The Classic TV Archive - US Dramatic Anthology Series

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####### MATINEE THEATER #######

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Episode Guide
version 35.0 December 2007

(General Update)

compiled by
The Classic TV Archive

http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Stage/2950/

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

MATINEE THEATER

Executive Producer Albert McCleery

(syndicated title: Cameo Theatre, which aired early 60's)

Hosted by: John Conte

Directors:  Walter Grauman (80 episodes)

Pace Woods, Albert McCleery, Arthur Hiller

(10-31-55 to 6-27-58)

Shown every weekday 650 episodes produced

Best Contributing to Daytime Programming Emmy in 1956 Winner

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########## Matinee Theater ###########

########## season 1 1955-56 ##########

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1.01 [001] Matinee Theater: BEGINNING NOW (debut, color)

31Oct1955

Adapted by Frank Gilroy
Story by John P. Marquand
Directed by Albert McCleery

starring

Angie Dickinson

Philip Bourneuf
Louis Hayward
Frances Reid
Addison Richards
Julie Bennett

1.02 [002] Matinee Theater: MAKE BELIEVE MOTHER

01Nov1955

Story by Ricky Zurer

starring

Kevin McCarthy
Augusta Dabney

Synopsis:

A woman, married several years and still childless, tries to convince

 her husband that they should adopt a youngster. [RF]

1.03 [003] Matinee Theater: THE PERSISTENT IMAGE

02Nov1955

from the novel by Gladys Schmitt

starring

William Bishop

Angie Dickinson

Synopsis:

A man cherishes the memory of a former sweetheart, even though

she threw him over for another man. [RF]

1.04 [004] Matinee Theater: I'M STRAIGHT WITH THE WORLD

03Nov1955

Written by Theodore Apstein

Directed by Boris Sagal

starring

James Dunn

Joe De Santis

Peg Hillias
Lamont Johnson

Synopsis:

The lives of a middle-aged couple are disrupted when

 the husband's business goes bankrupt. [RF]

1.05 [005] Matinee Theater: PROGRESS AND MINNIE SWEENEY

04Nov1955

Written by Edmond Kelso
Directed by Larry Schwab
starring
Ann Harding .............. Minnie Sweeney
Ross Elliott
Jonathan Hole

Synopsis:

A schoolteacher refuses to retire, though the school board has been objecting to her

old-fashioned methods for years. Finally one of the students rebels against staying

after school. The boy happens to be the son of the school superintendent. [RF]

1.06 [006] Matinee Theater: THE HOUSE ON WILDWOOD LANE

07Nov1955

Written by George Lowther

starring

Ross Elliot

Adrienne Marden
Bobby Hyatt

Synopsis:

A husband fears personal failure in business. [RF]

1.07 [007] Matinee Theater: BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT

08Nov1955

Written by Henry Misrock

starring

Cara Williams
DeForest Kelley
Melinda Plowman

Synopsis:

A professor at a boarding school is accused of murdering a woman teacher.

He denies guilt even though a letter from the victim implies a secret tryst:

 and a little girl claims she saw the murder. [RF]

1.08 [008] Matinee Theater: ONE FOR THE ROAD

09Nov1955

Written by Ellis St. Joseph

starring

John Abbott ....... Jasper Purdy

Peter Hanson ....... Fred Purdy

Mary Scott ....... Virginia

Mike Winkleman ....... Jonathan

Ben Welden ............... Boss
Synopsis:

A man who left his wife and infant son turns up years later. He drops in for a visit at

the home of his now married son and grandchildren. His sudden appearance

and penchant for gambling wreak havoc in his son's home. [RF]

1.09 [009] Matinee Theater: AN APPLE FOR MISS MYRTLE

10Nov1955

From a short story Margaret Cousins

starring
Geraldine Page ........ Miss Myrtle

Synopsis:

A schoolteacher in a small town is frowned on by the

 parents for her unorthodox behavior. [RF]

1.10 [010] Matinee Theater: THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY

11Nov1955

Adapted by Elihu Winer

From Edward Everett Hale's classic

Directed by Lamont Johnson

starring
Peter Hanson ............. Philip Nolan
Synopsis:
This is the story of a man who damned his country

and was subjected to a strange sentence. [RF]

1.11 [011] Matinee Theater: JIGSAW

14Nov1955

Written by Seymour Stern

starring

John Conte

Judith Evelyn
Tom Laughlin

Synopsis:

A middle-aged woman lives in a dream world. [RF]

1.12 [012] Matinee Theater: SHE'S THE ONE WITH THE FUNNY FACE

15Nov1955

Written by Robert Barbash

starring

Judy Canova

Synopsis:

A down-and-out entertainer zooms back to stardom on television. [RF]

1.13 [013] Matinee Theater: ALL THE HOFFMEYERS IN THE WORLD
16Nov1955
Written by Anthony Spinner
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Ludwig Donath
Jean Inness
Gordon Mills
Kathleen Freeman

1.14 [014] Matinee Theater: THE ASPERN PAPERS

17Nov1955

Adapted by Michael Dyne

Based on the novel by Henry James

Directed by Arthur Hiller
starring
Donald Murphy
Frances Reid
Katherine Warren
Ernest Sarracino

Synopsis:

A young writer goes to the Venetian villa of the elderly woman who was

once the mistress of a famous author, now dead many years. [RF]

1.15 [015] Matinee Theater: ROMAN FEVER

18Nov1955

Adapted by H.R. Hays

Based on the story by Edith Wharton

Directed by Sherman Marks
starring
Claire Luce
Irene Hervey
Carla Balenda

Synopsis:

Two young girls are rivals for the affection of a young painter. [RF]

1.16 [016] Matinee Theater: MIDSUMMER

21Nov1955

Adapted by Speed Lamkin

Based on a short story by Nancy Hale

Directed by Boris Sagal

starring

Margaret O'Brien ....... Victoria

Keith Andes
Ted Donaldson
Carolyn Craig

Synopsis:

The daughter of a well-to-do family in New England is bored with her aristocratic life.

