Screen Directors Playhouse

Screen Directors Playhouse

Joan Crawford in a production of Flamingo Road on the May 26, 1950 radio version of Screen Directors Playhouse.
Other names	NBC Theater Screen Directors Guild Assignment Screen Directors Assignment
Genre	Anthology drama
Running time	30 minutes (radio episodes 1–8 and 10–75) and all television episodes 1 hour (radio episodes 9 and 76–122)
Country of origin	United States
Language(s)	English
Home station	NBC (1949–51 and 1955–56) ABC (1956)
Hosted by	radio hosts: Frank Barton (announcer) Hal Gibney Jimmy Wallington (1949–51)
Starring	Each radio and television episode used predominantly top-tier personalities
Written by	radio scripts: Richard Alan Simmons, Milton Geiger, Jack Rubin, Nat Wolf
Directed by	radio: Bill Karn, Warren Lewis
Produced by	radio: Howard Wylie executive_producer =
Original release	January 9, 1949 (1949-01-09) (radio version)/October 5, 1955 (1955-10-05) (television version) – September 28, 1951 (1951-09-28) (radio version)/September 26, 1956 (1956-09-26) (television version)
No. of episodes	122
Audio format	Monaural sound

Screen Directors Playhouse (sometimes written as Screen Directors' Playhouse) is an American radio and television anthology series which brought leading Hollywood actors to the NBC microphones beginning in 1949. The radio program broadcast adaptations of films, with original directors of the films sometimes involved in the productions, although their participation was usually limited to introducing the radio adaptations and taking a brief "curtain call" with the cast and host at the end of the program. During the 1955–56 season, the series was seen on television, focusing on original teleplays and several adaptations of famous short stories (such as Robert Louis Stevenson's "Markheim").

Radio

Main article: Screen Directors Playhouse (radio series)

The radio version ran for 122 episodes and aired on NBC from January 9, 1949, to September 28, 1951, under several different titles: NBC Theater, Screen Directors Guild Assignment, Screen Directors Assignment and, as of July 1, 1949, Screen Directors Playhouse.

Actors on the radio series included Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball, Tallulah Bankhead, Charles Boyer, Claudette Colbert, Ronald Colman, Gary Cooper, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas, Irene Dunne, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Henry Fonda, Cary Grant, William Holden, Burt Lancaster, James Mason, Ray Milland, Gregory Peck, William Powell, Edward G. Robinson, Norma Shearer, Barbara Stanwyck, James Stewart, John Wayne, and Loretta Young.

Television

The television version, produced and filmed at Hal Roach Studios, was broadcast for one season of 35 half-hour episodes on NBC, under the sponsorship of Eastman Kodak, airing from October 5, 1955, to June 1956. The final episodes aired on ABC ending on September 26, 1956.

Hal Roach Studios produced the program, and members of the Screen Directors Guild directed the 30-minute filmed episodes. The guild used its income to support its educational and benevolent foundation.

John Wayne appeared in the episode "Rookie of the Year", in "his only real dramatic role on TV", and Errol Flynn's first dramatic role on TV came in "The Sword of Villon".

