TV: 1950s
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- StarsAnn BakerMary BrianJohn EldredgePert blond teenager Corliss Archer must balance her life at school, her lovable but goofy boyfriend Dexter and her well-meaning but clueless parents.
- StarsReed HadleyHugh BeaumontKeith RichardsThis series dramatizes confidence games which fall under the jurisdiction of Captain John Braddock.
- StarsOzzie NelsonHarriet NelsonRicky NelsonOzzie and Harriet Nelson raise their two sons Ricky and David. As the sons age, they experience teenage dating problems, marriage and careers.
- StarsJohn RussellPeter BrownPeggie CastleThis is the story of Marshal Dan Troop of Laramie, Wyoming, and his Deputy Johnny McKay, an orphan Troop took under his wing.
- StarsDavid JanssenRoxane BrooksRuss ConwayRichard Diamond is a suave private investigator who at first walks the mean streets of New York City, then later packs up and moves to Los Angeles, California, where he tools around in a convertible with a car phone. His sexy receptionist Sam, whose face is never shown, minds the office while Diamond solves his cases.
- StarsEve ArdenAllyn JoslynGail StoneA widowed mother tries to support herself and her twin daughters.
- CreatorLee KarsonStarsGale StormZasu PittsRoy RobertsGale Storm stars in this American sitcom about Susanna Pomery, a cruise director for an ocean liner that travels the world.
- CreatorSamuel GalluStarsRobert CarsonRobert ShayneGeorge ConradShowed featured dramatic reenactments of true Naval events taken from the files of the Defense Department. The episodes generally featured little known actors although better known performers sometimes hosted.
- StarsHugh ReillyGene RaymondRichard ReevesFamily-oriented stories from the pages of "Reader's Digest" were dramatized on film.
- StarsLuis Van RootenRobert EmhardtLoïs BoltonThis live series featured adaptations of other works (novels, plays, et cetera) plus original works for the show. It was primarily dramas, but a few musicals also were presented. The show is considered one of the major drama series during The Golden Age of Television. Up through episode 1.8, the show alternated with "The Goodyear Theatre" and "The Philco Television Playhouse"; beginning with episode 1.9 to the end of the series in 1957, the show alternated with "The Goodyear Theatre".
- StarsJack BennyEddie 'Rochester' AndersonDon WilsonThe comic misadventures of the "skinflint" comedian and his friends.
- StarsWilliam BendixMarjorie ReynoldsWesley MorganRiley worked in an aircraft plant in California, but viewers usually saw him at home, cheerfully disrupting life with his malapropisms and ill timed intervention into minor problems.
- StarsTennessee Ernie FordThe Top TwentyThe Voices of Walter SchumannHosted by Tennessee Ernie Ford, the likeable singer, comedian, entertainer received his own variety show sponsored by the Ford Motor Company which gave Ernie the venue to entertain millions with his informal friendly manner and talent. His music was a combination of gospel and country and western. His homespun catch phrase "Bless Their Little Pea Pickin' Hearts", endeared him to the nation.
- StarsJames WesterfieldMildred DunnockHenry JonesThis live show was seen through the "eye" of the camera. The actors in each episode would talk to the camera as if it were a person.
- StarsWilliam LundiganArt GilmoreMary CostaThis was an anthology series that presented a different story and different set of characters on each episode. It ran from 1954 to 1958 and featured Casino Royale of James Bond fame, which led to two theatrical movies of the same name.
- CreatorLuke ShortCharles A. WallaceStarsDick PowellWalter SandeDenver PyleAn anthology based (earlier more so than later) on the novels and stories of Zane Grey. Dick Powell was often the star, as well as the host.
- CreatorJay DratlerStarsJoel AldrichTim GrahamJean ByronThis dramatic anthology series went into open syndication when the DuMont Television Network ceased operations.
- StarsJohn CassavetesWilliam RedfieldPolly BergenA drama series that ran every other week, attracted top notch actors and actresses, and was broadcast from New York City.