While her parents are abroad, the teenager takes up with a man whose

background is the exact opposite. [RF]

1.17 [017] Matinee Theater: THE LADY CHOOSES

22Nov1955

Written by William McCleery

starring
Judith Evelyn
John Hoyt

Synopsis:

A New York Publisher is astounded to learn of his wife's dabbling in politics.

 When she decides to run for office, her husband tries to convince her

she's being used as a figurehead. [RF]

1.18 [018] Matinee Theater: THE COURTSHIP OF MILES STANDISH

23Nov1955

Adapted by Ellen & Richard McCracken

Based on the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
John Dehner .............. Captain Miles Standish
Val Dufour
Olive Sturgess
Tudor Owen

Synopsis:

Widower Captain Miles Standish seeks the aid of his friend John Alden in asking

 the hand of a young woman. Standish does not realize Alden is also in love with the girl. [RF]

preempted for Macy's Day Parade

24Nov1955

1.19 [019] Matinee Theater: DISPOSSESSED

25Nov1955

Adapted for TV by Elizabeth Hart

From a novel by Nedra Tyre

Directed by Allan Buchhantz
starring
Amzie Strickland
Helen Wallace
Robert Forrest

Synopsis:

Evil pervades the once happy atmosphere of a spinster's cottage. A strange and

domineering woman moves in unexpectedly and proceeds to rule the spinster's life. [RF]

1.20 [020 Matinee Theater: ONE FOR THE ROAD

28Nov1955

Written by Ellis St. Joseph

starring

John Abbott ....... Jasper Purdy

Peter Hanson ....... Fred Purdy

Mary Scott ....... Virginia

Mike Winkleman ....... Jonathan

Wendy Winkleman ....... Pamela

Ben Welden ....... Boss

Synopsis:

A man who left his wife and infant son turns up years later. He drops in for a visit at

the home of his now married son and grandchildren. His sudden appearance and

penchant for gambling wreak havoc in his son's home. [RF]

1.21 [021] Matinee Theater: THE TOUCHSTONE

29Nov1955

Adapted by Jerome Rose & Lois Jacoby

From the novel by Edith Wharton

Directed by Arthur Hiller

starring

Don Briggs ....... Stephen

Frances Robinson ....... Alexa

Anthony Eustrel ....... Dexter

Victoria Ward

Synopsis:

A once successful writer, who now verges on the alcoholic, makes one last attempt

 to sell his latest work. When this fails, he must decide which is more important,

personal integrity or money. [RF]

1.22 [022] Matinee Theater: WUTHERING HEIGHTS

30Nov1955

Adapted by Lois Jacoby

From the novel by Emily Bronte

Directed by Lamont Johnson

starring

Richard Boone ....... Heathcliff

Peggy Webber ....... Cathy

Sammy Ogg ........ Young Heathcliff

Shelley Fabares .......... Young Cathy

Sean McClory ........... Hindley

Natalie Norwick ......... Isabella

Stanley Adams ........ Earnshaw

Synopsis:

This is the tragic love story of a man and woman who fell in love as youngsters,

but who each married another. [RF]

1.23 [023] Matinee Theater: THE BRASS RING

01Dec1955

Adapted by Helene Hanff (as Herman Knight)

Based on a story by Jacqueline Rhodes

Synopsis:

A young intern tries to convince his fiancee she shouldn't have the responsibility of

supporting her divorced sister and the sister's child.  [RF]

1.24 [024] Matinee Theater: JASON

02Dec1955

Adapted by Lawrence Hazard

Based on the story by Samson Raphaelson 

starring
John Hoyt
Helen Westcott

Synopsis:

An intellectual New York drama critic takes a personal interest in a young playwright.

Then he discovers the younger man has more than a casual interest in the critic's wife. [RF]

 1.25 [025] Matinee Theater: ARROWSMITH
05Dec1955
Adapted by Kathleen and Robert H. Lindsay
Based on the story by Sinclair Lewis
Directed by Boris Sagal

starring
Grant Williams ..... Martin Arrowsmith
Gregory Gay
Maudie Prickett
Reba Tassell

Synopsis:
Martin Arrowsmith, an idealistic young doctor, returns to his rural hometown

and establishes a small practice, and in his spare time eventually

develops a serum for a deadly cow disease.
 

1.26 [026] Matinee Theater: PASSING STRANGE
06Dec1955
Written by E. Jack Neuman

starring
Sally Brophy
Val Dufour

1.27 [027] Matinee Theater: FOR THESE SERVICES
07Dec1955
Written by Theodore Ferro & Mathilde Ferro

starring
Richard Jaeckel

1.28 [028] Matinee Theater: CORDIALLY - WITH BOMBS
08Dec1955
starring
Arthur O'Connell

1.29 [029] Matinee Theater: WHITEOAKS
09Dec1955

(aka The White Oaks)
Adapted by Kay Arthur
Based on a story by Mazo De La Roche
Directed by Allan Buckhantz
starring
Lenore Shanewise
Myron Healy
Bob Arthur

1.30 [030] Matinee Theater: O'TOOLE FROM MOSCOW

12Dec1955

Produced by Albert McCleery

Written by Rod Serling

Directed by Larry Schwab

starring

Chuck Connors

Leo Durocher

John Banner
Kurt Katch

Synopsis:

A baseball loving Soviet citizen defects to the U.S. to play for the Cincinnati Reds. [RF]

1.31 [031] Matinee Theater: THE MILWAUKEE ROCKET
13Dec1955
Adapted by Dale Wasserman
Based on a story by Ted Prideaux
Directed by Jim Jordan
starring
Robert Horton
Alan Hale, Jr.
Karen Steele

