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.
Beginning Now
Oct 31, 1955
No description available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The House on Wildwood Lane
Nov 7, 1955
No description available.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Nov 8, 1955
No description available.
One for the Road
Nov 9, 1955
No description available.
An Apple for Miss Myrtle
Nov 10, 1955
No description available.
The Man Without a Country
Nov 11, 1955
No description available.
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.
She's the One with the Funny Face
Nov 15, 1955
No description available.
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.
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.
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.
Midsummer
Nov 21, 1955
No description available.
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
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
Dispossessed
Nov 25, 1955
No description available.
One for the Road
Nov 28, 1955
A beautiful young socialite is found murdered.
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.
Wuthering Heights
Nov 30, 1955
A mother discovers she is falling in love with the man her daughter has married.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cordially - With Bombs
Dec 8, 1955
No description available.
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
O'Toole from Moscow
Dec 12, 1955
No description available.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The Unwelcomed
Dec 23, 1955
No description available.
The Red Sanders Story
Dec 26, 1955
No description available.
Class of '58
Jul 9, 1956
No description available.
Horns of the Dilemma
Dec 28, 1955
No description available.
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
The Shot
Dec 30, 1955
No description available.
Mr. Krane
Jan 3, 1956
No description available.
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
Double Door
Jan 5, 1956
No description available.
The Happy Rest
Jan 6, 1956
No description available.
The Gate
Jan 9, 1956
No description available.
One Left Over
Jan 10, 1956
No description available.
All the Trees in the Field
Jan 11, 1956
No description available.
The Century Plant
Jan 12, 1956
No description available.
Friday the 13th
Jan 13, 1956
No description available.
The Old Maid
Jan 16, 1956
No description available.
Mother Was a Bachelor
Jan 17, 1956
No description available.
The Bottom of the River
Jan 18, 1956
No description available.
The Carefree Tree
Jan 19, 1956
No description available.
Interlude
Jan 20, 1956
No description available.
The Big Box
Jan 23, 1956
No description available.
Sincerely Yours, Charlie Fisher
Jan 24, 1956
No description available.
Doc
Jan 25, 1956
No description available.
The Amateur
Jan 26, 1956
No description available.
Light and Shadow
Jan 27, 1956
No description available.
Romney
Jan 30, 1956
No description available.
O Promise Me
Jan 31, 1956
No description available.
Hold My Hand and Run
Feb 1, 1956
No description available.
Dark Possession
Feb 2, 1956
No description available.
The Diamond
Feb 3, 1956
No description available.
Susan and God
Feb 6, 1956
No description available.
As Young As You Feel
Feb 7, 1956
No description available.
The White Knight
Feb 8, 1956
No description available.
The Anxious Years
Feb 9, 1956
No description available.
The Heart of Mary Lincoln
Feb 10, 1956
No description available.
The Middle Son
Feb 13, 1956
No description available.
Valentine's Day
Feb 14, 1956
No description available.
Summer Cannot Last
Feb 15, 1956
No description available.
The Last Battlefield
Feb 16, 1956
No description available.
The Catbird Seat
Feb 17, 1956
No description available.
Dream House
Feb 20, 1956
No description available.
The Runaways
Feb 21, 1956
No description available.
The Ledger
Feb 22, 1956
No description available.
When the Bough Breaks
Feb 23, 1956
No description available.
I Want to March
Feb 24, 1956
No description available.
Skylark
Feb 27, 1956
No description available.
Tall, Dark Stranger
Feb 28, 1956
No description available.
Anything But Love
Feb 29, 1956
No description available.
Robin Daw
Mar 1, 1956
No description available.
Letter to a Stranger
Mar 2, 1956
No description available.
Dinner at Antoine's
Mar 5, 1956
No description available.
The Mating of Watkins Tottle
Mar 6, 1956
No description available.
Her Son's Wife
Mar 7, 1956
No description available.
The Shining Palace
Mar 8, 1956
No description available.
The Odd Ones
Mar 9, 1956
No description available.
A Cowboy for Chris
Mar 12, 1956
No description available.
The Rocking Chair
Mar 13, 1956
No description available.
The Big Guy
Mar 14, 1956
No description available.
Statute of Limitations
Mar 15, 1956
No description available.
The Baron and the Banshees
Mar 16, 1956
No description available.
Notebook Warrior
Mar 19, 1956
No description available.
Temptation for a King
Mar 20, 1956
No description available.
The White Knight
Mar 21, 1956
No description available.
The Anxious Years
Mar 22, 1956
No description available.
M is for the Many
Mar 23, 1956
No description available.
Silent Partner
Mar 26, 1956
No description available.
Winter in April
Mar 27, 1956
No description available.
Bread Upon the Waters
Mar 28, 1956
No description available.
The Giant Killer
Mar 29, 1956
No description available.
The Book of Ruth
Mar 30, 1956
No description available.
Singer in the Valley
Apr 2, 1956
No description available.
The Heart of a Husband
Apr 3, 1956
No description available.
From the Desk of Margaret Tydings
Apr 4, 1956
No description available.
But You Look Like Sisters
Apr 5, 1956
No description available.
