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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
John Wengraf
1.217 [217] Matinee Theater: SEPTEMBER TIDE
31Aug1956
Adapted by Richard McCracken
From the play by Daphne du Maurier
Directed by Larry Schwab (Laurence Schwab Jr.)
Synopsis:
A mother and her son-in-law fall in love destroying her daughter
who is desperate to please her husband.
##################################
########## Matinee Theater ###########
########## season 2 1956-57 ##########
##################################
2.04 [221] Matinee Theater: THE IVY CURTAIN
06Sep1956 (rerun 06Nov57)
Written by Anthony Spinner
Directed by Albert McCleery
starring
Gene Raymond ......... Conley
Josephine Hutchinson.. Agnes Harper
Addison Richards ..... Simons
Synopsis:
College officials want a local attorney to help whitewash a fatal hazing
incident. [RF]
2.05 [222] Matinee Theater: GRAMERCY GHOST
07Sep1956
Adapted by Richard McCracken
Based on a story by John Cecil Holm
Directed by Arthur Hiller
starring
Sarah Churchill
2.08 [225] Matinee Theater: I LIKE IT HERE
12Sep1956 (rerun 08Oct56, 26Oct56)
Written by A.B. Shiffrin
Directed by Sherman Marks
starring
John Hoyt ........... Sebastian
June Vincent ........ Matilda
Steven Geray ........ Willy
Joel Marston ........ Brad
William Allyn ....... David
Synopsis:
A European refugee finds freedom so agreeable that he tries, from his position
as a servant, to inject large doses of it into the lives of his employers. [RF]
2.09 [226] Matinee Theater: A QUESTION OF BALANCE
13Sep1956
starring
Paul Langton ........ Paul McLean
Helen Westcott ...... Kay
2.18 [235] Matinee Theater: ALUMNI REUNION
26Sep1956
Producer George M. Cahan
Written by Nicholas E. Baehr
Directed by Boris Sagal
Director of photography Lester Schorr
starring
Don Keefer
Constance Ford
Carol Veazie
Fredd Wayne
Benny Baker
Larry Kerr
Robert Karnes
Stafford Repp
Frank Kreig
Eddie Ryder
Synopsis:
A young man is trying to keep up pretenses even though the business he inherited
from his father is failing. He is furious when a practical joker at the alumni
reunion asks him if he needs a job. [RF]
2.21 [238] Matinee Theater: PRIDE & PREJUDICE
01Oct1956
Adapted by Helene Hanff
Based on Jane Austen's novel
Directed by Sherman Marks
starring
Marcia Henderson
Anthony Dearden
Doris Lloyd
Joan Elan
Synopsis:
A mother is anxious to marry off her five daughters
and encounters numerous pitfalls.
2.25 [242] Matinee Theater: no details
05Oct1956
[--] Matinee Theater: I LIKE IT HERE
08Oct1956 (rerun 26Oct56)(possibly postponed from 12Sep56)
[--] Matinee Theater: HOUSE OF SEVEN GABLES
09Oct1956 (rerun from 06Apr56)
[--] Matinee Theater: ONE OF THE FAMILY
10Oct1956 (rerun 25Oct56)(first aired 12Apr56)
[--] Matinee Theater: THE HOLLOW WOMAN
11Oct1956 (rerun from 10Apr56)
[--] Matinee Theater: THE BABYLONIAN HEART
12Oct1956 (rerun from 20Apr56)
2.27 [244] Matinee Theater: THE EGOIST
16Oct1956
Adapted by Richard McCracken
Story by George Meredith
Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Patrick Macnee
Joan Elan
Isobel Elsom
Edward Everett Horton
2.30 [247] Matinee Theater: THE EYE OF THE STORM
19Oct1956
Written by Norman Jacob
Directed by Sherman Marks
starring
Marian Seldes
Ray Danton
Angie Dickinson
2.31 [248] Matinee Theater: MAN IN SEVEN LEAGUE BOOTS
22Oct1956
Written by Anthony Spinner
starring
Lillian Roth
Synopsis:
A man hospitalized following an accident also suffers from trying to follow
in his father's footsteps. A kindly nurse tries
to help him live his own life. [RF]
2.32
[249] Matinee Theater: WOMAN ACROSS THE HALL
23Oct1956
Written by Robert Wallsten
Synopsis:
The friendliness of a middle-aged woman is rebuffed by the glamorous
new tenant across the hall in the apartment house. In spite of the cool reception,
she tries to learn all she can about this mysterious
woman. [RF]
2.33
[250] Matinee Theater: AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
24Oct1956
Written by S.V.P. Rand
Synopsis:
A stepmother, bent on finding out more about a prospective son-in-law,
finds herself faced with unexpected problems. [RF]
[--] Matinee Theater: ONE OF THE FAMILY
25Oct1956 (rerun or postponed from 10Oct56)
[--] Matinee Theater: I LIKE IT HERE
26Oct1956 (rerun or postponed from 08Oct56)
2.34 [251] Matinee Theater: SHAKE THE STARS DOWN
29Oct1956
Synopsis:
A charming young housewife struggles with finances to help her husband earn
his Ph.D. She quickly accepts a highly lucrative offer from a cosmetic firm to
pose as the mythical French namesake for their brand of make-up. [RF]
2.35 [252] Matinee Theater: HORSEPOWER
30Oct1956
starring
Dean Stockwell
Alex Gerry .......... Hiram
Walter Sande ........ Fred
Synopsis:
A teenage farm boy rebels against his father's old fashioned ways when
he is denied permission to use the family car for an important date. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
The rebellious son of an old-fashioned and tyrannical farmer come to heads. [RF]
[--] Matinee Theater: SAVROLA
31Oct1956 (postponed to 15Nov56)(first anniversary episode)
2.36 [253] Matinee Theater: GEORGE HAS A BIRTHDAY
01Nov1956 (11Jun56 copyright date)
Written by Jean Clifford Raymond
starring
Eddie Cantor
Mae Clarke
Synopsis:
Two old maid sisters have long since frittered away the inheritance left them.
They plot to do away with their meek brother as soon as he receives
his inheritance on his next birthday. [RF]
2.37 [254] Matinee Theater: THE OUTING
02Nov1956
written by Arnold Rabin
starring
Ann Doran ....... Bess
Tommy Kirk ....... Walter
Robert Karnes ....... Matt
Lydia Reed ....... Ruthie
Amzie Strickland ....... Sarah
Synopsis:
A young boy proves a disappointment to his athletic-minded father
because he prefers books to sports. [RF]
2.38 [255] Matinee Theater: THANK YOU, EDMONDO
05Nov1956
Written by Mac Shoub
Directed by Allan Buckhantz
starring
Warren Berlinger
Jay Novello
2.39 [256] Matinee Theater: THE TELL-TALE HEART
06Nov1956
Adapted by William Templeton
Based on a story by Edgar Allen Poe
Directed by Boris Sagal
starring
John Barrymore, Jr.
John Carradine
John Abbott
Synopsis:
After killing a man, the murderer hears his victim's relentless
heartbeat until he himself cannot bear another moment.
*Note: First published in James Russell Lowell's The Pioneer in January 1843.
2.41 [258] Matinee Theater: A DRAM OF POISON
08Nov1956
Adapted by Henry Misrock
Based on the novel by Charlotte Armstrong
Directed by Pace Woods
starring
John Hoyt
Mary Adderson
Synopsis:
When a man loses his position, his dignity and now his health,
there is no alternative when things are so hopeless or is there?
Just ask his sister-in-law and wife.
2.42 [259] Matinee Theater: THE SHINING HOUR
prod #56-1122
09Nov1956
Produced by Albert McCleery
Adapted by Richard McCracken
Based on a play by Keith Winter
Directed by Sherman O. Marks
host: John Conte
starring
Richard Long
Doris Singleton
Peggy McCay
David Linden
Mariella Linden
Synopsis:
When the son of a Wisconsin family returns with his new wife,
things go terribly wrong when they find out she is a common dancer.
2.43 [260] Matinee Theater: LOVE, MARRIAGE & FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS
prod #13539
12Nov1956
Produced by Albert McCleery
Adapted by Kathleen and Robert Howard Lindsay
Based on a play by Alfred Brenner
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Virginia Vincent ....... Mim
Bart Burns ....... Dave
Joe di Reda ....... Harry
Rolfe Sedan ....... Gorsky
Paul Lambert ....... Joe
Synopsis:
A post office clerk dreams of striking out on his own as a professional
photographer but lacks the courage. He also lacks the courage
to propose to the girl he's been dating. [RF]
2.44 [261] Matinee Theater: STEP INTO DARKNESS
13Nov1956
Written by Elizabeth Denham
Synopsis:
During the war the British War Office assigns a woman to work with a French
contact to aid English soldiers and fliers in
escaping occupied France. [RF]
*Note: Based on actual events in Miss Elizabeth Denham's life.
2.45
[262] Matinee Theater: A CANDLE IN THE DARK
14Nov1956
Written by Paul Tabori
Synopsis:
The true story of Louis Braille, a blind Frenchman. Braille discovers a method
whereby those who cannot see will be able to learn to
read by touch. [RF]
2.46
[263] Matinee Theater: SAVROLA
15Nov1956 (postponed from 31Oct56)(first anniversary episode)
Adapted by Frank & Doris Hursley
Written by Winston Churchill
starring
Sarah Churchill ..... Lucile
Lamont Johnson ...... Savrola
Victor Jory ......... Molara
Synopsis:
The mythical country of Laurania is ruled by Molara, a ruthless and unpopular
dictator.
The people elect Savrola, their liberal leader, to act as emissary to the dictator and
protest his lawlessness. On this mission, Savrola meets and is enchanted by the
dictator's lovely young wife, Lucile. And with this turn of events, Molara sees a chance
to use his wife to discredit Savrola with the
people. [RF]
*Note: Sarah Churchill is the daughter of Winston Churchill.
2.47
[264] Matinee Theater: A TABLE SET AT NIGHT
16Nov1956
Written by Peter Berneis
Synopsis:
After many years a woman returns to the scene of a love affair.
She is disturbed when her daughter becomes involved in a romance
much in the same way her mother had years before. [RF]
2.48 [265] Matinee Theater: MADAME DE TREYMES
19Nov1956 NBC Mon
Adapted by William Templeton
Based on the short novel by Edith Wharton
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Lisa Ferraday
William Hopper
Mary Anderson
Synopsis:
A wealthy American courts a beautiful compatriot now living in Paris. Though she
is
attracted to him, she hesitates to seek a divorce from her present husband, a marquis,
because she fears he will reclaim custody of their
little son. [RF]
2.49
[266] Matinee Theater: THE PEOPLE VS. JOHN TARR
20Nov1956 NBC Tue
Written by Eunice Luccock Corfman
Synopsis:
A young musician returns to his home town as choir director. The only person who
does not resent the ambitious young man's methods is
the town's woman librarian. [RF]
2.50
[267] Matinee Theater: THE LOCATION OF ROYCEMORE COLLEGE
21Nov1956 NBC Wed
Written by Malcolm Shaw & Dan Blue
Synopsis:
For the first time in years a women's college breaks precedent by hiring a young
bachelor professor. Because of the scarcity of men in the vicinity of the college,
the professor becomes the center of attention not only for the students, but for
the women faculty members as well. [RF]
22Nov1956 NBC Thur pre-empted for Thanksgiving Day Pro Football Game
2.51
[268] Matinee Theater: DRACULA
23Nov1956
Adapted by Robert Esson
Based on Bram Stoker's novel
Directed by Lamont Johnson
Guest cast:
John Carradine........ Count Dracula
Lisa Daniels
Synopsis:
A man pays a visit to the castle of the Count Dracula.