- StarsPolly BergenArlene DahlAnita ColbyAn anthology series with episodes split between comedies and drama. Anita Colby and Arlene Dahl shared hosting duties the first season that was originally filmed live but switched to film. Polly Bergen took over as hostess in the next year.
- StarsGeorgann JohnsonParker FennellyJames DeanA Friday night series lasting 2 seasons, of 30 minute playlets, interrupted by cute ads on the value of eating canned soup.
- StarsCedric HardwickeJane WyattPatricia SmithMotorola Hour was one of many anthology series in the 1950's. It aired every other week on ABC, featuring top ranked talent in original scripts and well known stories.
- StarsRobert MontgomeryJohn NewlandVaughn TaylorActor, Producer, and Director Robert Montgomery introduced each telecast, sometimes interviewing one of the stars, and sometimes appearing in the play.
- CreatorRichard AndrewsStarsRichard KileyBetsy PalmerGene HackmanIn this live drama series, over two hundred live plays, covering all aspects of society, were shown.
- StarsLee BowmanEva Marie SaintBrian KeithLive dramatic-anthology emphasizing supernatural and strange twists of fate. Each show had a different host who would appear at the beginning of the show; this host would then appear on the "Robert Montgomery Presents' program the following week.
- StarsRex MarshallRobert EmhardtRobert H. HarrisLive plays featuring people who were in dangerous and threatening situations.
- StarsNorman RoseJames GregoryBrian KeithThis live program consisted of dramatic incidents drawn from actual police files around the country.
- StarsLeslie NielsenCameron Prud'HommeEdgar Stehli"Tales of Tomorrow" was a hosted science fiction anthology series running from 1951 until 1953.
- StarsHelmut DantineBoris AplonJoe SilverPeter House was an agent for International Security Intelligence in this live spy series.
- StarsJane WymanPaul BryarTim GrahamAn anthology series hosted by Jane Wyman.
- StarsBrian KeithEdwin ReimersArthur SpaceIn revenge for the Communist government in Poland having sent his mother to a concentration camp where she died, Matt Anders devotes himself to freeing others from totalitarian countries.
- StarsKen CarpenterJay JacksonOtto KrugerLive dramatic shows featuring Hollywood stars, adaptations of motion pictures, and a host accompanying. The host would introduce each act, and would conduct an interview with the stars at the end of the play.
- StarsGale GordonBob SweeneyNancy HadleyThe two Box brothers are polar opposites who run a photography studio in San Francisco. Gilly is the shy retiring sibling while excitable Harvey is domineering. Harvey dates self assured Margaret while Gilly's girl is quiet Marilee.
- StarsPhilip CareyLaraine DayWillis BoucheyThis show started in New York City, with Broadway actors and actresses. It then moved to Hollywood, California, where Hollywood actors and actresses headed the cast.
- StarsDane ClarkGeorge BrentMercedes McCambridgeAdventures of three globetrotting reporters working for an international wire service.
- CreatorCharles Marquis WarrenStarsClint EastwoodPaul BrinegarSteve RainesGil Favor is trail boss of a continuous cattle drive. He is assisted by Rowdy Yates. The crew runs into characters and adventures along the way.
- StarsRobert FullerJohn SmithSpring ByingtonIn the 1870s Wyoming Territory, Slim Sherman and his 14-year-old brother Andy try to hang on to their ranch after their father's death.
- StarsRobert StackWalter WinchellNicholas GeorgiadeSpecial Agent Eliot Ness and his elite team of incorruptable agents battle organized crime in 1930s Chicago.
- StarsAlfred HitchcockHarry TylerLillian O'MalleySeries of unrelated short stories covering elements of crime, horror, drama, and comedy about people of different backgrounds committing murders, suicides, thefts, and other sorts of crime caused by certain motivations, perceived or not.