Billed in the opening credits of their respective television episodes are: Lee Aaker (episode 8), Lola Albright (episode 4), John Alderson (episode 35), Leon Ames (episode 5), Lew Ayres (episode 20), Lynn Bari (episode 4), Ralph Bellamy (episode 19), William Bendix (episode 35), John Bentley (episode 30), Charles Bickford (episode 11), Janet Blair (episode 28), Ward Bond (episode 10), Neville Brand (episode 4), Walter Brennan (episode 8), Hillary Brooke (episode 22), Joe E. Brown (episode 12), Edgar Buchanan (episode 8), Rory Calhoun (episodes 2 and 14), Macdonald Carey (episodes 18 and 32), Jack Carson (episode 4), Joan Caulfield (episode 32), Gower Champion (episode 27), Marge Champion (episode 27), Fred Clark (episode 5), Constance Cummings (episode 33), Linda Darnell (episode 30), Laraine Day (episodes 7 and 17), Yvonne deCarlo (episode 14), Brandon deWilde (episode 29), Bobby Driscoll (episode 2), James Dunn (episode 18), Leo Durocher (episode 17), Robert Easton (episode 15), Buddy Ebsen (episode 28), Marilyn Erskine (episode 21), Frank Fay (episode 9), Errol Flynn (episode 22), Scott Forbes (episode 30), Wallace Ford (episode 20), Sally Forrest (episode 5), Rita Gam (episode 19), Nancy Gates (episode 9), Leo Genn (episode 13), Greta Granstedt (episode 19), Barbara Hale (episode 1), Don Hanmer (episode 3), Dick Haymes (episode 18), Dennis Hopper (episode 35), Kim Hunter (episode 3), Buster Keaton (episode 12), Angela Lansbury (episode 24), Peter Lawford (episode 9), Cloris Leachman (episode 6), Sheldon Leonard (episode 15), Peter Lorre (episode 16), James Lydon (episode 5), Jeanette MacDonald (episode 17), Jimmy McHugh (episode 21), Fred MacMurray (episode 21), Lotfi Mansouri (episode 34), Vera Miles (episode 10), Ray Milland (episode 23), Sal Mineo (episode 26), Thomas Mitchell (episode 7), George Montgomery (episode 24), Patricia Morison (episode 26), Barry Nelson (episode 28), Edmond O'Brien (episode 25), Dan O'Herlihy (episode 7), Dennis O'Keefe (episode 15), ZaSu Pitts (episode 12), Basil Rathbone (episode 19), Philip Reed (episode 13), Robert Ryan (episode 11), George Sanders (episodes 26 and 33), Herb Shriner (episode 1), Mary Sinclair (episode 28), Rod Steiger (episode 23), William Talman (episode 16), Casey Tibbs (episode 29), June Vincent (episodes 14 [not billed in opening credits] and 18), John Wayne (episode 10), Pat Wayne (episode 10), Michael Wilding (episode 31), Fay Wray (episode 15), Teresa Wright (episode 16), Keenan Wynn (episode 3), May Wynn (episode 13) and Alan Young (episode 6). But there was one difference between the two versions of the program: while the radio program had presented only condensed versions of well-known plays and films, the television version presented mostly original dramas.

The directors of television episodes are: Lewis Allen, Claude Binyon, Frank Borzage (3 episodes), John Brahm (2 episodes), David Butler, Gower Champion, William Dieterle, Allan Dwan (2 episodes), John Ford, Tay Garnett (3 episodes), Hugo Haas, Byron Haskin, Stuart Heisler, Ida Lupino, Leo McCarey (2 episodes), Norman Z. McLeod, George Marshall, Ted Post, H. C. Potter, John Rich, William A. Seiter, George Sherman, Andrew L. Stone, Ted Tetzlaff, Frank Tuttle, George Waggner (2 episodes) and Fred Zinnemann.

Directors, vital dates, years of activity as director, episode titles, writers and broadcast dates

