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The Classic TV Archive - US Dramatic Anthology Series
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######FOUR STAR PLAYHOUSE#######
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Episode Guide
version 30.0 June 200
(General Update)
with contributions by:
Jim Brent
Tom Alger
Sal Crisanti
Des Martin
Rina Fox
references:
Library of Congress (telnet://locis.loc.gov)
Internet Movie Database (http://us.imdb.com)
____________________
Four Star Playhouse
(syndicated title "Star Performance")
Four Star Production
Official Films Presentation
for
CBS (1952-54)(Thursdays 8:30 pm)(seasons 1-2)
CBS (1954-56)(Thursdays 9:30 pm)(seasons 3-4)
Executive producer Don W. Sharpe
Produced by
Dick Powell, David Niven, Charles Boyer - each credited
as producers of their respective programs unless
otherwise noted.
US anthology series 1952-1956 129 episodes x 30 min bw
starring
Dick Powell .... Alternate Lead Player with 10/9/52 episode
Charles Boyer .... Alternate Lead Player with 9/25/52 episode
David Niven .... Alternate Lead Player with 12/4/52 episode
Ida Lupino .... Alternate Lead Player with 12/31/53 episode
Background:
Four Star Television was a company founded to utilize the talents of
Dick Powell, Charles Boyer, Rosalind Russell, and Joel McCrea.
Rosalind Russell, and Joel McCrea left shortly after the inception
of the of the project and were replaced by David Niven
and Ida Lupino.
"Dante's Inferno" starring Dick Powell as Willie Dante
was featured in at least
7 episodes - #002, #028 #81 #103, #106, #117, #125
############ Four Star Playhouse #############
############# season 1 1952-53 ###############
##############################################
FOUR STAR PLAYHOUSE alternated with
season 2 of AMOS 'N' ANDY.
CBS Thursday 8:30PM Eastern
1.01 [01] Four Star Playhouse: MY WIFE GERALDINE
25Sep52 CBS Thur
Written by Larry Marcus
Directed by Robert Florey
Guest Stars:
Charles Boyer
Porter Hall
Una Merkel
Noreen Nash
Don Dillway
William Boyett
Barbara Woodell
Jim Hayward
Synopsis:
The story concerns the plight of a man who invents a wife and then is accused of
murdering her. [JB]
1.02 [002] Four Star Playhouse: DANTE'S INFERNO no. 1
09Oct52 CBS Thur
Starring
Dick Powell ....... Willie Dante
Regis Toomey ....... Lt. Manny Waldo
Virginia Grey
Marvin Miller
Synopsis:
Dick Powell portrays the owner of a swank restaurant which offers gambling.
Trouble arises when a beautiful woman patron
insists that she is about to be murdered. [JB]
*Note: This & subsequent episodes featuring Dick Powell as
investigator
Willie Dante became the basis for the 1960 series "Dante"
with Howard Duff in the lead.
1.03 [003] Four Star Playhouse: THE LOST SILK HAT
23Oct52 CBS Thur
An Official Films Presentation (c) 1952
By Lord Dunsany
Television Play by Ronald Colman and Milton Merlin
Directed by Robert Florey
Executive Producer Don W. Sharpe
Produced by Ronald Coleman (with an 'e') on film
Starring
Ronald Coleman (with an 'e')......... Caller
Richard Whorf .......... Poet
Jay Novello ............ Clerk
Tudor Owen ............. Laborer
Leo Britt .............. Policeman
*
Production Supervisor, Ruby Rosenberg
Photography, Les White, A.S.C.
Assistant Director, Nate Barragar
Art Director, Ralph Berger
Edited by, Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E [DM]
Synopsis:
Ronald Coleman portrays an Englishman who calls on his love, gets into a quarrel
with
her and leaves without his hat. He faces the dilemma of returning for it or being
seen in the street bareheaded. [JB]
1.04 [004] Four Star Playhouse: BACKSTAGE
06Nov52 CBS Thur
Starring
Charles Boyer ........ Paul
Hillary Brooke ....... Miriam
Marcia Henderson ..... Amy
Louis Heydt .......... Lt. Albert
Florence Bates ....... Ottilie
Will Wright .......... Willie
Hugh French .......... Evan
Rhys Williams ........ Stage Manager
Percy Helton ......... Pan Handler (as Percy Hilton)
Cecil Cunningham ..... Woman
Synopsis:
Charles Boyer portrays an actor whose role in preventing a suicide
leads to a myriad of complications. [JB]
1.05 [005] Four Star Playhouse: WELCOME HOME
20Nov52 CBS Thur
Written by Blake Edwards
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Dick Powell ....... Eddie White
David Holt ....... Chuck Stern
Howard McNear ....... Mr. Stern
Claire Carleton
Russ Conway
Herb Ellis
Maudie Prickett
Herbert Heyes
Synopsis:
A fugitive from the police returns to his hometown after a 15-year absence. [JB]
1.06 [006] Four Star Playhouse: THE ISLAND
04Dec52 CBS Thur
Written by John & Gwen Bagni
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
David Niven
George Macready
Dianne Foster
Walter Sande
Robert Cabal
Synopsis:
A dramatic saga of a rebellious physician on an island in the South Pacific. [JB]
1.07 [007] Four Star Playhouse: THE OFFICER & THE LADY
18Dec52 CBS Thur
Written by Leonard St. Clair
Directed by George Jenkins
Starring
Allen Jenkins
Charles Boyer
Andrea King
Lonnie Thomas
Alphonse Martel
Louis Mercier
Synopsis:
An incurably ill child's desire to see his father brings about a great
transformation in the character of a knavish officer. [JB]
1.08 [008] Four Star Playhouse: KNOCKOUT
01Jan53 CBS Thur
Starring
Broderick Crawford
Buddy Wright
Ted DeCorsia
Ron Hargrave
Lucille Barkley
Synopsis 1:
A young middleweight boxer finds at the height of his career that
his championship fight has been fixed. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
The story of the career of a young middleweight from the time his trainer first
spots
him to his first chance at the championship. [JB]
1.09 [009] Four Star Playhouse: MAN ON THE TRAIN
(verified on film) (NOT "Man on A Train")
15Jan53 CBS Thur
Screenplay by John & Gwen Bagni
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
David Niven ....... William Langford
Alan Napier
Alex Frazer
Lowell Gilmore
Jean Willes
Walter Kingsford
Rhys Williams
Reginald Sheffield
Gordon Richards
David Tgursby
Synopsis:
A man is returning from India by train when a talkative stranger sets the stage
for robbery and murder by boasting of a fortune in a
briefcase. [JB]
1.10 [010] Four Star Playhouse: TRAIL'S END
29Jan53 CBS Thur
Adapted by Blake Edwards & Harold Shumate
from the Shumate story
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Dick Powell
Jean Howell
Lee Van Cleef
Richard Hale
Synopsis:
A famous marshal of Dodge City sets out in search of the murderous Sonoma Kid
and runs into a tragedy of the desert. [JB]
1.11 [011] Four Star Playhouse: SOUND OFF, MY LOVE (film)
12Feb53 CBS Thur
Original Screenplay by John and Gwen Bagni
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Merle Oberon ............ Martha
Gordon Oliver ........... Bill
Barbara Billingsley ..... Betty
James Seay .............. Storekeeper
Larry Dobkins .... Doctor
Ottola Nesmith .......... Mrs. Mull
Alix Talton .... Maria
*
Production Supervisor, Ruby Rosenberg
Director of Photography, George E. Diskant, A.C.E
Assistant Director, John Pommer
Art Director, Ralph Berger
Film Editor, Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E
Miss Oberon's Wardrobe by, Orry-Kelly
Synopsis 1:
A woman buys a hearing aid, just in time to hear her husband plot her murder. [DM]
Synopsis 2:
A woman’s pride, coupled with the loss of her hearing,
causes a bewildering
change in her private world. [JB]
1.12 [012] Four Star Playhouse: THE MAN IN THE BOX
26Feb53 CBS Thur
Written by John & Gwen Bagni
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Charles Boyer
Patricia Morison
Dorothy Green
Harry Bartell
Christine Larson
James Craven
Herbert Heyes
Isabel Randolph
Todd Karnes
Synopsis:
Charles Boyer plays four roles in this story of a director and his woes. [JB]
1.13 [013] Four Star Playhouse: NO IDENTITY
12Mar53 CBS Thur
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
David Niven
Frances Rafferty
Tommy Rettig
Synopsis:
A young boy fights to win his foster mother’s love. [JB]
1.14 [014] Four Star Playhouse: THE MAN WHO WALKED OUT ON HIMSELF
26Mar53 CBS Thur
starring
Ronald Colman
Synopsis:
When his image in the mirror walks out on him, our hero’s troubles begin. [JB]
09Apr53 Dante’s Inferno (Repeat, original air date
09Oct52) [JB]
1.15 [015] Four Star Playhouse: THE LAST VOYAGE
23Apr53 CBS Thur
Written by John & Gwen Bagni
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Charles Boyer
Walter Sande
William Leicester
John Alvin
John Harmon
Ray Walker
Regis Toomey
Jack Lambert
Synopsis:
A sea captain en route to the Orient discovers that a time bomb has been planted
on his ship. [JB]
1.16 [016] Four Star Playhouse: NIGHT RIDE
07May53 CBS Thur
Starring
David Niven
Rhys Williams
Christine Larson
Synopsis:
Five people, one a murder, are trapped on a subway. [JB]
1.17 [017] Four Star Playhouse: THE LADIES ON HIS MIND
21May53 CBS Thur
Written by Milton Merlin
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Ronald Colman
Benita Hume
Patricia Morrison
Hillary Brooke
Elisabeth Fraser
Alix Talton
Synopsis:
A psychiatrist has difficulty in remaining detached when treating beautiful
women. [JB]
1.18 [018] Four Star Playhouse: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
04Jun53 CBS Thur (04Jun53) (Amos & Andy finale episode 11Jun53)
starring
David Niven
Ned Glass
Martha Wentworth
Synopsis:
A timid and conscientious bank employee devotes his spare time to the study of
stocks and bonds until the cruel hand of fate enters his life. [JB]
1.19 [019] Four Star Playhouse: SHADOWED
18Jun53 CBS Thur
Adapted by Seeleg Lester & Merwin Gerard
from the Mary Synon story
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Dick Powell
Francis Dee
Robert Johnson
Tyler McVey
William Walker
Raymond Largay
Dan Riss
Harry Cheshire
Charles Seel
William Forest
Synopsis:
A politician who would like to be a Senator finds himself in a dilemma when
his past comes forward to injure his chances in the election. [JB]
1.20 [020] Four Star Playhouse: MR. BINGHAM
25Jun53 CBS Thur
Starring
David Niven
############ Four Star Playhouse #############
############# season 2 1953-54 ###############
##############################################
CBS Thursdays 8:30 pm
2.01 [020] Four Star Playhouse: FINALE
24Sep53 CBS Thur
Written by Seeleg Lester & Merwin Gerard
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
David Niven
John Litel
Martha Hyer
John Eldredge
Harvey Stephens
Lawrence Kyle
Synopsis:
An aspiring actor finds his career thwarted by his resemblance to his already
successful cousin. [JB]
2.02 [021] Four Star Playhouse: THE SQUEEZE
01Oct53 CBS Thurs
(Dante's Inferno No. 2 - not shown on screen)
Released by Official Films, Inc
Produced by Dick Powell
Executive Producer, Don W. Sharpe/
Associate Producer, Warren Lewis
Editorial Supervision, Bernard Burton
Original Story and Screenplay by Blake Edwards
Directed by Robert Aldrich
Cast:
Dick Powell ......... Willie Dante
Richard Jaeckel ............ Stan
Regis Toomey ........... Lt. Manny Waldo
Herb Vigran ......... Monty the bartender
Joan Camden ............ Susie
Mario Siletti .......... Deras
Karl Lucas .......... Ernie
*
Production Supervisor, Ruby Rosenberg
Director of Photography, George E. Diskant,A.S.C.