1.32 [032] Matinee Theater: THIS ONE IS DIFFERENT
14Dec1955
Written by S.S. Schweitzer

1.33 [033] Matinee Theater: THE SINS OF THE FATHERS
15Dec1955
Written by David Davidson
Directed by Boris Sagal
starring
John Hoyt
Donald Murphy
Frances Reid
Carolyn Craig

 1.34 [034] Matinee Theater: SEE YOU ON SUNDAY
16Dec1955
starring
Jan Merlin
Angie Dickinson

1.35 [035] Matinee Theater: COMING OF AGE
19Dec1955
Written by Harold & Johanna Brodky
Directed by Tad Danielewski
starring
Madge Evans
Elaine Stritch
(New York Origination)

1.36 [036] Matinee Theater: TECHNIQUE
20Dec1955
Written by Lois Jacoby

starring
Shirley Ross
Hayden Rorke
Angie Dickinson
Claire Luce

1.37 [037] Matinee Theater: no details

21Dec1955

1.38 [038] Matinee Theater:  SANTA IS NO SAINT
22Dec1955
Written by Frank and Doris Hursley
Directed by Arthur Hiller

starring
Edmund Gwenn
Anita Louise
Robert Middleton
Jean Byron
Jerry Mather

Synopsis:
A stern business man believes his children should be told the truth about Santa Claus. [RF]
 

 1.40 [040] Matinee Theater: THE RED SANDERS STORY
26Dec1955

Written by Wilton Schiller
Story by George Bruce
Directed by Walter Grauman
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Richard Arlen ......... Red Sanders
Dorthy Green
Philip Tonge
William Schallert

Synopsis:
This is the story of UCLA's football coach, Red Sanders,

who gave up a life of security to gamble on his convictions.

1.41 [041] Matinee Theater:  ELISHA AND THE LONG KNIVES
27Dec1955

Written by Dale Wasserman
starring
Harry Carey Jr.

Synopsis:
A boy survives an Indian massacre and three hunters become his caretakers.

1.42 [042] Matinee Theater: no details

28Dec1955

1.43 [043] Matinee Theater: no details

29Dec1955

1.44 [44] Matinee Theater: THE SHOT
30Dec1955
Written by E. Jack Neuman
Directed by Allan Buckhantz
starring
Myron Healy
James Griffith
Douglas Kennedy
Judith Ames

1.45 [45] Matinee Theater: no details
02Jan1956

1.46 [046] Matinee Theater: MR. KRANE

03Jan1956

Based on the story by Arthur Rodney Conebeare

Directed by Boris Sagal

starring

Cedric Hardwicke ..... Mr. Krane
John Hoyt ............ Harry
Mary LaRoche ......... Elaine
Peter Hansen ......... Will
Synopsis:
Mr. Krane claims to be from outer space---and warns that men on Earth are doomed. [RF]
 

1.47 [47] Matinee Theater: no details
04Jan1956

1.48 [48] Matinee Theater: no details
05Jan1956

1.49 [49] Matinee Theater: no details
06Jan1956

1.50 [50] Matinee Theater: no details
09Jan1956

1.51 [51] Matinee Theater: no details
10Jan1956
 

1.52 [052] Matinee Theater: ALL THE TREES IN THE FIELD
11Jan1956
Written by Sylvia Richards
Directed by Alan Neuman
starring

James Bell ............ Rancher
Robert Karnes ......... Son
Melinda Plowman ....... Granddaughter
Adrienne Marden ....... Mother
Amzie Strickland ...... Daughter-in-law
Carolyn Craig ......... Cousin
Sammee Tong ........... Nurseryman
Synopsis:
An father is being pressured to sell his orange grove to real estate developer.
Note: A television history first, when the first live color remote was broadcast from

an orange grove in the San Fernando Valley [RF]

1.53 [053] Matinee Theater: no details
12Jan1956

1.54 [54] Matinee Theater: FRIDAY THE 13TH
13Jan1956
Written by Sumner Locke Elliot
Directed by Allan Buckhantz
starring
Rex Reason
Maxine Cooper
Cathy Downs
Glenn Langan
Virginia Gibson
Mary Beth Hughes
Paul Burke

1.55 [055] Matinee Theater: THE OLD MAID
16Jan1956

Adapted from the play by Zoe Akins
Based on the novel by Edith Wharton
Directed by Lamont Johnson

starring
Sarah Churchill ....... Charlotte Lovell
Katharine Bard
Karen Sharpe
Rhodes Reason

Synopsis:
The story of a woman who is unable to tell her daughter she is her real mother. [RF]

1.56 [056] Matinee Theater: MOTHER WAS A BACHELOR
17Jan1956
Written by Irving W. Phillips
starring
Billie Burke
Synopsis:
A spinster aunt who for years acted as mother to the children of her dead sister,

 suddenly decides she wants to live a life of her own. [RF]

1.57 [057] Matinee Theater: BOTTOM OF THE RIVER
18Jan1956

Written by Arnold Schulman
Synopsis:
A social worker tries to organize a gang of unmanageable

youngsters into a decent boys' club. [RF]

1.58 [058] Matinee Theater: THE CAREFREE TREE
19Jan1956
Written by Aldyth Morris
Synopsis:
In the Orient, war seems imminent between rival family factions. A young royal couple,

 whose son may someday occupy the throne, tries an unusual scheme to avert hostilities. [RF]

1.59 [059] Matinee Theater: INTERLUDE
20Jan1956
Written by Octavus Roy Cohen
Synopsis:
A drab but kindly young woman falls in love with a brash piano player. [RF]

 1.60 [060] Matinee Theater: THE BIG BOX
23Jan1956 NBC Mon
Written by Arnold Auerbach
Directed by Boris Sagal
starring
John Hoyt
Randy Stuart
Benny Baker

Synopsis:
A girl who has faith in a down-and-out radio comedian tries to talk

him into doing a new television show. [RF]