2.52 [269] Matinee Theater: JULIE
26Nov1956
Written by David Davidson
starring
Dean Stockwell
Synopsis:
A teenage boy, unhappy because of a broken home, gets into trouble for stealing
a car. [RF]
2.53
[270] Matinee Theater: THE EMPTY NEST
27Nov1956
Written by Josephine Lawrence
Synopsis:
With their children married, a middle-aged couple hope to live alone,
independent of their offspring. One crisis leads to another until the parents
find themselves practically supporting both couples
and their newborn children. [RF]
2.54
[271] Matinee Theater: SPARE YOUR PITY
28Nov1956
Written by C. Stafford Dickens
Synopsis:
Suspects in the murder of a domineering old woman include her son,
her nurse, a tutor with a prison record and even her
11-year-old grandson. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: HOUSE OF SEVEN GABLES
29Nov1956 (rerun from 06Apr56)
2.55
[272] Matinee Theater: THE LAST LEAF
30Nov1956
Written by Ross Claiborne and Frances Banks
starring
Evelyn Varden
Sally Moffatt
Eve McVeagh
Synopsis:
An elderly matriarch in a small Southern town fears all her friends
will die before she does. She decides to hold her own funeral
while there are still enough alive to attend. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
An eccentric matriarch plans to hold her own funeral while she and her cronies
are still alive. [RF]
2.56 [273] Matinee Theater: THERESE
03Dec1956
Adapted by Emila Zola
Based on the Thomas Job story by Elizabeth Hart
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
John Conte
Constance Ford
Helen Wallace
Eric Sinclair
2.61 [278] Matinee Theater: MIRACLE AT CARVILLE
10Dec1956
Based on the autobiography by Betty Martin
Synopsis:
The spoiled young daughter of a prominent southern family
discovers she is suffering from leprosy. [RF]
2.62
[279] Matinee Theater: THE UPPER HAND
11Dec1956
Written by Nathaniel Benchley
Synopsis:
When a little boy runs away from home, both parents assume he'll return by
nightfall.
When the youngster doesn't show up they blame
each other for his leaving. [RF]
2.63
[280] Matinee Theater: LOVE IS A LOCKSMITH
12Dec1956
Written by William McCleery
Synopsis:
A professor of psychology fails to understand why he has been unsuccessful
in using psychology to win his lady love. [RF]
2.64
[281] Matinee Theater: CAPTAIN BRASSBOUND'S CONVERSION
13Dec1956
Adapted & Directed by Boris Sagal
Based on the comedy by George Bernard Shaw
starring
Val Dufour
Patricia Cutts
Synopsis:
Captain Brassbound, a vindictive sea captain, swears revenge on a visiting
Englishman whom he blames for his mother's death. [RF]
2.65
[282] Matinee Theater: THE WISP END
14Dec1956 (rerun 27Jun57)
Written by Richard Wendley
starring
Gene Raymond ......... Edward Dudley
Will Hutchins ........ Robert Dudley
Karen Sharpe ......... Ellen Sidney
Jean Owens ........... Grace
Synopsis:
A father tries to help his son realize he should try for something
other than concert work as a profession. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
An aspiring violinist and his father disagree over the son's ability as
a musician. The son looks down on his father's career
as a builder.
Synopsis 3:
Ambition exceeds the talent of a pianist who vows to have
a career less mundane than his contractor dad's.
2.66 [283] Matinee Theater: PROMINENT CITIZENS
17Dec1956
Adapted by A.B. Shiffrin
Synopsis:
A wealthy industrialist offers to revive the dwindling industry in a small town.
In his ruthless
business dealings he threatens to ruin the town banker. The other prominent citizens
are forced to choose between the banker and the industry the town needs so badly. [RF]
2.74 [291] Matinee Theater: SMILIN' THRU
27Dec1956
Written by Richard McCracken
Story by Allan Langdon Martin
Directed by Sherman Marks
starring
Margaret O'Brien
Patrick O'Neal
Richard Erdman
Liam Sullivan
Synopsis:
John has lead a solitary life when he is asked to care for a friend's
niece Kathleen. But when Kathleen falls in love with the son of the man
responsible for John's loved ones death he steps in to severe their relationship.
2.75 [292] Matinee Theater: STRONG MEDICINE
28Dec1956 (rerun 10Jul57)
Written by William Mourne
starring
Patrick O'Neal
Myron Healy
Joe Maross
Mary Webster
Synopsis:
The inheritance of frontier territory prompts an Easterner's struggle with
settlers.
2.76 [293] Matinee Theater: EVERYTHING IS RELATIVE
31Dec1956
Written by Dan Beaumont
Synopsis:
A confirmed bachelor finally agrees to marry the girl he has
been going with for several years. After he takes the fatal step, however,
he finds he has to deal with mother-in-law problems. [RF]
01Jan1957 preempted for the Cotton Bowl
2.77
[294] Matinee Theater: MISS MORISSA
02Jan1957
Adapted by Helene Hanff
From Mari Sandoz's novel
Synopsis:
A young woman is accepted as a frontier doctor, but rejected by the man she
loves.
She marries, on the rebound, a man of dubious
character. [RF]
2.78
[295] Matinee Theater: THE SCANDALOUS PRIEST
03Jan1957
Written by Frank and Doris Hursley
Synopsis:
In a small South American country, a parish priest sides
with the peasants against a landowner. [RF]
2.79
[296] Matinee Theater: DARK VICTORY
04Jan1957
Written by George Brewer Jr.
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Patricia Barry
John Baragrey
Bertram Block
Synopsis:
A woman falls in love and marries a doctor. She develops a
brain tumor which changes the course of her life. [RF]
*Note Patricia Barry received an EMMY nomination for her performance.
2.87 [304] Matinee Theater: ARMS AND THE MAN
16Jan1957
Based on the George Bernard Shaw novel
Directed by Alan Cooke
starring
Marcia Henderson
Fred Beir
Peter Hansen
Mary Scott
Norma Varden
Synopsis:
Taking place during the 1885 Serbo-Bulgarian War, Raina who is
engaged to Sergius, falls for a soldier she hides during the war.
2.94 [311] Matinee Theater: MR. PIRN PASSES BY
25Jan1957
Story by A.A. Milne
starring
Edward Everett Horton ..... Mr. Pirn
Synopsis:
The Marden family welcome quaint elderly gentleman Mr. Pirn to their
country home, unaware that the Marden family have a
few skeletons in their closets.
2.104 [321] Matinee Theater: THE IMPORTANCE OF
BEING EARNEST
08Feb1957
Written by Oscar Wilde
Directed by Alan Cooke
starring
Hermione Gingold ........... Lady Bracknell
Roger Moore
Roberta Haynes
Philip Tonge
Synopsis:
The formidable Lady Bracknell is quite willing that Algernon shall marry
Cecily and her fortune. Jack, however, as Cecily's guardian, refuses his
consent unless
Lady Bracknell permits his marriage to Gwendolyn. [RF]
2.105 [322] Matinee Theater: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING
EARNEST
11Feb1957
Written by Oscar Wilde
Directed by Alan Cooke
as above
2.106 [323] Matinee Theater: FRANKENSTEIN
12Feb1957
Producer Albert McCleery
Teleplay by Robert Esson
Based on the novel by Mary Shelley
starring
Primo Camera ......... The Monster
*Note: Producer Albert McCleery decided that when a fellow needs a fiend,
he can hardly do better than ex-Heavyweight Champion Primo Camera (6 ft. 6 in., 270 lbs.).
Camera, 50, wore elevator shoes, a snowsuit, and an unhealthy complexion that
ranged from green to mauve, depending on the receiver's color-knob. Out of a
wealth of dramatic experience as a wrestler, he emitted horrible noises and
(unlike the film version) even some dialogue. [RF]
2.107 [324] Matinee Theater: A CASE OF PURE FICTION
13Feb1957
Adapted by Jerome Ross
Synopsis:
A well-known woman mystery writer believes she has found the way to commit
the perfect murder. Unknown to her, a greedy nephew, who stands to inherit
her money, plans to make her the victim of her own ingenuity. [RF]
2.108 [325] Matinee Theater: THE MASTER BUILDER
14Feb1957
Based on the story by Henrik Ibsen
Directed by Sherman Marks
starring
Oskar Homolka ........ Halvard Solness
Joan Tetzel
Synopsis:
Halvard Solness a brilliant architect and builder, becomes moody and afraid
of life as he grows old. Hilda a girl who represents the younger generation
comes into his life at this point and inspires him to change his attitude. [RF]
2.109 [326] Matinee Theater: THE OTHERS
15Feb1957
Adapted by Michael Dyne
Based on a
story by Henry James
starring
Sarah Churchill ....... Nina Varden
Geoffrey Toone
Synopsis:
The governess of two motherless children believes they are possessed
by the spirits of two deceased servants. [RF]
2.112
[329] Matinee Theater: THE BRIDGE
(aka Bobbie)
20Feb1957
Adapted by Joseph Caldwell
Story by Narda Stokes
Directed by Alan Hanson
starring
Natalie Trundy
Fred Beir
Synopsis:
A 15-year-old boy who suffers from lack of attention tries to get attention
from his mother by showing off a watch he has
stolen. [RF]
2.113
[330] Matinee Theater: THE HICKORY LIMB
21Feb1957
Adapted by John Van Druten
Story by Meade Roberts
Synopsis:
A teenage daughter tries to effect a reconciliation between her divorced
parents.
The father is a famous author who has never had time for his family. [RF]
2.115 [332] Matinee Theater: THE SERPENT'S TOOTH
25Feb1957
Written by B.M. Atkinson Jr.
starring
Bill Goodwin
Johnny Crawford
Synopsis:
A harassed father tries to teach his young sons responsibility by
advising them to earn the money to repair their bicycles. [RF]
2.116 [333] Matinee Theater: VOYAGE TO MANDOK
26Feb1957
Written by Peter Barry
Synopsis:
An investigator in disguise arrives in a small country in the Middle East to look
into discrepancies in the reports of the manager of an oil refinery. [RF]
2.117 [334] Matinee Theater: THE DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING
27Feb1957
Written by Anthony Spinner
Synopsis:
A young girl must contend with a storm of family disputes the day before her wedding. [RF]
2.118 [335] Matinee Theater: QUEEN OF SPADES
28Feb1957
Adapted by Michael Dyne
Based on the story by the great 19th century Russian poet Alexander S. Pushkin
Synopsis:
A young army officer meets with tragedy when he attempts to force the
secret of winning at cards from an aging countess. [RF]
2.119 [336] Matinee Theater: SHADOW AND SUBSTANCE
01Mar1957
Written by Paul Vincent Carroll
starring
Sir Cedric Hardwicke
Synopsis:
Canon Skerritt finds it impossible to believe that his servant
girl has received visitations from St. Brigid. [RF]
2.120 [337] Matinee Theater: YOU TOUCHED ME
04Mar1957
Written by Tennessee Williams & Donald Windham
Based on Tennessee Williams' play
starring
Oskar Homolka ..... Capt. Cornelius Rockley
Joan Tetzel
Synopsis:
Captain Cornelius Rockley was retired from the sea after a spectacular binge in
the Caribbean.