Art Director, Ralph Berger
Edited by, Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E.
Assistant Director, Bruce Fowler
Makeup Artist, Karl Herlinger
A Four Star *Dick Powell*Charles Boyer*David
Niven*Merle Oberon Production, Inc.
written by Blake Edwards
directed by Robert Aldrich
Director of Photography: George E. Diskant
Synopsis:
Another of the great Willie Dante stories. Stan, the son of the DA, is a secret gambler.
He loses big in Willie's joint and pays by check. Stan's pretty sister shows up to ask
Willie's help. Deras, a gangster up before the Grand Jury, wants to get hold of Stan's
check to blackmail the DA. He shows up at Dante's and Willie turns over the check at
gunpoint. Never to be out-witted, Willie has Lt. Waldo waiting in the wings to get the
checks back, have Deras arrested, and win Stan's sister. [DM]
2.03 [022] Four Star Playhouse: A PLACE OF HIS OWN
08Oct53 CBS Thur
written by John & Gwen Bagni
story by Donald Hough
directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Charles Boyer ...... Claude Le Beau
Stacy Harris ...... Frank Le Beau
Jeanette Nolan ...... Agatha Le Beau
Nestor Paiva ...... Judge Le Beau
Ralph Moody ...... Realtor
Ellen Corby ...... Elsie
*
(Sponsored by Singer Sewing Machines)
Produced by Charles Boyer
Executive Producer Don W. Sharpe
Associate Producer, Warren Lewis
Editorial Supervision, Bernard Burton
*
Production Supervisor, Ruby Rosenberg
Director of Photography, George E. Diskant, A.S.C.
Edited by Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E.
Art Director, Ralph Berger
Assistant Director, John Pommer
Makeup Artist, Karl Herlinger
Synopsis:
The Commander, a mildly brain injured war hero, lives with his greedy family. All he wants
is his own house, while all they want is to preserve their failing wealth, at all costs. When
Frank, his younger brother, kills a man over a gambling debt, the family convinces Claude
that he is the one that did it. He takes the blame, but instead of being arrested, he is given
a $10,000 reward because the dead man was a most wanted criminal. [SC}
2.04 [023] Four Star Playhouse: LOVE AT SEA
15Oct53 CBS Thur
Starring
Merle Oberon
Stephen Bekassy
Dick Powell (cameo) ala Hitchcock!
Synopsis:
A journalist's wife who, while alone on a sea voyage, becomes the center of male attention. [RF]
2.05 [024] Four Star Playhouse: THE WITNESS
22Oct53 CBS Thur
written by Seeleg Lester & Merwin Gerard
directed by Robert Aldrich
Director of Photography: George Diskant
producer Dick Powell
executive producer Don W. Sharpe
Starring
Charles Bronson ............ Frank Dana
Marion Carr .......... Lois
Walter Sande ........... Peterson
James Millican ............ DA
Strother Martin .......... Tom Blair
Robert Sherman ............ Philip Baedecker
Charles Evans ........... Judge
Nick Dennis ........... Nick
Synopsis:
A suave attorney is hired to defend a man on trial for robbery and murder. The attorney
finds the real culprit (who turns out to be the brother of the defendant's girlfriend)
and solves the mystery in the courtroom. [SC]
2.06 [025] Four Star Playhouse: A MATTER OF ADVICE
29Oct53 CBS Thur
Starring
David Niven
Synopsis:
A pediatrician who advises mothers on raising their children finds
himself in difficulties with his own brood. [JB]
2.07 [026] Four Star Playhouse: OUT OF THE NIGHT
(aka Search in the Night)
05Nov53 CBS Thur
Starring
Frank Lovejoy ........ Randy Stone
Frances Rafferty ........ Janet Walker
Frank Gerstle ......... Marks
Rhys Williams ........ Watchman
James Millican ....... Diver
Synopsis:
Randy Stone, a reporter becomes very curious when a beautiful woman
hires a diver to recover her purse from the bottom of the river. [RF]
2.08 [027] Four Star Playhouse: MOORINGS
12Nov53 CBS Thur
written by John and Gwen Bagni
Starring
Charles Boyer
Dorothy Malone
Will Wright
Synopsis:
A sickly aging shipping magnate falls in love with a blind mother. [RF]
2.09 [028] Four Star Playhouse: THE HARD WAY
Dante's Inferno no. 2
19Nov53 CBS Thur
written by Blake Edwards
directed by Robert Aldrich
Director of Photography: George Diskant
starring
Dick Powell ......... Willie Dante
Jack Elam ......... Vick
Robert Osterloh ......... Stan the Stickman
Elisabeth Fraser ......... Janice Howl
Regis Toomey .......... Lt. Manny Waldo
Herb Vigran .......... Monty
Lennie Breman
Joe De Santis
Alan Mowbray .......... Jackson the waiter
2.10 [029] Four Star Playhouse: FOR ART'S SAKE
26Nov53 CBS Thur
Starring
David Niven
Nancy Gates
William Forrest
Synopsis 1:
A playboy decides that the way to get a pretty young painter to concentrate
on him is to discourage her interest in art. [JB]
Synopsis 2:
A gay playboy with strictly romantic intentions towards a pretty but untalented
art student,
sponsors a fake exhibit of her paintings. [RF]
2.11 [030] Four Star Playhouse: THE GIRL ON THE PARK BENCH
03Dec53 CBS Thur (rerun 27May54)
Screenplay by Bill Bowers
From a story by D.D. Beauchamp
Directed by Hal Walker
Director of photography George E. Diskant, A.S.C.
Starring
Joan Fontaine ....... Trudy Overmeyer
Craig Stevens ....... George, the City Attorney
John Litel .......... Mayor
Thurston Hall ....... Judge
Joan Banks .......... Madeline
Charles Cane ........ Peavey
Jack Carol .......... Bonds
Myra Marsh .......... Mrs. Tracy
Lucille Barkley ..... Mayor's Secretary
Larry J. Blake ...... 1st Reporter
Gil Herman .......... 2nd Reporter
Herb Vigran ......... 3rd Reporter
*
Production Supervisor ... Lloyd Richards
Art Director ............ Duncan Cramer
Edited by ............... Samuel E. Beetley A.C.E.
Assistant Director ...... Bruce Fowler
Makeup Artist ........... Karl Herlinger
Fashions by ............. Ohrbach's
Synopsis 1:
A beautiful, intelligent, and politically savvy young woman takes up residency in the
city park to protest the Mayor's decision to end rent control on apartments. The comically
ornery mayor seems to have met his match! Sparks fly as the Mayor dispatches the city's
handsome attorney in an attempt to oust the young woman, who gives her a friendly
warning that she will get evicted and lose in court. The tables get turned as the woman proves
she is also good at law, but after some very interesting negotiations, all's well that ends well. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
A young woman is furious when rent controls are removed by local politicians.
She moves out of her apartment to a park bench. [RF]
2.12 [031] Four Star Playhouse: THE ROOM
10Dec53 CBS Thur (rerun 10Jun54)
Starring
Dick Powell ....... Dr. Graham
Charlita ....... Sarina
Raymond Burr ....... Gonzales
Jay Novello ....... Frederico
Synopsis 1:
A doctor encounters suspicion and a dark secret when he rents
a house in Cuba. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
A doctor visits a primitive Cuban village and discovers that for hundreds
of years the people have lived in dread of a voodoo king. [RF]
2.13 [032] Four Star Playhouse: A MAN OF THE WORLD
17Dec53 CBS Thur
Screenplay by Seeleg Lester and Merwin Gerard
From a Story by William Brandon
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
David Niven ......... Andy
Barbara Lawrence ........ Kathie
Richard Simmons ........ Detective
Ralph Moody ........ Conductor
Synopsis:
A bored husband looks for romance with a girl he meets on a train. [DM]
2.14 [033] Four Star Playhouse: THE GIFT
24Dec53 CBS Thur
Written by John & Gwen Bagni
story by Amory Hare
Directed by Robert Aldrich
Starring
Charles Boyer .......... Carl Baxter
Maureen O'Sullivan ........ Minna Baxter
Joan Camden ........ Mrs. Mitchell
Dan Tobin ........ George Lenox
Ann Doran ........ Welfare Woman
Eddie Firestone ........ Young Father
Lennie Bremen ...... Bartender
Gene Hardy ........Young Man
Virginia Christine ........ Clerk
Synopsis:
A businessman becomes moody and antagonistic each year at Christmas because
it reminds him of his estranged son, who chose to become a geologist instead of
following in his father's footsteps. When he sees his wife befriending orphans, his
heart melts and he becomes human again. [DM]
2.15 [034] Bristol-Myers Four Star Playhouse: HOUSE FOR SALE
31Dec53 CBS Thur
Original Story and Screenplay by John & Gwen Bagni
Directed by Jules Bricken
Director of photography George E. Diskant, A.S.C.
Starring
Ida Lupino ......... Ellen McIntyre
George Macready .... Man/Mr. Bicks
Thomas B. Henry .... Mr. Jones
Helen Brown ........ Mrs. Peterson
Howard Negley ...... Policeman
Joseph Crehan ...... Mr. Kramer
*
Production Supervisor ... Lloyd Richards
Art Director ............ Duncan Cramer
Edited by ............... Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E.
Assistant Director ...... James Casey
Synopsis:
In search of a home for herself and her husband, who is returning from Korea, a
young woman arrives at a dilapidated old house and
encounters a psychopathic murderer. [JB]
2.16 [035] Four Star Playhouse: THE TEST
07Jan54 CBS Thur
Starring
Dick Powell ......... Pilot
Frances Rafferty ........ Wife
Darla Ridgeway ......... Daughter
Synopsis:
One important day in the life of a test pilot. He must take a jet plane up and test
it after learning that his daughter may have polio. [RF]
2.17 [036] Four Star Playhouse: THE BAD STREAK
14Jan54 CBS Thur
Written by - ???