 1.61 [061] Matinee Theater: SINCERELY YOURS, CHARLIE FISHER
24Jan1956 NBC Tue
Synopsis:
A young employee of a small-town post office spends most of his time day-dreaming

about traveling to the far corners of the globe. His mother and sweetheart try

to convince him that he must settle down. [RF]

 1.62 [062] Matinee Theater: DOC
25Jan1956 NBC Wed
Synopsis:
A father tries to get his daughter to postpone her marriage. Because of his own past experience,

he fears that the career of the groom-to-be will be hampered by marriage. [RF]

 1.63 [063] Matinee Theater: THE AMATEUR
26Jan1956 NBC Thur
Guest cast:
Paul Gilbert ............. Bernie
Adrienne Marden .......... Sara
Bea Benaderet ............ Edna
Synopsis:
A young man weary of his job at a garment factory,

has aspirations to enter show business. [RF]

1.64 [064] Matinee Theater: LIGHT AND SHADOW
27Jan1956 NBC Fri
Guest cast:
Argentina Brunetti
Jeanne Cooper
Paul Lukather
Synopsis:
A social worker reports that a middle-aged woman is

mentally unbalanced. But the woman's friends and neighbors stand

 behind her, knowing that her delusion concerning a son she never had

is only her way of clinging to a small shred of happiness. [RF]

1.65 [065] Matinee Theater: ROMNEY
30Jan1956
Synopsis:
After the sudden death of his older brother, a young boy

 rejects and is rejected by his father. [RF]

1.66 [066] Matinee Theater: O PROMISE ME
31Jan1956
Written by Greer Johnson
Guest cast:
Dick Elliott ............. Dr. Lamarr Grimp
Cheerio Meredith ......... Ola Jean Darter
Jean Sudlow .............. Sofan Vestal
Robert Sampson ........... Buford
Synopsis:
A middle-aged doctor has been courting his sweetheart for 43 years!

All is calm and the doctor advises two young lovers to wait before

 marrying until they are financially prepared. Angry, his fiancee

files suit against him for breach of promise. [RF]

1.67 [067] Matinee Theater: HOLD MY HAND AND RUN
01Feb1956
Written by Jeanette and Francis Letton
Guest cast:
Claire Luce .............. Jean Blake
Lowell Gilmore ........... Bill Blake
Synopsis:
A married couple have avoided telling their daughter the truth about

 the father's job and their martial plans. [RF]

1.68 [068] Matinee Theater: DARK POSSESSION
02Feb1956
Written by Gore Vidal
Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Katherine Bard
Adrienne Marden
Kathleen Crowley
Maury Hill

Synopsis:
A series of anonymous letters creates fear and havoc in the lives of three sisters.

 The mysterious writer accuses one of the sisters of murder. [RF]

1.69 [069] Matinee Theater: THE DIAMOND
03Feb1956
Written by David Chandler
Directed by Boris Sagal
starring
Helen Westcott
Richard Crenna (as Dick Crenna)
Gloria Blondell

Synopsis:
A plain, unglamorous secretary whose life thus far has been quite ordinary,

finds herself the center of attention when she becomes heir to a huge diamond. [RF]

1.70 [070] Matinee Theater: SUSAN AND GOD
06Feb1956
Adapted by Lawrence Hazard
Story by Rachel Crothers
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Sarah Churchill
Walter Coy
Cathy Downs

1.71 [071] Matinee Theater: CAVE-IN
07Feb1956 NBC

(IMDB has 03Feb56)

Producer Ethel Frank & Darrell Ross

Written by Jack Oleck

Directed by Boris Sagal

Director of photography Roger Shearman

Music by Alex Compinsky

starring

Paul Langton

Katherine McLeod

Jeanne Cooper

Stacy Harris

Harry Hickox

Ricky Dorn

Mark Evans

Butch Bernard

Paul Maxwell

Robert A. Paquin

Joe Quinn

Synopsis:

During all the years of their married life, Helen has been bullied by her husband

Phil--about the neglected house, her ill health and the care of their son. Lately,

Phil has been seeing much of Ruth, their next-door-neighbor, whose husband Matt,

according to Phil, is "an unambitious cop." A terrible accident reveals Phil as he really is. [RF]

1.74 [074] Matinee Theater: THE BRAT'S HOUSE
10Feb1956

Written by Roy Hargrave

Synopsis:
In a Korean battle five Americans become detached from their company.

They take over a hut in which they find and capture two North Korean soldiers,

and an orphaned youngster. The boy soon becomes their mascot. [RF]

1.75 [075] Matinee Theater: MYSTERIOUS MR. TODD
13Feb1956
Story by George Sumner Albee

Synopsis:
A shy school principal and a rising young attorney are both in love

 with the same woman. A man who looks a great deal like Abraham Lincoln

 arrives in town as a summer boarder and becomes involved in the situation. [RF]

1.76 [076] Matinee Theater: VALENTINE'S DAY
14Feb1956
Synopsis:
The daughter and sister of a pretty widow decide to play Cupid.

