisner

Guest cast:

Eddie Albert ....... Joe Minelli
Margo .............. Celia Minelli
Paul Dubov ......... Samuel Manheim
Sidney Blackmer .... Woodson
Ross Elliott ....... Lieutenant White
Abe Lax ............ Dave Sperling
Victor Millan ...... Priest
House Peters Jr .... Association Man
Orville Sherman .... Derelict
Cindy Ames ......... Secretary

Synopsis:

A Sicilian immigrant couple living in San Felipe, California, travel to Los Angeles. Joe,

the husband, is to bid for a plumbing contract. Instead, he finds himself involved

with the Mafia. [RF]

[--] Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour: No. 7 "The Ricardos Rent
Their House to Danny Thomas"
01Dec58 CBS Mon

1.07 [--] Desilu Playhouse: SILENT THUNDER

08-Dec-1958 CBS Mon

written by James Edwards & John McGreevey

directed by Ted Post

Guest cast:

John Drew Barrymore ... Little Horse
Wallace Ford ........ Ringo
Earl Holliman ....... Les Tranier
Barton MacLane ...... Matt Tranier
Patricia Smith ...... Leola

Synopsis:
An American Indian seeks dignity in a white community. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A rancher is torn between family loyalty and a sense of justice when

 he befriends an Indian youth whom his son mistreated. [RF]
 

1.08 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE CRAZY HUNTER

15-Dec-1958 CBS Mon

written by Walter Newman & William Bruckner

directed by Jerry Thorpe

Guest cast:

Franchot Tone ...... Candy Lombe
Jo Van Fleet ....... Mrs. Lombe
Patricia Kane ...... Nancy
Napoleon Simpson ... Thurman
Patrick Whyte ...... Harris

James Burke ........ Penson
Hank Patterson ..... Apby

Synopsis:

Mr. Lombe is sent to buy a thoroughbred stallion for his wife's horse-farm. He returns

with a gelding, who turns out to be blind, and Mrs. Lombe wants to destroy the

horse immediately. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A young girl sets out to prove that a blind horse can be trained. [RF]

1.09 [--] Desilu Playhouse: K.O. KITTY

22-Dec-1958 CBS Mon

written by Madelyn Martin & Bob Carroll Jr.

directed by Jerry Thorpe

Guest cast:

Lucille Ball ....... Kitty Williams
Aldo Ray ........... Harold Tibbetts

William Lundigan ... David Pierce
Sid Melton ......... Louis
Jesse White ........ Barney Snyder

Harry Cheshire ..... Mr. Brubaker

Synopsis:
Dance teacher Kitty Williams, who loves dogs, is delighted when she learns that she has
inherited a boxer from her late Uncle Charlie. But the "boxer" turns out to be Harold Tibbetts,
a muscle-bound country boy. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A dancing teacher inherits a rural prize fighter from her late uncle

 and decides to train him herself for the big time. [RF]

1.10 [--] Desilu Playhouse: TRIAL AT DEVIL'S CANYON

05-Jan-1959 CBS Mon

written by Lowell Barrington

directed by Claudio Guzman

Guest cast:

Lee J. Cobb ........ El Jefe
Edward Platt ....... Colonel Simmons
Judith Ames ........ Muriel
Vito Scotti ........ Garcia
Karl Swenson ....... Snipes
Carol Thurston ..... Rose
John Dennis ........ Sergeant
Skip Homeier ....... Lieutenant
Barry Kelley ....... Mr. Farnsworth
Paul Bryar ......... Doctor
Phyllis Coates ..... Belle
Synopsis:
A tough sheriff defies an Army and the citizens. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A sheriff with unorthodox ideas about law risks his life to capture

 the men who robbed an Army payroll stage and killed its occupants. [RF]
 

1.11 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE HAPPY HILL

19-Jan-1959 CBS Mon

written by Barney Slater

directed by Robert Sinclair

Guest cast:

Gene Evans ......... Big Sam Brown
Richard Eyer ....... Leslie Brown
Claire Trevor ...... Savannah Brown

Royal Dano ......... Willie
Edith Barrett ...... Connie
Jay C. Flippen ..... Marvin
John Qualen ........ Cooper
Ray Teal ........... Sheriff

Synopsis:
Big Sam Brown escapes from prison before his term is finished and returns to his wife,

Savanah and their home in the swamp country, Happy Hill. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A woman living in swamp country is torn between love for her

fugitive husband and concern for the safety of her son. [RF]
 

1.12 [--] Desilu Playhouse: BALLAD FOR A BADMAN

26-Jan-1959 CBS Mon

Produced by John Auer

Written by Bob Barbash

Story by Desi Arnaz & Bob Barbash

Directed by Jerry Hopper

Guest cast:

Jane Russell ....... Lili Travers

Steve Forrest ...... Chris Hody
Jack Haley ......... Barnaby Tibbs
Mischa Auer ........ Baron Von Zigler
Karen Sharpe ....... Amy Travers
Roger Perry ........ Danny Cash
Cecile Rogers ...... Kate Connors
Louise Glenn ....... Marge Lewis
Mel Welles ......... Sheriff Sam Wiley
Nick Pawl .......... Deputy

Synopsis:
Chris Hody, a professional bounty hunter, goes after young Danny Cash,

who is wanted for robbery and murder. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A bounty hunter on the trail of an outlaw befriends a traveling entertainer,

 hoping that she will lead him to his quarry. [RF]

Synopsis 3:
Chris Hody, a bounty-hunter whose search for human prey

 takes him to the same town as a troupe of traveling players,

meets his match in Lili Travers, star of the company. [DM]

1.13 [--] Desilu Playhouse: SYMBOL OF AUTHORITY

02-Feb-1959 CBS Mon

written by Ernest Kinoy

story by Henry Slesar

directed by Robert Sinclair

Guest cast:

Ernie Kovacs ....... Arthur Witten
Jean Hagen ......... Mildred Korn
Donald Harron ...... Harris

Michael Landon ..... Aitchinson
Elizabeth Patterson. Mrs. Kale

Synopsis:
Arthur Witten, a shy inarticulate proofreader, dreams of being important and commanding

attention. He especially wants to impress a fellow proofreader, pretty Mildred Korn.

During a brief stay at a hospital, Arthur notes that doctors are held in high esteem.

Recovered from his illness, he succumbs to a whim that changes his life.

He purchases a stethoscope in a pawnshop. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A shy, inarticulate proofreader finds illusory escape from his humdrum

world by masquerading as a doctor in a big-city hospital. [RF]

[--] Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour: No. 8 "Lucy Goes to Alaska"
09Feb59 CBS Mon

1.14 [--] Desilu Playhouse: CHEZ ROUGE

Desilu prod. no. 13 (copyright date 22Dec58)
16-Feb-1959 CBS Mon (Network rerun 27Jul59)
written by Adrian Spies
directed by Allen Reisner
Host: Desi Arnaz
Guest cast:
Janis Paige ......... The Redhead
Harry Guardino ...... Paul Conrad
Ray Danton .......... Robert Mason
Kurt Kasznar ........ Captain Martinez
Herbert Berghof ..... Hallas
Dan Blocker ......... Duke
Synopsis:
Canal pilot Paul Conrad is in love with the proprietress of a Panama night club,

a woman known as the Redhead. But she has had bad luck with a previous

 marriage and is determined not to make another mistake. Unexpectedly,

the Redhead's ex-husband, who has been fighting with revolutionists on a nearby

island turns up in Panama. Janis Paige (as the Redhead) sings "A Brand New Man" [TA]

Synopsis 2:
The cynical proprietress of a Panama nightclub is torn between

a canal pilot and her ex-husband. [RF]

1.15 [--] Desilu Playhouse: MARTIN'S FOLLY

23-Feb-1959 CBS Mon

written by Calvin J. Clements

directed by Robert Ellis Miller

Guest cast:

Tony Randall ....... Fred Martin
Carl Reiner ........ George Guthrie
Maggie Mahoney ..... Ella Martin
Elisabeth Fraser ... Nancy Guthrie
Jan Farrand ........ Frances
George O'Hanlon .... Howie
Philip Ober ........ Mr. Stockmen
Synopsis:
A backyard shipwright has dreams of glory. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
Despite the ridicule of neighbors, a restless sales clerk starts

 to build a 40-foot yacht ... in his garage. [RF]
 

1.16 [--] Desilu Playhouse: COMEBACK

09-Mar-1959 CBS Mon

written by Stanley Niss

directed by Arthur Lubin

Guest cast:

Dan Duryea ......... Cal Thompson
William Frawley .... Joe Grady
Maggie Hayes ....... Beth Jones
Robert Rockwell .... George Taylor
Stephen Wootton .... Duff Jones

Scott Morgan ....... Arthur

Synopsis:
Former baseball star Cal Thompson is asked to coach a Little League team.

After meeting a pretty young widow, the mother of the team's star, he decides to accept. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A down-and-out ex-baseball star regains his self-respect by

 coaching a children's team in a small Midwestern town. [RF]

1.17 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE INNOCENT ASSASSIN

16-Mar-1959 CBS Mon

written by James Comorthoon

directed by Robert Florey

director of photography Carl Guthrie

producer Jerry Stagg

Guest cast:

Piper Laurie ....... Eileen Gorman
James MacArthur .... Jamsie Corcoran
Sean McClory ....... Jack Gorman
Arnold Daly ........ Dunphy
Lee Kinsolving ..... Paddy O'Toole
David McMahon ...... Mr. Corcoran
Katherine Squire ... Mrs. O'Donnell
Patrick Whyte ...... Sean

James Mageean ...... McLoughlin
Francis Bethencourt

Synopsis:

Eileen Gorman and Jamsie Corcoran are in love, but they live in 1921 Dublin, Ireland,

and their romance is blighted by civil strife. Their fathers are partisans of the Irish

Republican Army, fighting the British. Their IRA group decides that a traitor must be killed,

and Jamsie is assigned to assassinate him. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
An idealistic young Dubliner caught up in the Irish rebellion

of 1921 tries to evade an assignment to kill an informer. [RF]

1.18 [--] Desilu Playhouse: CHAIN OF COMMAND

23-Mar-1959 CBS Mon

written by Joseph Landon

directed by Jerry Thorpe

Guest Cast:

Hugh O'Brian ....... Lieutenant Lee Baker
Martin Milner ...... Private Andrew Pierce

Russell Collins .... Harry Baker
John Doucette ...... Sergeant Ferguson

Lynn Bernay ........ Lois
Dean Stanton ....... Gordon
Karl Swenson ....... Van Kemp
Synopsis:
Lt. Lee Baker assumes command of a company of Army trainees. One of the soldiers,

Pvt. Andrew Pierce is bored and arrogant. To make matters more difficult, Pierce's father

is head of the company that employs Lt. Baker's elderly father. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
An Army lieutenant commanding a basic-training unit clashes with an arrogant Private. [RF]
 

1.19 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE HARD ROAD

30-Mar-1959 CBS Mon

written by Douglas Heyes & Roy Erwin

directed by Douglas Heyes

Guest Cast:

Cliff Robertson .... Johnny Garth
Barry Sullivan ..... Pat Selman
Patricia Barry ..... Ellie
John Larch ......... Keogh
Synopsis:
A bounty hunter finds himself on the run. [RF]
 

[--] Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour: No.9 "Lucy Wants a Career"
13Apr59 CBS Mon

1.20 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE UNTOUCHABLES (Part 1)

20-Apr-1959 CBS Mon

Written by Paul Monash
Directed by Phil Karlson
Walter Winchell, Narrator
Guest Cast:
Robert Stack ....... Eliot Ness
Neville Brand ...... Al Capone
Patricia Crowley ... Betty Anderson
Paul Dubov ......... Jack Rossmann
Bruce Gordon ....... Frank Nitti
Peter Leeds ........ LaMarr Kane
Joe Mantell ........ George Ricci
Barbara Nichols .... Brandy LaFrance
Robert Osterloh .... Tom Kopke
Paul Picerni ....... Tony Liguri
Frank Wilcox ....... D.A. Beecher Ashbury
Bill Williams ...... Martin Flaherty
Keenan Wynn ........ Joe Fuselli
Nicholas Georgiage.. Frank Kotter
James Westerfield .. Ed Marriott
Richard Benedict ... Fur Sammons
Frank DeKova ....... Jimmy Napoli
Herman Rudin ....... Tony "Mops" Volpe
Peter Mamakos ...... Bomber Belcastro
Eddie Firestone .... Eric Hanson
Wally Cassell ...... Phil D'Andrea
Bern Hoffman ....... Jake Guzik
John Beradino ...... Johnny Giannini
Abel Fernandez ..... William Youngfellow
Wolfe Barzell ...... Picco
John Hoyt .......... Capone's Attorney
Bartlett Robinson .. Judge
Synopsis:

Based on the life of Eliot Ness and his attempt to bring down Capone.

*Note: This is the pilot for the series. [RF]

1.21 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE UNTOUCHABLES (Part 2)

27-Apr-1959 CBS Mon

Written by Paul Monash
Directed by Phil Karlson
Walter Winchell, Narrator
Guest Cast:
Robert Stack ....... Eliot Ness
Neville Brand ...... Al Capone
Patricia Crowley ... Betty Anderson
Paul Dubov ......... Jack Rossmann
Bruce Gordon ....... Frank Nitti
Peter Leeds ........ LaMarr Kane
Joe Mantell ........ George Ricci
Barbara Nichols .... Brandy LaFrance
Robert Osterloh .... Tom Kopke
Paul Picerni ....... Tony Liguri
Frank Wilcox ....... D.A. Beecher Ashbury
Bill Williams ...... Martin Flaherty
Keenan Wynn ........ Joe Fuselli
Nicholas Georgiage.. Frank Kotter
James Westerfield .. Ed Marriott
Richard Benedict ... Fur Sammons
Frank DeKova ....... Jimmy Napoli
Herman Rudin ....... Tony "Mops" Volpe
Peter Mamakos ...... Bomber Belcastro
Eddie Firestone .... Eric Hanson
Wally Cassell ...... Phil D'Andrea
Bern Hoffman ....... Jake Guzik
John Beradino ...... Johnny Giannini
Abel Fernandez ..... William Youngfellow
Wolfe Barzell ...... Picco
John Hoyt .......... Capone's Attorney
Bartlett Robinson .. Judge

