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Series · 1955–1958Ended

Matinee Theater

5.3·3 seasons·574 episodes·60 min avg.

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.

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01
Beginning Now
Beginning NowUp next
Oct 31, 1955
02
Make Believe Mother
Make Believe Mother
Nov 1, 1955

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.

03
The Persistent Image
The Persistent Image
Nov 2, 1955

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.

04
I'm Straight with the World
I'm Straight with the World
Nov 3, 1955

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

05
Progress and Minnie Sweeney
Progress and Minnie Sweeney
Nov 4, 1955

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

06
The House on Wildwood Lane
The House on Wildwood Lane
Nov 7, 1955
07
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Nov 8, 1955
08
One for the Road
One for the Road
Nov 9, 1955
09
An Apple for Miss Myrtle
An Apple for Miss Myrtle
Nov 10, 1955
10
The Man Without a Country
The Man Without a Country
Nov 11, 1955
11
Jigsaw
Jigsaw
Nov 14, 1955

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
She's the One with the Funny Face
She's the One with the Funny Face
Nov 15, 1955
13
All the Hoffmeyers in the World
All the Hoffmeyers in the World
Nov 16, 1955

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
The Aspern Papers
The Aspern Papers
Nov 17, 1955

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
Roman Fever
Roman Fever
Nov 18, 1955

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
Midsummer
Midsummer
Nov 21, 1955
17
The Lady Chooses
The Lady Chooses
Nov 22, 1955

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
The Courtship of Miles Standish
The Courtship of Miles Standish
Nov 23, 1955

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
Dispossessed
Dispossessed
Nov 25, 1955
20
One for the Road
One for the Road
Nov 28, 1955

A beautiful young socialite is found murdered.

21
The Touchstone
The Touchstone
Nov 29, 1955

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
Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights
Nov 30, 1955

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

23
The Brass Ring
The Brass Ring
Dec 1, 1955

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
Jason
Jason
Dec 2, 1955

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
Arrowsmith
Arrowsmith
Dec 5, 1955

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
Passing Strange
Passing Strange
Dec 6, 1955

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
For These Services
For These Services
Dec 7, 1955

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
Cordially - With Bombs
Cordially - With Bombs
Dec 8, 1955
29
The White Oaks
The White Oaks
Dec 9, 1955

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
O'Toole from Moscow
O'Toole from Moscow
Dec 12, 1955
31
The Milwaukee Rocket
The Milwaukee Rocket
Dec 13, 1955

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
This One is Different
This One is Different
Dec 14, 1955

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

33
Sins of the Fathers
Sins of the Fathers
Dec 15, 1955

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
See You on Sunday
See You on Sunday
Dec 16, 1955

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
Coming of Age
Coming of Age
Dec 19, 1955

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
Technique
Technique
Dec 20, 1955

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
Gallin: All-American
Gallin: All-American
Dec 21, 1955

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
Santa is No Saint
Santa is No Saint
Dec 22, 1955

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
The Unwelcomed
The Unwelcomed
Dec 23, 1955
40
The Red Sanders Story
The Red Sanders Story
Dec 26, 1955
41
Class of '58
Class of '58
Jul 9, 1956
42
Horns of the Dilemma
Horns of the Dilemma
Dec 28, 1955
43
Little Girls Grow Up
Little Girls Grow Up
Dec 29, 1955

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
The Shot
The Shot
Dec 30, 1955
45
Mr. Krane
Mr. Krane
Jan 3, 1956
46
Yesterday is Gone
Yesterday is Gone
Jan 4, 1956