Both want to marry her off to a likely suitor. [RF]

1.77 [077] Matinee Theater: SUMMER CANNOT LAST
15Feb1956
Based on a story by Elizabeth Hart

Synopsis:
A mother discovers she is falling in love with the man her daughter has married. [RF]

1.78 [078] Matinee Theater: THE LAST BATTLEFIELD
16Feb1956

Written by Harold Callen
Synopsis:
A Polish merchant learns that his teen-age son and daughter have been

won over to communism. He laboriously arranges an escape from the country,

with his rebellious son virtually his prisoner. Even in Sweden their trouble

continues, as the son informs on a priest who has aided their escape. [RF]

1.79 [079] Matinee Theater: THE CATBIRD SEAT
17Feb1956
Adapted by Robert J. Shaw
Based on James Thurber's story
Directed by Sherman Marks
starring
Mary Wickes
Dabbs Greer
Phillip Tonge
Lillian Bronson

Synopsis:
A meek little file clerk turns into a veritable tiger when his boss hires
an efficiency expert. His file system has worked for 30 years. and he's
not going to change it for an efficiency expert. [RF]

1.80 [080] Matinee Theater: THE MIDDLE SON
20-Feb-1956

1.85 [085] Matinee Theater: SKYLARK
27-Feb-1956
Written by Sam Raphaelson
Story by Lawrence Hazard
Directed by Arthur Hiller

starring
Gene Raymond ........ Tony Kenyon
Sarah Churchill
Sheila Bromley
June Vincent
Casey Adams
Synopsis:
The wife of a successful advertising executive feels he pays too much attention

 to the value of a dollar bill and not enough to the value of life. [RF]

1.86 [086] Matinee Theater: TALL, DARK STRANGER
28Feb1956

Written by Peter Barry
starring
Zsa Zsa Gabor

Hugh O'Brian
Synopsis:
A man is hired to follow the wife of his boss, who suspects she is involved

in a romance with a tall dark stranger. Unwillingly, he falls in love

with her, and murder seems the only way out. [RF]

1.87 [087] Matinee Theater: ANYTHING BUT LOVE

29Feb1956

Written by William McCleery

starring

Diana Lynn

John Conte
Synopsis:
Even though he does not believe in romance, a producer is attracted to his latest star.

There's a small hitch however, he is willing to marry her in order to keep

her in the theater. She wants to marry and retire from the theater. [RF]

1.88 [088] Matinee Theater: ROBIN DAW
01-Mar-1956
Written by Ira Avery
starring
June Havoc
Synopsis:
A sophisticated Hollywood woman commentator is bored with most of her suitors.

 She finally falls in love, but with a scientist who plans to isolate himself on

 an island to study an incurable illness. [RF]

1.89 [089] Matinee Theater: LETTER TO A STRANGER
02-Mar-1956

Adapted from the novel by Elswyth Thane
starring
Jeff Morrow ...... Beaumont Marshall
Susan Kohner ........ Joanna Marshall
Margaret Hayes ...... Eve Endicott
Synopsis:
The curiosity of a woman novelist is aroused by a letter from a young girl.

She claims her father keeps her a virtual prisoner in their home. [RF]

1.90 [090] Matinee Theater: DINNER AT ANTOINE'S

05Mar1956

Adapted by Samuel W. Taylor

Based on a story by Frances Parkinson Keyes

Directed by Allan Buckhanz

starring

Tod Andrews

Jean Parker ....... Amelie

Vinton Hayworth ....... Foxworth

Synopsis:

A beautiful young New Orleans socialite is found murdered.

The police captain is certain someone in her family is guilty.  [RF]

1.91 [091] Matinee Theater: THE MATING OF WATKINS TOTTLE

06Mar1956

Adapted by William Kozlenko

Based on a novel by Charles Dickens

Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Alan Mowbray
Charles Davis
Phyllis Stanley
John Irving

Synopsis:

A middle-aged bachelor thus far has avoided matrimony. His friends, knowing

he is in need of money, arrange a meeting with a prospective bride who

might be willing to support a husband. [RF]

1.92 [092] Matinee Theater: HER SON'S WIFE

07Mar1956

Adapted by Peggy Phillips

Based on a story by Claire Wallis

Synopsis:

Three generations come together to celebrate the grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary.

During the evening the newly wedded granddaughter insists on modeling her

grandmother's wedding gown. As a result, many true family relationships

are revealed for the first time.  [RF]

1.93 [093] Matinee Theater: THE SHINING PALACE

08Mar1956

Written by Peggy Phillips

Synopsis:

A husband has definite ideas about bringing up his children. He feels his way of

life on an isolated island is better than letting his offspring be subjected to

education and other cruelties of civilization.  [RF]

1.94 [094] Matinee Theater: THE ODD ONES

09Mar1956

Written by Betty Ulius

starring
Marilyn Erskine ...... Judith Mann
Darryl Hickman ....... Ben de Franco
Olive Blakeney ....... Mrs. Mann

Synopsis:

A woman art instructor entering her 30's falls in love with a pupil younger than she.

Her overbearing brother tries to convince the woman that the artist is only

using her to further his career.  [RF]

1.95 [095] Matinee Theater: A COWBOY FOR CHRIS
12Mar1956
Written by Walter Black & William Mendrek
Synopsis:
A once-famous movie cowboy takes a room in a boarding house

run by a very attractive widow. [RF]

1.96 [096] Matinee Theater: THE ROCKING CHAIR
13Mar1956
Adapted by Anthony Spinner
From a story by Bob Barbash
starring
Lamont Johnson ..... Steve
Addison Richards ... Frank
Synopsis:
On the eve of his daughter's return from her honeymoon, the father of the

 bride dies suddenly. The grief-stricken mother transfers her dependence

 to her daughter, endangering the marriage of the newly-wedded couple. [RF]

1.97 [097] Matinee Theater: THE BIG GUY
14Mar1956
Written by Leonard Freeman
starring
Alan Hale Jr. ...... Duke
Toni Gerry ......... Susan Wilson
William Schallert .. Henry
Synopsis:
A man still rests on his laurels as a big-time football player, but he is brought up

 short when he realizes his business success is due only to his former athletic glory. [RF]

1.98 [098] Matinee Theater: STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
15Mar1956
Written by A.J. Russell
starring
Herbert Anderson
Synopsis:
A professor masterminds a million-dollar holdup and splits the loot three ways

with his accomplices. A few years later, just before the statue of limitations has

run out, the police get a strange clue when one of the thieves is committed to a hospital. [RF]