04-May-1959 no details

1.22 [--] Desilu Playhouse: MAN IN ORBIT

11-May-1959 CBS Mon

written by Joseph Landon

directed by Claudio Guzman

Guest Cast:

Lee Marvin ......... Captain David Roberts
E.G. Marshall ...... Professor Eric Carson
Martin Balsam ...... Gambetta
Peggy McCay ........ Marie
Robert F. Simon .... General Finch

Synopsis:
Air Force Captain David Roberts has been chosen as the first man to be

sent into space. But one of the scientific team responsible for preparing

him for the journey seems hostile. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
It's a bad trip for space voyager David Roberts, who has been

 hurled into uncharted space by an overanxious scientific team. [RF]

[--] 18May59 CBS Mon - no details
[--] 25May59 CBS Mon - no details

[--] 01Jun59 CBS Mon - no details

[--] Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour: No. 10 "Lucy's Summer Vacation"
08Jun59 CBS Mon

[--] 15-Jun-1959 CBS Mon re-run of "Ballad for a Bad Man"
(first aired 26Jan59)

1.23[--] Desilu Playhouse: PERILOUS

prod. no. 17 (copyright date 20May59)

22-Jun-1959 CBS Mon

written by William P. Templeton

story by William C. White

Guest Cast:

Joan Fontaine ...... Margaret Lewis
Maximilian Schell .. Hans
John Williams ...... Harry
Edit Angold ........ Frau Froelich
Fred Nurney ........ Dr. Brunner
Norbert Schiller ... Froelich
John Mylong
Synopsis:
A lady spy falls for one of the enemy. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
Berlin, 1937: an English spy falls in love with a German

newspaperman who learns her true identity. [RF]
 

[--] 29Jun58 CBS Mon - no details

1.24 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE KILLER INSTINCT

prod. no. 24 (copyright date: 4Jun59 Wed)
13-Jul-1959 CBS, Monday 10:00pm

written by Joseph Landon

Guest Cast:

Rory Calhoun ....... Juan O'Rourke
Janice Rule ........ Elaine Mace
Stephen Bekassy .... Paul Steiner
Michael Dante ...... Angel
Bert Freed ......... Mallory
Rodolfo Hoyos ...... Senor Rivera
Joe Mantell ........ George
Alberto Morin ...... Senor Fuentes
Nestor Paiva ....... Manuel
Millicent Patrick .. Senora Alvarez
Synopsis 1:
A prizefighter's protege becomes his enemy. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
At the peak of his career, boxing idol Juan O'Rourke returns to his home town in Mexico

to place a tombstone on his mother's grave. In Mexico he meets two people who will

eventually change his life. One is an American model, Elaine Mace. The other is Angel,

a promising amateur boxer whom Juan decides to manage. [RF]
*Note Joseph Landon's drama is based on events in the career of ex-boxer Joey Barnum.
 

[--] 20Jul59 CBS Mon - no details

[--] 27Jul59 CBS Mon - rerun of "Chez Rouge" (first
aired 16Feb59)

1.25 [--] Desilu Playhouse: TWO COUNTS OF MURDER

prod. 5101-27 (copyright date 08Jul59 Wed)

10-Aug-1959 CBS Mon

Produced by Devery Freeman
Directed by Robert Ellis Miller
written by Henry Denker

Guest Cast:

Raymond Massey ..... Amos Claypool
David Janssen ...... Ross Ingraham
Whitney Blake ...... Amy Claypool
Robert Emhardt ..... Ed Hoxey
Lawrence Dobkin .... Dave Harris
George Mitchell .... Charlie Vance
William Allyn ...... Phillip Claypool
James Bell ......... Alex
Irma Hurley ........ Sarah Vance
Cindy Robbins ...... Sally Ann Reed
Ray Teal ........... Sheriff Blaney

Synopsis:

The grandson of political boss Amos Claypool has been arrested on a murder charge.

The ruthless Claypool takes drastic steps to suppress the case and he concentrates his

pressure on District Attorney Ross Ingraham. Claypool, who has promised the state

governorship to Ingraham, warns him that his political career will be ended

if he brings the case to trial. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
When his grandson is arrested for murder, a ruthless political

boss tries to pressure the district attorney into dropping the case. [RF]

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

######### DESILU PLAYHOUSE #########

########## season 2 1959-60 ###########

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

2.01 [--] Desilu Playhouse: A DIAMOND FOR CARLA

14Sep1959 CBS Mon

written by Will Lorin

story by Sonya Roberts

directed by Claudio Guzman

Guest Cast:

Anna Maria Alberghetti ....... Carla

Carla Alberghetti ....... Maria

Armand Alzamora ....... Felipe

Argentina Brunetti ....... Elena

Laurie Carroll ....... Teresa

Henry Corden ........ Jose

Johnny Desmond ....... Mateo

Chana Eden ....... Rosa

Elaine Edwards ....... Betty Wilson

Wesley Lau ....... Jerry Wilson

Frank Puglia ....... Esteban Robalo

Robert Strauss ...... Fishhead

Lili Valenty ....... Petronela Robalo

Synopsis:

An orphaned girl living on a remote Caribbean Island is in love with a shy young man.