Directed by Robert Aldrich
end credits:
Produced by Charles Boyer
Executive Producer Don W. Sharpe
Associate Producer, Warren Lewis
Editorial Supervision, Bernard Burton
Cast:
Charles Boyer .......... Renneck
Virginia Grey .......... Angela
Robert P. Arthur ....... David
Horace McMahon ......... Chuck
Esther Dale ............ Mrs. Weston
John Hoyt .............. Bentridge
Mauel Paris ............ Croupier
*
Director of Photography, George E. Diskant, A.S.C.
Production Supervision, Lloyd Richards
Art Director, Duncan Cramer
Edited by Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E.
Assistant Director, Bruce Fowler
Makup Artist, Karl Herlinger
Furs by A.Z. Arnold
Synopsis:
A son tries to wreck vengeance on the gambler father he has learned to hate. [DM]
2.18 [037] Four Star Playhouse: A STRING OF BEADS
21Jan54 CBS Thur
written by Don Ettlinger
Adapted from the William Somerset Maugham story
Directed by William Cameron Menzies
Starring
Ronald Colman, Host
Nigel Bruce ...... Col. Mournay
Angela Lansbury ....... Joan Robinson
Ron Randell ........ Peter Jeffreys
George Macready ........ Count Borselli
Brenda Forbes ......... Edith Livingston
Sean McClory ........ Robert Upton
Sarah Shelby ......... Della Charlton
Ben Wright ........ Jeweler
Synopsis:
Joan Robinson works as a governess for a wealthy family. She attends a party
thrown by her employer and, although she is an attractive young woman, she is completely
ignored until one of the guests, Count Borselli, appraises the beads she is wearing as
a valuable string of pearls. She protests to no avail, knowing they are imitations. Her
whole life changes. She is invited to parties, and wooed by a fortune hunter. When it's
finally learned that the beads are worthless, she is fired and her suitor loses interest.
The count admits that, provoked by the snobbish socialites, he deliberately lied about the
beads. In the end, he and the governess fall in love.
This wonderful comedy drama uses a framing device with the elegant Ronald Colman
as the on-screen narrator, much like Peter Ustinov in "Lola Montes". A lovely young
Angela Lansbury plays the maid for a snobbish, prejudiced, household who is captivated
by an important Count (George MacReady) attending one of the family's lavish parties.
To "set-up" the stuffed shirts at the party, he points out that she is wearing pearls worth a fortune.
She immediately is looked upon in a very different manner, and is courted by a gold-digging
young man. When it is revealed that the "pearls" are worthless, she is spurned by all.
The happy ending, for this wonderful woman, is quite a lovely surprise. [SC]
2.19 [038] Four Star Playhouse: INDIAN TAKER
28Jan54 CBS CBS Thur
(Sponsored by Parker Pen Company)
Screenplay by Blake Edwards
From a Story by Thomas Phipps
Directed by Blake Edwards
Starring
Ida Lupino ....... Ginny
William Ching
Gerald Mohr
Charles Evans
Norma Varden
Jesse B. Kirkpatrick
Herb Vigran
Lennie Bremen
John Day
Keith Richards
Synopsis 1:
A society girl becomes involved with jewel thieves. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
A comedy of errors about an insurance executive’s wife. At a party, the impulse
suddenly comes over her and she proceeds to steal the jewels of all wealthy guests,
who happen to be insured by her husband’s firm. [JB]
2.20 [039] Four Star Playhouse: SECOND DAWN
04Feb54 CBS Thur
Starring
Charles Boyer .......... Carl
Dorothy Hart .......... Vivian
Luis Van Rooten
Edwin Jerome
Synopsis:
A blind man is offered the opportunity to gain his sight. [JB]
Synopsis 2:
A man born without sight is told that an operation may give him vision.
He hesitates, fearing that the world he has created in
his imagination may be false. [RF]
2.21 [040] Four Star Playhouse: THE GUN
11Feb54 CBS Thur
Produced by George Haight
Written by Frederick Brady
Directed by Frank McDonald
Starring
Dick Powell ........... Dan Hodges
Dorothy Green ............ Stella Hodges
Peter Votrain ........... Freddie Hodges
Douglas Fowley ............ Frank Harvey
Raymond Ferrell ........... Danny Jr.
Joseph Turkel .......... Willie
Sam Flint ........... Doctor
Frank Scannell ............ Postman
Larry Blake ....... Milkman
Paul Bryar ....... Salesman
Synopsis:
A police detective returns home to his family one morning only to have his meal interrupted
by a constant stream of people: the milkman, his neighbor, the postman, the grocery boy,
and a salesman. Afterwards, he finds that his gun is missing. In a panic that slowly turns to
paranoia, he realizes that each of the visitors had said something that makes them a suspect. [SC]
2.22 [041] Four Star Playhouse: THE BOMB
18Feb54 CBS Thur (rerun 09Sep54)
Starring
David Niven ........ Richard
Margaret Sheridan .. Janet
John Dehner ........ Charles
Philip Tonge ....... the Colonel
Patrick O'Moore .... Police Sergeant
Barry Curtis ....... First Boy
Gregory Marshall ... Second Boy
Robin Hughes ....... Army Sergeant
Anthony Marsh ...... Army Corporal
Synopsis 1:
Three members of a romantic triangle are trapped in a cellar with an unexploded
bomb. [JB]
Synopsis 2:
A man returns home to find that his neglected girlfriend is now engaged to
someone else. In his effort to win back his girl, Richard conceives a
plan which leads the three of them into danger.
[RF]
2.23 [042] Four Star Playhouse: MEET McGRAW: LONG COUNT
('Meet McGraw' series pilot)
25Feb54 CBS Thur
Starring
Frank Lovejoy .......... McGraw
Audrey Totter
Paul Picerni
Ellen Corby
Synopsis:
A private detective is hired by a beautiful woman to act as her bodyguard when
she
claims that her gangster husband is jealous and
planning to kill her. [JB]
2.24 [043] Four Star Playhouse: DETECTIVE'S HOLIDAY
04Mar54 CBS Thur
Adapted by Frederick Brady
story by Octavus Roy Cohen
Producer: George Haight
Directed by Blake Edwards
Guest Stars
Dick Foran ....... Essau Hepburn
Dick Powell ....... Dave Robinson
Joan Camden ....... Doris Hepburn
Ralph Moody ....... Doc
Barney Phillips ....... Steve O'Brien
Tiger Fafara ....... John Hepburn
Chris Olson
Synopsis:
A detective must decide whether to arrest a young woman wanted for questioning
by the police or to forget he ever saw her. [JB]
2.25 [044] Four Star Playhouse: OPERATION IN MONEY
11Mar54 CBS Thur
Directed by Richard Kinon
Starring
David Niven ....... Andy Fields
Marjorie Lord ....... Bessie
Edward Clark ....... Mr. Griggs
George Meader ....... Mr. Forsyth
Synopsis:
A bank teller has his application for a raise refused.
To press his point he robs the bank and arranges a parley. [RF]
2.26 [045] Four Star Playhouse: LADY OF THE ORCHIDS
18Mar54 CBS Thur
Executive Producer Don W. Sharpe
Produced by George Haight
Screenplay by Thelma Robinson
from the story by Ty Cobb and Jackson Hill
Directed by Roy Kellino
Sponsored by Singer
Starring
Lili Palmer ......... Stacey Lawrence (once Mrs. Rex
Harrison)
John Howard ......... David Lawrence
Robert Paige ........ Paul Campbell
Anne Loos ........... Ellie
Phyllis Stanley ..... Janet
John Hoyt ........... Simpson
Virginia Christine .. Miss Chase
Pamela Duncan ....... Floor Nurse
Elizabeth Harrower .. Nurse
*
Director of Photography, George E. Diskant, A.S.C
Production Supervisor, Lloyd Richard
Art Director, Duncan Cramer
Edited by Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E.
Assistant Director, Bruce Fowler, Jr.
Makeup by Kiva
Miss Palmer's Suit by Ohrbach's
Furs by A.Z. Arnold
Orchids Grown by Schirmer's
A Four Star-Charles Boyer-Dick Powell-David
Niven-Lilli Palmer Production, Inc
Filmed in Hollywood, U.S.A. (c) 1954
Synopsis:
An architect's wife endangers his career when she is involved in a car accident. While on
a ride to a roadhouse, she accidently spills brandy on the driver, with whom she has been
flirting. The driver is assumed to be responsible for the fatal crash, and only the wife's
testimony can save him. She is reluctant to come forward, not wanting to admit that she was
in the party, but her husband convinces her to do the right thing. He loses his job, but their
troubled marriage is strengthened, and he begins to rebuild his career. [DM]
2.27 [046] Four Star Playhouse: THE BOOK
01Apr54 CBS Thur
Starring
David Niven ....... John
Marguerite Chapman ....... Linda
Claire Du Brey ....... Mrs. Miggs
Robert J. Wilke ....... George
Frank Ferguson ....... Ed
Herbert Lytton ....... FBI Man
Katherine Warren ....... Librarian
Douglas Fowley ....... Flight Lieutenant
Ted Stanhope ....... Man
Dick Reeves ....... Stevedore
Synopsis 1:
An author becomes involved with spies. [JB]
Synopsis 2:
An author whose curiosity about a piece of paper found in
a library book leads him to a gang of spies. [RF]
2.28 [047] Four Star Playhouse: A STUDY IN PANIC
08Apr54 CBS Thur
Sponsored by PARKER PENS
Written by Larry Marcus
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
Dick Powell ....... Fred
Dorothy Malone ....... Ella
John Harmon ....... Jon
Claire Carleton ....... 'Cuddles' LaVerne
King Donovan ....... Thin Man
George Eldredge ....... Captain Davidson
Robert Foulk ....... Desperate Man
John Larch ....... Harris
Ralph Moody ....... Stranger
Marlo Dwyer ....... Operator
Russell Gaige ....... Editor
William McLean ....... Mail Boy
Synopsis:
A newspaper columnist is threatened in an anonymous letter. His fear and
suspicions
build as he goes about the city on his night beat with a beautiful proofreader who had
once criticized him herself. [JB]
2.29 [048] Four Star Playhouse: MASQUERADE
15Apr54 CBS Thur
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
Ida Lupino ....... Kit
John Bryant ....... Sabin
Carleton Young ....... Drew
Synopsis:
A costume ball during the New Orleans Mardi Gras turns sour when the family
hosting the festivities discovers that their cousin has escaped from jail. [RF]
2.30 [049] Four Star Playhouse: VILLAGE IN THE CITY
(Sponsored by Parker Pens)
22Apr54 CBS Thur
Executive Producer Don W. Sharpe
Produced by George Haight
Editorial Supervisor Bernard Burton
Story and Screenplay by Monte Pittman
Directed by Frank McDonald
Cast:
David Niven ........... Royal Thurston
Joan Camden ........... Sally
Antony Eustrel ........ Leslie Lorraine
John Damler ........... Smith
Richard Simmons ....... Manville Harlan
Joseph Waring ......... Mario
Kenneth Terrell ....... Fish
John Day .............. Mort
*
Director of Photography, George E. Diskant, A.S.C.