1.99 [099] Matinee Theater: THE BARON AND THE BANSHEES
16Mar1956
Written by Seamus White
Synopsis:
Four good friends in old Eire share living quarters. Their friendship

is put to the test when one of the cronies brings home his intended bride. [RF]

1.100 [100] Matinee Theater: NOTEBOOK WARRIOR
19Mar1956 Mon
Written by Ira Levin
starring
Ben Cooper
Onslow Stevens
Richard Carlyle
Synopsis:
A Concert violinist is drafted into the Army over his father's strenuous objections. [RF]

1.101 [101] Matinee Theater: TEMPTATION FOR A KING
20Mar1956 Tue

Adapted by Michael Dyne
From the novel by John Secondari
starring
John Conte
Synopsis:
An exiled king must decide between abdication or an attempt to regain his power. [RF]

1.102 [102] Matinee Theater: THE WHITE KNIGHT
21Mar1956
starring
Josephine Drew
Gregory Gay

1.103 [103] Matinee Theater: THE ANXIOUS YEARS
22Mar1956
starring
Irene Hervey

Philip Ober
Synopsis:
A doting mother almost ruins the lives of her grown children. [RF]

1.104 [104] Matinee Theater: 'M' IS FOR THE MANY ...
23Mar1956
Written by Joan Cunningham
Directed by Livia Granito
starring
Ann Harding
Lewis Hartin
Carol Nugent

1.105 [105] Matinee Theater: SILENT PARTNER
26Mar1956
Synopsis:
Following the death of her husband, a widow insists on keeping his tailor shop open

even though business is falling off. A long-time friend, who has been in love with her

 for many years, tries to convince the grief-stricken widow she is making a mistake by

treating the shop as a shrine to her husband's memory. [RF]
 

1.106 [106] Matinee Theater: WINTER IN APRIL
27Mar1956
Synopsis:
An elderly man of letters supports his orphaned teen-age granddaughter.

When he hires a young male secretary, the girl believes she has fallen in love. [RF]

1.107 [107] Matinee Theater: BREAD UPON THE WATERS
28Mar1956
Synopsis:
A young couple moves into the ground floor apartment of a mansion owned by

an elderly woman. The husband at first resents the fact that the old lady imposes on

his wife to do household chores. Then they learn they have been made sole heirs in her will.  [RF]

1.108 [108] Matinee Theater: THE GIANT KILLER

29Mar1956

Written by Joseph K. Caldwell

Synopsis:
A father is determined to prevent his teenage daughter from

 leaving home and entering a convent. [RF]

1.109 [109] Matinee Theater: THE BOOK OF RUTH
30Mar1956

Adapted by Howard Rodman
Director & Narrator Lamont Johnson
starring
Sarah Churchill ...... Ruth
Katherine Warren ..... Naomi
Fay Bainter ..........
Synopsis:
This is the well-known story of Biblical times about Ruth, whose devotion

to her mother-in-law takes her into a new land among strangers. [RF]

1.112 [112] Matinee Theater: FROM THE DESK OF MARGARET TYDINGS

04Apr1956 (rerun 14Apr58 & 25Jun58)

Adapted by Robert Esson
Based on a story by Blanche Gregory
Directed by Boris Sagal

starring

Margaret Hayes ....... Margaret Tydings

Donald Murphy ....... Jim Tyding
DeForest Kelley ...... Alan Brecker
Virginia Stefan ...... Edith Martin
Johnny Crawford ...... Jimmy
Maidie Norman ........ Rose
Anna Karen ........... Doctor Irene Glenn
Virginia Arness ...... Betty

Synopsis:
A successful career woman becomes ill and discovers that someone

has been giving her small doses of poison every day. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
After a successful businesswoman falls ill, she learns that she's

being receiving small daily doses of a poison. Her leading suspects are

 her husband and her ambitious assistant.
*Note: Syndication airing on Cameo Theater 11Mar62 ABC Sat)

1.114 [114] Matinee Theater: THE HOUSE OF SEVEN GABLES
06Apr1956 (rerun 15Aug56, 09Oct56, 29Nov56)
Adapted by Elihu Winer
Based on the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Directed by Allan Buckhantz
starring
John Carradine ...... Jaffrey Pyncheon
Marshall Thompson ... Clifford Pyncheon
Helen Wallace ....... Hepzibah Pyncheon
Synopsis:
In Puritan times, a wealthy man takes a fancy to some property owned

by a man named Maule, and has Maule executed on trumped-up charges

 of witchcraft. The doomed man places a curse on his accuser's family.
 

1.115 [115] Matinee Theater: FIDDLIN' MAN
09Apr1956

Written by Dale Wasserman
Story by William Brandon
Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Gene Nelson
Synopsis:
When young, personable Dr. Rainwater rides his medicine show wagon into town,

he's clapped into jail by the sheriff. The sheriff says he'll release him only if

 Rainwater will aid the sheriff in acquiring a very fine horse from a young lady

who refuses to have any dealings with him. [RF]

1.116 [116] Matinee Theater: THE HOLLOW WOMAN
10Apr1956 (rerun 23Aug56, 11Oct56)
Written by Bruce Kimes

starring

Diana Lynn .......... Laura
Jess Barker ......... Charles
Ellen Corby ......... Cissie
Sara Haden .......... Charlotte
Ottola Nesmith ...... Anna
Robert Patten ....... Spencer
Synopsis:
A young woman hides her sensitivity about not being attractive to men behind

 a facade of sophistication and sarcasm. Her elderly aunt, once a musical-comedy star,

tries to help the girl break away from her domineering mother. [RF]

1.117 [117] Matinee Theater: PEOPLE IN GLASS
11Apr1956
Written by Kathleen & Robert Howard Lindsay
starring
Virginia Bruce .... Margaret Ames
Synopsis:
The matriarch of an aristocratic but now penniless family

is aghast when she learns her widowed daughter plans

 to marry a "common" man who owns a greenhouse. [RF]