 But her foster father wants her to marry a middle-aged fishmonger.  [RF]
Songs

"Fountain of Dreams" -Anna Maria

"For the Love of You" -Anna Maria, Desmond

"Amigos" -Anna Maria, Strauss

"Trousseau" -Carroll

"Diamond For Carla" -chorus
* Note Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster wrote the songs.

[--] Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour: No. 11 "Milton Berle
Hides out at the Ricardo's"
25Sep59 CBS Fri

2.02 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE DAY THE TOWN STOOD UP

02-Oct-1959 CBS Fri

written by Allen H. Miner & Lowell Barrington
directed by Allen H. Miner

Guest Cast:

Joseph Cotten ....... Black McSween

James Gregory ....... Martin Burke

Virginia Grey ....... Zelda

Clu Gulager ....... Young Vix

Barbara Stuart ..... Reva
Peter Whitney ...... Nameless
Theodore Newton .... Doc
Alberto Morin ...... Barber

Synopsis:
An itinerant philosopher challenges an arrogant bandit. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
An itinerant philosopher challenges a psychopathic young

outlaw who rules the population of a small Western town. [RF]

2.03 [--] Desilu Playhouse: SIX GUNS FOR DONEGAN

16-Oct-1959 CBS Fri

written by John Mantley

directed by Douglas Heyes

Guest Cast:

Lloyd Nolan ....... Orville Darrow

James Franciscus ........ Clay Darrow

Jean Hagen ...... Hilda Darrow

Jack Elam ....... Clinton

Harry Townes ....... Charlie

Paul Genge ......... Grimm
George Keymas ...... Rattles

Synopsis:
An aging sheriff risks death to protect the town weakling

 from the vengeance of an outlaw band. [RF]

2.04 [--] Desilu Playhouse: SO TENDER, SO PROFANE

30-Oct-1959 CBS Fri

written by Adrian Spies
directed by Jerry Thorpe

Guest Host, George Murphy

Guest Cast:

Desi Arnaz ......... Luis Martinez
Barbara Luna ....... Emelia
Pedro Armendáriz ... Silvera
Adele Mara ......... Francesca
Margo .............. Mrs. Silvera
Mario Alcalde ...... Amoyo
Wendell Holmes ..... Lt. Holson
Salvador Baguez .... Alvarez

Synopsis:
Cuban-born Luis Martinez lives happily in Florida with his family. A peace-loving man

Luis is disturbed when he hears that his sister plans an extended visit with them. [RF]

2.05 [--] Desilu Playhouse: COME BACK TO SORRENTO

06-Nov-1959 CBS Fri

written by Joseph Petracca
directed by James Sheldon
Hosted by Desi Arnaz
Guest Cast:
Marisa Pavan ....... Maria
Robert Loggia ...... Patsy

Virginia Vincent ... Angelina
Frank London ....... Renzo
Steven Peck ........ Guido
Paul Picerni ....... Funzy
Synopsis 1:
An Italian immigrant girl finds love in Brooklyn. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Maria, a young Italian girl, arrives in New York to live with her brother. Maria finds

that her brother has no money, so she goes to work in a dress factory. In the young Italian

who has one burning desire to return to Sorrento and become a farmer. [RF]
 

2.06 [--] Desilu Playhouse: BORDER JUSTICE

13-Nov-1959 CBS Fri

written by Lowell Barrington & Albert Ruben
directed by Claudio Guzman
Guest Cast:
Gilbert Roland ..... El Patron
Neile Adams ........ Lupe
Bruce Gordon ....... Bolton
Rita Lynn .......... Elena
Barton MacLane ..... Wentworth
Armand Alzamora .... Ramon

Synopsis:
A Mexican law officer challenges a cattle baron. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A Mexican-born sheriff is a marked man after he clashes with

a ruthless cattle baron over the mistreatment of hired help. [RF]
 

2.07 [--] Desilu Playhouse: LEPKE

20-Nov-1959 CBS Fri

written by Adrian Spies
directed by Jerry Thorpe
Walter Winchell, Narrator
Guest Cast:
Lloyd Bridges ..... Allie Stein
Joseph Wiseman .... Lepke Buchalter
Sam Jaffe ......... Yonkers

 Caren Lenay ....... Elsa
Mike Kellin ....... Mart

Synopsis:
The downfall of the chief of Murder Inc.