The good captain, under the influence of a certain amount of rum, foundered his ship
and lost his skipper's certificate. Since that time, he's lived with his self-righteous spinster
sister Emmie, and his shy and gentle daughter Matilda. The captain doesn't like to see his
daughter turning into a younger replica of Emmie, but the older woman's tyrannical rule
and self-pitying attitude keep him from doing much about it. The his foster son Hadrian
returns for a short visit and the captain sees a
ray of hope. [RF]
2.121
[338] Matinee Theater: THE HEMLOCK CUP
05Mar1957
Adapted by Richard McCracken
Based on a story by Edward Hunt
Directed by Alan Hanson
starring
James Dunn
Peg Hillias
Douglas Rodgers
Cathy Downs
Synopsis:
An elderly schoolteacher disapproves of the system of standard education used in
his town.
He submits a report to the City Council, but it
is violently rejected by the members. [RF]
2.122
[339] Matinee Theater: PAPA'S WIFE
06Mar1957
Adapted by Elizabeth Hart
from the novel by Thyra Ferre Bjorn
Synopsis:
A Lapland preacher's pretty young housekeeper falls in love with him. Because he
doesn't return her affection, she runs away to New
York to begin a new life. [RF]
2.123
[340] Matinee Theater: THE PRIZEWINNER
07Mar1957
Written by Jerome Ross
starring
Mona Freeman
Synopsis:
A girl who thinks of herself as being plain wins a two-week cruise for two. Not
wanting to
go alone, she invites a popular girl from her office to keep her company. But once aboard ship,
she is left alone while her friend seeks
entertainment with a handsome fellow passenger. [RF]
2.124
[341] Matinee Theater: DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE
08Mar1957 (rerun 16Aug57)
Adapted by Robert Esson
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's novel
Directed by Allan Buckhantz
starring
Douglass Montgomery ....... Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde
Lisa Daniels
Synopsis:
A highly respected London physician is very much interested in scientific
research.
He chances upon the discovery of a drug which, when he takes it, transforms him
into a repulsive and evil killer. Another dose of the drug returns him to the
personality and body of the gentle doctor. [RF]
2.125 [342] Matinee Theater: THE CAREFREE TREE
11Mar1957
Adapted by Helene Hanff
starring
Karen Sharpe
Lamont Johnson
Carol Stone
Synopsis:
Centuries ago in the Orient, two families are warring against each other for the throne.
Matters take an unexpected turn when the daughter of the dowager empress
falls in love with a young member of the opposite faction. [RF]
2.126 [343] Matinee Theater: BREAD UPON THE WATERS
12Mar1957
starring
Marshall Thompson
Patricia Smith
Mary Young
Jacqueline deWitt
Betsy Paul
Synopsis:
A young couple moves into the ground floor apartment of a mansion owned
by an elderly woman. The husband resents that the old lady imposes on his wife
to do household chores. Then they learn they have been made sole heirs. [RF]
2.127 [344] Matinee Theater: THE OUTING
13Mar1957
starring
Ann Doran
Robert Karnes
Tommy Kirk
Lydia Reed
Amzie Strickland
Synopsis:
A boy proves a disappointment to his athletic-minded father. [RF]
2.128 [345] Matinee Theater: YESTERDAY'S MAGIC
14Mar1957
Synopsis:
When Evaline's husband is sent to prison, she marries another man.
Later, the first husband returns. [RF]
2.129 [346] Matinee Theater: TONGUE OF SILVER
15Mar1957
Written by Michael Dyne
Directed by Sherman Marks
starring
Robert Horton
Marcia Henderson
J.M. Kerrigan
Synopsis:
The small and obscure town of Ballykilty in Ireland is visited by a mysterious stranger.
The man offers to sell the townsfolk shares of heaven with
proceeds going to the church in the town. [RF]
2.131 [348] Matinee Theater: THE NINETEENTH HOLE
19Mar1957 (rerun 23Jul57)
Adapted by Warner Law
Story by Frank Craven
starring
Wally Cox .......... Vernon Chase
Betty Lynn ......... Emmy Chase
Tommy Farrell ...... George Hill
John Craven ........ Trumbull
William E. Green .... Colonel Hammer
Synopsis:
Emmy Chase realizes that her husband has time for only one thing, golf. She
decides to do something about it. [RF]
2.136 [353] Matinee Theater: JOURNEY INTO DARKNESS
26Mar1957
Adapted by Theodore Apstein
starring
Skip Homeier ....... Mitchell Dayton
Peggy McKay
Synopsis:
After years of carrying the responsibilities of two jobs,
Mitchell Dayton has a nervous breakdown. [RF]
*Note: Syndication airing on Cameo Theater
20Feb60.
2.137 [354] Matinee Theater: BARRICADE AT THE BIG BLACK
27Mar1957
Adapted by Anthony Spinner
starring
Andrew Duggan
Mary LaRoche
Richard Crenna ...... James
George Gilbreth ..... Egan
Synopsis:
An embittered middle-aged Army major takes out a life-long grudge
against the Indians, who massacred his family. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
An Army major (Andrew Duggan) tries to take out a lifelong grudge against the
Indians who massacred his family. [RF]
*Note: Syndication airing on Cameo Theater 12Mar61.
2.138 [355] Matinee Theater: THE VICARIOUS YEARS
28Mar1957
Adapted by Peggy Lamson
starring
Roddy McDowall
2.140 [357] Matinee Theater: END OF A ROPE
01Apr1957
Written by Sheldon Stark
Directed by Alan Hanson
starring
John Barrymore Jr.
Susan Oliver
Strother Martin
Harvey Stephens
Synopsis 1:
In a small Arizona mining town, enraged townsfolk refuse to believe a stranger.
He claims that the man they think committed a
murder was 60 miles away at the time of the killing. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
A stranger claims that the man the townspeople think committed a murder was
miles
away at the time of the killing.
*Note: Syndication airing on Cameo Theater 11Apr64. [RF]
2.141 [358] Matinee Theater: WE WON'T BE ANY TROUBLE
02Apr1957
Adapted by George Lowther
Story by John & Ward Hawkins
starring
Patty McCormick
Synopsis:
The four O'Brien children, ages two to 10, have recently lost both parents.
They are sent to stay with a distant relative, Mrs. Johnson. [RF]
2.142 [359] Matinee Theater: THE DAUGHTER OF MATA HARI
03Apr1957
Adapted by Alvin Boretz
starring
Rita Moreno
Synopsis:
A young girl is shocked to learn that her mother was the infamous Mata Hari. [RF]
2.143 [352] Matinee Theater: TALK YOU OF KILLING
04Apr1957
Written by Joe Barry
starring
Roddy McDowall
Synopsis:
A young co-ed is warned by her roommate against dating a handsome
young professor. He is suspected of murder. [RF]
2.144 [353] Matinee Theater: THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
05Apr1957
Synopsis:
A Hessian soldier, escaping from the British, makes his way to the Connecticut
farm of Aaron Kirkland. There he falls in love with Prudence Kirkland and she with him,
even though she's already engaged to Sheriff Thaddeus Jennnings. [RF]
2.145 [354] Matinee Theater: WUTHERING HEIGHTS
08Apr1957
Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier
starring
Tom Tryon ......... Heathcliffe
Johnny Crawford ..... Heathcliffe (as a child)
Reba Waters ......... Cathy (as a child)
2.150 [359] Matinee Theater: THREAD THAT RUNS SO TRUE
15Apr1957
Produced by Albert McCleery
Directed by Lamont Johnson
Written by Harold Gast
2.154 [363] Matinee Theater: THE STORY OF JOSEPH
19Apr1957
Adapted by Howard Rodman
starring
Brett Halsey ........ Joseph
Forrest Taylor ...... Jacob
2.157 [366] Matinee Theater: THE PUSHOVER
24Apr1957
Written by Harriet Frank Jr.
Directed by Sherman Marks
starring
Marshall Thompson
Kathleen Crowley
Les Tremayne
2.158 [367] Matinee Theater: ASHES IN THE WIND
25Apr1957
Written by Mac Shoub
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Edward Binns
Russell Conway
Vic Morrow
Claire Meade
2.165 [374] Matinee Theater: THE GIOCONDA SMILE
03May1957
Written by Aldous Huxley
Directed by Boris Sagal
starring
Maureen O'Sullivan
Tom Helmore
2.166 [375] Matinee Theater: SHOW OF STRENGTH
06May1957
Written by Herman J. Epstein
starring
Kerwin Matthews
Synopsis:
A lone newcomer to a western town speaks out against the power wielded by
a ruthless rancher. When the man is forced to shoot one of the rancher's
henchmen in self-defense, he finds himself on trial in a kangaroo court. [RF]
2.167 [376] Matinee Theater: MAKE-BELIEVE AFFAIR
07May1957
Adapted by George Lowther
Story by Robert Standish
starring
Francis Lederer
Phyllis Avery
Richard Long
Synopsis:
A secretary, planning a vacation on the Riviera, writes to the head of a travel
agency with an unusual request. She wants a reliable man to accompany her to the tourist
spots and help her spend the money she has saved for the vacation! [RF]
2.168 [377] Matinee Theater: HYMN TO THE DEDICATED
08May1957
Synopsis:
A man's genius is overshadowed by the ambitions of his friend.
The friend then falls in love with and marries his girl. [RF]
2.169 [378] Matinee Theater: THURSDAY'S CHILD
09May1957
Adapted by Ellen McCracken
Story by Mary George Kochos
Synopsis:
A 12 year old resents the fact her widower-father plans to remarry.
She and her younger brother plan to stay away on the day of the wedding. [RF]
2.170 [379] Matinee Theater: BIG HEARTED HERBERT
10May1957
Adapted for TV by Kay Arthur
Story by Sophie Kerr & Anna Steese Richardson
Synopsis:
Herbert Kainess is a plain man, a fact which he tells his family repeatedly.