1. Leo McCarey (1896–1969, 1921–62) "Meet the Governor" (October 5, 1955; also wrote)
2. Frank Borzage (1894–1962, 1913–61) "Day Is Done" (October 12, 1955; written by William Tunberg)
3. John Brahm (1893–1982, 1936–67) "A Midsummer Daydream" (October 19, 1955; written by William Saroyan)
4. George Waggner (1894–1984, 1938–67) "Arroyo" (October 26, 1955; also wrote)
5. William A. Seiter (1890–1964, 1915–60) "Want Ad Wedding" (November 2, 1955; written by Dane Lussier and Gertrude Walker)
6. Norman Z. McLeod (1895–1964, 1928–63) "Life of Vernon Hathaway" (November 9, 1955; written by Barbara Merlin; story by Richard Wormser)
7. Andrew L. Stone (1902–1999, 1927–72) "The Final Tribute" (November 16, 1955; also wrote; story by Octavus Roy Cohen)
8. Stuart Heisler (1896–1979, 1936–64) "The Brush Roper" (November 23, 1955; written by William Tunberg and Fred Gipson; story by Gipson)
9. Leo McCarey (see no. 1) "Tom and Jerry" (November 30, 1955; written by Leo McCarey's daughter, Mary McCarey)
10. John Ford (1894–1973, 1917–66) "Rookie of the Year" (December 7, 1955; written by Frank Nugent; story by W. R. Burnett)
11. H. C. Potter (1904–1977, 1936–57) "Lincoln's Doctor's Dog" (December 14, 1955; written by William R. Cox; story by Christopher Morley)
12. George Marshall (1891–1975, 1916–72) "The Silent Partner" (December 21, 1955; also wrote; story by Barbara Hammer)
13. Ted Tetzlaff (1903–1995, 1941–59) "The Titanic Incident" (December 28, 1955; written by William R. Cox)
14. Tay Garnett (1894–1977, 1924–75) "Hot Cargo" (January 4, 1956; also story; written by David Dortort)
15. Allan Dwan (1885–1981, 1911–61) "It's Always Sunday" (January 11, 1956; written by D. D. Beauchamp; story by Jesse Goldstein and Frank Fox)
16. Ida Lupino (1918–1995, 1949–68) "No. 5 Checked Out" (January 18, 1956; also story; written by Willard Wiener)
17. David Butler (1894–1979, 1927–67) "Prima Donna" (February 1, 1956; written by Peter Milne and Gene Raymond; story by Raymond)
18. George Sherman (1908–1991, 1937–78) "Cry Justice" (February 15, 1956; written by Donald Hyde)
19. Byron Haskin (1899–1984, 1927–68) "Affair in Sumatra" (February 22, 1956; written by Michael Fessier; story by Hobart Donavan)
20. William Dieterle (1893–1972, 1923–68) "One Against Many" (March 7, 1956; written by Donald S. Sanford; story by John Jacobs and Malvin Ward)
21. Claude Binyon (1905–1978, 1948–56) "It's a Most Unusual Day" (March 14, 1956; also wrote; story by William R. Cox)
22. George Waggner (see no. 4) "The Sword of Villon" (April 4, 1956; written by Wilbur S. Peacock)
23. Fred Zinnemann (1907–1997, 1930–82) "Markheim" (April 11, 1956; written by John McGreevey and Paul Osborn [another source indicates Alfred Harris]; story by Robert Louis Stevenson)
24. Frank Tuttle (1892–1963, 1922–59) "Claire" (April 25, 1956; written by Philip MacDonald and George Sinclair; story by Ruth Capps)
25. Frank Borzage (see no. 2) "A Ticket for Thaddeus" (May 9, 1956; written by A. I. Bezzerides; story by Rose C. Feld)
26. Hugo Haas (1901–1968, 1933–62) "The Dream" (May 16, 1956; written by John McGreevey [another source indicates Richard Karlan and Patricia Karlan]; story by Ivan Turgenev)
27. Gower Champion (1921–1980, 1956–74) "What Day Is It?" (June 6, 1956; written by Jean Holloway)
28. Lewis Allen (1905–2000, 1943–77) "Every Man Has Two Wives" (June 13, 1956; written by DeWitt Bodeen and Frank Gill, Jr.; story by Thames Williamson)
29. Tay Garnett (see no. 14) "Partners" (July 4, 1956; also story; written by Winston Miller)
30. Ted Post (1918–2013, 1950–99) "White Corridors" (July 11, 1956; written by Irving Cooper and Helen Cooper)
31. Tay Garnett (see no. 14 and no. 29) "The Carroll Formula" (July 18, 1956; written by John L. Greene)
32. John Rich (1925–2012, 1951–99) "Apples on the Lilac Tree" (July 25, 1956; written by Lee Loeb and Phil Shuken)
33. John Brahm (see no. 3) "The Bitter Waters" (August 1, 1956; written by Zoe Akins; story "Louisa Pallant" by Henry James)
34. Frank Borzage (see no. 2 and no. 25) "The Day I Met Caruso" (September 5, 1956; written by Zoe Akins; story by Elizabeth Bacon Rodewald)
35. Allan Dwan (see no. 15) "High Air" (September 12, 1956; written by A. I. Bezzerides; story by Borden Chase)

Directors listed by number of "Best Director" Academy Award nominations

1. Fred Zinnemann (seven): The Search (1948), High Noon (1952), From Here to Eternity (1953: winner), The Nun's Story (1959), The Sundowners (1960), A Man for All Seasons (1966: winner) and Julia (1977) [also received three nominations as producer (1952: winner, 1960 and 1966: winner)]
2. John Ford (five): The Informer (1935: winner), Stagecoach (1939), The Grapes of Wrath (1940: winner), How Green Was My Valley (1941: winner) and The Quiet Man (1952: winner) [also received one nomination as producer (1952)]
3. Leo McCarey (three): The Awful Truth (1937: winner), Going My Way (1944: winner) and The Bells of St. Mary's (1945) [also received four nominations for writing (1939, 1940, 1944: winner and 1952) and one nomination for original song (1958)]
4. Frank Borzage (two): 7th Heaven (1927: winner) and Bad Girl (1931: winner)
5. William Dieterle (one): The Life of Emile Zola (1937)

Television episodes

Opening announcement: "SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE. Bringing you each week an outstanding original screenplay chosen and directed by one of the country's foremost motion picture directors."

