Series synopsis
The Ford Television Theatre is a drama television series that premiered on NBC on October 2, 1952. It stars Dane Clark, Cleo Moore, Judy Nugent and Howard Duff.
This show started in New York City, with Broadway actors and actresses. It then moved to Hollywood, California, where Hollywood actors and actresses headed the cast.
Premise
This show started in New York City, with Broadway actors and actresses. It then moved to Hollywood, California, where Hollywood actors and actresses headed the cast.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Dane Clark as Joe Travis
- Cleo Moore as Lana
- Judy Nugent as Kathy Johnson
- Howard Duff as Johnny Abel
- Janet Blair as Mary Higgins
- Michael Fox as Lt. Bernard Schuman
- John Daheim as Al
- Pat O'Brien as Lt. V. Keever
Supporting cast
- Joanne Woodward as June Ledbetter
- Dick Wessel
- Ward Bond as Lt. Pannetti
- Alan Dexter as Lt. Joe Lellers
- Philip Carey as Jeff Anderson
- Ellen Drew as Elaine Anderson
- Peter Whitney as Marshal Billy Lang
- Spring Byington as Aunt Cordelia
- Rita Moreno as Serene Crane
- Max Showalter
- Norma Varden
- Sam Flint
Guest cast
- Dane Clark as Joe Travis
- Cleo Moore as Lana
- Judy Nugent as Kathy Johnson
- Howard Duff as Johnny Abel
- Janet Blair as Mary Higgins
- Michael Fox as Lt. Bernard Schuman
- John Daheim as Al
- Pat O'Brien as Lt. V. Keever
- Joanne Woodward as June Ledbetter
- Dick Wessel
- Ward Bond as Lt. Pannetti
- Alan Dexter as Lt. Joe Lellers
Episodes
This series spans 8 seasons with 145 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 29 | October 2, 1952 | June 25, 1953 |
| Season 2 | 34 | October 1, 1953 | June 24, 1954 |
| Season 3 | 32 | September 30, 1954 | June 23, 1955 |
| Season 4 | 21 | October 6, 1955 | June 28, 1956 |
| Season 5 | 19 | June 26, 1957 | June 26, 1957 |
| Season 6 | 0 | ||
| Season 7 | 0 | ||
| Season 8 | 10 | October 3, 1956 | January 30, 1957 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Life, Liberty and Orrin Dooley When Orrin Dooley, returning from war, is rejected by a woman for his ignorance, he enters grade school under his G.I. benefits where the woman betrothed to the insensitive principal is the teacher. |
October 2, 1952 |
| 2 | Junior | October 9, 1952 |
| 3 | National Honeymoon | October 16, 1952 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tangier Lady | October 1, 1953 |
| 2 | The Doctor's Downfall | October 8, 1953 |
| 3 | Emergency | October 15, 1953 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Trouble with Youth A middle-aged theatrical producer suddenly begins mixing with the younger set. |
September 30, 1954 |
| 2 | Daughter of Mine | October 7, 1954 |
| 3 | Shadow of Truth | October 14, 1954 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | All That Glitters | October 6, 1955 |
| 2 | Husband | October 13, 1955 |
| 3 |
The Lady in the Wind Since her parent's death, a young woman has looked to her employer for guidance. When she marries a young artist who expresses his emotions on canvas rather that in words, she again turns to her employer for understanding. |
October 20, 1955 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Catch at Straws A district attorney tries to help a Korean War veteran who returns home in disgrace. Even though he has been cleared of treason by a military court, the ex-GI is the object of scorn and persecution by the community. |
October 3, 1956 |
| 2 | Sudden Silence | October 10, 1956 |
| 3 |
Emergency An escaped convict invades the home of a ordinary American family. |
October 15, 1953 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Catch at Straws | October 3, 1956 |
| 2 | Sudden Silence | October 10, 1956 |
| 3 | Paris Edition | October 17, 1956 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | NBC |
|---|---|
| First aired | October 2, 1952 |
| Last aired | June 26, 1957 |
| Runtime | 30 minutes |
| Status | continue |