Matinee Theater
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.
The people behind the story
CAST
Episodes
199 episodes. Playback and audio depend on the available source.
S1:E1 Beginning Now
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E2 Make Believe Mother
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E3 The Persistent Image
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E4 I'm Straight with the World
This is the tragic love story of a man and woman who fall in love as youngsters, but each married another.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E5 Progress and Minnie Sweeney
A young intern tries to convince his fiance she shouldn't have the responsibility of supporting her divorced sister and the sister's child.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E6 The House on Wildwood Lane
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E7 Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E8 One for the Road
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E9 An Apple for Miss Myrtle
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E10 The Man Without a Country
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E11 Jigsaw
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E12 She's the One with the Funny Face
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E13 All the Hoffmeyers in the World
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E14 The Aspern Papers
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E15 Roman Fever
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E16 Midsummer
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E17 The Lady Chooses
The daughter and sister of a pretty widown decide to play Cupid. Both want to marry her off to a likely suitor. - Tv Guide
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E18 The Courtship of Miles Standish
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
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E19 Dispossessed
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E20 One for the Road
A beautiful young socialite is found murdered.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E21 The Touchstone
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E22 Wuthering Heights
A mother discovers she is falling in love with the man her daughter has married.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E23 The Brass Ring
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E24 Jason
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E25 Arrowsmith
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E26 Passing Strange
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E27 For These Services
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E28 Cordially - With Bombs
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E29 The White Oaks
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
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E30 O'Toole from Moscow
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E31 The Milwaukee Rocket
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
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E32 This One is Different
A man is determined to prevent his teen-age daughter from leaving home and entering a convent - Tv Guide
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E33 Sins of the Fathers
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E34 See You on Sunday
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E35 Coming of Age
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E36 Technique
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E37 Gallin: All-American
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E38 Santa is No Saint
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
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E39 The Unwelcomed
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E40 The Red Sanders Story
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E41 Class of '58
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E42 Horns of the Dilemma
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E43 Little Girls Grow Up
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
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E44 The Shot
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E45 Mr. Krane
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E46 Yesterday is Gone
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
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E47 Double Door
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E48 The Happy Rest
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E49 The Gate
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E50 One Left Over
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E51 All the Trees in the Field
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E52 The Century Plant
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E53 Friday the 13th
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E54 The Old Maid
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E55 Mother Was a Bachelor
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E56 The Bottom of the River
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E57 The Carefree Tree
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E58 Interlude
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E59 The Big Box
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E60 Sincerely Yours, Charlie Fisher
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E61 Doc
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E62 The Amateur
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E63 Light and Shadow
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E64 Romney
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E65 O Promise Me
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E66 Hold My Hand and Run
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E67 Dark Possession
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E68 The Diamond
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E69 Susan and God
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E70 As Young As You Feel
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E71 The White Knight
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E72 The Anxious Years
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E73 The Heart of Mary Lincoln
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E74 The Middle Son
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E75 Valentine's Day
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E76 Summer Cannot Last
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E77 The Last Battlefield
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E78 The Catbird Seat
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E79 Dream House
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E80 The Runaways
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E81 The Ledger
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E82 When the Bough Breaks
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E83 I Want to March
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E84 Skylark
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E85 Tall, Dark Stranger
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E86 Anything But Love
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E87 Robin Daw
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E88 Letter to a Stranger
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E89 Dinner at Antoine's
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E90 The Mating of Watkins Tottle
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E91 Her Son's Wife
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E92 The Shining Palace
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E93 The Odd Ones
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E94 A Cowboy for Chris
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E95 The Rocking Chair
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E96 The Big Guy
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E97 Statute of Limitations
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E98 The Baron and the Banshees
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E99 Notebook Warrior
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E100 Temptation for a King
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E101 The White Knight
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E102 The Anxious Years
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E103 M is for the Many
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E104 Silent Partner
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E105 Winter in April
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E106 Bread Upon the Waters
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E107 The Giant Killer
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E108 The Book of Ruth
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E109 Singer in the Valley
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E110 The Heart of a Husband
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E111 From the Desk of Margaret Tydings
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E112 But You Look Like Sisters
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E113 The House of Seven Gables
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E114 Fiddlin' Man
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E115 The Hollow Woman
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E116 People in Glass
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E117 One of the Family
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E118 Young Hands, Young Feet
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E119 The Lark Shall Sing
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E120 In Dread of Winter
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E121 The Babylonian Heart
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E122 Ask Me No Questions
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E123 Whom Death Has Joined Together
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E124 The Wedding
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E125 The Reckoning
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E126 A Woman Named Ruby
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E127 The Bright Boy
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E128 The Carefree Tree
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E129 Graybeards and Witches
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E130 The Legend of Jenny Lind
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E131 Daughter of the Seventh Day
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E132 Night Must Fall
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E133 The 25th Hour
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E134 A Man and His Maid
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E135 Perspective
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E136 The Catamaran
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E137 Johnny Came Marching Home
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E138 A Family Affair
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E139 Blind Date
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E140 To Have and to Hold
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E141 Edwina Black
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E142 The Spare Room
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E143 The Bottle Imp
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E144 Brief Music
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E145 The Girl from Boro Park
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E146 To Whom It May Concern
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E147 Bachelor Buttons
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E148 The Children of Papa Juan
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E149 Herself Alone
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E150 Three for the Money
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E151 Taxi to the Moon
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E152 The Goodtime Boys
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E153 The American
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E154 Cause for Suspicion
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E155 Fight the Whole World
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E156 Autumn Crocus
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E157 George Has a Birthday
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E158 The Serpent's Tooth
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E159 Crime at Blossom's
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E160 The Luck of Amos Currie
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E161 Alison's House
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E162 Safe Place
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E163 The Guest Cottage
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E164 Forsaking All Others
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E165 Love, Honor and O'Day
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E166 The Damask Cheek
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E167 Moon Over
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E168 But Fear Itself
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E169 The Birthday Present
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E170 The Ghost of Greenwich Village
A college boy accidentally kills a girl who is trying to blackmail him.
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E171 The Young and the Damned
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E172 There's Always Juliet
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E173 Seasoned Timber
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E174 The Declaration
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E175 High Places
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E176 Black Chiffon
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E177 Class of '58
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E178 Marriage by the Millions
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E179 Backfire
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E180 The Bishop Misbehaves
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E181 Remittance
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E182 Beg, Borrow or Steal
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E183 Summer Pavilion
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E184 The Feast
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E185 A Full, Rich Life
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E186 The Reverberator
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E187 Woman at the Window
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E188 Another Sky
Not verifiedAudio unverifiedS1:E189 Letter of Introduction
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.
Not verifiedAudio unverified