Convinced that his family must also be plain, he makes their lives miserable
with his selfish demands. Finally his wife decides to do something. [RF]
2.171 [380] Matinee Theater: THE CAUSE
13May1957
Directed by Albert McCleery
2.174 [383] Matinee Theater: JANE EYRE
16May1957
Adapted by Robert Esson
Based on the
Classic novel by Charlotte Bronte
Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Joan Elan ............ Jane Eyre
Patrick MacNee ....... Rochester
Isobel Elsom ......... Mrs. Fairfax
Marcia Henderson
Tita Purdom
Jeanne Gerson
Jeffeson Searles
Theoni Trangas
Synopsis:
When Jane Eyre (Joan Elan) becomes governess to the ward
of a rich Englishman, she encounters some strange happenings.
Based on Charlotte Bronte's classic novel. [RF]
2.176 [385] Matinee Theater: AFTERMATH
20May1957
Adapted by Howard Berk
starring
George Peppard
2.179 [388] Matinee Theater: THE AVENGING OF ANNE LEETE
23May1957
Producer Albert McCleery
Adapted by Robert Esson
Story by Marjorie Bowen
Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Roger Moore
Lisa Daniels
2.181 [390] Matinee Theater: PUZZLE IN THE STARS
27May1957
starring
Johnny Crawford
2.182 [391] Matinee Theater: THE GWENDOLEN HARLETH STORY
28May1957
Story by George Eliot
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Lisa Daniels
Geoffrey Toone
Donald Buka
2.188 [397] Matinee Theater: RAIN IN THE MORNING
05Jun1957
Adapted by Paula Fox
Story by Marjorie Kellogg
starring
Peggy McCay .......... Jane Wilson
Robert Morse ......... Frank Wilson
Roddy McDowall
2.190 [399] Matinee Theater: EYE OF THE STORM
07Jun1957
starring
Ray Danton ....... Ben
Marian Seldes ....... Stella
Gloria Talbott
Synopsis 1:
A young wife leaves her husband, taking their child with her back to her family.
Then the old rivalry between her sister and herself starts up again.
Synopsis 2: [RF]
A backwoods bride is forced by her violent husband (Ray Danton)
to return to the home of a jealous sister. [RF]
*Note: Syndication airing on Cameo Theater 04Jun60.
2.193 [402] Matinee Theater: WHITE-HEADED BOY
12Jun1957
starring
Roddy McDowall
2.195 [404] Matinee Theater: THE ODD ONES
14Jun1957
Written by Betty Ulius
starring
Marilyn Erskine ...... Judith Mann
Darryl Hickman ....... Ben de Franco
Olive Blakeney ....... Mrs. Mann
Walter Kelley ........ Howie Mann
Stephen Coit ......... Philip Field
Ron Foster ........... Jerry
Opal Euard ........... Janitor
Synopsis:
A woman art instructor falls in love with a pupil much younger that herself.
Her domineering brother tries to convince the woman that the
artist is only using her to further his career.
2.196 [405] Matinee Theater: THE MAN WITH POINTED TOES
17Jun1957
Written by Lynn and Helen Root
starring
Earl Holliman ........ Tom Cotterell
Vanessa Brown ........ Pamela Wright
Synopsis:
Young Tom Cotterell, a rich Texas oilman, is hurt when he is rebuffed
by a New York girl, Pamela Wright. Pamela can't stand Tom's crude ways,
so he hires a girl to teach him how to be a gentleman.
2.197 [406] Matinee Theater: A QUESTION OF BALANCE
18Jun1957
Written by Wood Fitchette and Stuart Dunham
Synopsis:
A happily married assistant attorney is assigned to a murder
investigation which he knows will uncover his
involvement with another woman.
2.198 [407] Matinee Theater: THE HEART'S DESIRE
19Jun1957
Written by Helene Hanff
starring
Kuldip Singh ........ Omar Khayyam
Leon Askin .......... General Rabat
Pernell Roberts ..... Hassan
Lisa Montell ........ Yasmin
Synopsis:
In ancient Persia, three boys, one of whom is Omar Khayyam,
swear a solemn oath. Whoever first gains fame and fortune
promises to share his good luck with the others.
2.199 [408] Matinee Theater: THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY
20Jun1957
Written by Elihu Winer
From a story by Edward Everett Hale
Synospis:
This is the famous fictional story of a man who damned his country.
Placed on board a U.S. naval vessel, Philip Nolan
was subjected to a strange sentence. [RF]
2.200 [409] Matinee Theater: MR. WINDIGO
21Jun1957
Written by S.S. Schweitzer
starring
Johnny Crawford ..... Dickie Browning
Peggy Maurer
Peter Hansen
Addison Richards
2.201 [410] Matinee Theater: STOPOVER
24Jun1957
Adapted by Richard Wendley
Story by Samson Raphaelson
Synopsis:
A motion picture producer calls to mind a lost love when he
stops off in Chicago on the spur of the moment. [RF]
2.202 [411] Matinee Theater: A LIGHT IN THE SKY
25Jun1957
Adapted by Harold Gast
From the play by Jim Davis
Synopsis:
A farmer who has always longed to do something creative decides to
put up a lighthouse on his farm even though there is no water for miles around.
His shocked wife and daughter fear the man has lost his senses. [RF]
2.203 [412] Matinee Theater: THE CHARMER
26Jun1957
Adapted by Gertrude Schweitzer (based on her own novel)
Directed by Allan A. Buckhantz
starring
Richard Long
Catherine McLeod
Peggy McCay
Ross Ford
Synopsis:
A woman copywriter in an advertising agency resents the fact that a younger
brother of the firm's top executive is returning from the Army to take over. [RF]
[--] Matinee Theater: THE WISP END
27Jun1957 (rerun from 14Dec56)
2.204 [413] Matinee Theater: BRIEF CANDLE
28Jun1957
Written by Richard McCracken
Synopsis:
A young man pays a visit to the family mansion in Newport, R.I.,
now presided over by its sole occupant, his aunt. [RF]
2.208 [414] Matinee Theater: THE LAST VOYAGE
04Jul1957
Written by James Truex
starring
Maurice Manson ..... Benjamin Franklin
Zsa Zsa Gabor ...... Mme. Brillon
Ralph Clanton ...... Arthur Lee
Eric Sinclair ...... Edward Bancroft
2.211 [416] Matinee Theater: THE REMARKABLE MR. JEROME
08Jul1957
Adapted by Helene Hanff
Story by Anita Leslie
Synopsis:
The story of the romance of Jennie Jerome, an American girl, who fell in love
with the son of the Duke of Marlborough, Lord Randolph
Churchill.
Against the wishes of their parents, the young sweethearts plan to marry.
[RF]
Based on the biography by Anita Leslie of the parents
of Sir Winston Churchill.
[--] Matinee Theater: STRONG MEDICINE
10Jul1957 (rerun from 28Dec56)
2.213
[418] Matinee Theater: BUT WHEN SHE WAS BAD
11Jul1957
Story by Marjorie Duhan Adler
Directed by Lamont Johnson
Synopsis:
The child star of a TV show has her father convinced she is capable only of
angelic behavior. But when the father falls in love with a script girl and decides
to marry her, his daughter attempts to cause
trouble. [RF]
2.214
[419] Matinee Theater: THE FABLE OF HARRY
12Jul1957
Synopsis:
Harry Parker, a man who has spent his entire life traveling with carnivals
learns that
the granddaughter of a woman he had once loved lives in the small town where the
carnival has stopped. The girl's finance comes to play the shell game with the money
the couple have saved for their wedding. [RF]
2.216 [421] Matinee Theater: THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO
16Jul1957
Adapted by Robert Esson
Based on Edgar Allen Poe's story
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Eduardo Ciannelli
Joe DeSantis
Grace Raynor
2.217 [422] Matinee Theater: THE RICHEST MAN IN THE WORLD
17Jul1957
Produced by Darrell Ross, Ethel Frank, John Hinsey
Written by Warner Law
Directed by Alan Cooke
starring
John Abbott
Gloria Castillo
John Carlyle
Naomi Stevens
Anthony Eustrel
Fred Kruger
Joseph Mell
Synopsis:
A young girl's boy friend is appalled at the way she plays on people's emotions
for monetary rewards. She tries to make him understand that her meager salary will
not support her aunt, her uncle and herself. When a rich old man comes to their
small village, the girl goes immediately to strike up another friendship. [RF]
2.220 [425] Matinee Theater: THE FIRST CAPTAIN
22Jul1957
Written by Henry Misrock
Synopsis:
A student at a military academy makes trouble for a new instructor at the school.
The youth brags to his friends that he will even win the instructor's girlfriend away from him. [RF]
[--] Matinee Theater: THE 19TH HOLE
23Jul1957 (rerun from 19Mar57)
2.221 [426] Matinee Theater: THE SHUTTERED HEART
24Jul1957
Adapted by Ellen McCracken
Story by Mary Jane Waldo
Synopsis:
A wife leaves her husband after the death of their first child.
The young man comes to attach deep feeling to the furniture in the nursery
and refuses to part with it. [RF]
2.222 [427] Matinee Theater: ONE FOR ALL
25Jul1957
Adapted by Harold Gast
Story by James Skardon
starring
Ben Holt
Synopsis:
Two good friends take on jobs as co-sheriffs of a Western town. But soon their
differences of opinion cause trouble. Sheriff Holt feels that outlaws should be given
the trials they are entitled to by law. But the other, Sheriff Barker, is in favor of lynching
them on the spot. When two desperadoes escape from jail and are later found dead,
Holt suspects that his partner is responsible for their deaths. [RF]
2.223 [428] Matinee Theater: CALL IT A DAY
26Jul1957
Written by Dodie Smith
Synopsis:
A mother becomes quite concerned over her daughter's affection for an artist
who is married. But she has a clearer understanding of the situation when a friend of
hers tries to persuade her to leave her husband and marry him. [RF]
2.224
[429] Matinee Theater: ANN VERONICA
29Jul1957
Adapted by Greer Johnson
Based on H.G. Wells' novel
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Wendy Hiller
Patric Knowles
2.228 [433] Matinee Theater: SUNDAY IN SONORA
02Aug1957
Written by Sheldon Stark
starring
Johnny Crawford
Marshall Thompson
2.229 [434] Matinee Theater: THE ROSE BUSH
05Aug1957
2.231 [436] Matinee Theater: LAUGH A LITTLE TEAR
07Aug1957
Adapted by Robert E. Thompson
Based on a story by Gerald Sanford
Directed by Alan Hanson
starring
Lawrence Dobkin
Virginia Christine
Susan Kohner
2.232 [437] Matinee Theater: THE INVISIBLE MAN
08Aug1957
Teleplay by Robert Esson
Based on the novel by H.G. Wells
Directed by Larry Schwab
starring
Geoffrey Toone
Chester Stratton
Angela Thornton
*Note:
TV-Guide Jan25-31, listed this episode as a TV milestone
in that the special effects were a TV first.