Production Supervision, Lloyd Richards
Art Director, Duncan Cramer
Edited by Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E.
Assistant Director, Bruce Fowler, Jr.
Makup by Karl Herlinger
Fashions by Ohrbach's
*A Four Star - *David Niven, *Dick Powell,
*Charles
Boyer, *Joan Fontaine Production, Inc "
Copyright 1954 Filmed in Hollywood USA
Note: The "Village" in the title refers to New York
City's Greenwich Village. [DM]
Synopsis:
A beautiful model is murdered in an artist’s apartment. The solution to the mystery
is complicated by the fact that several men were in love with the model, each with
a motive for killing her. [JB]
2.31 [050] Four Star Playhouse: THE DOCTOR AND THE
COUNTESS
29Apr54 CBS Thur
adapted from a chapter of "Dr. Pygmalion" the
autobiography of plastic surgeon Dr. Maxwell Maltz
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
Charles Boyer ....... Dr. Giboux
Paula Raymond ....... Countess
Carleton Young ....... Andrea
Hayden Rorke ....... Dr. Lawrence
Don Kohler ....... Steward
Darla Ridgeway ...... Little Girl
Fred Ridgeway ....... Little Boy
Synopsis:
A plastic surgeon helps an Italian count. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
A famous plastic surgeon meets a beautiful countess on an Atlantic liner.
She pretends she loves him to get him to perform a strange operation. [RF]
**********
Repeats begin on 06May54:
06May54 A Man of the World (Original air date 17Dec53)
13May54 Welcome Home (Original air date 20Nov52)
20May54 Backstage (Original air date 06Nov52)
27May54 The Girl on the Park Bench (Original air date 03Dec53)
03Jun54 The Man on a Train (Original air date 15Jan53)
10Jun54 The Room (Original air date 10Dec53)
17Jun54 Search in the Night aka Out of the Night (Original air date 05Nov53)
24Jun54 Finale (Original air date 24Sep53)
01Jul54 The Squeeze (Original air date 01Oct53)
08Jul54 A Place of His Own (Original air date 08Oct53)
15Jul54 Indian Taker (Original air date 28Jan54)
22Jul54 The Witness (Original air date 22Oct53)
29Jul54 A Matter of Advice (Original air date 29Oct53)
05Aug54 Meet McGraw (Original air date 25Feb54)
12Aug54 Moorings (Original air date 12Nov53)
19Aug54 House for Sale (Original air date 31Dec53)
26Aug54 The Test (Original air date 07Jan54)
02Sep54 The Bomb (Original air date 18Feb54)
09Sep54 The Bad Streak (Original air date 14Jan54)
16Sep54 Lady of the Orchids (Original air date 18Mar54)
23Sep54 The Gun (Original air date 11Feb54)
############ Four Star Playhouse #############
############# season 3 1954-55 ###############
##############################################
CBS Thursdays 9:30 pm Eastern
3.01 [051] Singer Four Star Playhouse:
Charles Boyer in THE MAN IN THE CELLAR
(c) 1954 30Sep54 CBS
Screenplay by Gwen Bagni
From a Story by Marc Brandel
Directed by Robert Florey
*
(end credits)
Produced by Charles Boyer
Executive Producer Don W. Sharpe
Editorial Supervision, Bernard Burton
Director of Photography, George E. Diskant, A.S.C.
Cast:
Charles Boyer .......... Dr. Dumont
Fay Baker .............. Claire
Beverly Washburn ....... Janet
Mae Clarke ............. Mrs. Braun
(Mae Clarke is most famous for having half a
grapefruit shoved in her face by James Cagney)
John Doucette .......... Moretti
Peter Raynold .......... Danny
Elaine Williams ........ Secretary
Donald Murphy .......... Mr. Reeves
Aline Towne ............ Receptionist
Frank Gerstle .......... Mr. Braun
*
Production Supervisor, Lloyd Richards
Art Director, Duncan Cramer
Story Editor, Coles Trapnell
Edited by Roland Gross, A.C.E.
Assistant Director, Bruce Fowler, Jr.
Makeup Artist, Karl Herlinger
Fashions by Ohrbach's
A Four Star - David Niven - Dick Powell -
Charles Boyer - Ida Lupino Production
Filmed in Hollywood (c) 1954
Synopsis:
A psychiatrist commits a man to an asylum on grounds he has homicidal
tendencies. [DM]
3.02 [052] Four Star Playhouse: NEVER EXPLAIN
07Oct54 CBS Thur
Screenplay by Quinn Martin
From a story by Lorrie Frishman and Quinn Martin
Directed by William Asher
Presented by the Parker Pen Company
Starring
David Niven ....... Widower
Barbara Lawrence .......... Welfare Worker
Chris Olsen ....... Steve
Irving Bacon ....... Carter
Janine Perreau ......... Cindy
Millie Doff ........ Girl
Synopsis:
A widower refuses to send his two children to school.
A female psychologist is sent by Social Welfare Department to reform him,
but is hindered in her job by
personal feelings. [JB]
3.03 [053] Four Star Playhouse: INTERLUDE
Bristol-Myers Four Star Playhouse
14Oct54 CBS Thur (rerun 19May55)
Produced by Dick Powell
Written by Frederick L. Lipp
Directed by Roy Kellino
Director of photography George E. Diskant, A.S.C.
Starring
Dick Powell ........ Chris Stauffing
Joanne Woodward .... Vickie Hanuck
Daria Massey ....... Joanne Dawson
Robert Bice ........ Boatman
Jonathan Hole ...... Hotel Clerk
Nana Bryant ........ Mrs. Dehring, Head Mistress
Donna Jo Gribble ... Carol Adams, First Girl
Diane Jergens ...... Elizabeth Ainsley, Second Girl
*
Production Supervisor ... Lloyd Richards
Story Editor ............ Coles Trapnell
Art Director ............ Duncan Cramer
Edited by ............... Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E.
Assistant Director ...... Jack R. Berne
Makeup by ............... Kiva
Fashions by ............. Ohrbach's
Synopsis 1:
A young woman from a wealthy family is graduating from an exclusive school with neither
her parents nor close friends attending. In her loneliness, she becomes infatuated with an
older man, a divorced newspaper reporter. They share common interests and, although
he does not return her feelings, she blossoms as a result of their friendship. [TA]
Synopsis 2:
An older man divorced and lonely feels he is a misfit in the world
meets a teenager who has been neglected and misunderstood. [RF]
3.04 [054] Four Star Playhouse: THE WALLET
21Oct54 CBS Thur
Adapted by Larry Marcus
From the Anthony Coldeway and Paul Elbogen story
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Charles Boyer .......... Andre
Maria Palmer .............. Elsa
William Campbell ............ Peter
Rhys Williams ............ Sidney
John Harmon .......... Michael
Nestor Paiva .......... Mr. Davis
Harry Bartell ............. Doctor
Howard McNear
John Alvin ........... Mr. MacLean
Sarah Selby ............ Mrs. MacLean
Synopsis:
Andre, a headwaiter, finds a customer's wallet containing a large sum of money.
[RF]
3.05 [055] Four Star Playhouse: THE ADOLESCENT
28Oct54 CBS Thur
Starring
Ida Lupino ........... Celia Coberley
Hugh Beaumont
Robert Arthur
Nan Boardman
John Doucette
Lewis Martin
Hugh Sanders
Allene Roberts
Synopsis:
A school teacher on the disciplinary board, finds herself
investigating her nephew's misconduct. [TA]
3.06 [056] Four Star Playhouse: THE CONTEST
04Nov54 CBS Thur
Screenplay & Story by Milton Geiger
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Dick Powell .......... Dan
Marguerite Chapman ...... Lisa
John Hubbard
Douglas Dick
Ralph Volke
Synopsis:
A detective investigates a murder in which his brother
and his fiancee are the chief suspects. [RF]
3.07 [057] Four Star Playhouse: VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
11Nov54 CBS Thur
Written by James Neal Harvey
Directed by William Asher
Starring
David Niven
Amanda Blake
Chuck Connors
Elizabeth Patterson
Dayton Lummis
Barry Froner
Rusty Hamer
Tiger Fafara
Nadene Ashwood
Isa Ashdown
Patricia Fowler
Synopsis:
A confidence man thinks up a novel way to swindle money.
In an attempt to qualify for a philanthropist’s million-dollar grant,
he sets
up a fake home for underprivileged children. [JB]
3.08 [058] Four Star Playhouse: MY OWN DEAR DRAGON
18Nov54 CBS Thur
Written by Clock Dailey
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Charles Boyer ........ John
Vera Miles .......... Maggie Bernard
Alex Gerry ........... Bengal
Mabel Albertson ....... Hannah
Mitchell Kowal
Charles Victor
Synopsis:
A successful playwright’s marriage to a younger girl is endangered by her
decision to become his competitor, and write plays
too. [JB]
3.09 [059] Four Star Playhouse: MARKED DOWN
25Nov54 CBS Thur
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
Ida Lupino
Hal March
Joan Banks
Synopsis:
Evelyn gets a job in an exclusive dress shop as part of a plan to marry a
wealthy man. [JB]
3.10 [060] Four Star Playhouse: MEET A LONELY MAN
02Dec54 CBS Thur
Story and Screenplay by Dick Stenger
Directed by Lewis R. Foster
Starring
David Niven
Martha Hyer [DM]
Synopsis:
A lonely hotel clerk is mistaken for a rich Texas oilman and suddenly begins
an exciting new life. The masquerade leads to complications, however,
when a beautiful girl appears on the scene. [JB]
3.11 [061] Four Star Playhouse: BOURBON STREET
09Dec54 CBS Thur
Written by Dick Carr
Directed by Roy Kellino
producer Dick Powell
Starring
Dick Powell ...... Jeff
Beverly Garland ......... Julie
King Donovan ....... Drunk
William Leicester ........ Donny
Edward Platt ....... Freddie
Richard Reeves ....... Jack
Clarence Muse ......... Phil
Ralph Volker ..... Bartender
Synopsis:
A musician, a "graduate" of Bourbon Street, returns to New Orleans after breaking into the big time.
Though his ex-wife deserted him, he is bent on revenge after receiving an anonymous
letter telling him she committed suicide after being mistreated by her lover. [TA]
3.12 [062] Four Star Playhouse: A CHAMPIONSHIP AFFAIR
16Dec54 CBS Thur
Story & Screenplay by Eugene Vale
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Charles Boyer .......... Alan Abbey
Vera Miles ............. Julie Tolin
Ross Elliott ........... Bert Tolin
Don Beddoe ............. Dr. Vickers
Ray Walker ............. Reporter
Dayton Lummis .......... Whit
Ray Walker ............. Reporter
*
Production Supervisor, Lloyd Richards
Story Editor, Coles Trapnell
Art Director, Duncan Cramer
Edited by Roland Gross A.C.E.