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Stars	Original air date
1	"Meet the Governor"	Leo McCarey	Leo McCarey	Herb Shriner and Barbara Hale	Oct 5 1955
Announcer: "Tonight our director is Leo McCarey, three-time Academy Award winner and creator of such famous pictures as Ruggles of Red Gap, The Awful Truth and Going My Way. The story Mr. McCarey has selected for us this evening is called 'Meet The Governor' and it stars Herb Shriner, in his first dramatic role on television, and co-stars Barbara Hale." Styled in the manner of an episode from a filmed sitcom, replete with a laugh track. Clem Waters as Herb Shriner Jane Waters as Barbara Hale Mrs. Lamkin as Rita Lynn Sonny Waters as Bobby Clark Mr. Dirks as Paul Harvey Mr. Hurley as Arthur Q. Bryan Lawyer as Hayden Rorke Butler as Claud Allister Mr. Green as William Forrest Decorator as Oliver Cliff
2	"Day Is Done"	Frank Borzage	William Tunberg	Rory Calhoun and Bobby Driscoll	Oct 12 1955
Announcer: "Tonight, our director is Academy Award winner Frank Borzage, creator of such celebrated pictures as Seventh Heaven and A Farewell to Arms. The story Mr. Borzage has selected for us this evening is entitled 'Day Is Done' and it stars Rory Calhoun and Bobby Driscoll." Announcer: "Next week, Gower Champion will make his first appearance as a director when he brings us a sparkling dance comedy entitled, 'What Day Is It?' Teamed with Gower will be his lovely wife and partner, Marge Champion. One of the show's highlights will be their famous clown dance. A happy half hour will be yours to enjoy next week when Screen Directors Playhouse brings you 'What Day Is It?' Be sure to join us." Sgt. Norris as Rory Calhoun Pvt. Zane as Bobby Driscoll Archer as Richard Crane Carlson as Douglas Dick Capt. Harris as Michael Emmet Jones as James Goodwin 1st Soldier as Robert Arthur 2nd Soldier as Wright King 3rd Soldier as Ron Kennedy 4th Soldier as Bill White, Jr.
3	"A Midsummer Daydream"	John Brahm	William Saroyan	Kim Hunter Keenan Wynn Don Hanmer	Oct 19 1955
Announcer: "Tonight we are pleased to present the noted director John Brahm. Mr. Brahm has chosen for this evening a bright and amusing story by the Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist William Saroyan. The story is entitled 'A Midsummer Daydream' and it stars Kim Hunter, Keenan Wynn and Don Hanmer." Elizabeth as Kim Hunter Gambler as Keenan Wynn Patrick as Don Hanmer Woman as Bea Benaderet Man as Don Wilson Girl as Eilene Janssen Boy as Michael Monroe Mr. Glooteneye as David Hoffman Bootblack as Roy Glenn [listed in the credits, but does not appear]
4	"Arroyo"	George Waggner	TBD	TBA	Oct 26 1955
5	"Want Ad Wedding"	William A. Seiter	TBD	TBA	Nov 2 1955
6	"Life of Vernon Hathaway"	Norman Z. McLeod	Barbara Merlin From a story by Richard Wormser	Alan Young and Cloris Leachman	Nov 9 1955
Announcer: "Next week, Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes the versatile Hollywood director, Andrew Stone, whose many fine pictures include The Night Holds Terror, The Steel Trap and The Great Victor Herbert. For next week's production, Mr. Stone has written a dramatic story of the medical profession entitled 'Final Tribute'. The stars will be Laraine Day, Dan O'Herlihy and Thomas Mitchell. Be sure to join us." Ernest Stockhoeffer / Vernon Hathaway as Alan Young Irma as Cloris Leachman Morley as Jay Novello Beecham as Douglas Dumbrille Barnes as Raymond Bailey Vandemeer as Florenz Ames Gloria as Susan Morrow Stranger as Herb Vigran Porter as Roy Glenn
7	"The Final Tribute"	Andrew L. Stone	Teleplay by Andrew L. Stone From a story by Octavus Roy Cohen	Laraine Day Dan O'Herlihy Thomas Mitchell	Nov 16 1955
