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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 29.0 November 2007
(Ep 2.11, 2.15, 3.3, 3.21, 4.3, 4.4)
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Stage/2950/
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