[--] Matinee Theater: DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE
16Aug1957 (rerun from 08Mar57)
##################################
########## Matinee Theater ###########
########## season 3 1957-58 ##########
##################################
3.03 [455] Matinee Theater: MOLLY MORGAN
03Sep1957
Adapted by Reginald Lawrence
Based on a story by John Steinbeck
Directed by Alan Hanson
starring
Lois Smith
Dick Foran
3.04 [456] Matinee Theater: WOMAN ALONE
04Sep1957
Written by Elizabeth Hart
starring
Miriam Hopkins
3.07 [459] Matinee Theater: THE ADJUSTABLE MR. WILLING
09Sep1957
Adapted by George Lowther
Story by Lucy Cores
Directed by Larry Schwab
starring
Bob Sweeney
Vivi Janiss
3.08 [460] Matinee Theater: FREEDOM COMES LATER
10Sep1957
starring
Kurt Kasznar
Warren Berlinger
3.09 [461] Matinee Theater: IN THE FOG
11Sep1957
Adapted by Robert Esson
Story by Richard H. Davis
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Arthur Hill
Narda Onyx
3.12 [464] Matinee Theater: EMMA
16Sep1957
Adapted by Helene Hanff
Based on Jane Austen's novel
Directed by Alan Cooke
starring
Sarah Churchill
Tom Helmore
3.17 [469] Matinee Theater: THE STORY OF SARAH
22Sep1957
starring
Marian Seldes ....... Sarah
Tom Tryon ........... Abraham
[---] Matinee Theater: THE WEAK AND THE STRONG
Oct1957
starring
Shirley Knight (her tv debut)
Michael Landon
Synopsis:
Story about unwed mothers.
3.35 [487] Matinee Theater: THE TONE OF TIME
17Oct1957
Adapted by Theodore Apstein
Based on Henry James' novel
Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Sarah Churchill
Irene Hervey
Donald Murphy
3.42 [494] Matinee Theater: THE LAST STOP
28Oct1957
Adapted by Anthony Spinner
Story by William McLeod Raine
Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Robert Gist
Michael Bradford
Lisa Montell
3.44 [496] Matinee Theater: NINE-FINGER JACK
30Oct1957 (rerun 19May1958)
Adapted by George Lowther
Story by Frank Price (Anthony Boucher)
Directed by Alan Cooke
starring
Eva Gabor ....... Hester
Patrick MacNee ...... John Smith
Synopsis:
John Smith has made money as a professional lady-killer. He has collected nine
insurance policies on as many wives, and is currently working on number 10, Hester.
But Hester proves to be a little more difficult to do away with. [RF]
3.45 [497] Matinee Theater: ELEMENTALS
31Oct1957
Adapted by Nicholas E. Baehr
Story by Stephen Vincent Benet
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Tom Tryon
Conrad Nagel
Mala Powers
3.52 [504] Matinee Theater: AESOP AND RHODOPE
11Nov1957 Mon
Written by Helene Hanff
Directed by Dennis Patrick
starring
Sarah Churchill
Lamont Johnson ............ Aesop
Conrad Nagel
Lee Patrick
3.54 [506] Matinee Theater: THE RANSOM OF SIGMUND FREUD
13Nov1957
Written by Harold Callen
Directed by Livia Granito
starring
Ludwig Donath
Kurt Kasznar
Harold Dyrenforth
Margo Lorenz
John Lupton
Eva Soreny
Luis Van Rooten
Synopsis:
The story tells about the difficulties Freud had, when he tried to
leave Austria after the Nazis took over. After President Roosevelt
intercedes Freud leaves for England.
3.56 [508] Matinee Theater: REMEMBER ME KINDLY
15Nov1957
Written by Sonya Roberts
Synopsis:
Positive that her daughter's next visit means the end of her stay at the
home for aged, Alicia packs her bags. Alicia's peevishness contrasts with
Bert and Meg's adjustment to the companionship found in the home. When Alicia's
daughter and her husband do arrive, they avoid her questions about leaving. [RF]
3.57 [509] Matinee Theater: EMBASSY HOUSE
18Nov1957 Mon
Synopsis:
A young secretary in Washington, D.C., falls in love with a man who passes
himself off as a rising young diplomat. Only a cynical treasury agent has doubts
about the young man's truthfulness. [RF]
3.58
[510] Matinee Theater: WITNESS TO MURDER
19Nov1957 Tue
Synopsis:
The prime suspect in a robbery-murder is an accountant who handled the
murdered man's finances. In a race against time, the accountant tries to locate
the real murderer before the police pick him up. [RF]
3.59
[511] Matinee Theater: THE JOHNSON HOUSE
20Nov1957 Wed
Written by Donald Symington
Synopsis:
A small college town divides against itself over the romance of a
college girl and a handsome student from Iraq. Prejudice threatens
to put a blight on the couple's plans of
marriage. [RF]
3.60
[512] Matinee Theater: OUT OF MY DARKNESS
21Nov1957 Thu
Synopsis:
The true story of a man blind since the age of eight. As a young man he marries
a woman he has never seen and becomes the father of a boy. Then he learns
that a delicate operation may enable him to see
again. [RF]
3.61
[513] Matinee Theater: THE TENDER LEAVES
22Nov1957 Fri
Synopsis:
A motion-picture executive learns that he is seriously ill just as he is about
to begin
production on a movie he has wanted to film all his life. [RF]
3.62 [514] Matinee Theater: CADENZA
25Nov1957
Story by Will Schneider & Herman Goldberg
Synopsis:
A well-known Hungarian violinist, newly arrived in the U.S., is planning a
concert
as a benefit for the Hungarian rebels. A young girl, who is acting as the musician's
press agent, is disturbed by two strange men who turn
up everywhere the musician appears. [RF]
3.63
[515] Matinee Theater: THE GREEN SHORES
26Nov1957
Adapted by Michael Dyne
Based on a story by C.P. Breen
Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Bradford Dillman
Dick Foran
Jeanette Nolan
Sally Pearce
Synopsis:
A student doctor leaves America to visit his aunt in Ireland. [RF]
3.64
[516] Matinee Theater: A QUESTION OF BALANCE
27Nov1957
Written by Wood Fitchette
Based on a story by Stuart Dunham
starring
Paul Langton ..... Paul McLean
Helen Westcott ..... Kay
Synopsis 1:
A respectably married assistant district attorney is assigned to a murder
investigation. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
A married assistant district attorney is assigned to a murder investigation
which
he knows will uncover his own involvement with another woman. [RF]
*Syndication airing 21Feb60 on Cameo Theater.
3.65 [517] Matinee Theater: IRIS
28Nov1957
Written by Arnold Rabin
starring
Margaret Truman Daniel
Ray Montgomery
Synopsis:
Iris, is the story of an eligible spinster, aged 31, who refused
to rush things with her undependable steady. [RF]
*Note:
Quote from TIME magazine: "Like a cake in the oven," she tells him,
"you open the door too soon, you ruin it." In the end, though, Iris bravely
chucked the cad when she realized he was not returning her love, only her kisses,
and, with what the script called "a fine, quiet steadiness," was called upon to
sigh courageously: "I am born again." Though Iris was the kind of frothy pink lady
that TV shakes up every day, Margaret gave it the sort of warm,
simple-blonde-and-blue-eyed glow that the headier
highballs of TV drama often lack.
3.66
[518] Matinee Theater: DANIEL WEBSTER AND THE SEA SERPENT
29Nov1957
Adapted by George Lowther
Based on the story by Stephen Vincent Benet
Directed by Alan Cooke
starring
John McGiver
John Carradine
Frederic Worlock
Synopsis:
Presidential candidate Daniel Webster seeks respite from
the duties of state by going deep-sea fishing. To his amazement,
he hooks but loses an oversized sea serpent. [RF]
3.68 [520] Matinee Theater: OUT OF MY DARKNESS
03Dec1957
starring
Jan Merlin
3.69 [521] Matinee Theater: THE MAN THAT CORRUPTED
HADLEYBURG
04Dec1957
Adapted by Dale Wasserman
Based on the novel by Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Will Rogers, Jr.
Carolyn Kearney
Jack Albertson
Synopsis:
A passing stranger vows revenge by the "incorruptible" townspeople of Hadleyburg.
3.71 [523] Matinee Theater: A CLOUD FOR JENI
06Dec1957
Produced by Albert McCleery
Written by Mort Thaw
Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Charlie Ruggles
Betty Lou Keim
Morey Amsterdam
Paul Picerni
3.74
[527] Matinee Theater: GIVE ME A WAND
11Dec1957
Written by Robert E. Thompson
3.76 [529] Matinee Theater: DARK OF THE MOON
13Dec1957
Written by Howard Richardson & William Berney
Directed by Albert McCleery
starring
Tom Tryon
Gloria Talbott
3.77 [530] Matinee Theater: THE GIFT AND THE GIVER
16Dec1957
Written by Harold Gast
Synopsis:
After several years of marriage, Walter Boone leaves his possessive wife, taking
his little daughter along. His wife doesn't object; she is glad to be left with their son,
whom she loves. Then Walter publishes a book in which he thinly
disguises the family relationships. [RF]
3.78 [531] Matinee Theater: NO TIME FOR COMEDY
17Dec1957
Written by S.N. Behrman
Directed by Alan Cooke
starring
Sarah Churchill
Katharine Bard
Dennis Patrick
Synopsis:
Linda realizes she is in danger of losing her husband. [RF]
3.79 [532] Matinee Theater: A GENTLEMAN OF FORTUNE
18Dec1957
Story by Stephen Vincent Benet
Synopsis:
At a country fair, a retired con man sizes up a young couple who,
he discovers, have just eloped. [RF]
3.80 [533] Matinee Theater: THE GENTLEMAN CALLER
19Dec1957
Written by George Lowther
Synopsis:
Miss Emmy Rice, a lonely old woman, is befriended by a young man she meets in the park.
