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Matinee Theater poster

Matinee Theater

1955 5.3

Matinee Theater is an American anthology series that aired on NBC during the Golden Age of Television, from 1955 to 1958. The series, which ran daily in the afternoon, was frequently live. It was produced by Albert McCleery, Darrell Ross, George Cahan and Frank Price with executive producer George Lowther. McCleery had previously produced the live series Cameo Theatre which introduced to television the concept of theater-in-the-round, TV plays staged with minimal sets. Jim Buckley of the Pewter Plough Playhouse recalled: When Al McCleery got back to the States, he originated a most ambitious theatrical TV series for NBC called Matinee Theater: to televise five different stage plays per week live, airing around noon in order to promote color TV to the American housewife as she labored over her ironing. Al was the producer. He hired five directors and five art directors. Richard Bennett, one of our first early presidents of the Pewter Plough Corporation, was one of the directors and I was one of the art directors and, as soon as we were through televising one play, we had lunch and then met to plan next week’s show. That was over 50 years ago, and I’m trying to think; I believe the TV art director is his own set decorator —yes, of course! It had to be, since one of McCleery’s chief claims to favor with the producers was his elimination of the setting per se and simply decorating the scene with a minimum of props. It took a bit of ingenuity.

Play
  1. 1

    Beginning Now

    1955-10-31
  2. 2

    Make Believe Mother

    1955-11-01

    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.

  3. 3

    The Persistent Image

    1955-11-02

    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.

  4. 4

    I'm Straight with the World

    1955-11-03

    This is the tragic love story of a man and woman who fall in love as youngsters, but each married another.

  5. 5

    Progress and Minnie Sweeney

    1955-11-04

    A young intern tries to convince his fiance she shouldn't have the responsibility of supporting her divorced sister and the sister's child.

  6. 6

    The House on Wildwood Lane

    1955-11-07
  7. 7

    Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

    1955-11-08
  8. 8

    One for the Road

    1955-11-09
  9. 9

    An Apple for Miss Myrtle

    1955-11-10
  10. 10

    The Man Without a Country

    1955-11-11
  11. 11

    Jigsaw

    1955-11-14

    An elderly father is being pressured by his family to sell his orange groves to a real estate developer. He resists but starts to reconsider when he considers that his tomboy grandaughter could use the money to develope her singing career.

  12. 12

    She's the One with the Funny Face

    1955-11-15
  13. 13

    All the Hoffmeyers in the World

    1955-11-16

    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.

  14. 14

    The Aspern Papers

    1955-11-17

    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.

  15. 15

    Roman Fever

    1955-11-18

    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.

  16. 16

    Midsummer

    1955-11-21
  17. 17

    The Lady Chooses

    1955-11-22

    The daughter and sister of a pretty widown decide to play Cupid. Both want to marry her off to a likely suitor. - Tv Guide

  18. 18

    The Courtship of Miles Standish

    1955-11-23

    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. - Tv Guide

  19. 19

    Dispossessed

    1955-11-25
  20. 20

    One for the Road

    1955-11-28

    A beautiful young socialite is found murdered.

  21. 21

    The Touchstone

    1955-11-29

    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.

  22. 22

    Wuthering Heights

    1955-11-30

    A mother discovers she is falling in love with the man her daughter has married.

  23. 23

    The Brass Ring

    1955-12-01

    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.

  24. 24

    Jason

    1955-12-02

    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.

  25. 25

    Arrowsmith

    1955-12-05

    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.

  26. 26

    Passing Strange

    1955-12-06

    A woman art instructor entering her 30s 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.

  27. 27

    For These Services

    1955-12-07

    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.

  28. 28

    Cordially - With Bombs

    1955-12-08
  29. 29

    The White Oaks

    1955-12-09

    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. -Tv Guide

  30. 30

    O'Toole from Moscow

    1955-12-12
  31. 31

    The Milwaukee Rocket

    1955-12-13

    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. -Tv Guide

  32. 32

    This One is Different

    1955-12-14

    A man is determined to prevent his teen-age daughter from leaving home and entering a convent - Tv Guide

  33. 33

    Sins of the Fathers

    1955-12-15

    This is the well-known story of Biblical times about Ruth, whose devotion to her mother-in-law tkes her into a new land among strangers.

  34. 34

    See You on Sunday

    1955-12-16

    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.

  35. 35

    Coming of Age

    1955-12-19

    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.

  36. 36

    Technique

    1955-12-20

    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.

  37. 37

    Gallin: All-American

    1955-12-21

    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.