Assistant Director, Frank Baur
Makeup Artist, Karl Herlinger
A Four Star - Dick Powell-Charles Boyer-
David Niven-Ida Lupino Production
Synopsis:
Charles Boyer plays Alan, a champion bridge player,
who tries to win back the affections of his old flame Julie (Vera
Miles) by "losing" a match to her husband Bert (Ross Elliott). [DM]
3.13 [063] Four Star Playhouse: THE ANSWER
23Dec54 CBS Thur
Written by Leonard Freeman
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
David Niven ....... Deacon
Carolyn Jones ....... Dolores
Nestor Paiva ....... Rocco
Anthony Caruso ....... Bart
John Harmon ....... Sailor
Ted Stanhope ....... Cabman
Richard Reeves
Jack M. Lomas
Synopsis:
Deacon, a scholarly bum, attracts the attention of a successful writer who
becomes
interested in a play which has taken the unfortunate
scholar ten years to prepare. [JB]
3.14 [064] Four Star Playhouse: GO AHEAD AND JUMP
30Dec54 CBS Thur
screenplay by Dick Carr
story by Charles Einstein
directed by Roy Kellino
*
Produced by Dick Powell
Executive Producer, Don W. Sharpe
Editorial Supervisor, Bernard Burton
Director of Photography, George E. Diskant, A.S.C.
Starring
Dick Powell ........ Eddie
Bill Johnstone ....... Mr. Keith
Joanne Jordan ........... Molly
Robert Foulk ........... Robert
George Wallace ........... Sam
Robert Bice ........... Doorman
*
Production Supervisor, Lloyd Richards
Story Editor, Coles Trapnell
Art Director, Duncan Cramer
Edited by Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E.
Assistant Director Jack Sontag
Makeup by, Kiva
A Four Star - Dick Powell-Charles Boyer-David
Niven-Ida Lupino Production
Synopsis 1:
Eddie, a cab driver, picks up a sad looking fare and brings him to a hotel where he witnesses
the man being humiliated by his ex-wife. When the man asks to be taken to the middle of
the biggest bridge, Eddie uses some every day, hard-nosed psychology, and a little lie,
to make the man see that life is worth living. [TA]
Synopsis 2:
Dick Powell plays Eddie, a world weary taxi driver who's passenger a rich
businessman with marital problems ask him to go to the big bridge.
"Go ahead and jump says" says Powell ...
[DM]
(Note: PARKER name embedded on END credits.
OPENING credits appear to be attached from a different
episode ie "SINGER Four Star Playhouse" presents Charles
Boyer, Dick Powell, David Niven and FRANK LOVEJOY!)
3.15 [065] Four Star Playhouse: A BAG OF ORANGES
06Jan55 CBS Thur
Starring
Ida Lupino ........ Anna
Walter Coy ....... Don Gavin
Ray Walker ....... Tom Barry
Alexander Campbell ....... Warden
Herb Vigran ....... Bartender
Synopsis:
Believing her husband innocent of the crime he is to be executed for, his wife
takes up a vigil the night of the scheduled execution at a nearby café. A curious
reporter wonders about the bag of oranges she carries with her. [JB]
3.16 [066] Four Star Playhouse: STUFFED SHIRT
13Jan55 CBS Thur
Screenplay by DeWitt Bodeen
Story by Robert Standish
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Charles Boyer ........ Robert Monet
Philip Ahn ...... Chong
Peggy Maley ...... Lucy Monet
Christopher Dark ....... John Hudson
Jay Novello ..... Hutchinson
Lawrence Dobkin ...... Masterson
Synopsis:
A botanist finds that his wife is just a beautiful adventuress interested in his
money and other men. [JB]
Story location: Malaya [DM]
3.17 [067] Singer Four Star Playhouse: BREAKFAST IN BED
20Jan55 CBS Thur
Directed by Roy Kellino
Staring
David Niven ....... Charles Hilliard
Barbara Billingsley ....... Nina Hilliard
Gloria Talbott ....... Germaine Gerard
Don Shelton ....... Alec Weston
Phil Rich ............ Ed
*
Production Supervisor, Lloyd Richards
Story Editor, Coles Trapnell
Art Director, Duncan Cramer
Edited by Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E.
Assistant Director, Frank Baur
Makeup Artist, Karl Herlinger
Fashions by Ohrbach's
Furs by A.Z. Arnold & A.L. Lipsey
Paintings Loaned by The Hollywood Association
of Artists
A Four Star - David Niven - Dick Powell - Charles Boyer
- Teresa Wright
A Four Star - Dick Powell-Charles Boyer-
David Niven-Ida Lupino Production [DM]
Synopsis:
A successful commercial artist is happy with his life until a beautiful model
insists he should be painting “great works.” [JB]
3.18 [068] Four Star Playhouse: THE GOOD SISTER
27Jan55 CBS Thur
Starring
Teresa Wright ..... Sister Mary Winifred
Violet Rensing ..... Irmgard
Chuck Connors ...... Stan Ringer
Lisa Golm ....... Sister Katrina
John Dehner ..... Captain Downs
Norbert Schiller
Synopsis:
An American nun in Germany plays Cupid for a Czech orphan girl and an American
soldier. [JB]
3.19 [069] Four Star Playhouse: A KISS FOR MR. LINCOLN
03Feb55 CBS Thur
story by Louise Kennedy Mabie
Starring
Joanne Dru ............. Delight Kennard
Robert Cornthwaite ............ Henry Kennard
Dick Foran .......... Mr. Murdock
Kristine Miller ........... Mrs. Murdock
Mary Treen .......... Madeline
Synopsis:
A young woman teaches her timid husband some things about love when he tries to
show her the importance of supporting Abraham Lincoln for the Presidency. [RF]
3.20 [070] Four Star Playhouse: FAIR TRIAL
10Feb55 CBS Thur
Starring
Dick Powell ...... David Sheridan
Frank Ferguson ...... Mr. Fielding
Ray Walker ...... Sam Baker
Jean Howell ..... Carol
Rodney Bell ...... Charlie Barns
Edward Platt ...... Chief of Police
Harry Tyler ..... Policeman
Synopsis:
A TV Newsman goes to a small town to cover a lynching. He has anything but an
open
mind about the details of the story until he meets a girl who tries to explain things to him. [RF]
3.21 [071] Four Star Playhouse: THE WILD BUNCH
Four Star - Singer Production
17Feb55 CBS Thur
Producer Charles Boyer
Written by Frederick Brady
Story by Gordon Malherbe Hillman
Directed by William A. Seiter
Director of photography George E. Diskant, A.S.C.
Starring
Charles Boyer ...... George
Noreen Nash ........ Leonora
Natalie Wood ....... Louise
Gigi Perreau ....... Carlotta
B.G. Norman ........ David
Tommy Cook ......... Johnny
William Walker ..... Uncle Sim
Willa Pearl Curtis.. Aunt Cassie
Barbara Stuart ..... Hostess
*
Production Supervisor ... Lloyd Richards
Story Editor ............ Coles Trapnell
Art Director ............ Duncan Cramer
Edited by ............... Samuel E. Beetley, A.C.E.
Assistant Director ...... Jack Sonntag
Makeup Artist ........... Karl Herlinger
Synopsis:
After a charmer sweeps a pretty widow off her feet and marries her in haste,
she confesses that she has money and three children. He has no problem with the money,
but the thought of instant fatherhood gives him pause. The children are monsters at first,
but are soon won over by their stepfather's charm. [RF]
3.22 [072] Four Star Playhouse: TUSITALA
24Feb55 CBS Thur
written by Arthur Weiss
story by Rose Simon Kohn
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
David Niven .... Robert Louis Stevenson
John Lupton .... Lloyd
Gertrude Michael .... Fanny
Noreen Corcoran .... Anna
Steven Geray .... Metaafa
Leon Lontoc ..... Simile
Richard Reeves .... Lappeppa
Joseph Waring .... Hutchinson
Synopsis:
The true story of Robert Louis Stevenson's stay on the island of Tahiti. The islanders have
come to revere him as Tusitala-Teller of Tales. They believe he is magical and powerful.
When the two opposing chiefs of the island plan war against one another out of petty
jealousy, Tusitala uses his wits to convince both chiefs to make peace and save the
tranquility of the island. [TA]
3.23 [073] Four Star Playhouse: THE RETURNING
03Mar55 CBS Thur
written by Frederick J. Lipp
directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
Dick Powell ..... Capt. Phillip Avery
Joan Elan ..... Laura Trevor
Christopher Dark .... Major Evans
Walter Kingsford ... Cary Howard
Herbert Deans .... Ames
William Schallert .... Airline Clerk
William Boyette ..... Navigator
Bob Stevenson .... Co-Pilot
Synopsis:
A tragic story of an English professor at a college in Japan who falls in love with an
outcast Eurasian woman. His colleagues advise him to end the relationship lest he
be outcast himself. He refuses, is forced to resign his position, and proceeds with his
plans to marry the girl. He leaves for the USA to get a new job and find an apartment.
On the day of his departure back to Japan, he is shocked to learn that his flight has been
canceled because Japan has just bombed Pearl Harbor. He finally does return to
Japan...but as a bombardier on a mission to bomb Tokyo. [TA]
3.24 [074] Four Star Playhouse: EDDIE'S PLACE
10Mar1955 (confirmed by TVguide listings)
Starring
Ida Lupino ..... Ellen
William Tallman .... Eddie
Louis Jean Heydt .... Dan
Synopsis:
Ida Lupino stars as a parolee, Ellen, whose efforts to keep out of
trouble only involve her in a murder. [JB]
3.25 [075] Four Star Playhouse: HENRY AND THE PSYCHOPATHIC HORSE
17Mar55 CBS Thur
Written by Robert L. Hecker
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
David Niven ..... Henry
Eddy Waller .... Andy
Barbara Lawrence ..... Claire
Barton MacLane ...... Milo
Hal Baylor ...... Cal
Synopsis:
While visiting a western ranch, a psychiatrist tries to use applied
psychology to break a wild horse. [JB]
3.26 [076] Four Star Playhouse: NIGHTMARE AT LARK COTTAGE
24Mar55 CBS Thur
Adapted by Frederic Brady
Story by John Bingham
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Charles Boyer ..... Paul
Beverly Garland ..... Lucille
John Doucette ..... Sergeant Wood
Mimi Gibson ........ Julia
Helen Mayan ........ Operator
Synopsis:
A mysterious stranger comes to the home of a young woman whose
husband has just escaped from prison. [JB]
3.27 [077] Four Star Playhouse: THE GIRL ON THE BRIDGE
31Mar55 CBS Thur
Starring
Dick Powell ....... Andrew Ward
Coleen Gray ...... Lisa
Lawrence Dobkin ...... Bukov
Hugh Sanders ...... Nat Wolf
Alexander Campbell ...... Professor Tenant
Celia Lovsky ....... Elderly Woman
Synopsis:
An artist searches for a beautiful girl he sketched during a chance meeting. [JB]
3.28 [078] Four Star Playhouse: THE COLLAR
07Apr55 CBS Thur
Written by Frederick J. Lipp
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
David Niven .... Father Wyeth
Barton MacLane .... Captain Webber
John Close ..... Lt. Johnson
Walter Coy .... Steiner
Richard Hale .... Bishop
William Boyett .... Guard
Abraham Sofaer ..... Indian Chief
Synopsis:
During the Indian wars of the 1870’s, a priest is captured by the Indians.
