Matinee Theater

5.0
19551h

Production

Logo for NBC

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.

Seasons

199 Episodes • Premiered 1955

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 1: Beginning Now

1. Beginning Now

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 2: Make Believe Mother

2. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 3: The Persistent Image

3. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 4: I'm Straight with the World

4. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 5: Progress and Minnie Sweeney

5. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 6: The House on Wildwood Lane

6. The House on Wildwood Lane

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 7: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

7. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 8: One for the Road

8. One for the Road

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 9: An Apple for Miss Myrtle

9. An Apple for Miss Myrtle

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 10: The Man Without a Country

10. The Man Without a Country

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 11: Jigsaw

11. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 12: She's the One with the Funny Face

12. She's the One with the Funny Face

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 13: All the Hoffmeyers in the World

13. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 14: The Aspern Papers

14. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 15: Roman Fever

15. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 16: Midsummer

16. Midsummer

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 17: The Lady Chooses

17. 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

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 18: The Courtship of Miles Standish

18. 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

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 19: Dispossessed

19. Dispossessed

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 20: One for the Road

20. One for the Road

A beautiful young socialite is found murdered.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 21: The Touchstone

21. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 22: Wuthering Heights

22. Wuthering Heights

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

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 23: The Brass Ring

23. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 24: Jason

24. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 25: Arrowsmith

25. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 26: Passing Strange

26. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 27: For These Services

27. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 28: Cordially - With Bombs

28. Cordially - With Bombs

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 29: The White Oaks

29. 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

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 30: O'Toole from Moscow

30. O'Toole from Moscow

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 31: The Milwaukee Rocket

31. 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

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 32: This One is Different

32. This One is Different

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

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 33: Sins of the Fathers

33. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 34: See You on Sunday

34. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 35: Coming of Age

35. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 36: Technique

36. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 37: Gallin: All-American

37. 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.

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 38: Santa is No Saint

38. 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

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 39: The Unwelcomed

39. The Unwelcomed

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 40: The Red Sanders Story

40. The Red Sanders Story

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 41: Class of '58

41. Class of '58

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 42: Horns of the Dilemma

42. Horns of the Dilemma

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 43: Little Girls Grow Up

43. 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

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 44: The Shot

44. The Shot

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 45: Mr. Krane

45. Mr. Krane

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 46: Yesterday is Gone

46. 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

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 47: Double Door

47. Double Door

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 48: The Happy Rest

48. The Happy Rest

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 49: The Gate

49. The Gate

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 50: One Left Over

50. One Left Over

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 51: All the Trees in the Field

51. All the Trees in the Field

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 52: The Century Plant

52. The Century Plant

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 53: Friday the 13th

53. Friday the 13th

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 54: The Old Maid

54. The Old Maid

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 55: Mother Was a Bachelor

55. Mother Was a Bachelor

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 56: The Bottom of the River

56. The Bottom of the River

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 57: The Carefree Tree

57. The Carefree Tree

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 58: Interlude

58. Interlude

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 59: The Big Box

59. The Big Box

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 60: Sincerely Yours, Charlie Fisher

60. Sincerely Yours, Charlie Fisher

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 61: Doc

61. Doc

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 62: The Amateur

62. The Amateur

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 63: Light and Shadow

63. Light and Shadow

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 64: Romney

64. Romney

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 65: O Promise Me

65. O Promise Me

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 66: Hold My Hand and Run

66. Hold My Hand and Run

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 67: Dark Possession

67. Dark Possession

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 68: The Diamond

68. The Diamond

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 69: Susan and God

69. Susan and God

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 70: As Young As You Feel

70. As Young As You Feel

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 71: The White Knight

71. The White Knight

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 72: The Anxious Years

72. The Anxious Years

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 73: The Heart of Mary Lincoln

73. The Heart of Mary Lincoln

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 74: The Middle Son

74. The Middle Son

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 75: Valentine's Day

75. Valentine's Day

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 76: Summer Cannot Last

76. Summer Cannot Last

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 77: The Last Battlefield

77. The Last Battlefield

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 78: The Catbird Seat

78. The Catbird Seat

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 79: Dream House

79. Dream House

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 80: The Runaways

80. The Runaways

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 81: The Ledger

81. The Ledger

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 82: When the Bough Breaks

82. When the Bough Breaks

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 83: I Want to March

83. I Want to March

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 84: Skylark

84. Skylark

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 85: Tall, Dark Stranger

85. Tall, Dark Stranger

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 86: Anything But Love

86. Anything But Love

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 87: Robin Daw

87. Robin Daw

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 88: Letter to a Stranger

88. Letter to a Stranger

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 89: Dinner at Antoine's

89. Dinner at Antoine's

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 90: The Mating of Watkins Tottle

90. The Mating of Watkins Tottle

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 91: Her Son's Wife

91. Her Son's Wife

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 92: The Shining Palace

92. The Shining Palace

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 93: The Odd Ones

93. The Odd Ones

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 94: A Cowboy for Chris

94. A Cowboy for Chris

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 95: The Rocking Chair

95. The Rocking Chair

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 96: The Big Guy

96. The Big Guy

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 97: Statute of Limitations

97. Statute of Limitations

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 98: The Baron and the Banshees

98. The Baron and the Banshees

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 99: Notebook Warrior

99. Notebook Warrior

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 100: Temptation for a King

100. Temptation for a King

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 101: The White Knight

101. The White Knight

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 102: The Anxious Years

102. The Anxious Years

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 103: M is for the Many

103. M is for the Many

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 104: Silent Partner

104. Silent Partner

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 105: Winter in April

105. Winter in April

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 106: Bread Upon the Waters

106. Bread Upon the Waters

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 107: The Giant Killer

107. The Giant Killer

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 108: The Book of Ruth

108. The Book of Ruth

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 109: Singer in the Valley

109. Singer in the Valley

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 110: The Heart of a Husband