  38. 38

    Santa is No Saint

    1955-12-22

    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.""-Tv Guide

  39. 39

    The Unwelcomed

    1955-12-23
  40. 40

    The Red Sanders Story

    1955-12-26
  41. 41

    Class of '58

    1956-07-09
  42. 42

    Horns of the Dilemma

    1955-12-28
  43. 43

    Little Girls Grow Up

    1955-12-29

    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. -NBC

  44. 44

    The Shot

    1955-12-30
  45. 45

    Mr. Krane

    1956-01-03
  46. 46

    Yesterday is Gone

    1956-01-04

    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.- TV GUIDE

  47. 47

    Double Door

    1956-01-05
  48. 48

    The Happy Rest

    1956-01-06
  49. 49

    The Gate

    1956-01-09
  50. 50

    One Left Over

    1956-01-10
  51. 51

    All the Trees in the Field

    1956-01-11
  52. 52

    The Century Plant

    1956-01-12
  53. 53

    Friday the 13th

    1956-01-13
  54. 54

    The Old Maid

    1956-01-16
  55. 55

    Mother Was a Bachelor

    1956-01-17
  56. 56

    The Bottom of the River

    1956-01-18
  57. 57

    The Carefree Tree

    1956-01-19
  58. 58

    Interlude

    1956-01-20
  59. 59

    The Big Box

    1956-01-23
  60. 60

    Sincerely Yours, Charlie Fisher

    1956-01-24
  61. 61

    Doc

    1956-01-25
  62. 62

    The Amateur

    1956-01-26
  63. 63

    Light and Shadow

    1956-01-27
  64. 64

    Romney

    1956-01-30
  65. 65

    O Promise Me

    1956-01-31
  66. 66

    Hold My Hand and Run

    1956-02-01
  67. 67

    Dark Possession

    1956-02-02
  68. 68

    The Diamond

    1956-02-03
  69. 69

    Susan and God

    1956-02-06
  70. 70

    As Young As You Feel

    1956-02-07
  71. 71

    The White Knight

    1956-02-08
  72. 72

    The Anxious Years

    1956-02-09
  73. 73

    The Heart of Mary Lincoln

    1956-02-10
  74. 74

    The Middle Son

    1956-02-13
  75. 75

    Valentine's Day

    1956-02-14
  76. 76

    Summer Cannot Last

    1956-02-15
  77. 77

    The Last Battlefield

    1956-02-16
  78. 78

    The Catbird Seat

    1956-02-17
  79. 79

    Dream House

    1956-02-20
  80. 80

    The Runaways

    1956-02-21
  81. 81

    The Ledger

    1956-02-22
  82. 82

    When the Bough Breaks

    1956-02-23
  83. 83

    I Want to March

    1956-02-24
  84. 84

    Skylark

    1956-02-27
  85. 85

    Tall, Dark Stranger

    1956-02-28
  86. 86

    Anything But Love

    1956-02-29
  87. 87

    Robin Daw

    1956-03-01
  88. 88

    Letter to a Stranger

    1956-03-02
  89. 89

    Dinner at Antoine's

    1956-03-05
  90. 90

    The Mating of Watkins Tottle

    1956-03-06
  91. 91

    Her Son's Wife

    1956-03-07
  92. 92

    The Shining Palace

    1956-03-08
  93. 93

    The Odd Ones

    1956-03-09
  94. 94

    A Cowboy for Chris

    1956-03-12
  95. 95

    The Rocking Chair

    1956-03-13
  96. 96

    The Big Guy

    1956-03-14
  97. 97

    Statute of Limitations

    1956-03-15
  98. 98

    The Baron and the Banshees

    1956-03-16
  99. 99

    Notebook Warrior

    1956-03-19
  100. 100

    Temptation for a King

    1956-03-20
  101. 101

    The White Knight

    1956-03-21
  102. 102

    The Anxious Years

    1956-03-22
  103. 103

    M is for the Many

    1956-03-23
  104. 104

    Silent Partner

    1956-03-26
  105. 105

    Winter in April

    1956-03-27
  106. 106

    Bread Upon the Waters

    1956-03-28
  107. 107

    The Giant Killer

    1956-03-29
  108. 108

    The Book of Ruth

    1956-03-30
  109. 109

    Singer in the Valley

    1956-04-02
  110. 110

    The Heart of a Husband

    1956-04-03
  111. 111

    From the Desk of Margaret Tydings

    1956-04-04
  112. 112

    But You Look Like Sisters

    1956-04-05
  113. 113

    The House of Seven Gables

    1956-04-06
  114. 114

    Fiddlin' Man

    1956-04-09
  115. 115

    The Hollow Woman

    1956-04-10
  116. 116

    People in Glass

    1956-04-11
  117. 117

    One of the Family

    1956-04-12
  118. 118

    Young Hands, Young Feet

    1956-04-13
  119. 119

    The Lark Shall Sing

    1956-04-16
  120. 120

    In Dread of Winter

    1956-04-17
  121. 121