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
Double Door
Double Door
Jan 5, 1956
48
The Happy Rest
The Happy Rest
Jan 6, 1956
49
The Gate
The Gate
Jan 9, 1956
50
One Left Over
One Left Over
Jan 10, 1956
51
All the Trees in the Field
All the Trees in the Field
Jan 11, 1956
52
The Century Plant
The Century Plant
Jan 12, 1956
53
Friday the 13th
Friday the 13th
Jan 13, 1956
54
The Old Maid
The Old Maid
Jan 16, 1956
55
Mother Was a Bachelor
Mother Was a Bachelor
Jan 17, 1956
56
The Bottom of the River
The Bottom of the River
Jan 18, 1956
57
The Carefree Tree
The Carefree Tree
Jan 19, 1956
58
Interlude
Interlude
Jan 20, 1956
59
The Big Box
The Big Box
Jan 23, 1956
60
Sincerely Yours, Charlie Fisher
Sincerely Yours, Charlie Fisher
Jan 24, 1956
61
Doc
Doc
Jan 25, 1956
62
The Amateur
The Amateur
Jan 26, 1956
63
Light and Shadow
Light and Shadow
Jan 27, 1956
64
Romney
Romney
Jan 30, 1956
65
O Promise Me
O Promise Me
Jan 31, 1956
66
Hold My Hand and Run
Hold My Hand and Run
Feb 1, 1956
67
Dark Possession
Dark Possession
Feb 2, 1956
68
The Diamond
The Diamond
Feb 3, 1956
69
Susan and God
Susan and God
Feb 6, 1956
70
As Young As You Feel
As Young As You Feel
Feb 7, 1956
71
The White Knight
The White Knight
Feb 8, 1956
72
The Anxious Years
The Anxious Years
Feb 9, 1956
73
The Heart of Mary Lincoln
The Heart of Mary Lincoln
Feb 10, 1956
74
The Middle Son
The Middle Son
Feb 13, 1956
75
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day
Feb 14, 1956
76
Summer Cannot Last
Summer Cannot Last
Feb 15, 1956
77
The Last Battlefield
The Last Battlefield
Feb 16, 1956
78
The Catbird Seat
The Catbird Seat
Feb 17, 1956
79
Dream House
Dream House
Feb 20, 1956
80
The Runaways
The Runaways
Feb 21, 1956
81
The Ledger
The Ledger
Feb 22, 1956
82
When the Bough Breaks
When the Bough Breaks
Feb 23, 1956
83
I Want to March
I Want to March
Feb 24, 1956
84
Skylark
Skylark
Feb 27, 1956
85
Tall, Dark Stranger
Tall, Dark Stranger
Feb 28, 1956
86
Anything But Love
Anything But Love
Feb 29, 1956
87
Robin Daw
Robin Daw
Mar 1, 1956
88
Letter to a Stranger
Letter to a Stranger
Mar 2, 1956
89
Dinner at Antoine's
Dinner at Antoine's
Mar 5, 1956
90
The Mating of Watkins Tottle
The Mating of Watkins Tottle
Mar 6, 1956
91
Her Son's Wife
Her Son's Wife
Mar 7, 1956
92
The Shining Palace
The Shining Palace
Mar 8, 1956
93
The Odd Ones
The Odd Ones
Mar 9, 1956
94
A Cowboy for Chris
A Cowboy for Chris
Mar 12, 1956
95
The Rocking Chair
The Rocking Chair
Mar 13, 1956
96
The Big Guy
The Big Guy
Mar 14, 1956
97
Statute of Limitations
Statute of Limitations
Mar 15, 1956
98
The Baron and the Banshees
The Baron and the Banshees
Mar 16, 1956
99
Notebook Warrior
Notebook Warrior
Mar 19, 1956
100
Temptation for a King
Temptation for a King
Mar 20, 1956
101
The White Knight
The White Knight
Mar 21, 1956
102
The Anxious Years
The Anxious Years
Mar 22, 1956
103
M is for the Many
M is for the Many
Mar 23, 1956
104
Silent Partner
Silent Partner
Mar 26, 1956
105
Winter in April
Winter in April
Mar 27, 1956
106
Bread Upon the Waters
Bread Upon the Waters
Mar 28, 1956
107
The Giant Killer
The Giant Killer
Mar 29, 1956
108
The Book of Ruth
The Book of Ruth
Mar 30, 1956
109
Singer in the Valley
Singer in the Valley
Apr 2, 1956
110
The Heart of a Husband
The Heart of a Husband
Apr 3, 1956
111
From the Desk of Margaret Tydings
From the Desk of Margaret Tydings
Apr 4, 1956
112
But You Look Like Sisters
But You Look Like Sisters
Apr 5, 1956
113
The House of Seven Gables
The House of Seven Gables
Apr 6, 1956
114
Fiddlin' Man
Fiddlin' Man
Apr 9, 1956
115
The Hollow Woman
The Hollow Woman
Apr 10, 1956
116
People in Glass
People in Glass
Apr 11, 1956
117
One of the Family
One of the Family
Apr 12, 1956
118
Young Hands, Young Feet
Young Hands, Young Feet
Apr 13, 1956
119
The Lark Shall Sing
The Lark Shall Sing
Apr 16, 1956
120
In Dread of Winter
In Dread of Winter
Apr 17, 1956
121
The Babylonian Heart
The Babylonian Heart
Apr 19, 1956
122
Ask Me No Questions
Ask Me No Questions
Apr 20, 1956
123
Whom Death Has Joined Together
Whom Death Has Joined Together
Apr 23, 1956
124
The Wedding
The Wedding
Apr 24, 1956
125
The Reckoning
The Reckoning
Apr 25, 1956
126
A Woman Named Ruby
A Woman Named Ruby
Apr 26, 1956
127
The Bright Boy
The Bright Boy
Apr 27, 1956
128
The Carefree Tree
The Carefree Tree
Apr 30, 1956
129
Graybeards and Witches
Graybeards and Witches
May 1, 1956
130
The Legend of Jenny Lind
The Legend of Jenny Lind
May 2, 1956
131
Daughter of the Seventh Day
Daughter of the Seventh Day
May 3, 1956
132
Night Must Fall
Night Must Fall
May 4, 1956
133
The 25th Hour
The 25th Hour
May 7, 1956
134
A Man and His Maid
A Man and His Maid
May 8, 1956
135
Perspective
Perspective
May 9, 1956
136
The Catamaran
The Catamaran
May 10, 1956
137
Johnny Came Marching Home
Johnny Came Marching Home
May 11, 1956
138
A Family Affair
A Family Affair
May 14, 1956
139
Blind Date
Blind Date
May 16, 1956
140
To Have and to Hold
To Have and to Hold
May 17, 1956
141
Edwina Black
Edwina Black
May 18, 1956
142
The Spare Room
The Spare Room
May 21, 1956
143
The Bottle Imp
The Bottle Imp
May 22, 1956
144
Brief Music
Brief Music
May 23, 1956
145
The Girl from Boro Park
The Girl from Boro Park
May 24, 1956
146
To Whom It May Concern
To Whom It May Concern
May 25, 1956
147
Bachelor Buttons
Bachelor Buttons
May 28, 1956
148
The Children of Papa Juan
The Children of Papa Juan
May 29, 1956
149
Herself Alone
Herself Alone
May 30, 1956
150
Three for the Money
Three for the Money
May 31, 1956
151
Taxi to the Moon
Taxi to the Moon
Jun 1, 1956
152
The Goodtime Boys
The Goodtime Boys
Jun 4, 1956
153
The American
The American
Jun 5, 1956
154
Cause for Suspicion
Cause for Suspicion
Jun 6, 1956
155
Fight the Whole World
Fight the Whole World
Jun 7, 1956
156
Autumn Crocus
Autumn Crocus
Jun 8, 1956
157
George Has a Birthday
George Has a Birthday
Jun 11, 1956
158
The Serpent's Tooth
The Serpent's Tooth
Jun 12, 1956
159
Crime at Blossom's
Crime at Blossom's
Jun 13, 1956
160
The Luck of Amos Currie
The Luck of Amos Currie
Jun 14, 1956
161
Alison's House
Alison's House
Jun 15, 1956
162
Safe Place
Safe Place
Jun 18, 1956
163
The Guest Cottage
The Guest Cottage
Jun 19, 1956
164
Forsaking All Others
Forsaking All Others
Jun 20, 1956
165
Love, Honor and O'Day
Love, Honor and O'Day
Jun 21, 1956
166
The Damask Cheek
The Damask Cheek
Jun 22, 1956
167
Moon Over
Moon Over
Jun 25, 1956
168
But Fear Itself
But Fear Itself
Jun 26, 1956
169
The Birthday Present
The Birthday Present
Jun 27, 1956
170
The Ghost of Greenwich Village
The Ghost of Greenwich Village
Jun 28, 1956