Grateful for his attentions, she finds an old magazine picture resembling her
new friend and hangs it in her room. [RF]
3.81 [534] Matinee Theater: THE TENDER LEAVES
20Dec1957
Written by Robert J. Shaw
Synopsis:
A movie executive, recovering from tuberculosis in an Arizona sanitarium, falls
in love with another patient. When he learns that his position in Hollywood is threatened,
he asks the woman to marry him and vows he is through with his former career. [RF]
3.82 [535] Matinee Theater: SARA CREWE
24Dec1957
Adapted by Elizabeth Hart
Story by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Directed by Livia Granito
starring
Brenda Forbes
Reba Waters
3.84 [537] Matinee Theater: THE LITTLE MINISTER
26Dec1957
Adapted by Helene Hanff
Based on a story by J.M. Barrie
Directed by Livia Granito
starring
Margaret O'Brien
Ben Cooper
Henry Daniell
3.85 [538] Matinee Theater: FIGHT THE WHOLE WORLD
27Dec1957
written by Caleb Gray
starring
Dean Stockwell
Nancy Malone ..... Jan
Dayton Lummis .... Father
Irene Tedrow ..... Mother
Synopsis:
An adopted orphan runs away to join the Navy---
then returns wanting to marry his foster sister. [RF]
3.91 [544] Matinee Theater: THE EUROPEANS
06Jan1958
Adapted by Theodore Apstein
Based on Henry James' novel
Directed by Lamont Johnson
starring
Zsa Zsa Gabor
Peter Cookson
Nico Minardos
3.93 [546] Matinee Theater: TWO-PICTURE DEAL
08Jan1958
Written by George Bellak
3.96 [549] Matinee Theater: HOME ON THE RANGE
13Jan1958
Adapted by George Lowther
From a story by Robert Carson
Synopsis:
A veterinarian longs to forsake his fashionable Hollywood canine clinic
and go back to his first love - cattle ranching. He learns about a lucrative
position on a cattle ranch, but the applicant must be married to a woman who
can act as a secretary. The bachelor veterinarian sets about interviewing
stenographers in a frantic attempt to find himself a wife within five days. [RF]
3.97 [550] Matinee Theater: THE MAKROPOULOS SECRET
14Jan1958
Adapted by Michael Dyne
From the play by Karl Capek
starring
Sarah Churchill ...... Emilia Marty
Synopsis:
In Hungary, Berti Gregor eagerly anticipates winning his lawsuit against
Baron Prus over possession of the valuable Lukhov estate. When Prus wins, Berti
enlists the aid of the beautiful singer Emilia Marty in an attempt to acquire some letters
from Prus which Berti believes contain evidence in his favor. But Emilia has another
motive for wanting the letters herself. [RF]
3.98
[551] Matinee Theater: MORE THAN A MAN
15Jan1958
Written by Arthur W. Rabin
Synopsis:
An ex-prizefighter is angry when he learns that his son plans to
forsake his law studies to take up boxing. [RF]
3.99
[552] Matinee Theater: SOMETHING STOLEN, SOMETHING BLUE
16Jan1958
Written by William Mourne
Synopsis:
When her bridegroom-to-be doesn't show up for the wedding, Corinne March's
family is certain she has been jilted. But Corinne is certain Johnny has been
a victim of foul play and decides to investigate. [RF]
3.100
[553] Matinee Theater: THE THUNDERBOLT
17Jan1958
Based on the famous 19th century English dramatist Arthur Wing Pinero.
Synopsis:
In 1905 the Mortimore family gathers at Linchpool, England, following the death
of a wealthy but long-estranged brother. Though no will has yet been found,
the covetous relatives learn that their brother has a daughter living in Paris. [RF]
3.103 [556] Matinee Theater: FOREVER AND EVER
22Jan1958
Written by Kathleen and Robert Howard Lindsay
starring
Johnny Crawford
3.106 [559] Matinee Theater: SOLDIER'S BOY
Prod. no. 557
27Jan1958
Adapted by Abby Mann
Based on a story by James Warner Bellah
Directed by Richard Goode
starring
Everett Sloane ....... Gen. Stanton Brisk
Adrienne Marden
Synopsis:
General Stanton Brisk, on the day of his retirement from the Army, visits his wife
Edith in a sanitarium. Ever since the day their son Edward was killed in the war she
has blocked off her mind to 24 years of married life and returned to the time
when Edward was 12 and her husband was just a captain. [RF]
3.107 [560] Matinee Theater: THE MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES
28Jan1958
Written by Lynn and Helen Root
(as The Man With the Painted Toes)
Directed by Robert Ellis Miller
starring
Earl Holliman ....... Tom Cotterell
Vanessa Brown ....... Pamela Wright
Synopsis:
Tom Cotterell, young and rich Texas Oilman is hurt and bewildered when a New York girl,
Pamela Wright, turns away from him in disgust at his crude and unpolished ways.
He hires a tutor named Florry, who falls in love with him and is dismayed when
he flies to New York to meet Pamela again. [RF]
3.108 [561] Matinee Theater: WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOR
29Jan1958
written by H.R. Hays
Host John Conte
Synopsis:
In the New York of 1870, politician Boss Tweed runs the city and its officials to suit himself.
He at first refuses to heed the threats of one of his henchman, who claims he will give
out the story of Tweed's corruption to the New York Times unless Tweed comes
across with the money due him. [RF]
3.109 [562] Matinee Theater: THE 10TH MUSE
30Jan1958
Written by Sam Hall
Synopsis:
Writer Linda Stone is thrilled and somewhat awed at the opportunity to write the
biography of her idol, poetress Mathilda Morrell, reputed to be the greatest poet ever
produced by America. But Linda is disturbed by dark hints dropped by
Miss Morrell's nephew about his aunt's writing. [RF]
3.110 [563] Matinee Theater: LOVE OUT OF TOWN
31Jan1958
Written & adapted by William McCleery
Directed by Alan Hanson
starring
Sarah Churchill
Richard Anderson
Dennis Patrick
Jean Carson
Synopsis:
The out-of-town play headed for Broadway runs into some difficulties. A local critic
berates the performers as inadequate. The leading lady is in love with the director.
And the director wants to change the play from drama to comedy. [RF]
3.111 [564] Matinee Theater: CAVE-IN
03Feb1958
Written by Jack Oleck
Directed by Boris Sagal
starring
Paul Langton ....... Matt
Catherine McLeod ....... Helen
Jeanne Cooper ....... Ruth
Stacy Harris ......... Phil
Paul Maxwell
Mark Evans
Harry Hickox
Butch Bernard
Robert 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]
Synopsis 2:
Two children accidentally expose an affair between one's mother and the other's
dad. [RF]
(Syndication airing on Cameo Theater 30Jul61)
3.112
[565] Matinee Theater: THE ICEMAN
04Feb1958
Written by Anthony Spinner
Directed by Albert McCleery
starring
Andrew Duggan ....... Clyde
Peggy McCay .......... Louise
Johnny Crawford ........ Leo
Jackie Coogan
Synopsis:
Born and bred in the slums, Clyde "The Iceman" Grannick is fired by his
brother-in-law
because his cold and sullen manner has been losing clients in the public-relations firm.
As a result, Clyde tells Louise that they can't keep Leo, a little orphan boy. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Clyde is sore over being fired by his brother-in-law, takes his anger out on his
wife---by not allowing her to adopt a child. [RF]
(Syndication airing on Cameo Theater 07May61)
3.113
[566] Matinee Theater: THE LONG, LONG LAUGH
05Feb1958
Written by Bernard Slade
starring
June Lockhart ....... Connie
Russell Arms ....... Ernie Barton
Synopsis:
Though Ernie Barton is a good, sensitive person, his attempts to please everyone
he works with are futile. The result is that he has become the office clown. Only Connie,
the secretary, shows him any respect. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
A secretary tries to aid Ernie Barton, whose efforts to please everyone he works
with have resulted in his becoming the office clown. [RF]
*Syndication airing on Cameo Theater 23Jul61.
3.114
[567] Matinee Theater: THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY
06Feb1958 (rerun 20Jun58)
Produced by Albert McCleery
Adapted by Elihu Winer
From the story by Edward Everett Hale
Directed by Lamont Johnson
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Peter Hanson .......Philip Nolan
Richard Shannon ..... Ingham
Ralph Clanton
Betty Lynn
Dayton Lummis
Douglass Dumbrille
Synopsis:
This is the famous fictional story of a man who damned his country.
Placed on board a U.S. Naval vessel, Philip Nolan was subjected to a strange sentence. [RF]
*Note: Syndication airing on Cameo Theater
09Jun60
[---] Matinee Theater: THE ODD ONES
07Feb1958 (rerun 16Jun58)
Written by Betty Ulius
Directed by Livia Granito
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Marilyn Erskine ........ Judith Mann
Darryl Hickman ........ Ben de Franco
Olive Blakeney ........ Mrs. Mann
Walter Kelley ........ Howie Mann
Stephen Coit ......... Philip Field
Ron Foster ........... Jerry
Opal Euard ........... Janitor
Synopsis:
A woman art instructor entering her 30's falls in love with a pupil much
younger.
Her overbearing brother tries to convince her that the artist is only using her to further his career. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: no details
10Feb1958
[--] Matinee Theater: MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE
11Feb1958
Adapted by S.S. Schweitzer
Based on a story by Booth Tarkington
Directed by Alan Cooke
starring
Peter Hansen
Patricia Cutts
Patrick Macnee
[---] Matinee Theater: no details
12Feb1958
[---] Matinee Theater: no details
13Feb1958
[--] Matinee Theater: THE THIRD PERSON
14Feb1958
Adapted by Warner Law
Based on Henry James' novel
Directed by Robert Ellis Miller
starring
Judith Evelyn
Muriel Kirkland
Harry Ellerbe
[---] Matinee Theater: EDEN END
17Feb1958
Adapted by Greer Johnson
From the play by J.B. Priestley
Hosted by John Conte
Synopsis:
With the return of young Wilfred Kirby from his job in British West Africa, the Kirby
family is still not completely reunited. Stella, who left nine years ago for a
career in the theater, still remains out of the family fold. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE 10TH MUSE
18Feb1958 (rerun from 30Jan1958)
[---] Matinee Theater: LAUGH A LITTLE TEAR
19Feb1958
written by Robert E. Thompson
starring
Susan Kohner
Lawrence Dobkin
Virginia Christine
Synopsis:
Old World customs prevail when Juliette meets Broc, who has been
betrothed to her since they were small children. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: GOODBYE ON THURSDAY
20Feb1958
Synopsis:
Pop Yeager, linotyper by trade lives on a boat with his pretty daughter Vinnie
and his young son Paul. After six months working for Skip Anderson, local newspaper
editor, Pop feels it's time he up-anchored and left for another port. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE HEART'S DESIRE
21Feb1958 (rerun 19Ju58)
Written by Helene Hanff
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Kuldip Singh ......... Omar
Leon Askin ........... General Rabat
Pernell Roberts ...... Hassan
Lisa Montell ......... Yasmin
Synopsis:
In ancient Persia, three boys, one of whom is Omar Khayyam swear a solemn oath.
Whoever first gains fame and fortune promises to
share his good luck with the others.
*Note: Kuldip Singh is a renowned Indian singer. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE
24Feb1958
Written by Robert E. Thompson
Synopsis:
Two young people are among a group trekking across the Oregon territory in 1865.
They are drawn to each other when the girl's father dies and when, later,
she saves the young man's life. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE SUICIDE CLUB
25Feb1958
Adapted by Robert Esson
Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
John Abbott
Kerwin Matthews
Eduardo Ciannelli
Synopsis:
Prince Florizel and his friend Col. Geraldine travel about London incognito.
In a bar they meet a young man whom the prince invites to dinner. When their
guest tells them he is planning to join a secret organization called the Suicide Club,
the prince begs to be taken along. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE 65th FLOOR
26Feb1958 (rerun 09Jun58)
Adapted by Nicholas E. Baehr
From a play by Newt Arnold
starring
Hugh Marlowe ......... Gene Collier
Patricia Barry ....... Sally Collier
Alix Talton .......... Christine Hughes
Synopsis 1:
After receiving a promotion, a young man accepts an offer by a female
co-worker to help him learn his new duties. He is unaware that the woman
is trying to break up his marriage. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Recently promoted, a young man is offered help in learning his new duties.