Synopsis 2:
An ex-prize fighter joins racketeer Lepke Buchalter's gang

then falls in love with a girl seeking vengeance on Buchalter. [ED]
 

[--] Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour: No.12 "The Ricardo's Go
to Japan"
27Nov59 CBS Fri

2.08 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE HANGING JUDGE

04-Dec-1959 CBS Fri

directed by Buzz Kulik
Guest Cast:
James Whitmore ..... Judge Lee Anderson
Jean Hagen ......... Nora Anderson
Buddy Ebsen ........ Bret
Warren Berlinger ... George
Parley Baer ........ Gaunt
Vivi Janiss ........ Mrs. Downey
John McIntire ...... Downey

Cindy Robbins ...... Alice
Harry Dean Stanton . Rafe Daniels

Synopsis:
A short time after Judge Anderson and his family arrive in town, Anderson's

daughter is attacked and killed. Anderson uses the power of his office to wreak

his vengeance on the town. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
When his daughter is murdered, a grief-crazed judge

launches a terrifying vendetta against an entire town. [RF]
 

2.09 [--] Desilu Playhouse: MURDER IN GRATITUDE

11-Dec-1959 CBS Fri

written by William Templeton

directed by Jerry Thorpe
Guest Cast:
Robert Coote ....... Terry
Patricia Driscoll .. Lillian
Trevor Howard ...... Dr. Derek Lester
Robin Hughes ....... Gerald Lester
Lisa Montell ....... Simone
Alberto Morin ...... Police Inspector
Michael Pate ....... Howard
Synopsis:
A doctor unmasks his brother's killer.

Synopsis 2:
A doctor uncovers a tangled web of intrigue, murder and revenge

when he investigates the mysterious death of his recently married brother. [RF]
 

2.10 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE DESILU REVUE

25-Dec-1959 CBS Fri

written by Bob Schiller, Bob Weiskopf
directed by Claudio Guzman

Guest Cast:

Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball

Majel Barrett, John Bromfield

Spring Byington, Rory Calhoun

Janice Carroll, Carole Cook

Georgine Darcy, William Demarest

William Frawley, Hedda Hopper

Dick Kallman, Gary Menteer

George Murphy, Hugh O'Brian

Bob Osborne, Roger Perry

Ann Sothern, Mark Tobin

Vivian Vance

Synopsis:
Lucille Ball presents a review showcasing the members of her 

Desilu Workshop Theater for aspiring performers. [RF]
Highlights:
"I Still Remember" ........... Lovell
"Be By You" .................. All
"Hip to the Blues" ........... Darcy, Antes, Menteer, Perry, Barran, Storm, Tobin
"Summertime Is Summertime" ... All
"So Easy to Please" .......... Antes, Darcy
"Bandstand Review" ........... Osborne, Kallman
"I'm Only Happy When I'm Singing the Blues ..... Cook, Kallman

2.11 [--] Desilu Playhouse: MEETING AT APPALACHIN

22-Jan-1960 CBS Fri

written by Adrian Spies

directed by Joseph M. Newman
Narrated by Bob Considine
Guest cast:
Jack Warden ........ Joe Rogarti

Luther Adler ....... Sal Raimondi
Cara Williams ...... Midge Rospond

Cameron Mitchell ... Gino Rospond

Arthur Batanides ... Vince
Frank Behrens ...... Ed Croswell
Edith Claire ....... Jean
Nick Georgiade ..... Tommy
Johnny Seven ....... Lou Varni
Joseph Sullivan .... Lieutenant Hovlick
Synopsis:
A detective unmasks the head of a crime syndicate.

Synopsis 2:
A detective pursues key underworld leaders to a secret

Mafia meeting in a small New York town. [RF]
 

2.12 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THUNDER IN THE NIGHT

19-Feb-1960 CBS Fri

written by Sheldon Reynolds & Ray Allen
Guest cast:

Desi Arnaz ......... Chris Hunter
Akim Tamiroff ...... Captain Farago
Rod Taylor ......... Bob Carter
George Macready .... Paul Reuter
Marion Marshall .... Ronnie Portman
Massimo Serato ..... Wilnow
Sidney Clute ....... Mike
Eugene Deckers ..... Nico
Alex Revides ....... Billy
Philo Hauser ....... Old Man
Tito Vosberg ....... Killer
Tiberio Mitri ...... Chang
Michael Medwin ..... Handsome
Graeme Bruce ....... Hanley
Abramov ............ Balalaika

Synopsis:
In a city in North Africa the sale of counterfeit American passports continues unchecked.

 United States agent Bob Carter steps up the investigating activities and asks his

friend Chris Hunter, owner of gambling casino, to help him trap the racketeers.