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

171
The Young and the Damned
The Young and the Damned
Jun 29, 1956
172
There's Always Juliet
There's Always Juliet
Jul 2, 1956
173
Seasoned Timber
Seasoned Timber
Jul 3, 1956
174
The Declaration
The Declaration
Jul 4, 1956
175
High Places
High Places
Jul 5, 1956
176
Black Chiffon
Black Chiffon
Jul 6, 1956
177
Class of '58
Class of '58
Jul 9, 1956
178
Marriage by the Millions
Marriage by the Millions
Jul 11, 1956
179
Backfire
Backfire
Jul 12, 1956
180
The Bishop Misbehaves
The Bishop Misbehaves
Jul 13, 1956
181
Remittance
Remittance
Jul 16, 1956
182
Beg, Borrow or Steal
Beg, Borrow or Steal
Jul 17, 1956
183
Summer Pavilion
Summer Pavilion
Jul 18, 1956
184
The Feast
The Feast
Jul 19, 1956
185
A Full, Rich Life
A Full, Rich Life
Jul 20, 1956
186
The Reverberator
The Reverberator
Jul 23, 1956
187
Woman at the Window
Woman at the Window
Jul 24, 1956
188
Another Sky
Another Sky
Jul 25, 1956
189
Letter of Introduction
Letter of Introduction
Jul 26, 1956

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
Home at Seven
Home at Seven
Jul 27, 1956
191
The Cypress Tree
The Cypress Tree
Jul 30, 1956
192
Belong to Me
Belong to Me
Jul 31, 1956
193
Pygmalion Jones
Pygmalion Jones
Aug 1, 1956
194
Gretel
Gretel
Aug 2, 1956
195
Some Man Will Want You
Some Man Will Want You
Aug 3, 1956
196
The Fall of the House of Usher
The Fall of the House of Usher
Aug 6, 1956
197
Cupid Rode a Horse
Cupid Rode a Horse
Aug 7, 1956
198
The Old Payola
The Old Payola
Aug 8, 1956
199
The Perfect Alibi
The Perfect Alibi
Aug 10, 1956

Cast

1 credited
John Conte
Host

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