110. The Heart of a Husband

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 111: From the Desk of Margaret Tydings

111. From the Desk of Margaret Tydings

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 112: But You Look Like Sisters

112. But You Look Like Sisters

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 113: The House of Seven Gables

113. The House of Seven Gables

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 114: Fiddlin' Man

114. Fiddlin' Man

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 115: The Hollow Woman

115. The Hollow Woman

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 116: People in Glass

116. People in Glass

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 117: One of the Family

117. One of the Family

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 118: Young Hands, Young Feet

118. Young Hands, Young Feet

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 119: The Lark Shall Sing

119. The Lark Shall Sing

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 120: In Dread of Winter

120. In Dread of Winter

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 121: The Babylonian Heart

121. The Babylonian Heart

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 122: Ask Me No Questions

122. Ask Me No Questions

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 123: Whom Death Has Joined Together

123. Whom Death Has Joined Together

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 124: The Wedding

124. The Wedding

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 125: The Reckoning

125. The Reckoning

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 126: A Woman Named Ruby

126. A Woman Named Ruby

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 127: The Bright Boy

127. The Bright Boy

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 128: The Carefree Tree

128. The Carefree Tree

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 129: Graybeards and Witches

129. Graybeards and Witches

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 130: The Legend of Jenny Lind

130. The Legend of Jenny Lind

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 131: Daughter of the Seventh Day

131. Daughter of the Seventh Day

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 132: Night Must Fall

132. Night Must Fall

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 133: The 25th Hour

133. The 25th Hour

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 134: A Man and His Maid

134. A Man and His Maid

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 135: Perspective

135. Perspective

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 136: The Catamaran

136. The Catamaran

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 137: Johnny Came Marching Home

137. Johnny Came Marching Home

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 138: A Family Affair

138. A Family Affair

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 139: Blind Date

139. Blind Date

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 140: To Have and to Hold

140. To Have and to Hold

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 141: Edwina Black

141. Edwina Black

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 142: The Spare Room

142. The Spare Room

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 143: The Bottle Imp

143. The Bottle Imp

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 144: Brief Music

144. Brief Music

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 145: The Girl from Boro Park

145. The Girl from Boro Park

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 146: To Whom It May Concern

146. To Whom It May Concern

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 147: Bachelor Buttons

147. Bachelor Buttons

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 148: The Children of Papa Juan

148. The Children of Papa Juan

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 149: Herself Alone

149. Herself Alone

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 150: Three for the Money

150. Three for the Money

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 151: Taxi to the Moon

151. Taxi to the Moon

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 152: The Goodtime Boys

152. The Goodtime Boys

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 153: The American

153. The American

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 154: Cause for Suspicion

154. Cause for Suspicion

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 155: Fight the Whole World

155. Fight the Whole World

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 156: Autumn Crocus

156. Autumn Crocus

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 157: George Has a Birthday

157. George Has a Birthday

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 158: The Serpent's Tooth

158. The Serpent's Tooth

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 159: Crime at Blossom's

159. Crime at Blossom's

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 160: The Luck of Amos Currie

160. The Luck of Amos Currie

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 161: Alison's House

161. Alison's House

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 162: Safe Place

162. Safe Place

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 163: The Guest Cottage

163. The Guest Cottage

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 164: Forsaking All Others

164. Forsaking All Others

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 165: Love, Honor and O'Day

165. Love, Honor and O'Day

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 166: The Damask Cheek

166. The Damask Cheek

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 167: Moon Over

167. Moon Over

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 168: But Fear Itself

168. But Fear Itself

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 169: The Birthday Present

169. The Birthday Present

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 170: The Ghost of Greenwich Village

170. The Ghost of Greenwich Village

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 171: The Young and the Damned

171. The Young and the Damned

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 172: There's Always Juliet

172. There's Always Juliet

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 173: Seasoned Timber

173. Seasoned Timber

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 174: The Declaration

174. The Declaration

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 175: High Places

175. High Places

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 176: Black Chiffon

176. Black Chiffon

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 177: Class of '58

177. Class of '58

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 178: Marriage by the Millions

178. Marriage by the Millions

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 179: Backfire

179. Backfire

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 180: The Bishop Misbehaves

180. The Bishop Misbehaves

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 181: Remittance

181. Remittance

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 182: Beg, Borrow or Steal

182. Beg, Borrow or Steal

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 183: Summer Pavilion

183. Summer Pavilion

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 184: The Feast

184. The Feast

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 185: A Full, Rich Life

185. A Full, Rich Life

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 186: The Reverberator

186. The Reverberator

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 187: Woman at the Window

187. Woman at the Window

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 188: Another Sky

188. Another Sky

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 189: Letter of Introduction

189. Letter of Introduction

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 190: Home at Seven

190. Home at Seven

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 191: The Cypress Tree

191. The Cypress Tree

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 192: Belong to Me

192. Belong to Me

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 193: Pygmalion Jones

193. Pygmalion Jones

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 194: Gretel

194. Gretel

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 195: Some Man Will Want You

195. Some Man Will Want You

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 196: The Fall of the House of Usher

196. The Fall of the House of Usher

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 197: Cupid Rode a Horse

197. Cupid Rode a Horse

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 198: The Old Payola

198. The Old Payola

Still image for Matinee Theater season 1 episode 199: The Perfect Alibi

199. The Perfect Alibi

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