Announcer: "Next week, Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes Mr. David Butler, director of such hits as Calamity Jane with star Doris Day, Glory and April in Paris. Mr. Butler will bring us a hilarious musical about a famous singing star, her protege and two famous celebrities. 'Prima Donna' will star Jeanette MacDonald, with special guest stars Laraine Day and Leo Durocher. Be sure to join us." Joyce Carter as Laraine Day Dr. Kent as Dan O'Herlihy Dr. Walton as Thomas Mitchell Mayor as Jonathan Hale Alex as Eddie Marr Margie's Mother as Joyce McCluskey Mrs. Cole as Emlen Davies Mrs. Raglund as Marjorie Stapp Margie as Linda Lowell Raglund Boy as Kenneth Osmond
8	"The Brush Roper"	Stuart Heisler	William Tunberg and Fred Gipson From a story by Fred Gipson	Walter Brennan Lee Aaker and Edgar Buchanan	Nov 23 1955
Announcer: "Tonight, we are pleased to welcome Mr. Stuart Heisler who has directed such outstanding pictures as Biscuit Eater, Smash-Up and Blue Skies. For this evening, Mr. Heisler has chosen a humorous western story entitled 'The Brush Roper', which stars Walter Brennan in the leading role." Grandpa as Walter Brennan Cowhide as Lee Aaker Sub Doyal as Edgar Buchanan Grandma as Olive Carey Art Shirley as Chuck Connors
9	"Tom and Jerry"	Leo McCarey	TBD	TBA	Nov 30 1955
10	"Rookie of the Year"	John Ford	Written by Frank Nugent From a story by W. R. Burnett	John Wayne, Vera Miles, Ward Bond and introducing Pat Wayne	Dec 7 1955
Announcer: "Tonight, our director is John Ford, the only man ever to win four Academy Awards for direction. Mr. Ford has selected a fascinating story about the baseball world entitled 'Rookie of the Year'. The starring role is played by one of Hollywood's best known stars, John Wayne, in his first dramatic role on television, and introduces his son, Pat Wayne." Screen Directors Playhouse is brought to you on film by the men and women of Eastman Kodak and Kodak dealers everywhere." Ruth Dahlberg as Vera Miles Buck Goodhue as Ward Bond Lyn Goodhue as Pat Wayne Ed Shafer as James Gleason Cully as Willis Bouchey Mr. White as Harry Tyler Walker as William Forrest Willie as Robert Leyden Bobby as Tiger Fafara
11	"Lincoln's Doctor's Dog"	H. C. Potter	William R. Cox from a story by Christopher Morley	Robert Ryan and Charles Bickford	Dec 14 1955
Announcer: "Tonight, our director is Mr. H. C. Potter, whose Hollywood and Broadway successes include Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House and Point of No Return. For this evening, Mr. Potter directs a new television drama entitled 'Lincoln's Doctor's Dog'. The stars are Robert Ryan, Charles Bickford and Richard Long." Introduction by H. C. Potter: "For a long time, it had been an axiom, among book publishers, that stories with a medical background, stories about pets, and incidents in the life of Abraham Lincoln were invariably popular. And the publishers nodded wistfully to each other that a title like 'Lincoln's Doctor's Dog', the triple threat, would be practically irresistible. But nobody ever did anything about it. Until, one day, recently, my friend Christopher Morley, one of the most prolific and best loved American authors, began to dream. Did Lincoln, perhaps, have a doctor, who had a dog, who had a story?" February 11, 1863 [on-screen caption] Abraham Lincoln as Robert Ryan Dr. Stone as Charles Bickford Capt. Leipole as Richard Long Edwin Stanton as Willis Bouchey Wm. Seward as Howard Wendell Simon as Johnny Lee Salmon Chase as Paul Keast Montgomery Blair as Mack Williams Reporter as John Craven Petitioner as Dennis King, Jr.
12	"The Silent Partner"	George Marshall	Written by Barbara Hammer from a story by Barbara Hammer and George Marshall	Buster Keaton ZaSu Pitts Joe E. Brown	Dec 21 1955
Selma as ZaSu Pitts Arthur Vail as Joe E. Brown Miss Loving as Evelyn Ankers Ernie as Jack Kruschen Shanks as Jack Elam Barney as Percy Helton Arnold as Joseph Corey Ernie's friend as Lyle Latell Barber as Charles Horvath
13	"The Titanic Incident"	Ted Tetzlaff	Written by William R. Cox	Leo Genn, May Wynn and Philip Reed	Dec 28 1955