1.118 [118] Matinee Theater: ONE OF THE FAMILY
12Apr1956 (rerun 10Oct56)
Written by S.S. Schweitzer
starring
Irene Ryan ........... Ray Moore
Peter Hanson ......... Jim Thatcher
Vinton Haworth ....... Robert Masters
Frances Helm ......... Olivia Dunne
Herbert Rudley ....... Walter Grimm

Synopsis:
A girl who has helped to build a talent agency into a successful business is,

 in spite of a good salary and the respect of her colleagues, disturbed

by the feeling that she has to do all the dirty work. [RF]
 

1.119 [119] Matinee Theater: YOUNG HANDS, YOUNG FEET
13Apr1956
Written by Steven Gethers
starring
Regis Toomey ......... Phil Gordon
Irene Hervey ......... Myra Gordon
Ellen Corby .......... Louise
John Eldredge ........ Frank Ross
Sally Fraser ......... Diane
Jess Kirkpatrick ..... Eddie
Ann Seaton ........... Jeannie
Margaret Brayton ..... Mrs. Patterson
Synopsis:
A middle-aged couple, successful in business, are unsuccessful

when it comes to holding their marriage together. [RF]

1.120 [120] Matinee Theater: ASK ME NO QUESTIONS
16Apr1956
Written by Max Wilk
starring
Alan Young
Synopsis:
When a confirmed bachelor who owns a restaurant tries to sell his special recipe

for a salad dressing, he gets involved with a beautiful girl FBI agent. [RF]

1.121 [121] Matinee Theater: THE LARK SHALL SING
17Apr1956
Adapted by Peggy Phillips
Story by Elizabeth Cadell
Synopsis:
A young English couple decide that they will live with the groom's aged mother

after the wedding. When the bride puts up her house for sale, her five brothers

and sisters, whom she has not seen for years, descend upon her from all corners

of the British Isles to try to prevent the sale. [RF]

1.122 [122] Matinee Theater: IN DREAD OF WINTER
18Apr1956
Adapted by Jess Greg
Synopsis:
A governess, in love with the father of her charge, is dismayed when she learns the

widower is unaware of her feelings and plans to marry another woman. In her bitter

disappointment, the governess turns the young boy against his prospective stepmother

in an effort to prevent the marriage from taking place. [RF]

1.123 [123] Matinee Theater: THE CENTURY PLANT
19Apr1956 (rerun 09Aug56)
Written by Theodore Apstein
Synopsis:
The idyllic existence of an American college professor, who has moved with his

second wife and two children to Mexico, is menaced by the sudden appearance

of his first wife, who is determined to win him back. [RF]

1.124 [124] Matinee Theater: THE BABYLONIAN HEART
20Apr1956 (rerun12Oct56)
Written by Robert Arthur
TV Adaptation by Henry Misrock
starring

Zsa Zsa Gabor ....... Jessica Winslow
Philip Reed ......... Charles Winslow
Dorothy Green ....... Elizabeth
Herschel Bernardi ... M. Plevian
Synopsis:
The fifth wealthiest woman in the world hires detectives to trail her fifth husband

and ensure his faithfulness. The husband decides to regain his

freedom by arranging his own "death." [RF]

1.125 [125] Matinee Theater: WHOM DEATH HAS JOINED TOGETHER

23Apr1956

Written by Alvin Sapinsley

Directed by Boris Sagal

starring

Vincent Price

Catherine McLeod

Andrea King
Harry Carey Jr.
Synopsis:
A matinee idol whose advances to a married woman help

rouse her husband's romantic impulses. [RF]

1.128 [128] Matinee Theater: A WOMAN NAMED RUBY
26Apr1956
Written by Doris Gilbert
starring
Mary Webster
K.T. Stevens
Johnny Crawford

Synopsis:
Ruby decides to run for a political office even with her family against her.

1.131 [131] Matinee Theater: GREYBEARDS AND WITCHES

01May1956

Written by Robert Easton

starring

Agnes Moorehead ...... Mrs. Barnes

Cathy O'Donnell ...... Velna

Judy Nugent ....... Emma

Louis Letteiri ........ Billy

1.132 [132] Matinee Theater: THE LEGEND OF JENNY LIND
02May1956
Written by Irve Tunick
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Dorothy Kirsten
James Flavin
Ralph Clanton
Ray Anthony
Werner Klemperer

1.134 [134] Matinee Theater: NIGHT MUST FALL
04May1956
Written by Emlyn Williams
Directed by Sherman Marks
starring
Richard Jaeckel
Marilyn Erskine

1.140 [140] Matinee Theater: A FAMILY AFFAIR
14May1956
Written by Henry Misrock

starring
Jim Backus
Lurene Tuttle
Synopsis:
A struggling artist, now a successful businessman,

is upset over the play his son has written.

Matinee Theater: STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
15May1956 (rerun or mistake airdate 15Mar56)

1.141 [141] Matinee Theater: BLIND DATE
16May1956

1.142 [142] Matinee Theater: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD
17May1956

Written by Wilton Schiller

1.143 [143] Matinee Theater: EDWINA BLACK
18May1956

Written by Warner Law

1.145 [145] Matinee Theater: THE BOTTLE IMP
22May1956
Adapted by Bill Templeton
Based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson
Directed by Livia Granito
starring
Richard Davalos
Nephru Malouf
Donald Randolph
H.M. Wynant (as Haim Winant)

Synopsis:
A sailor finds a cursed bottle with a demon, it brings him all he desires but at a cost.

1.150 [150] Matinee Theater: THE CHILDREN OF PAPA JUAN
29May1956
Written by Robert Claborne
starring
Herschel Bernardi
Jeanette Nolan
Johnny Crawford ..... Pepe

1.154 [154] Matinee Theater: THE GOOD TIME BOYS

04Jun1956

Written by Nicholas E. Baehr

starring

Patrick O' Neal

Addison Richards

Synopsis:
The retired founder of a publishing company doesn't agree

with his son's business decisions.