The offer comes from a young-lady colleague,
whose real motive is to break up his
marriage. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE HICKORY HEART
27Feb1958
Written by Greer Johnson
Synopsis:
When Liza Crabtree's oldest son Jim decides to marry a local girl, Liza decides
she must step in and break up the romance. But then Jim starts courting the new schoolteacher,
and Liza thinks maybe she acted too hastily about Jim
and his sweetheart. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE DEVIL'S VIOLIN
28Feb1958
Written by Will Schneider & Herman Goldberg
starring
Patricia McCormack.... Lucy Smith
Synopsis:
Lucy Smith has gone into East Germany in search of a violin. Her army father
is anxiously hunting for her in West Germany, and the authorities in East Germany
are searching for her because they believe she has secret information. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE VIGILANTE
04Mar1958
Adapted by Anthony Spinner
Based on a story by Thomas Thompson
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Leif Erickson
Darryl Hickman
Marie Windsor
[---] Matinee Theater: THE PROPHET HOSEA
05Mar1958
Written by Marjorie Duhan Adler
starring
Joseph Wiseman ....... Hosea
[---] Matinee Theater: CAREER ANGEL
13Mar1958
Written by Frank Price
starring
Nita Talbot
Cecil Kellaway
[---] Matinee Theater: ONE FOR ALL
17Mar1958
Adapted by Harold Gast
Based on a
story by James Skardon
Directed by John Barrymore Jr.
starring
Ben Holt
Dina Merrill
Raymond Bailey
Robert Gist
Robert Bray
Miriam Flood
Ezra Flood
Red Bailey
Synopsis:
Two good friends take on jobs as sheriffs of a Western town. But soon their
differences of
opinion cause trouble. One man feels that outlaws should be given the trials they are
entitled to by law; the other favors lynching them on
the spot. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: ANXIOUS NIGHT
18Mar1958
Adapted by David Lamson
Based on a
story by George Lowther
Synopsis:
Because of the memories of her own difficult and poverty-stricken childhood,
Mindy
had tried to give her teenage son Johnny everything he desires. One night Mindy
receives a phone call from the man she once loved
telling her that Johnny is in serious trouble. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: ON APPROVAL
19Mar1958
Adapted by Guy de Vry
Based on a
story by Frederick Lonsdale
Synopsis:
Wealthy English widow Marie Wislack confesses to her good friend Helen that she
has an excellent husband-testing idea that she plans to use if she ever marries again. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: DANDY DICK
20Mar1958
Adapted by Alan Cooke
Based on a
story by Sir Arthur Pinero
Synopsis:
A staid English clergyman feels he has enough trouble trying to raise two lively
daughters and keep out of debt. But when his sister arrives with a race horse,
Jedd's troubles really begin. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: HUSH, MAHALA, HUSH
21Mar1958
Written by Mac Shoub
Synopsis:
Ever since the death of her married daughter, Mahala has been in a dazed state.
Mahala's husband decides that seeing their granddaughter Karen might help.
Instead, Mahala transfers all her affection to the little girl and insists that Karen
is really her dead daughter. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: END OF THE ROPE
24Mar1958 (rerun 27Jun58 last episode of the series)
Written by Sheldon Stark
Directed by Albert McCleery
starring
George Peppard .... Kincaid
Parley Baer ....... Oldham
Susan Oliver
Norma Moore
John Conte
John Barrymore Jr. (John Drew Barrymore)
Synopsis:
In a small town, enraged townspeople refuse to believe the tale of a stranger.
He claims that the man they think committed a murder was miles away at the time of the killing. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Enraged townsfolk won't believe a stranger's claim that he was miles away at the
time of a murder. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: O'ROURKE'S HOUSE
25Mar1958
starring
Leif Erickson
Johnny Crawford
Synopsis:
Because of his stern disciplinary methods, Frank O'Rourke has created an
atmosphere of hatred in his own home. His wife, who is critically ill, tries to show
her husband how wrong he has been in his harsh
treatment of his two sons. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE ALLEYWAY
26Mar1958
written by Robert Esson
Synopsis:
A handsome young man becomes involved with an older woman. Her husband,
an extremely jealous man, is now in prison because of
a fight over his wife. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE VAGABOND
27Mar1958
adapted by Betty Ulius
from the story by Colette
starring
Eva Gabor ....... Renee Nero
Jacques Bergerac ....... Max
Synopsis:
Renee Nero, a writer turned dancer meets a wealthy admirer, Max, and agrees
to see him occasionally. When Max confesses his love for her and proposes,
Renee is dismayed. She believes that she loves him, but can't imagine
adjusting to his routine way of life. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE SILVER SPIDER
28Mar1958
written by Robert Wallsten
Synopsis:
Lola Fay, a glamorous though middle-aged actress, marries her fourth husband,
a man half her age. During rehearsals for Lola's TV debut, an attractive younger
woman is brought in to do some rewriting. But she seems more interested
in Lola's new husband than the play. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: RAIN IN THE MORNING
31Mar58
written by Paula Fox & Marjorie Kellogg
starring
Peggy McCay ....... Jane
Robert Morse ....... Frank Wilson
Synopsis:
Frank Wilson stresses to his wife Jane that when his boss arrives for dinner
that night, she should try to be more forceful and decisive. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: DESIGN FOR GLORY
01Apr58
written by Harold Gast
Synopsis:
Jeanne Peterson wants to become a singer. Her scheme for success begins
when she poses as the daughter of the great singer Viviandi. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
02Apr58
Adapted by Warner Law
Story by Nikolai Gogol
Directed by Sherman Marks
starring
Wally Cox
Akim Tamiroff
Synopsis:
The officials of a Russian town are upset by news that a government inspector
will come to town incognito to investigate their work. When young Khlestakov,
a poor copying clerk, registers at the local inn, he is mistaken for the important dignitary. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE TWO MRS. CARROLLS
03Apr1958
adapted by Alan Cooke
play by Martin Vale
starring
Zsa Zsa Gabor ...... Sally Carroll
Synopsis:
Pretty Sally Carroll is still very much in love with her middle-aged painter husband,
who divorced his first wife in order to marry her two years ago. The he begins to spend
a lot of time with a beautiful young widow, painting her portrait, as he once painted Sally's. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE VELVET GLOVE
04Apr1958
Adapted by Helen Taini
Based on a novel by Rosemary Casey
Directed by Alan Hanson
starring
Cathleen Nesbitt
John Hoyt
Mona Washbourne
Mary LaRouche
Synopsis:
When beloved Mother Hildebrand returns from a tour of her many convents,
she is upset to learn that the bishop intends to dismiss young Professor Pearson
from the college staff. She reluctantly agrees to the bishop's order,
but in her heart she has other plans. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: FROM THE DESK OF MARGARET
TYDINGS
14Apr1958 (rerun from 04Apr56)
[---] Matinee Theater: THE CANTERVILLE GHOST
15Apr1958
Adapted by George Lowther
Oscar Wilde's story
Directed by Robert Ellis Miller
starring
Ernest Truex
Thayer David
Sue Randall
Sylvia Field
[---] Matinee Theater: THE IVY CURTAIN
16Apr1958 (rerun from 06Sep56)
[---] Matinee Theater: FOUND MONEY
17Apr1958
[---] Matinee Theater: WASHINGTON WHISPERS MURDER
18Apr1958
[---] Matinee Theater: THE LAST VOYAGE
21Apr1958
written by James Truex
starring
Zsa Zsa Gabor ....... Mme. Brillon
Maurice Manson ....... Benjamin Franklin
Ralph Clanton ....... Arthur Lee
Eric Sinclair ....... Edward Bancroft
Synopsis:
Even though he is getting along in years, Benjamin Franklin is asked to become
the third member of a special diplomatic mission being sent to France. The Colonies
hope to win French aid in the struggle with England. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: A BOY GROWS UP
22Apr1958
adapted by Harold Gast
from a play by Dorothy R. Stewart
starring
Leo Castillo
Jane Darwell
Synopsis:
It is the year 1840, and 14 year old John Langer is en route to Oregon with
his family to stake out a government claim. During the hart trip, both John's
parents die and he is left to care for his sisters and
baby brother. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE PHONY VENUS
23Apr1958
adapted by Robert Wallsten
from a story by George Bradshaw
Synopsis:
John Marshall, young archeologist and art expert finds being head of a museum
in France is more like a vacation than work. While he is busy enjoying himself
and falling in love with Jeanne Bonnet, Jeanne and her family are busy planning
to palm off some forged art work on John's museum. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: SOME BLESSED PEOPLE
24Apr1958
adapted by Greer Johnson
from a short story by Jean Leslie
Synopsis:
Debby Lowell, who has just moved into the old Meredith home with her husband,
becomes very curious about Miss Meredith, last member of the once prominent family.
Miss Meredith lives in the family's old coach house in absolute seclusion,
so Debby decides to investigate. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE QUIET STREET
25Apr1958
adapted by Theodore Apstein
from a novel by Selda Popkin
Synopsis:
It has been three years since young Dinah Hirsch left her home and family
in Israel to go to the Negev, where she works as a farmer by day and fights as a
soldier by night. Dinah's mother grows ill worrying about her daughter as her visits
home grow more and more infrequent. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE GUEST OF QUESNAY
07May1958
Adapted by Robert Esson
Based on a story by Booth Tarkington
Directed by Allan Buckhantz
starring
Joanne Linville
George Macready
Robert Brown
Dayton Lummis
[---] Matinee Theater: ANGEL STREET
09May58
Written by Patrick Hamilton
Directed by Walter Grauman
starring
Vincent Price
Judith Evelyn
Leo G. Carroll
*Note: These three actors recreated their Broadway roles in this episode.