- StarsFrank McGrathTerry WilsonRobert HortonStories of the journeys of a wagon train as it leaves post-Civil War Missouri on its way to California through the plains, deserts, and Rocky Mountains.
- CreatorRoy HugginsStarsEfrem Zimbalist Jr.Edd ByrnesRoger SmithStu Bailey and Jeff Spencer are the wisecracking, womanizing private-detective heroes of this Warner Brothers drama.
- StarsGig YoungRex ReasonWill HutchinsThis anthology series focused on characters at odds or having struggles in life. Alternating with Warner Brothers westerns, the episodes were set in various centuries and different casts.
- StarsClint WalkerClyde HowdyChuck HicksAfter the Civil War, nomadic adventurer Cheyenne Bodie roamed the West looking for fights, bad guys to beat up, and women. His job changed from episode to episode.
- StarsWill HutchinsCharles FredericksGil PerkinsCorrespondence-school law graduate Tom Brewster travels west to seek his fortune. Unfortunately, his "cowboy" abilities leave a lot to be desired and earn him the nickname "Sugarfoot", which is one step lower than a "Tenderfoot".
- CreatorHerb MeadowSam RolfeStarsRichard BooneKam TongHal NeedhamThe adventures of a gentlemanly gunfighter-for-hire.
- StarsDavid HedisonLuciana PaluzziPaul BurkeVictor Sebastian is a successful undercover agent based in Europe. Victor's cover is as a talent agent for singer Simone Genet, who is later a romantic interest. Victor is often aided by his contact, Robertson.
- StarsHarry H. CorbettPaul Whitsun-JonesBillie WhitelawThis show was a British television drama anthology series of single plays that ran on the ITV network from 1956 to 1974. It was originally produced by Associated British Corporation, and from mid-1968 by Thames Television.
- StarsGeorge SandersDon HaggertyPaul HarberThirty minute mystery drama series hosted by George Sanders.
- StarsRichard JoyPaul LambertHelen KleebOf the many anthology series, this is considered the most ambitious with outstanding talent in front of the camera. Attracting top ranked directors and scripts, it was often filmed live including the entire first season.
- StarsDouglas EdwardsSandy BeckerBob SherryDocumentary dramas, plays that were based on true stories, were the forte of Armstrong Circle Theater. Many movie actors and actresses got their start here.
- StarsRay TealRobert CarsonFrank J. ScannellThe anthology series dramatized the lives of clergymen of all faiths and the problems they faced in both their professional and personal lives.
- StarsDonald WoodsWally VernonAllen JenkinsAn anthology, the episodes of which were based mostly on the original short stories of Daymon Runyan.
- CreatorRuth WoodmanStarsStanley AndrewsRobert TaylorRonald ReaganWestern stories and legends based, and filmed, in and around Death Valley, California. One of the longest-running Western series, originating on radio in the 1930s. The continuing sponsor was "20 Mule Team" Borax, a product formerly mined in Death Valley.
- StarsDavid NivenDick PowellCharles BoyerThis show featured four rotating stars, Charles Boyer, David Niven, Ida Lupino, and Dick Powell in individual episodes consisting of everything from comedy to drama.
- CreatorJoe ConnellyStarsRonald ReaganDon HerbertNancy ReaganAn American anthology series, with a new episode and different actors and actresses each week. Hosted by Ronald Reagan, the series was sponsored by General Electric's Department of Public Relations.
- StarsWalter MatthauDavid WhiteConstance FordThe show featured original plays plus plays adapted from works.
- StarsRichard CarlsonJohn ZarembaVirginia StefanHerbert Philbrick's covert life as an FBI spy within the Communist underground, his dual existence fraught with constant peril and the challenge of keeping his espionage activities hidden from family and friends.
- StarsPaul McGrathHouse JamesonWarren Stevens"Inner Sanctum" was a hosted horror and mystery anthology series hosted by Paul McGrath, and later by House Jameson as "Your Host".