Announcer: "Tonight, Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes Mr. Ted Tetzlaff, whose many directorial credits include The Window and The White Tower. Tonight, Mr. Tetzlaff directs a story of a gamble at sea aboard the most glamorous ship of its day, entitled 'The Titanic Incident', starring Leo Genn in his first dramatic role on television. Screen Directors Playhouse is brought to you on film by the men and women of Eastman Kodak and Kodak dealers everywhere." Paul as Leo Genn Susan as May Wynn Sir Hubert as Philip Reed Deck Officer as Mike McHale Mrs. Van Owen as Barbara Morrison Mr. Fothergill as Pat Whyte Cabin Steward as Michael Hadlow Mr. Van Owen as Paul Fielding Mr. Ogden as Ramsay Hill Dining Steward as George Leigh
14	"Hot Cargo"	Tay Garnett	Written by David Dortort From a story by Tay Garnett	Rory Calhoun Yvonne deCarlo	Jan 4 1956
Announcer: "Tonight, we are pleased to present the distinguished Hollywood director Tay Garnett, whose well known motion pictures include A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, with Bing Crosby, The Postman Always Rings Twice and The Black Knight. For this evening, Mr. Garnett has selected the dramatic story entitled 'Hot Cargo'. The stars are Rory Calhoun and Yvonne deCarlo." Pearl as Yvonne deCarlo Joe Mahoney as Rory Calhoun Capt. Swenson as Alan Reed Society Doll as June Vincent Mike as Peter Brocco 1st. Crewman as George Lloyd 2nd. Crewman as Joe Haworth 3rd. Crewman as Joel Smith 4th. Crewman as Frank Richards
15	"It's Always Sunday"	Allan Dwan	Written by D. D. Beauchamp from a story by Jesse Goldstein and Frank Fox	Dennis O'Keefe Sheldon Leonard with Fay Wray	Jan 11 1956
Announcer: "Tonight, Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes Mr. Allan Dwan, director of Sands of Iwo Jima, starring John Wayne. For this evening, Mr. Dwan brings us a warmly human story about a minister and a tramp, entitled 'It's Always Sunday'. Our stars are Dennis O'Keefe, Sheldon Leonard and Fay Wray." Rev. Parker as Dennis O'Keefe George as Sheldon Leonard Mary Parker as Fay Wray Eddie as Chick Chandler Wm. Brackett, Sr. as Grant Withers Nancy Parker as Eilene Janssen Stanley Moran as Robert Easton Danny Parker as Terry Rangno Sue Stradler as Diane Jergens Bill Brackett as Jimmy Hayes
16	"No. 5 Checked Out"	Ida Lupino	Written by Willard Wiener from a story by Ida Lupino	Teresa Wright Peter Lorre and William Talman	Jan 18 1956
Announcer: "Tonight, Screen Directors Playhouse proudly presents Miss Ida Lupino, renowned for her direction of The Hitch-Hiker and The Bigamist. For this evening, Miss Lupino brings us the searching story of a deaf girl and the man she is afraid to love, entitled 'No. 5 Checked Out'. In tonight's cast are Teresa Wright, Peter Lorre and William Talman." Mary as Teresa Wright Willy as Peter Lorre Barney as William Talman Jarvis as Ralph Moody
17	"Prima Donna"	David Butler	Written by Gene Raymond and Peter Milne from a story by Gene Raymond	Jeanette MacDonald and Special Guest Stars Laraine Day Leo Durocher	Feb 1 1956
Announcer: "Tonight, Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes Mr. David Butler, director of the musical Calamity Jane, which starred Doris Day, and the recently released Glory. For this evening, Mr. Butler will bring us a happy musical treat entitled 'Prima Donna'. Our star is Jeanette MacDonald with special guest stars Laraine Day and Leo Durocher." Martha as Jeanette MacDonald Themselves as Laraine Day Leo Durocher Lewis as Jerome Cowan Emmy as Jacqueline deWit Lena as Jane Darwell Johnny as Alfred Caiazza Tad as Jack Lomas Miss MacDonald's Gowns by Werlé Note: Gene Raymond, who wrote the story and co-wrote the teleplay, was married to Jeanette MacDonald from 1937 until her death in 1965.
18	"Cry Justice"	George Sherman	Written by Donald Hyde	MacDonald Carey Dick Haymes James Dunn with June Vincent	Feb 15 1956