Synopsis 2:
Government agents set out to smash a North African counterfeiting

gang that prints fake American passports. [RF]
*Note: This episode was filmed entirely in and around Rome, Italy.  [RF]
 

2.13 [--] Desilu Playhouse: CIRCLE OF EVIL

16-Mar-1960 CBS Fri

written by Robert Blees

directed by Jerry Thorpe

Guest cast:

Hugh O'Brian ....... Murray Kirk
Felicia Farr ....... Ruth Vincent
Joe De Santis ...... La Scalzo

Robert Clarke ...... Wiley Carson
Ken Clark .......... Lundeen

Mickey Simpson ..... Turkey Watson
O.Z. Whitehead ..... Charley Welsh

Mason Curry ........ Storekeeper

Synopsis:

A private eye proves his client's guilt in a bribery indictment. [RF]

[--] Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour: No.13 "The Redhead Meets
the Mustache" (final episode)
01Apr60 CBS Fri

2.14 [--] Desilu Playhouse: THE MAN IN THE FUNNY SUIT

15-Apr-1960 CBS Fri

written and directed by Ralph Nelson

director of photography Sid Hickox

Guest Cast:

Ed Wynn ............ Himself
Keenan Wynn ........ Himself
Rod Serling ........ Himself
Red Skelton ........ Himself
Bob Mathias ........ Himself
Ralph Nelson ....... Himself
Maxie Rosenbloom ... Himself

Joey Faye .......... Latecomer
William Roerick .... Martin Manulis
Maxine Stuart ...... Sharley Wynn
William Walker ..... Porter
Ned Glass .......... Ed Wynn's Understudy
Charlene Glazer .... Secretary
Robin Blake ........ Script Girl

Drew Handley

Seymour Burns

Synopsis:

An old comedian tries to make a comeback. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A true story of the backstage tensions enveloping Ed's dramatic

debut in "Requiem for a Heavyweight." [RF]

2.15 [--] Desilu Playhouse: CITY IN BONDAGE

13-May-1960 CBS Fri

written by Adrien Spies

directed by Claudio Guzman

Guest Cast:

Ed Begley ......... Becker
Barry Sullivan .... Whitman
Jack Weston ........ Rosenthal
Lawrence Dobkin .... Simonson
Kevin Hagen ........ Gilbert
Robert Ellenstein... Rose

Synopsis 1:
A district attorney exposes a much-loved policeman.
Synopsis 2:
Police Lieutenant Becker is known in New York City as a brilliant and honest cop.

 But District Attorney Whitman has a hunch that the Becker legend is phony. [RF]

Synopsis 3:
An ambitious district attorney bent on exploding the myth about

New York City's most admired policeman, makes many enemies along the way. [RF]

2.16 [--] Desilu Playhouse: MURDER IS A PRIVATE AFFAIR

10-Jun-1960 CBS Fri (rerun 28Apr63)

written by Frank Fenton & Lawrence Resner

directed by Earl Bellamy

Guest Cast:

David Brian ........ Bleek
Dina Merrill ....... Aline Lincoln
Adam West .......... Johnny Cinderella
Myrna Hansen ....... Ingrid
Hal Baylor ......... Hinkle
Kam Tong ........... Jung Lu
Peter Adams ........ Bannister

Barbara Hines ...... Jan

Jack Weston ..... Frankie

Synopsis 1:

A wealthy retired gambler helps a frightened heiress. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
Life looks bleak for Bleek, a one-time gambling czar who is now ailing

and bored with his lot. Then the daughter of an old friend asks for his help.

She thinks her husband is plotting to murder her. [RF]
Synopsis 3:
A retired gambling czar sends his handsome henchman to

protect an heiress whose husband is out to murder her.  [RF]
*Note: This episode was originally titled Johnny Cinderella.
 

_________________________

UNKNOWN AIRDATES

[--] Desilu Playhouse: THE SOUND OF MURDER

1960

written by William Templeton

directed by Robert Altman

Guest Cast:

Liam Redmond ....... Gates
Alex Davion ........ Oliver
Antoinette Bower ... Helen
Ronald Long ........ Eldridge
Hedley Mattingly ... Prescott
Ben Wright ......... Harris

Synopsis:

A student's future is threatened by blackmail. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A brilliant ornithology student, competing for a research grant,

 is menaced by another man who covets the prize. [RF]

[--] Desilu Playhouse: IN CLOSE PURSUIT

1960

Guest Cast:

Jan Sterling

William Windom ..... Fuller
Beverly Garland .... Loise
Robert Fortier ..... Calvin
Maxine Stuart ...... Jane
Dan Tobin .......... Walter
John Milford ....... Pagano

Synopsis:

A society woman turns to murder when her husband is unfaithful. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A neurotic socialite, with a compulsion to help people, is driven

 to murder when she learns that her husband is in love with a waitress. [RF]

[--] Desilu Playhouse: THE PROBLEM IN CELL 13

1960

written by A.A. Roberts

directed by Richard Kinon

Guest Cast:

Claude Dauphin ..... Lowell
Everett Sloane ..... Gough
June Walker ........ Mrs. Lowell
Phillip Pine ....... Hatch
Evelyn Ward ........ Sabrina
Joseph Ruskin ...... Slatter
Vic Perrin ......... Ballard

Synopsis:

A scientist takes a bet that he can escape from a

maximum security prison. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A scientist sets out to prove that he can escape from a

maximum-security prison cell within five days. [RF]

[--] Desilu Playhouse: DEATH OF A DREAM

1960

written by Paul Savage

directed by Robert Altman

Guest Cast:

Robert Vaughn
Dianne Foster ...... Marge
Murvyn Vye ......... Vieta
Dean Harens ........ Alex
Susan Oakes ........ Beedy
Flip Mark .......... Bud
Sherwood Price ..... Stanley

Synopsis:

A woman finds that her husband is a thief. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A thief on the run returns to the wife he ran out on years before. [RF]

[--] Desilu Playhouse: DR. KATE

1960

Guest Cast:

Jane Wyman  ......... Dr. Kate
Bobby Buntrock ..... Buddy
Willard Parker ..... Bill
Karen Lee .......... Sally
Rhys Williams ...... Torphy
Johnny Eimen ....... Tommy
Stanja Lowe ........ Lucy
Synopsis:
A country doctor takes over the rearing of two homeless children:

one deaf and the other abnormally hostile. [RF]
 

[--] Desilu Playhouse: CRY RUIN

1960

written by John Kneubuhl and John Mantley

directed by Paul Stanley

Guest Cast:

Keir Dullea

Larry Gates ........ Dryden
Richard Anderson ... Hal
Denver Pyle ........ Lister
Robert F. Simon .... March
Ellen McRae ........ Greta (aka Ellen Burstyn)

Synopsis:

The son of a politician turns to violence. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
An emotionally unstable young man, resentful of his father's

neglect, confesses to a murder which never occurred. [RF]

[--] Desilu Playhouse: CHANGE OF HEART

1960

written by David J. Goodman

directed by Richard Kinon

Guest Cast:

Robert Middleton

Evans Evans ........ Cora
Dick Sargent ....... Sprague
Donald May ......... Wood
Karl Swenson ....... Lawson
Russ Conway ........ Inspector

Synopsis:

A blind criminologist solves a murder. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
A young woman receives help from a blind criminologist

when she discovers that her fiance plans to kill her father. [RF]

[--] Desilu Playhouse: NIGHT PANIC

1960 (rerun 08Feb63)
script by Peg and Lou Shaw

story by A.A. Roberts

directed by Richard Kinon

Guest Cast:

John Ericson ....... Dick
Cloris Leachman .... Joan Lindsay
Marion Ross ........ Elaine
Gordon Jones ....... Tucker
S. John Launer ..... Underhill

Synopsis 1:

A girl is driven to hysteria by anonymous phone calls. [RF]

Synopsis 2:

Office worker Joan Lindsay is getting threatening phone calls. Frightened, she turns

to a friend for help - then begins to suspect that he may be the guilty party. [RF]

Synopsis 3:
A young woman, terrified by threatening phone calls, appeals to

 a new friend for help-then begins to suspect that he is the guilty party. [RF]

[--] Desilu Playhouse: DEAD ON NINE

1960

written by William Templeton

from a play by Jack Popplewell

directed by William Claxton

Guest Cast:

Louis Hayward

Signe Hasso ........ Diana
Maxwell Reed ....... Tom
Audrey Dalton ...... Marion
Leo G. Carroll ..... Farrow

Synopsis:

A husband and wife tired of each other, both decide on

murder as a way out.  [RF]

Synopsis 2:
With the help of an adoring secretary, a man plans to murder

his wife unaware that the intended victim and her lover are plotting to kill him. [RF]

[--] Desilu Playhouse: MURDER IN GRATITUDE
1959
written by William Templeton
directed by Jerry Thorpe
Guest Cast:
Trevor Howard ...... Derek Lester
Robin Hughes ....... Gerald Lester
Robert Coote ....... Terry
Michael Pate ....... Howard
Lisa Montell ....... Simone
Patricia Driscoll ......... Lillian
Alberto Morin ...... Police Inspector
Synopsis:
After the reception for Gerald Lester's wedding, his brother Derek

 and a few close associates board a train with the newlyweds.

During the trip Gerald suddenly becomes ill and dies

 - and Derek is convinced his brother was poisoned.

Synopsis 2:
A doctor uncovers a tangled web of intrigue, murder and revenge

 when he investigates the mysterious death of his recently married brother.  [RF]

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[--] 18May59 CBS Mon - no details
[--] 25May59 CBS Mon - no details
[--] 01Jun59 CBS Mon - no details
[--] 08Jun59 CBS Mon - no details
[--] 15Jun59 CBS Mon re-run of "Ballad for a Bad Man" (first aired 26Jan59)
[--] 29Jun58 CBS Mon - no details
[--] 06Jul58 CBS Mon - no details
[--] 20Jul59 CBS Mon - no details
[--] 27Jul59 CBS Mon - rerun of "Chez Rouge" (first aired 16Feb59)

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