- StarsWilliam PrinceWestbrook Van VoorhisGary MerrillDramatic show based on cases tried by lawyers of the Legal Aid Society of New York City.
- StarsFrank GallopJack La RueMercer McLeod"Lights Out" was a US narrated horror short story series.
- StarsDanny ThomasRusty HamerMarjorie LordDanny is a New York entertainer. Between his co-stars at the nightclub where he performs and his wife and kids, he has dilemmas galore, which he somehow manages to resolve and still laugh.
- CreatorEdward ByronPhillips LordStarsDavid BrianJackie LougheryStuart NeddBased on the popular radio show that lasted from 1939 through 1951. The initial TV version (1951-'52) was staged as a live bi-weekly series and rebooted in 1954. The District Attorney of Los Angeles 'protects' the people.
- StarsAlistair CookeLeonard BernsteinJoseph N. WelchOmnibus was a television program that sought to provide the best of what television could provide as the highest common denominator of intellectual curiosity and interest. This level of programing excellence has not been achieved again.
- CreatorBill ScottJay WardStarsBill ScottJune ForayPaul FreesRocky, a plucky flying squirrel and Bullwinkle, a bumbling but lovable moose, have a series of ongoing adventures.
- StarsJames MasonIrene DunneRobert PaigeOriginally billed as "Playhouse of the Stars" this long running anthology series was originally presented live from New York City. Irene Dunne was briefly the hostess in 1952, and the show frequently used Broadway performers in classic stories.
- CreatorJames BuxbaumStarsLloyd BridgesKen DrakeCourtney BrownMike Nelson is a scuba diver in the days when it was still very new. He works alone, it was mostly carried through his voice-over narrations. These gave the show a flavor of a radio program.
- StarsMyron McCormickCathleen NesbittFrank ConroyThis syndicated anthology series staged a different play every week covering all genres, dramas, comedies, musicals, fantasies, mysteries, et al, utilizing some of the best talent appearing on Broadway.
- CreatorArt NapoleonJo NapoleonStarsKenneth TobeyCraig HillNancy HaleCharter helicopter pilots Chuck and P. T. solve crimes. Rescue people, perform tasks and more using their Bell helicopter, the star of the show;
- StarsWilliam BrowerBiff McGuireErnest TruexAn anthology series based in New York City which attracted a high caliber group of actors, often Broadway stars. Stories were both drama and comedies, some original but others adaptions of films and plays.
- CreatorSam ElkinStarsW. Somerset MaughamRobert H. HarrisRoss MartinA short-lived attempt to adapt the works of the veteran British writer William Somerset Maugham for a television audience. Introductions and epilogues often depicted the writer himself, and were filmed in his residence in the French Riviera.
- StarsBert LytellJay JacksonBob StantonThis live dramatic series featured original stories and adaptations of novels, plays, etc., during its eight-year run. During the first year, the show was sponsored by the Actor's Equity Association, and featured adaptations of Broadway plays and musicals. Bert Lytell, the former President of the Association, acted as host. During the second season, an agreement was made with the Book-of-the-Month Club, and the plays were adaptations of current novels. Starting in the third season, the television plays were adaptations of plays, novels, dramas, etc., by known and unknown authors. The title of the show was changed to "Repertory Theatre" (1949) for episodes 1.29 to 1.31 and "Arena Theatre" (1949) for episodes 1.32 to 1.38. Effective with episode 1.39, the original title was used. Starting with the fourth season, this show alternated weekly with "The Goodyear Theatre" (1951); starting in the eighth season, this program alternated with "The Goodyear Theatre" (1951) and "The ALCOA Hour" (1955).
- StarsDick StarkEdward BinnsRichard KileyLive psychological and murder mystery dramas, and one of the first U.S. television dramas to make effective use of background music.
- StarsSylvia SidneyEdward Everett HortonMelville CooperThis syndicated show presented adaptations of Broadway shows.