The House of Seven Gables
Apr 6, 1956
No description available.
Fiddlin' Man
Apr 9, 1956
No description available.
The Hollow Woman
Apr 10, 1956
No description available.
People in Glass
Apr 11, 1956
No description available.
One of the Family
Apr 12, 1956
No description available.
Young Hands, Young Feet
Apr 13, 1956
No description available.
The Lark Shall Sing
Apr 16, 1956
No description available.
In Dread of Winter
Apr 17, 1956
No description available.
The Babylonian Heart
Apr 19, 1956
No description available.
Ask Me No Questions
Apr 20, 1956
No description available.
Whom Death Has Joined Together
Apr 23, 1956
No description available.
The Wedding
Apr 24, 1956
No description available.
The Reckoning
Apr 25, 1956
No description available.
A Woman Named Ruby
Apr 26, 1956
No description available.
The Bright Boy
Apr 27, 1956
No description available.
The Carefree Tree
Apr 30, 1956
No description available.
Graybeards and Witches
May 1, 1956
No description available.
The Legend of Jenny Lind
May 2, 1956
No description available.
Daughter of the Seventh Day
May 3, 1956
No description available.
Night Must Fall
May 4, 1956
No description available.
The 25th Hour
May 7, 1956
No description available.
A Man and His Maid
May 8, 1956
No description available.
Perspective
May 9, 1956
No description available.
The Catamaran
May 10, 1956
No description available.
Johnny Came Marching Home
May 11, 1956
No description available.
A Family Affair
May 14, 1956
No description available.
Blind Date
May 16, 1956
No description available.
To Have and to Hold
May 17, 1956
No description available.
Edwina Black
May 18, 1956
No description available.
The Spare Room
May 21, 1956
No description available.
The Bottle Imp
May 22, 1956
No description available.
Brief Music
May 23, 1956
No description available.
The Girl from Boro Park
May 24, 1956
No description available.
To Whom It May Concern
May 25, 1956
No description available.
Bachelor Buttons
May 28, 1956
No description available.
The Children of Papa Juan
May 29, 1956
No description available.
Herself Alone
May 30, 1956
No description available.
Three for the Money
May 31, 1956
No description available.
Taxi to the Moon
Jun 1, 1956
No description available.
The Goodtime Boys
Jun 4, 1956
No description available.
The American
Jun 5, 1956
No description available.
Cause for Suspicion
Jun 6, 1956
No description available.
Fight the Whole World
Jun 7, 1956
No description available.
Autumn Crocus
Jun 8, 1956
No description available.
George Has a Birthday
Jun 11, 1956
No description available.
The Serpent's Tooth
Jun 12, 1956
No description available.
Crime at Blossom's
Jun 13, 1956
No description available.
The Luck of Amos Currie
Jun 14, 1956
No description available.
Alison's House
Jun 15, 1956
No description available.
Safe Place
Jun 18, 1956
No description available.
The Guest Cottage
Jun 19, 1956
No description available.
Forsaking All Others
Jun 20, 1956
No description available.
Love, Honor and O'Day
Jun 21, 1956
No description available.
The Damask Cheek
Jun 22, 1956
No description available.
Moon Over
Jun 25, 1956
No description available.
But Fear Itself
Jun 26, 1956
No description available.
The Birthday Present
Jun 27, 1956
No description available.
The Ghost of Greenwich Village
Jun 28, 1956
A college boy accidentally kills a girl who is trying to blackmail him.
The Young and the Damned
Jun 29, 1956
No description available.
There's Always Juliet
Jul 2, 1956
No description available.
Seasoned Timber
Jul 3, 1956
No description available.
The Declaration
Jul 4, 1956
No description available.
High Places
Jul 5, 1956
No description available.
Black Chiffon
Jul 6, 1956
No description available.
Class of '58
Jul 9, 1956
No description available.
Marriage by the Millions
Jul 11, 1956
No description available.
Backfire
Jul 12, 1956
No description available.
The Bishop Misbehaves
Jul 13, 1956
No description available.
Remittance
Jul 16, 1956
No description available.
Beg, Borrow or Steal
Jul 17, 1956
No description available.
Summer Pavilion
Jul 18, 1956
No description available.
The Feast
Jul 19, 1956
No description available.
A Full, Rich Life
Jul 20, 1956
No description available.
The Reverberator
Jul 23, 1956
No description available.
Woman at the Window
Jul 24, 1956
No description available.
Another Sky
Jul 25, 1956
No description available.
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.
Home at Seven
Jul 27, 1956
No description available.
The Cypress Tree
Jul 30, 1956
No description available.
Belong to Me
Jul 31, 1956
No description available.
Pygmalion Jones
Aug 1, 1956
No description available.
Gretel
Aug 2, 1956
No description available.
Some Man Will Want You
Aug 3, 1956
No description available.
The Fall of the House of Usher
Aug 6, 1956
No description available.
Cupid Rode a Horse
Aug 7, 1956
No description available.
The Old Payola
Aug 8, 1956
No description available.
The Perfect Alibi
Aug 10, 1956
No description available.