1.155 [155] Matinee Theater: THE AMERICAN
05Jun1956
Adapted by Michael Dyne
Based on the novel by Henry James
Directed by Pace Woods
starring
Peter Graves
Cloris Leachman
Lili Darvas

1.157 [157] Matinee Theater: FIGHT THE WHOLE WORLD
07Jun1956
Written by Caleb Gray
Directed by Allan Buckhantz
starring
Sidney Blackmer
Dean Stockwell

Nancy Malone
Dayton Lummis
Susan Harrison
Kathleen Freeman

Synopsis:
A young orphan, raised on a farm, runs away and joins the Navy. [RF]

1.172 [172] Matinee Theater: THE GHOST OF GREENWICH VILLAGE
28Jun1956
Adapted by Robert Esson
Based on a novel by Elsie Milnes
Directed by Boris Sagal
starring
John Barrymore Jr.

1.174 [174] Matinee Theater: THERE'S ALWAYS JULIET

02Jul1956

Written by John Van Drutes

Synopsis:

A young Englishwoman is swept off her feet by the attentions of a handsome American.

But he doubts that their sudden love can be real or lasting. [RF]

1.175 [175] Matinee Theater: SEASONED TIMBER

03Jul1956

Adapted by Elihu Winer

From the novel by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Synopsis:

The principal of a Vermont Academy opposes one of the school's trustees who

wants to alter the curriculum in order to make the academy more exclusive. [RF]

1.176 [176] Matinee Theater: THE DECLARATION

04Jul1956

Written by Stephen R. Callahan & John Vlahos

Synopsis:

The aristocratic father of a young man decries the Declaration of Independence and

such 'rebels' as Franklin, Jefferson and Adams. Loyal to the king, the father orders his

son out of the house when the young man persists in his radical ideas. [RF]

1.177 [177] Matinee Theater: HIGH PLACES

05Jul1956

Written by Roger Garis

Synopsis:

A newspaper editor feels that his principles are being compromised by his

publisher's policies. But when it comes to his private life, he is lee high-principled. [RF]

1.178 [178] Matinee Theater: BLACK CHIFFON

06Jul1956

Adapted by Philip Barry Jr.

From the play by Leslie Storm

Synopsis:

Two days before the marriage of her son, a woman who has an absolutely

untarnished reputation unaccountably steals a black-chiffon nightgown. [RF]

1.179 [179] Matinee Theater: CLASS OF '58

09Jul1956

starring

Dean Stockwell

1.189 [189] Matinee Theater: THE REVERBERATOR
23Jul1956
Adapted by Lois Jacoby
Based on Henry James' short novel,

first published as a serial in Macmillan's Magazine in 1888.
Directed by Arthur Hiller
starring
Jacques Sernas
Betty Lynn

Synopsis:
A Parisian family is exploited by the American tabloids and causes a scandal.

1.191 [191] Matinee Theater: ANOTHER SKY

25Jul1956

Written by Naomi Lane Babson

starring

Inger Stevens

1.195 [195] Matinee Theater: BELONG TO ME
31Jul1956
Teleplay by Gail Ingram
Based on Ann Pinchot's unpublished novelette "Love Wears A Golden Crown"
Directed by Livia Granita
Guest cast:
David Janssen ........ Paul Merrick
Judith Braun ......... Liss Hale
Helen Westcott ....... Victoria
Ann B. Davis ......... Peg Miller
Sandy Descher ........ Maidy
Lisa Golm ............ Landlady

1.197 [197] Matinee Theater: GRETEL
02Aug1956
Written by Vance Bourjaily
Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Dennis Hopper
Tamzen Allen

1.198 [198] Matinee Theater: SOME MAN WILL WANT YOU

03Aug1956

Written by Helen Hanff

starring

John Banner

1.199 [199] Matinee Theater: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER

06Aug1956 
Adapted by Robert Esson
Story by Edgar Allan Poe
Directed by Boris Sagal
starring
Tom Tryon ......... Roderick
Marshall Thompson .... David
Eduardo Ciannelli
Synopsis:
A friend pays a visit to a man who lives in a sinister, dark mansion.

The day he arrives, his host's sister is taken mysteriously ill and is not seen again. [RF]

Synopsis 2:
An eccentric man is haunted by his dead sister's voice. [RF]
*Note: Great article and pictures of the making of this

episode in TV Guide Oct 6-12 '56 Gale Storm on cover.

**Note: Syndication airing on Cameo Theater 16Apr61.

1.200 [200] Matinee Theater: CUPID ROAD A HORSE
07Aug1956
Written by B.M. Atkinson Jr.
starring
Lloyd Corrigan
June Vincent
Johnny Crawford

Synopsis:
Grandpa Hoyt will be sent back to Iowa if he doesn't stop betting on the horses.

The old man's grandsons want to keep him around, so they try

and fix him up with wealthy Mrs. Conkwright.

1.201 [201] Matinee Theater: THE OLD PAYOLA

08Aug1956

starring

Jackie Coogan

John Conte

Jeff Donnell

[---] Matinee Theater: THE CENTURY PLANT
09Aug1956 rerun from 19Apr56.

1.202 [202] Matinee Theater: PERFECT ALIBI
10Aug1956
Adapted by Nikki Justin
Based on a story by William Noble

Synopsis:
The young ward of a man whom police believe committed suicide,

sets out to prove that it was murder.

[--] Matinee Theater: THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES
15Aug1956 (rerun from 06Apr56)
 

1.215 [215] Matinee Theater: YANKEE DOODLER

29Aug1956

Written by Allen Swift

starring

Kurt Kasznar

1.216 [216] Matinee Theater: THE PINK HIPPOPOTAMUS

30Aug1956

starring

Lawrence Dobkin