Announcer: "Tonight, Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes Mr. George Sherman, noted for his direction of many fine western films. His pictures include The Treasure of Pancho Villa and Chief Crazy Horse. For this evening, Mr. Sherman brings us an exciting story of the old west entitled 'Cry Justice'. Our stars are MacDonald Carey, Dick Haymes and James Dunn. Screen Directors Playhouse is brought to you on film by the men and women of Eastman Kodak and Kodak dealers everywhere." Announcer: "Next week, Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes Mr. Byron Haskin, noted for his direction of such exciting films as The Naked Jungle and His Majesty O'Keefe. Mr. Haskin will bring us an intriguing story of romance set against the tropical background, entitled 'Affair in Sumatra', with Ralph Bellamy, Rita Gam and Basil Rathbone. Be sure to join us." Gil Foster as MacDonald Carey Jim Wheeler as Dick Haymes Sheriff Garrett as James Dunn June as June Vincent Judge as Roy Roberts Deputy as Trevas Bardette Clem as Paul Bryar Mexican as Nacho Galindo Announcer: "Each week at this time, the Eastman Kodak company invites you to see an outstanding screenplay, produced on Eastman Kodak film with all the scope and realism that only modern motion picture techniques make possible, and brought to you on Screen Directors Playhouse."
19	"Affair in Sumatra"	Byron Haskin	TBD	TBA	Feb 22 1956
20	"One Against Many"	William Dieterle	TBD	TBA	Mar 7 1956
21	"It's a Most Unusual Day"	Claude Binyon	TBD	TBA	Mar 14 1956
22	"The Sword of Villon"	George Waggner	TBD	TBA	Apr 4 1956
23	"Markheim"	Fred Zinnemann	TBD	TBA	Apr 11 1956
24	"Claire"	Frank Tuttle	Philip MacDonald and George Sinclair From a story by Ruth Capps	George Montgomery Angela Lansbury	Apr 25 1956
Announcer: "Tonight Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes Mr. Frank Tuttle, whose pictures include Waikiki Wedding and Hell on Frisco Bay starring Alan Ladd. Vera Wayne as Angela Lansbury Kate as Armanda Randolph Roberta as Jean Willes Carl as William Erwin
25	"A Ticket for Thaddeus"	Frank Borzage	TBD	TBA	May 9 1956
26	"The Dream"	Hugo Haas	Teleplay by Richard and Patricia Karlan Based on a short story by Ivan Turgenev	George Sanders Sal Mineo Patricia Morison	May 16 1956
Announcer: "Tonight, our director is Mr. Hugo Haas, one of Hollywood's newest and most talented director-actors. Announcer: "Our stars are George Sanders, Sal Mineo and Patricia Morison." The Baron as George Sanders Charles Monet as Sal Mineo Vivienne Monet as Patricia Morison Prefect of Police as John Banner Amelia as Lita Milan Waiter as Andre Villon Old Man as Norbert Schiller The Negro as Felix Nelson Note: Ivan Turgenev's short story "The Dream" [original title "Сон" ("Sohn")], was initially published in 1877.
27	"What Day Is It?"	Gower Champion	TBD	TBA	Jun 6 1956
28	"Every Man Has Two Wives"	Lewis Allen	Frank Gill, Jr. and DeWitt Bodeen From a story by Thames Williamson	Barry Nelson Janet Blair Buddy Ebsen Mary Sinclair	Jun 13 1956
Announcer: "Tonight, Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes Mr. Lewis Allen, director of such famous films as Our Hearts Were Young and Gay and The Uninvited. For this evening, Mr. Allen brings us a delightful comedy entitled 'Every Man Has Two Wives'. Our stars are Barry Nelson, Janet Blair, Buddy Ebsen and Mary Sinclair." Styled in the manner of an episode from a filmed sitcom, replete with a laugh track. Bill as Barry Nelson Della as Janet Blair Fred as Buddy Ebsen Fay as Mary Sinclair Counterman as Dave Willock Powdermaid as Margaret Bert
29	"Partners"	Tay Garnett	TBD	TBA	Jul 4 1956
30	"White Corridors"	Ted Post	TBD	TBA	Jul 11 1956
31	"The Carroll Formula"	Tay Garnett	Story and teleplay by John L. Greene	Michael Wilding	Jul 18 1956
Announcer: "Tonight, Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes Mr. Tay Garnett, famous for his direction of such comedy hits as A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. For this evening, Mr. Garnett brings us the hilarious story of a young English professor who stumbles unto a fantastic secret written between the lines of Alice in Wonderland. Our story 'The Carroll Formula'. Our star Michael Wilding." David Scott as Michael Wilding Sylvia Richardson as Havis Davenport Dr. Hoffman as Dayton Lummis Dr. Lehndorff as Steven Geray Dr. Curtis as Howard McNear Attendant as Peter Whitney Col. Hobson as Donald McBride General Lafferty as Roy Roberts Soldier as Donald Barry