After two years of torturous captivity, he is put to
the test: can he forgive his tormentors? [JB]
3.29 [079] Four Star Playhouse: MADEIRA MADEIRA (film)
14Apr55 CBS Thur
Sponsored by Singer
Executive Producer Don W. Sharpe
Produced by Charles Boyer
Editorial Supervisor Bernard Burton
Story and Screenplay by Leroy H. Zehran
Directed by Roy Kellino
Director of Photography George E. Diskant, A.S.C.
Starring
Charles Boyer ...... Jacques Goudet
Angela Lansbury ...... Mrs. Hallerton
John Wengraf ...... Leon Denoir
Jan Arvan ..... Luis
Nestor Paiva ..... Mario
Walter Kingsford ..... Armstrong
David Niven ..... William Hallerton (cameo appearance, uncredited)
*
Production Supervisor, Lloyd Richards
Story Editor, Coles Trapnell
Art Director, Duncan Cramer
Edited by Samuel E. Beeetley, A.C.E.
Assistant Director, Jack Sonntag
Makeup Artist, Karl Herlinger
Set Decoration, Budd S. Friend
Fashions by Ohrbach's
A Four Star-Dick Powell-Charles Boyer-David Niven-Ida
Lupino Production
Synopsis:
Jacques Goudet visits the Portuguese island of Madeira seeking the widow of his closest friend.
He has reason to believe she is involved in her husband's mysterious death. [DM]
3.30 [080] Four Star Playhouse: WITH ALL MY HEART
21Apr55 CBS Thur
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
Ida Lupino ........ Sarah
Walter Coy ......... Joe Monroe
Edward Platt ........ Dr. Max Fine
Noreen Nash ........ Kathy
Tommy Duran ........ Joey
Jimmy Baird ....... Charles
Natalie Dale ......... Nancy
Synopsis:
An overweight woman watches her doctor boyfriend marry someone else. [RF]
3.31 [081] Four Star Playhouse: THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS
Dante's Inferno no. 3
28Apr55 CBS Thur
Story and Screen by Richard Carr
Directed by Roy Kellino
Editorial Supervisor Bernard Burton
Director of Photography George E.Diskant, A.S.C.
Starring
Dick Powell ........ Willie Dante
Jean Willes ....... Lucy
Alan Mowbray ....... Jackson the waiter
Tristram Coffin ....... Simms
Regis Toomey ....... Lt. Waldo
Herb Virgan ...... Monty the bartender
Alex Frazer ....... Scotsman
Mercedes McCambridge (uncredited)
Jack Benny cameo appearance
Synopsis:
Willie Dante, the tough but suave owner of a nightclub and illegal back room casino.
One evening, Willie sees an old flame with a man and another couple, The woman, still
caring for Willie, tells him that the people she's with are planning to rob his casino.
Willie outwits them and keeps his former love from being arrested. [TA]
3.32 [082] Four Star Playhouse: UNCLE FRED FLITS BY
05May55 CBS Thur
Adapted from the P.G. Wodehouse story
Starring
David Niven ........ Earl of Ickenham
Robert Nichols ........ Ponge
Jennifer Raines ....... Julia
Alex Frazer ......... Father
Norma Varden ....... Mother
Leon Tyler ......... Fiane
Synopsis:
An erratic practical joker pays a visit to his childhood home in London.
He encounters a straitlaced family that is trying to put an end to the
daughter’s engagement to a man they consider beneath
their position. [JB]
3.33 [083] Four Star Playhouse: ALIAS MR. HEPP (film)
12May55 CBS Thur
Writer: Laszlo Gorog
Director: Roy Kellino
Starring
Charles Boyer ....... Frank Hepp
Barbara Fuller ......... Jenny
Alan Mowbray ......... Albert
Forrest Taylor ......... Dr. Washburn
Morris Ankrum ......... Warden
Florenz Ames ......... Hopewell
Jimmy Dodd ......... Turnkey
Synopsis:
A suave, sophisticated confidence man whose romantic charm makes women
easy prey for his outlandish but profitable schemes. [RF]
Four Star Playhouse: Interlude
19May55 (rebroadcast of episode aired 14Oct54)
3.34 [084] Four Star Playhouse: TRUDY
26May55 CBS Thur
Produced and Directed by Roy Kellino
Written by Kenneth Higgins
Starring
Joan Fontaine ......... Trudy
Hans Conried ......... Reverend Tuttle
Steven Geray ......... Mr. Yen
James Flaven ......... Mr. Swanson
Otto Waldis ......... Bercheimer
Guy Williams ......... Peter
Synopsis:
A young woman is arranging to be married to a groom whom no one believes exists
outside her own wishful dreams. She plans to have her wedding in the neighborhood
laundry. She finagles a wedding dress, flowers and the minister. In the end, to
everyone's surprise, her groom appears. [RF]
3.35 [085] Four Star Playhouse: BROKEN JOURNEY
02Jun55 CBS Thur
Written by Stanley Niss
Starring
David Niven ......... Cookie
Don Haggerty ......... Frank
William Leicester ......... Hi
Helene Stanton ......... Maybelle
Robert Bice ......... Lucenec
Malcolm Atterbury ......... Lt. Keough
Emory Parnell
Synopsis:
A sharp-witted safecracker is placed in a small-town jail for temporary
confinement.
While his captors are absent, he devises a unique
method of escape. [JB]
3.37 [086] Four Star Playhouse: THE EXECUTIONER
09June55 CBS Thur
Adapted by Laszlo Gorog
from the Thomas Flanagan story
appearing in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
Charles Boyer ......... Tennent
Richard Hale ......... Judge
Berry Kroeger ......... Delmar
Christopher Dark ......... Tamar
Eve Miller
Sam Flint
Henry Rowland
Ross Elliott
Synopsis:
An army major in the service of a totalitarian government is ordered
to assassinate an American physician. [JB]
Four Star Playhouse: The Collar
16Jun55 (Rebroadcast, original air date 07Apr55) [JB]
3.38 [087] Four Star Playhouse: THE FRIGHTENED WOMAN
23Jun55 CBS Thur
Written by Joseph Grushkin
Directed by James Neilson
Starring
Merle Oberon ......... Carol
Craig Stevens ......... George
Hugh Beaumont ......... Dr. Lindell
Irene Tedrow ......... Mrs. Warren
Isobel Withers ......... Doris
Ralph Sanford ......... Man
Synopsis:
A woman enters a quaint little bookstore and suddenly discovers the calendar
has turned back 25 years. Only when the book she purchased is stolen,
does she discover the key to this strange mystery. [JB]
3.39 [088] Four Star Playhouse: AWARD
30Jun55 CBS Thur
Written by Leslie Stevens
Starring
Ida Lupino ......... Valerie Banks
Franchot Tone ......... Ben Chaney
Synopsis:
A ruthless Hollywood actress flops miserably in the only stage play she ever
attempted. She asks her director to teach her to
become an actress. [JB]
Repeats begin:
07Jul55 The Doctor and the Countess (Original air date 29Apr54)
14Jul55 A Study in Panic (Original air date 08Apr54)
21Jul55 Masquerade (Original air date 15Apr54)
28Jul55 Detective’s Holiday (Original air date 04Mar54)
04Aug55 The Wild Bunch (Original air date 17Feb55)
11Aug55 Never Explain (Original air date 07Oct54)
18Aug55 A Bag of Oranges (Original air date 06Jan55)
25Aug55 Village in the City (Original air date 22Apr54)
01Sep55 The Returning (Original air date 05Mar55)
08Sep55 Night at Lark Cottage (Original air date 24Mar55)
15Sep55 The Book (Original air date 01Apr54)
22Sep55 With All My Heart (Original air date 21Apr55)
29Sep55 The House Always Wins (Original air date 28Apr55) [JB all]
############ Four Star Playhouse #############
############# season 4 1955-56 ###############
############## (final season) ################
CBS Thursdays 9:30 pm
4.01 [089] Four Star Playhouse: THE FIRING SQUAD (film)
06Oct55 CBS Thur
starring
David Niven ....... Captain Adams
Hugh Beaumont ....... Padre
John Dehner ...... General Hatfield
Michael Pate ....... Sergeant Gibbons
Jon Shepodd ..... Private Jones
John Warburton
Tom Powers
Synopsis 1:
A WWII captain must oversee an execution he doesn’t want to happen. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
An Australian Army officer is charged with displaying cowardice under fire. [JB]
4.02 [090] Four Star Playhouse: THE FACE OF DANGER
13Oct55 CBS Thur
Screenplay by Richard Carr
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
Ida Lupino ......... Emma
Dick Foran ......... Will Foster
Paul Picerni ......... Latigo Randy
William Schallert ......... Johnson
Vicki Raaf ......... Carrie
Ralph Moody ......... Uncle Lee
Helen Wallace ......... Alice
Sherman Sanders ......... Caller
Synopsis:
A 100-year-old woman who recalls her romance with a desperado
during the days of the old West. [RF]
4.03 [091] Four Star Playhouse: LET THE CHIPS FALL
20Oct55 CBS Thur
Screenplay by Richard Carr (as Dick Carr)
Story by Octavus Roy Cohen
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
Charles Boyer ......... Roger Andrews
Paul Langton ......... Garry Anchor
Jean Willes ......... Helen Archer
Lewis Martin ......... Mr. Grinell
Pierre Watkin ......... Mr. Morgan
Rhys Williams ......... Mr. Peck
Sam Flint ......... Mr. Sheridan
Synopsis:
Members of a private club suspect one of their members of cheating at cards.
They hire a crooked card player to ferret out the
guilty party. [JB]
4.04 [092] Four Star Playhouse: FULL CIRCLE
27Oct55 CBS Thur
Screenplay & Story by Herman J. Epstein
Directed by Harry Horner
Starring
David Niven ......... Maxwell
Joanne Woodward ......... Terry Thomas
Jeanne Baird ......... Nan Ferens
Alvin Greenman ......... Merv Sheppard
Synopsis:
A drama critic writes that he was unconvinced by an actress’s performance.