    The Babylonian Heart

    1956-04-19
  122. 122

    Ask Me No Questions

    1956-04-20
  123. 123

    Whom Death Has Joined Together

    1956-04-23
  124. 124

    The Wedding

    1956-04-24
  125. 125

    The Reckoning

    1956-04-25
  126. 126

    A Woman Named Ruby

    1956-04-26
  127. 127

    The Bright Boy

    1956-04-27
  128. 128

    The Carefree Tree

    1956-04-30
  129. 129

    Graybeards and Witches

    1956-05-01
  130. 130

    The Legend of Jenny Lind

    1956-05-02
  131. 131

    Daughter of the Seventh Day

    1956-05-03
  132. 132

    Night Must Fall

    1956-05-04
  133. 133

    The 25th Hour

    1956-05-07
  134. 134

    A Man and His Maid

    1956-05-08
  135. 135

    Perspective

    1956-05-09
  136. 136

    The Catamaran

    1956-05-10
  137. 137

    Johnny Came Marching Home

    1956-05-11
  138. 138

    A Family Affair

    1956-05-14
  139. 139

    Blind Date

    1956-05-16
  140. 140

    To Have and to Hold

    1956-05-17
  141. 141

    Edwina Black

    1956-05-18
  142. 142

    The Spare Room

    1956-05-21
  143. 143

    The Bottle Imp

    1956-05-22
  144. 144

    Brief Music

    1956-05-23
  145. 145

    The Girl from Boro Park

    1956-05-24
  146. 146

    To Whom It May Concern

    1956-05-25
  147. 147

    Bachelor Buttons

    1956-05-28
  148. 148

    The Children of Papa Juan

    1956-05-29
  149. 149

    Herself Alone

    1956-05-30
  150. 150

    Three for the Money

    1956-05-31
  151. 151

    Taxi to the Moon

    1956-06-01
  152. 152

    The Goodtime Boys

    1956-06-04
  153. 153

    The American

    1956-06-05
  154. 154

    Cause for Suspicion

    1956-06-06
  155. 155

    Fight the Whole World

    1956-06-07
  156. 156

    Autumn Crocus

    1956-06-08
  157. 157

    George Has a Birthday

    1956-06-11
  158. 158

    The Serpent's Tooth

    1956-06-12
  159. 159

    Crime at Blossom's

    1956-06-13
  160. 160

    The Luck of Amos Currie

    1956-06-14
  161. 161

    Alison's House

    1956-06-15
  162. 162

    Safe Place

    1956-06-18
  163. 163

    The Guest Cottage

    1956-06-19
  164. 164

    Forsaking All Others

    1956-06-20
  165. 165

    Love, Honor and O'Day

    1956-06-21
  166. 166

    The Damask Cheek

    1956-06-22
  167. 167

    Moon Over

    1956-06-25
  168. 168

    But Fear Itself

    1956-06-26
  169. 169

    The Birthday Present

    1956-06-27
  170. 170

    The Ghost of Greenwich Village

    1956-06-28

    A college boy accidentally kills a girl who is trying to blackmail him.

  171. 171

    The Young and the Damned

    1956-06-29
  172. 172

    There's Always Juliet

    1956-07-02
  173. 173

    Seasoned Timber

    1956-07-03
  174. 174

    The Declaration

    1956-07-04
  175. 175

    High Places

    1956-07-05
  176. 176

    Black Chiffon

    1956-07-06
  177. 177

    Class of '58

    1956-07-09
  178. 178

    Marriage by the Millions

    1956-07-11
  179. 179

    Backfire

    1956-07-12
  180. 180

    The Bishop Misbehaves

    1956-07-13
  181. 181

    Remittance

    1956-07-16
  182. 182

    Beg, Borrow or Steal

    1956-07-17
  183. 183

    Summer Pavilion

    1956-07-18
  184. 184

    The Feast

    1956-07-19
  185. 185

    A Full, Rich Life

    1956-07-20
  186. 186

    The Reverberator

    1956-07-23
  187. 187

    Woman at the Window

    1956-07-24
  188. 188

    Another Sky

    1956-07-25
  189. 189

    Letter of Introduction

    1956-07-26

    An American divorcee, transplanted to Paris, receives a letter stating that she is about to be visited by a young man who doesn't know she is his mother.

  190. 190

    Home at Seven

    1956-07-27
  191. 191

    The Cypress Tree

    1956-07-30
  192. 192

    Belong to Me

    1956-07-31
  193. 193

    Pygmalion Jones

    1956-08-01
  194. 194

    Gretel

    1956-08-02
  195. 195

    Some Man Will Want You

    1956-08-03
  196. 196

    The Fall of the House of Usher

    1956-08-06
  197. 197

    Cupid Rode a Horse

    1956-08-07
  198. 198

    The Old Payola

    1956-08-08
  199. 199

    The Perfect Alibi

    1956-08-10

Cast

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