32	"Apples on the Lilac Tree"	John Rich	TBD	TBA	Jul 25 1956
33	"The Bitter Waters"	John Brahm	Teleplay by Zoe Akins from a story by Henry James	George Sanders and Constance Cummings	Aug 1 1956
Announcer: "Tonight's Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes the distinguished Hollywood director Mr. John Brahm. For this evening, Mr. Brahm has chosen the story of a beautiful woman's struggle to combat the specter of an ambitious pact. Based on a famous short story by Henry James, our play is called 'The Bitter Waters'. Our stars are George Sanders and Constance Cummings." Charles Ferris as George Sanders Louisa Pallant as Constance Cummings Archibald Parker as Robert Vaughn Linda Pallant as Cynthia Baxter Frau Traurnicht as Celia Lovsky Mrs. Gimingham as Barbara Morrison Herbert as Jerry Barclay Note: Henry James' "Louisa Pallant", variously described as a short story or a novella, was initially published in the February 1888 issue of Harper's New Monthly Magazine.
34	"The Day I Met Caruso"	Frank Borzage	Teleplay by Zoe Akins from a story by Elizabeth Bacon Rodewald	The voice of Enrico Caruso as recorded by R.C.A. VICTOR Album LM 6127 Introducing Lotfi Mansouri	Sep 5 1956
Announcer: "Tonight, Screen Directors Playhouse is proud to again welcome the distinguished Academy Award-winning director Frank Borzage. Mr. Borzage brings us an unusual musical treat based on a true story from the life of Enrico Caruso and featuring the actual voice of the immortal singer. Our story is entitled 'The Day I Met Caruso'... and introduces Lotfi Mansouri in the title role." Announcer: "Next week, Screen Directors Playhouse presents Mr. Allan Dwan, director of such famous hits as Brewster's Millions and Sands of Iwo Jima. Mr. Dwan has chosen an exciting drama of the men who tunnel through treacherous mud and rock in the high pressure atmosphere under our nation's great rivers. Be sure to join us next week when William Bendix stars in 'High Air'." Caruso as Lotfi Mansouri Elizabeth as Sandy Descher Porter as Bill Walker Cousin Hannah as Emily Lawrence Father as Walter Coy Mother as Barbara Eiler Valet as Tito Vuolo
35	"High Air"	Allan Dwan	Teleplay by A. I. Bezzerides From a story by Borden Chase	William Bendix Dennis Hopper and John Alderson	Sep 12 1956
Announcer: "Tonight, Screen Directors Playhouse presents Mr. Allan Dwan, director of such famous hits as Brewster's Millions and Sands of Iwo Jima. Mr. Dwan brings us an exciting drama that pits father against son in the treacherous high pressure atmosphere of a tunnel construction job. Our story is entitled 'High Air'. Our star William Bendix." Announcer: "Next week, Screen Directors Playhouse welcomes Academy Award winner Frank Borzage, whose hits include 7th Heaven and A Farewell to Arms. Mr. Borzage has chosen a heartwarming story of a new citizen's awakening to American freedom... entitled 'A Ticket for Thaddeus'. Edmond O'Brien will star in the title role. Be sure to join us." Joe Redman as William Bendix Steve Redman as Dennis Hopper "Swede" as John Alderson Tom Martin as Leo Gordon Man with Bends as Hal Baylor Sandhogger #1 as William Doty Sandhogger #2 as Don Kennedy Sandhogger #3 as Mike Ragan Sandhogger #4 as John Mitchum Sandhogger #5 as Duane Thorson

Sources

• Audio Classics Archive Radio Logs: Screen Directors Playhouse

External links

• Screen Directors Playhouse at IMDb
• Screen Directors Playhouse at the TCM Movie Database
• Screen Directors Playhouse at TV Guide
• Screen Directors Playhouse at CATV with episode list
• Finding aid author: John N. Gillespie (2013). "Screen Director's Playhouse". Prepared for the L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Provo, UT.

Listen to

• Screen Directors Playhouse in the Internet Archive's Old-Time Radio Collection