The irate miss pays a visit to his home, armed with a
gun. [JB]
4.05 [093] Four Star Playhouse: A SPRAY OF BULLETS (film)
03Nov55 CBS Thur
Written by Richard Carr
Starring
Dick Powell ......... Will
Raymond Hatton ......... Phineas
Jean Howell ......... Lucy
Robert J. Wilke ......... Ben
Herb Lytton ......... Tom
Tim Graham ......... Doc
Arthur Space ......... Keever
James McCallion ......... Clerk
Synopsis:
A sheriff tries to keep his failing eyesight a secret, but a vicious outlaw learns the
truth and challenges the lawman to a gun battle. [RF]
4.06 [094] Four Star Playhouse: THE DEVIL TO PAY
10Nov55 CBS Thur
Written by Mark Taylor
Starring
Charles Boyer ......... Warren Grisby
Mary Field ......... Nora Grisby
Joi Lansing ......... Miss Wilson
Don Beddoe ......... Mr. Thompson
Synopsis:
A successful businessman accepts a deal with the devil to modernize the
administration of hell. Methods prove too efficient
for his own good. [JB]
4.07 [095] Four Star Playhouse: HERE COMES THE SUIT
17Nov55 CBS Thur
Starring
David Niven ......... Philip
Allison Hayes ......... Christine
Jesse White ......... Mr. Simpson
Alvin Greenman ......... Stanley
William Forrest ......... Mr. Colter
Hugh Sanders ......... Inspector
Joi Lansing
Kristine Miller
Synopsis:
Because of his thrift, a very conservative and proper young man finds himself
forced
into wearing a rather garish suit. As a result, his
personality undergoes a remarkable change. [JB]
4.08 [096] Four Star Playhouse: LOOKING GLASS HOUSE
24Nov55 CBS Thur
Sponsored by Singer
Executive Producer Don W. Sharpe
Produced by Warren Lewis
Editorial Supervisor Bernard Burton
Story and Screenplay by Milton Geiger
Directed by Roy Kellino
Director of Photography George E. Diskant, A.S.C.
Starring
Ida Lupino ......... Ann
Arthur Franz ......... Richard
Olive Blakeney ......... Mrs. Comstock
Sam Flint ......... Doctor
Charlotte Lawrence ......... Miss Downs
Frances Robinson (NOT ON CREDITS - uncredited/or bad
info?)
*
Production Supervisor, Lloyd Richards
Story Editor, Coles Trapnell
Art Director, Duncan Cramer
Edited by Desmond Marquette, A.C.E.
Assistant Director, Jack Sonntag
Makeup Artist, Karl Herlinger
Set Decoration, Glen L. Daniels
Draperies by William R. Garrett
A Four Star-Dick Powell-Charles Boyer-David Niven-Ida
Lupino Production
Synopsis:
A woman is surprised when her fiancé turns out to have been
married before. [DM]
4.09 [097] Four Star Playhouse: SOMETHING VERY
SPECIAL
01Dec1955
starring
Charles Boyer ....... Alan
Mary Zita Perzel ........ Marie
Vale Hunter ....... Marie
Ginger Hall ...... Joan Gilbert
Synopsis:
A man, grieved at his wife's death, leaves his daughter with her grandmother in
Paris.
Five years later he returns for her, but the
girl does not believe he really wants her. [JB]
4.10 [098] Four Star Playhouse: A PLACE FULL OF STRANGERS
08Dec55 CBS Thur
Written by Willard Wiener
Directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
Dick Powell .......... Fleet Mason
Dina Merrill ......... Marcia Mason
Morris Ankrum ......... Mr. Mason
Howard McNear ......... Owens
James F. Stone ......... Brewster
Edward Earle ......... Caldwell
Lillian Bronson ......... Elizabeth
Jimmy Baird ......... Boy
Frieda Inescort ......... Mrs. Proctor
Synopsis:
Industrialist Fleet Mason, a workaholic who doesn't realize how many lives he effects
with his stressed-out working habits. When he thinks his loving wife has hung up on him
in disgust, he re-evaluates his life by taking an imaginary bus trip to "Meadville". The trip is
to nowhere and is full of psychological imagery. In a smoke shrouded bus terminal he meets
all the people in his life as total strangers. When he meets his wife and realizes she doesn't
recognize him, he becomes despondent. Only when his father appears and guides him
to the exit does he realize how he must alter his life. [TA]
4.11 [099] Four Star Playhouse: ONE WAY OUT
15Dec55 CBS Thur
written by Dick Carr
story by Joyce Selznick
directed by Roy Kellino
produced by Warren Lewis
starring
Ida Lupino ......... Diana
Scott Forbes ......... King
Frances Robinson ......... Connie
Gayle Kellogg ......... Cab Driver
Synopsis:
A wealthy woman separates from her fortune-hunting husband. For a change of scenery,
she goes to New York City and rents a swanky penthouse in a building so new that on one
else lives there. She dozes off. When she awakens, she finds herself trapped in the
apartment. Her estranged husband and his girlfriend are after her money, and are hoping
this will drive her crazy. She becomes hysterical, but by the time they show up, she has herself
under control and feigns insanity. She turns the tables on them and exits, leaving
them trapped in their own prison. [TA]
22Dec55 Four Star Playhouse: The Gift (Repeat original air date 24Dec53)
29Dec55 Four Star Playhouse: The Answer (Repeat original air date 23Dec54)
4.12 [100] Four Star Playhouse: DARK MEETING
05Jan56 CBS Thur
Written by Robert Eggenweiler
Starring
Ida Lupino ......... Billie
Warren Stevens ......... Don
Barbara Pepper ......... Clara
Elliott Reid ......... Barney
Nolan Leary ......... Phil
Helen Mayon ......... Mrs. Mason
Frank Scannell ......... Henney
Synopsis:
A pretty bowling-alley operator doesn’t realize the complications involved
when she hires a new pin boy. When the young man falls in love with her,
she discovers how dangerous he can be. [JB]
4.13 [101] Four Star Playhouse: MAGIC NIGHT
12Jan56 CBS Thur
Written by Laszlo Gorog
Starring
Charles Boyer ......... Henri
Joyce Gates ......... Paulette
Marcel Journet ......... Valois
Julie Floray ......... Josephine
Ginger Hall ......... Lucette
Vale Hunter ......... Marand
Synopsis:
Disappointed that his 25 years’ service with one firm has gone unnoticed, a mild
and meek bookkeeper embarks on a mad whirl to forget
his sorrows. [JB]
4.14 [102] Four Star Playhouse: TUNNEL OF FEAR
19Jan56 CBS Thur
Starring
Sir Cedric Hardwicke ......... Sir George
David Niven ......... Larkin
Walter Kingsford ......... Dr. Blake
Keith McConnell ......... Chauffeur
Leslie Dennison ......... Footman
Alex Frazer ......... Conductor
Synopsis:
After 20 years in prison, an ex-convict has only one purpose in mind:
revenge on his former business partner. [JB]
4.15 [103] Four Star Playhouse: HIGH STAKES
Dante's Inferno no. 4:
26Jan56 CBS Thur
Adapted by Richard Carr from a
story by Roland Winters
starring
Dick Powell ......... Willie Dante
Frances Bergen ......... Rita Raymond
Morris Ankrum ......... Mr. Raymond
Herb Vigran ......... Monty
James Seay ......... Hank
Walter Sande ......... Lt. Ritchie
Richard Bartell ......... Ed
Synopsis:
Willie Dante, wily gambler-restaurateur, becomes a target for murder
because of his latest romantic interest. [JB]
4.16 [104] Four Star Playhouse: THE LISTENER
02Feb56 CBS Thur
Adapted by Frank L. Moss
from a story by Cornell Woolrich
Starring
Ida Lupino ........ Vera Miller
Richard Lupino ........ Jimmy
Don Rickles ........ Announcer
Walter Coy ........ Verne Miller
Ralph Moody ........ Jarvis Miller
Nan Boardman ........ Rose Sharon
Paul Bryar ........ Lt. Casement
Synopsis:
A woman plots to murder her husband in order to collect his insurance.
Her plans are overheard by her father-in-law. [JB]
4.17 [105] Four Star Playhouse: SAFE KEEPING
09Feb56 CBS Thur
Writers: George & Gertrude Fass
Starring
David Niven ........ Frank
Tanya Borgh ........ Krista
Norbert Schiller ........ Clark
Jan Arvan ........ Dr. Karpoldi
Otto Reichow ........ Miklas
Ivan Triesault ........ Volpe
Herb Vigran ........ Marc
Synopsis:
An American newspaperman is given an important letter to smuggle out of a
foreign country.
He then becomes involved romantically with a beautiful
spy who also wants the letter. [JB]
4.18 [106] Four Star Playhouse: NO LIMIT
Dante's Inferno no. 5
16Feb56 CBS Thur
written by Richard Carr
starring
Dick Powell ........ Willie Dante
Lola Albright ........ Beverly
Regis Toomey ........ Lt. Manny Waldo
Alan Mowbray ........ Jackson
Robert Bice ........ Matt Devlin
Herb Vigran ........ Monte
Synopsis:
Suave restaurateur-gambler Willie Dante rebuffs the attempt of racketeers to
cash in on his gambling activities. He appears to change his mind, however,
due to the
influence of a beautiful woman. [JB]
4.19 [107] Four Star Playhouse: COMMAND
23Feb56 CBS Thur
Adapted from a story by Roland Winters
Starring
Charles Boyer ....... Montaigne
Hugh Beaumont ....... Doctor
Richard Hale ....... Captain Harmon
Christopher Dark ....... Craig
Peter Reynolds ....... Philip Montaigne
Nolan Leary ....... Stewart
Robert Bice ....... Carpenter
Synopsis:
The first mate on a merchant ship has been waiting for years to take
command of the ship. When the elderly captain makes a mistake at a time
when the ship is in
danger, the first mate sees his chance to command. [JB]
4.20 [108] Four Star Playhouse: ONCE TO EVERY WOMAN
01Mar56 CBS Thur
Writer: Leo Trelzger
Starring
Phyllis Coates ........ Marsha
Teresa Wright ........ Carol Stuart
Arthur Franz ........ David
Max Campbell ........ Dr. Bradford
Sally Corner ........ Mrs. Stuart
Betty Lou Gerson ........ Marge
Nolan Leary ........ Druggist
Synopsis:
A lonely spinster falls in love for the first time in her life.
But unknown to
her, the man is married. [JB]
4.21 [109] Four Star Playhouse: RED WINE
08Mar56 CBS Thur
Starring
David Niven ........ David Wycliffe
Stuart Whitman ........ Fisher
Norbert Schiller ........ Captain Schelle
John Banner ........ Koert
Joseph Waring ........ Stevens
John Craven ........ Morgan
Synopsis:
A detective follows his quarry into the jungles of Batavia.