[---] Matinee Theater: THE CAUSE
12May1958
written by Rod Serling
directed by Albert McCleery
starring
Kent Smith
Richard Crenna
Sidney Blackmer
Lois Smith
[---] Matinee Theater: NINE-FINGER JACK
19May1958 (aired originally on 30Oct1957)
[---] Matinee Theater: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Part I)
20May58
Adapted by Alan Cooke
Based on the play by William Shakespeare
Directed by Alan Cooke
starring
Robert Horton ....... Benedict
Nina Foch ....... Beatrice
Patrick MacNee ........ Don Pedro
Stephen Joyce ....... Claudio
Norma Moore ....... Hero
Pernell Roberts ....... Don John
Herschel Bernardi ........ Borachio
Philip Bourneuf
Synopsis:
Not only have Beatrice and Benedict vowed never to marry, but they go to great lengths
to express their dislike for one another. Their friends, however, conspire to link the
strong-willed couple romantically. This is Part I of a two-part adaptation by Alan Cooke. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Part II)
21May58
Adapted by Alan Cooke
Based on the play by William Shakespeare
Directed by Alan Cooke
starring
Robert Horton ........ Benedict
Nina Foch ......... Beatrice
Patrick MacNee ........ Don Pedro
Stephen Joyce ........ Claudio
Norma Moore ......... Hero
Pernell Roberts ......... Don John
Herschel Bernardi ........ Borachio
Philip Bourneuf
Synopsis:
Claudio renounces Hero on their wedding day. And the plot to bring the
sharp-tongued Beatrice and Benedict to the altar also hits a snag. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: DAY OF DISCOVERIES
22May58
Written by Sheldon Stark
Synopsis:
Rita Loria is very concerned about the influence her domineering father exerts
over her husband, Paul. Like his father-in-law, Paul has become so obsessed with
ideas of being a great success, that he has little concern for his wife and child. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE YOUNG AND THE FAIR
23May58
Written by N. Richard Nash
Synopsis:
Fran and Patty Morritt, orphan sisters, arrive at Brook Valley Junior College,
where Fran intends to teach while Patty attends school. Miss Cantry, the head-mistress,
believes that neither of the girls will fit into the school. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE RIDDLE OF MARY MURRAY
27May58
Written by Helene Hanff
Directed by Livia Granito
starring
Katharine Bard
Tom Helmore
John Hoyt
[---] Matinee Theater: BUTTON BUTTON
29May58
Written by Harold
Story by Nelson Bond
Directed by Allan Buckhantz
Ray Danton
Richard Long
Susan Oliver
[---] Matinee Theater: LOVE OUT OF TOWN
02Jun58
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Sarah Churchill ...... Peggy
Richard Anderson ..... Alec
Dennis Patrick ....... Ward
Jean Carson .......... Agnes
Joel Marston ......... Morton
William Keene ........ Frederic
Ralph Gamble ......... David
Synopsis:
During its out-of-town run, a play headed for Broadway encounters some
difficulties. A local critic pans the performers, the leading lady is in love with the director,
and the director wants to change the play from
straight drama to comedy. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE END OF THE SEASON
03Jun58
Adapted by S.S. Schweitzer
Based on a play by Bernard Schubert
Hosted by John Conte
Synopsis:
Michael Lawrence, once a well-known concert pianist, was blinded 10 years
ago in an accident. Since the accident he has lived quietly with his wife and
two children. His life suddenly takes on new meaning when his sister-in-law,
who was with him at the time of the accident, brings an eye surgeon to see him.
The surgeon tells Michael that his sight might be
restored. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: LOOK OUT FOR JOHN TUCKER
04Jun58
Adapted by George Lowther
From a short story by John and Ward Hawkins
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Tommy Kirk ........... John Tucker
Synopsis:
Teenager John Tucker is wanted by the law for some petty robberies he committed
in an attempt to help his crippled father. John decides that escape is the only thing that
will save him, so he hops a freight train in an attempt to outrun the law. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
05Jun1958
Adapted by Nicholas E. Baehr
From a story by Budd Schulberg
Directed by Allan Buckhantz
starring
Joe Maross
Edward Binns
Scotty Morrow ....... Teddy
Synopsis:
Al Manheim, a writer, is visiting a dude ranch, where he meets Pat O'Shell, a
doctor.
Pat is trying to recover from tuberculosis, but he tells Manheim that he needs money
so badly that he may have to leave the ranch before he is completely well.
Al becomes interested in the young doctor. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE NIGHTBIRD'S CRYING
06Jun58
Written by Jack Paritz
Hosted by John Conte
Synopsis:
Cassie Richwood's husband is executed for murder. The young widow, soon to have
a child, goes to live with her mother-in-law, who blames her for her husband's lawlessness.
The mother-in-law agrees to let Cassie stay in her home until the birth of the child.
Afterwards, she insists that Cassie give up the child
and leave, never to return. [RF]
[540] Matinee Theater: THE 65TH FLOOR
09Jun1958 (rerun from 26Feb58)
[---] Matinee Theater: THE STORY OF MARCIA GORDON
10Jun1958
Written by Marjorie Duhan Adler
Directed by Dennis Patrick
starring
Irene Hervey
Jean Muir
Nancy Rennick
Michael Bradford
Synopsis:
Marcia Miller has inherited her successful mother's talent for fashion designing. But Marcia
has decided she doesn't want to follow in her mother's footsteps because she wants to fulfill
her role as a wife and mother, something she feels that her own mother never did. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: TOWN IN TURMOIL
11Jun1958
(aka Town in a Turmoil)
Adapted by George Lowther
From a short story by Burnham Carter
Directed by Livia Granito
starring
Edward Everett Horton
Marcia Henderson
Richard Shannon
Russell Collins
Synopsis:
Pretty Martha Radway is vigorously campaigning with members of the League of Women
Voters for a new school in their town. But Martha runs into violent opposition from older
citizens who feel the new school would be much too expensive. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: WASHINGTON SQUARE
12Jun1958
Adapted by Michael Dyne
From the novel by Henry James
Directed by Alan Cooke
starring
Roddy McDowall
John Abbott
Peggy McCay
Lurene Tuttle
Synopsis:
Dr. Austin Sloper had always hoped that his daughter Catherine would grow into as charming
and brilliant a woman as her mother had been. But Catherine grew up to be a very
ordinary woman. Therefore it is with a suspicious eye that Dr. Sloper watches handsome,
dashing Morris Townsend court his plain, but very wealthy daughter. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: COURSE FOR COLLISION
13Jun1958
Written by Arthur Hailey
Synopsis:
The year is 1962, and it is known that Russia is planning a full-scale nuclear attack
against the U.S. and Canada. In a desperate last-minute effort to avert war, the President
makes plans to fly to Russia to meet directly with the Russian Leaders. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE ODD ONES
16Jun58 (rerun from 07Feb58)
[---] Matinee Theater: THE MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES
17Jun58
Written by Lynn and Helen Root
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Earl Holliman ........ Tom Cotterell
Vanessa Brown ........ Pamela Wright
Synopsis:
Young Tom Cotterell, a rich Texas oilman, is hurt when he is rebuffed by a New
York girl.
Pamela can't stand Tom's crude ways, so he hires
a girl to teach him how to be a gentleman. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: A QUESTION OF BALANCE
18Jun58
Written by Wood Fitchette and Stuart Dunham
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Paul Langton ......... Assistant DA McLean
Helen Westcott ....... Kay
Willis Bouchey ....... Robertson
Synopsis:
A happily married assistant attorney is assigned a murder investigation
which he knows will uncover his involvement with another woman. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Assistant DA McLean is assigned a murder case that
he knows will expose his adulterous affair. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE HEART'S DESIRE
19Jun58 (rerun from 21Feb58)
[---] Matinee Theater: THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY
20Jun58 (rerun from 06Feb58)
[---] Matinee Theater: THE PROPHET HOSEA
23Jun58
Biblical drama by Marjorie Duhan Adler
Synopsis:
Gomer, a beautiful young girl is blamed by townspeople for the suicide of one of their men.
They are about to kill her when Hosea saves her life. The young prophet falls in love
with Gomer and asks her to marry him. Gomer, grateful to Hosea, promises to become his wife. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: JOURNEY INTO DARKNESS
24Jun58
Adapted by Theodore Apstein
Based on a story by Selwyn James
starring
Skip Homeier ........ Mitchell Dayton
Peggy McCay
Peter Whitney
Synopsis:
After years of carrying the responsibilities of two jobs, Mitchell Dayton has a
nervous breakdown. He moves his family to Florida where he takes a job in a
gas station. One afternoon he is knocked unconscious, and when he awakens he is
hundreds of miles away from home with no money and no identification,
and suffering from amnesia. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
A hard-working mechanic is knocked unconscious during a holdup---and wakes up
with amnesia. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: FROM THE DESK OF MARGARET TYDING
25Jun58
starring
Maggie Hayes ......... Margaret Tyding
Donald Murphy ....... Tyding
Synopsis:
A successful career woman becomes ill and discovers that someone has been
giving her small doses of poison every day. Her suspicion falls on both her
ambitious assistant and her husband. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Suspicion falls on an envious husband when a successful woman learns that she is
being poisoned. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: RAIN IN THE MORNING
26Jun58
Written by Paula Fox & Marjorie Kellogg
starring
Barbara Drew ......... Bess Carlson
Robert Karnes ........ Frank Wilson
Robert Morse ..... Larry Wilson
Peggy McCay ...... Jane
Theodore Newton .. Wallace
Will J. White ........ Attendant
Synopsis:
Frank Wilson is bringing his boss home for dinner and is anxious to make
a good impression. He asks his wife Jane to try not to be so shy and tells her
she must be more decisive. During the day a strange young man comes to the
house posing as a magazine salesman. Jane feels that this is a good
opportunity to practice being forceful. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Wanting to make a good impression on his boss, Larry Wilson
coaches his shy wife on the tricks of being an outgoing dinner hostess. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: END OF THE ROPE (This is the final show of the series)
27Jun58 (rerun from 24Mar58)
######## Matinee Theater #########
########### the end ############
#################################
----------------------------------------
UNKNOWN AIRDATES/TITLES
----------------------------------------
[---] Matinee Theater: EUGENIE GRANDET
(Syndication airing on Cameo Theater 05Mar61)
Adapted by Betty Ulius
Story by Honore de Balzac
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Peggy McCay ........ Eugenie Grandet
Dayton Lummis ........ Cesar Grandet
Synopsis:
Against her miserly father's wishes, a young heiress becomes engaged to her
cousin.
Shortly after this the young man becomes bankrupt. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE LONG, LONG LAUGH
(Syndication airing on Cameo Theater 22Jul61)
Hosted by John Conte
starring
June Lockhart ........ Connie
Russell Arms ......... Ernie Barton
Synopsis:
Though Ernie Barton is a good, sensitive person his attempts to please
everybody he works with are futile. The result is that he has become the office clown. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: Unknown title
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Broderick Crawford
Marilyn Erskine
Synopsis:
A very influential mobster takes a romantic interest in a dance hall employee. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: SANTA IS NO SAINT
Written by Frank and Doris Hursley
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Edmund Gwenn
Anita Louise
Synopsis:
A stern business man believes his children should be told the truth about Santa
Claus. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: SISTER VERONICA
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Irene Dunne
Synopsis:
A gentle nun, the superintendent of a large hospital, is called upon
to solve her patient's problems. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: REMEMBERANCE DAY
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Thomas Mitchell
Synopsis:
An elderly con man launches a scheme to inaugurate a Christmas
Rememberance Day in July. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: OUR SON
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Wilton Graff
Dorothy Malone
Synopsis:
A pastor who has become a well-known author and TV star meets
the ex-convict mother of his adopted son. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: LOOK FOR TOMORROW
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Jane Greer
Synopsis:
A voice coach starts drinking heavily. [RF]
[---] Matinee Theater: THE LADY AND THE CHAMP
Hosted by John Conte
starring
Preston Foster
Laraine Day
[---] Matinee Theater: CELEBRITY
1956
starring
Joanne Dru
[---] Matinee Theater: GUNFIGHT
1955
starring
Leonard Nimoy
[---] Matinee Theater: MAN IN A MINOR KEY
Meyer Dolinsky
[--] Matinee Theater: THE SUBPEONA
starring
Zsa Zsa Gabor
Unknown episodes,
Harold Lloyd Jr.
Charlie Chaplin Jr.
##################################
########## Matinee Theater ###########
############## the end ##############
##################################
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