- StarsWarner AndersonAnne JacksonEdward BinnsWarner Anderson seldom acted in any of the episodes of this medical anthology, which were mostly concerned with emotional problems; he always presented the stories and provided commentary after their presentation.
- DirectorAlbert McCleeryStarsAlbert BerghEdwin CooperAlan Devitt
- StarsRobin ChandlerEllen CorbyGlenn LanganAlso known as 'Mirror Theater', this was an American anthology drama television series.
- StarsBen HechtGary MerrillRobert H. HarrisThis live program consisted of adaptations of the author Ben Hecht's stories.
- StarsBetty FurnessClaudette ColbertMargaret HamiltonThe Best of Broadway is a 60-minute live television anthology series that aired on CBS Television on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time from September 15, 1954, to May 4, 1955, for a total of nine episodes. Each show was broadcast live in color from New York City, was an adaptation of a famous Broadway play, and included commercials for Westinghouse featuring Betty Furness. Using a "giant new studio", plays were presented in front of a studio audience, which contributed to a Broadway-like atmosphere.
- StarsWalter CronkiteTodd HunterPaul BirchWalter Cronkite hosted the reenactments of historical events. Shows included "The Landing of the Hindenburg", "The Salem Witchcraft Trials", "The Gettysburg Address", "The Fall of Troy", and "The Scuttling of the Graf Spee".
- StarsGloria LewisLeora ThatcherSydney SmithActress Gloria Lewis, as Linda Porter, is permanent hostess for this daytime drama series, with adaptations of stories appearing in leading women's magazines presented from 6 to 15 episodes each, according to the length required to tell each story. Each story has a different cast.
- StarsLuis Van RootenLin McCarthyJoe MarossFilmed live each week, this program gave viewers a glimpse of drama and adventure from around the world and from the distant and not-so-distant past. Subjects of the weekly plays included the American wars, as well as conflicts of far-away countries, and were performed by a number of well-known stars of the time.
- CreatorIrving VendigStarsAnn FloodForrest ComptonDonald MayAttorney Mike Karr and his colleagues are involved in solving crimes and intrigue which touch the lives of many citizens.
- StarsEd HerlihyVaughn TaylorValerie CossartA well-received anthology series presenting live television dramas.
- StarsCharles DrakeGordon TannerGaylord CavallaroAn anthology series of short stories told to acquaintances by a man named John Burden.
- DirectorSidney LumetStarsNeville BrandFrank ConroyRobert EmhardtThe life of populist Southerner Willie Stark, a political creature loosely based on Governor Huey Long of Louisiana, based upon the Robert Penn Warren-novel.
- StarsJames MacandrewFaubion BowersMargaret CroydenA weekly examination of the arts and literature, on Sunday mornings when there was more likely to be an audience interested in such matters and there was less competition for ratings.
- CreatorIrna PhillipsStarsWilliam PrinceJohn ConnellAugusta DabneySet in fictional Denison, Maryland, this daytime serial focused the on the father-and-son team of doctors Jerry and David Malone, who practiced at Valley Hospital. "Young Dr. Malone" was notable for its use of actual medical crises and lighthearted humor, both of which were generally absent in late-50's serials.
- CreatorIrna PhillipsStarsElizabeth HubbardJon HensleyEllen DolanThe focus in on the upper class Hughes and Stewart families plus their tribulations in Midwest Oakdale. The Stewarts fade away eventually to be replaced by the rural Snyders and wealthy Lucinda Walsh with her many intrigues.
- StarsRichard GreeneVictor WoolfArchie DuncanRobin of Loxley, otherwise known as Robin Hood, and his band of Merry Men protect England from the evil machinations of Prince John while King Richard the Lionheart is away fighting in the Crusades.
- StarsArt GilmoreRobert HoltonWilliam HenryThe first mini-series made for television. Originally airing on NBC in 12 parts, it documents Christ's story from his birth to the resurrection.