Three men answer the description of the murderer he
seeks. [JB]
4.22 [110] Four Star Playhouse: TO DIE AT MIDNIGHT
15Mar56 CBS Thur
Written by Michael Fessier
Guest Star
Dick Powell ....... Grover Doane
Stacy Harris ...... Troy Walker
Hallene Hill ...... Millie
Don Barton ........ Dan Harson
Dee Carroll ....... Evvie Harson
Lewis Charles ...... Cal Yancy
Alexander Campbell ..... Governor
Don Harvey ...... Guard
William Henry ..... Newspaperman
Synopsis:
The conflict of a prison warden who discovers exculpatory
evidence on the eve of an execution. [RF]
4.23 [111] Four Star Playhouse: DESERT ENCOUNTER
22Mar56 CBS Thur
Writer: Marc Brandel
directed by Roy Kellino
Starring
Charles Boyer ....... Paul Berger
Stuart Whitman ........ Bob
Susan Kohner .......Anita
Angela Greene ........ Madeline
Jonathan Hole ....... Harold
Martin Garralaga ....... Carlos
Pepe Hern ....... Diego
Richard Lopez ...... Jose
Synopsis:
A famous author gets embroiled in an unusual situation when he offers to drive
a young Mexican girl to her ranch. [RF]
4.24 [112] Four Star Playhouse: THE CASE OF EMILY CAMERON
29Mar56 CBS Thur
Adaptation of Ida Lupino's own story
Starring
Ida Lupino ........ Emily Cameron
Scott Forbes ........ Jim
Fay Baker ....... Nadine
Arthur Space ....... Dr. Michaels
George Neise ....... Sy
Synopsis:
A man devotes his life to caring for his bedridden wife.
But there is more to the situation than meets the eye. [JB]
4.25 [113] Four Star Playhouse: THE RITES OF SPRING
05Apr56 CBS Thur
Written by Elick Moll
Starring
David Niven ....... Jim Kenyon
Barbara Lawrence .. Eva
Lela Bliss ........ Emma Kinsolving
Robert Tafur ...... Senor Valdez
Ernest Anderson ... George
Juney Ellis ....... Miss Elkins
Helen Wallace ..... Belinda
Don Shelton ....... Florist
Synopsis:
A jealous husband devises an unusual method of learning whether
or not his wife has been faithful. He believes she has not told him
the truth about some flowers she received. [JB]
4.25 [114] Four Star Playhouse: AUTUMN CAROUSEL
12Apr56 CBS Thur
Starring
Dick Powell ....... Steve Biddle
Catherine McLeod ......... Nora Biddle
Beverly Washburn ........ Jill Somers
Maidie Norman ....... Coralee
George Neise ...... Art Levin
Sonny Lee ...... Porter
Ken Christy ....... Conductor
Synopsis:
A TV writer finds inspiration from a little girl traveling
to Los Angeles. [RF]
4.26 [115] Four Star Playhouse: WALL OF BAMBOO
19Apr56 CBS Thur
Written by Walter C. Brown
Starring
Philip Ahn ........ Captain Shu Gat
Charles Boyer ........ Sampan Joe
Richard Loo ....... Jo-Kai
Russ Conway ....... Captain Jordan
Christopher Dark ...... Ryan Sanford
Berry Kroeger ..... General Feng
Synopsis:
An American intelligence officer falls into the brutal hands of a derelict
white man now risen to power in Red China. [JB]
4.27 [116] Four Star Playhouse: TOUCH AND GO
26Apr56 CBS Thur
Written by Harold Swanton
Directed by Robert Florey
Starring
David Niven ....... Ted
Beverly Garland ....... Maxine
Berry Kroeger ........ Walter Pomeroy
Bryon Foulger ........ Clerk
Tom Jackson ....... Detective
Ralph Peters ....... Waiter
Angela Greene
Irene Tedrow
Dick Elliott
Joseph V. Perry
Synopsis:
A scuffle between two friends brings sudden and accidental death
to one of them. The survivor, believing he will be accused of murder, has
only four hours to find the only person who can testify that the death
was accidental-the dead man’s fiancée. [JB]
4.28 [117] Four Star Playhouse: A LONG WAY FROM TEXAS
Dante's Inferno no. 6:
03May56 CBS Thur
starring
Dick Powell ....... Willie Dante
Regis Toomey ....... Lt. Manny Waldo
Alan Mowbray ....... Jackson
Gloria Winters ....... Molly
Gene Hardy ....... Tom
Paul Smith ....... Stuart
Jean Ferguson ....... Mickey
Herb Vigran ....... Monte
Suzanne Alexander ..... Girl in Cab
Synopsis:
Willie Dante proprietor of Dante’s Inferno, sends home a young bride who
wants to learn how to gamble. She claims she wants to take more of an
interest in her bridegroom’s activities! [JB]
4.29 [118] Four Star Playhouse: THAT WOMAN
10May56 CBS Thur
Starring
Ida Lupino ....... Flo Watson
Frank Scannell ....... Pa Watson
Peter Leeds ....... Jack Norton
Ray Stricklyn ....... Jesse Watson
Jeanette Nolan ...... Ma Watson
Dorothy Neumann .... Country woman
Synopsis:
After the death of her husband, a bewildered city girl is forced to make her
home
on a farm with her brother-in-law’s family. The narrow-minded brother resents the
young widow, who scandalizes the countryside by
using nail polish and makeup. [JB]
4.30 [119] Four Star Playhouse: THE OTHER ROOM
17May56 CBS Thur
Written by Marc Brandel
Starring
Charles Boyer ....... Martin Blanchard
Barbara Fuller ....... Joan Webb
John Hoyt ....... Roger Webb
Tom Fadden ....... Owen
Lewis Martin ....... Reeves
John Sutton ....... Rene Campion
Robert Fortin ....... Waiter
Synopsis:
A professor agrees to a strange bargain. He consents to marry a
girl he does not know and then to disappear. [JB]
4.31 [120] Four Star Playhouse: ONE FORTY-TWO
24May56 CBS Thur
Starring
Dick Powell ........ Father Gregory
Akim Tamiroff ....... Mendoza
Rick Vallin ....... Officer
Synopsis:
A priest is called in to stand by a tyrant dictator threatened with
assassination.
The entire population of his small country, through mass
“thought transmission,” wills his death. [JB]
4.32 [121] Four Star Playhouse: BENEATH THE SURFACE
31May56
Written by Elliott West
Starring
Ida Lupino ....... Meg
Craig Stevens ....... Monte
Christopher Dark ....... Pete
Joe Waring ...... Donny
Synopsis:
In an effort to escape her past, a woman takes a job in a plant. [RF]
4.33 [122] Four Star Playhouse: WATCH THE SUNSET
07Jun56 CBS Thur
directed by Richard Kinon
Starring
Dick Powell .......... Philip Benton
Joanne Woodward .......... Ann Benton
Marine Cooper .......... Carol
Lewis Martin .......... Dr. Forbes
Ralph Moody ........ Moreland
Audrey Swanson ...... Nurse
Synopsis:
After five years in a mental institution, a man’s wife returns home to
resume a normal life. His problem is complicated by the fact that
he has fallen in love with his secretary. [JB]
4.34 [123] Four Star Playhouse: SECOND CHANCE
14Jun56 CBS Thur
Starring
David Niven ........ Lee
Beverly Garland ........ Holly
Tristram Coffin .......... George
Berry Kroeger ......... Nick
Lou Krugman ......... Mr. Morgan
William Swan ........ Clint
Gene Hardy ....... Bartender
Synopsis:
A Hollywood screenwriter, in love with an ambitious actress,
finds she is using him to further her career. [JB]
4.35 [124] Four Star Playhouse: WOMAN AFRAID
21Jun56 CBS Thur
Written by James Bloodworth
Starring
Ida Lupino ........ Nina Barton
Madge Blake ...... Aunt Sophie
James Seay ....... Carl Barton
Robert Bice ...... Al Newsome
Pat Conway ...... Joe
Synopsis:
A wealthy woman spoiled by her husband’s attentions, unwillingly goes with
him on a second honeymoon to the farm where he spent his childhood.
After her husband breaks his leg horseback riding, she finds herself face
to face with an escaped murderer in the lonely old house. [JB]
*Syndication airing on Golden Playhouse
23Jul57.
4.36 [125] Four Star Playhouse: THE STACKED DECK
Dante's Inferno no. 7:
28Jun56 CBS Thur
Starring
Dick Powell ....... Willie Dante
Regis Toomey ......... Lt. Manny Waldo
Alan Mowbray ........ Jackson the waiter
Herb Vigran ....... Monty the bartender
John Cliff ....... Max
Gene Hardy ...... Tom
Harry Lauter ....... Bud
Synopsis:
Willie Dante, owner of a gaming house, is threatened by blackmailers.
They want to use his place for a payoff. [JB]
4.37 [126] Four Star Playhouse: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
05Jul56 CBS Thur
Starring
Charles Boyer ........ Dr. Severson
Dorothy Green ....... Ellen
Harry Bartell ...... Dr. Smith
Gayle Kellogg ...... Photographer
Ray Walker ....... Director
Keith Richards ....... Writer
Tim Graham ...... Reporter
Synopsis:
The same day a prominent doctor is to receive a coveted award for his word,
his wife learns of a hidden secret that could destroy his career. [RF]
4.38 [127] Four Star Playhouse: YELLOWBELLY
12Jul56 CBS Thur
starring
Frank Lovejoy
Synopsis:
After serving and being wounded in World War 2, a captain is
recalled to duty in Korea. Because of his resentment, he is branded a
coward by his company and faces removal from his
command. [JB]
4.39 [128] Four Star Playhouse: THE STAND-IN
19Jul56 CBS Thur
written by Frederic Brady
story by Ida Lupino
directed by Richard Kinon
Starring
Ida Lupino ....... Grace Markham
Virginia Field ...... Marion Clayton
John Harding ...... Director
James Nolan ...... Producer
Paul Bryar ...... First Executive
George Eldredge ....... Second Executive
Herb Vigran
William Swan
Don Ross
Gil Frye
Synopsis:
An aspiring actress has spent 20 years in Hollywood, not gaining fame as she had hoped,
but as a stand-in for a well-known actress. Her ambition turns to despair,
and her affection to bitterness. [TA]
4.40 [129] Four Star Playhouse: SUCCESS STORY (final episode)
26Jul56 CBS Thur (29Jan58 syndicated rerun on "Star Performance")
Starring
Dick Powell ....... Dan Matson
Peggie Castle........ Molly Barry
Robert Burton ...... John Drake
Synopsis:
A man is assigned to force a small-town newspaper out of existence. [TA]
*******************
Unknowns
Four Star Playhouse: SECOND SIGHT
unknown airdate
starring
Merle Oberon ....... Sara Belmont
Philip Carey ....... Dr. Ed Marshfield
Jane Darwell ....... Mrs. Riggs
Joe Forte ....... Dr. Hartman
Eddy Waller ....... Station Master
Four Star Playhouse: THE THIN LINE
01Dec55 (?)
Written by Frederick Brady
Directed by Roy Kellino
starring
David Niven ....... Johnny
Joan Camden ....... Kathy
Herb Vigran ....... Smiley
Chuck Connors ....... Attendant
Dick Paxton ....... Bartender
Jennifer Raine ....... Waitress
Lyn Thomas ....... Waitress
Synopsis:
A former jazz great is released from a mental hospital where he has been treated for amnesia...
and for the attempted murder of his wife, and attempted suicide. Upon returning to his home
and wife, a series of events leads up to the startling discovery of what really happened
the night of the attempted murder/suicide. [TA]
############## Four Star Playhouse
##############
################# the end ##################
##############################################
Have you any comments, corrections, episode titles, air dates,
production numbers, directors, writers, story/synopsis,
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