Watch Four Star Playhouse

Four Star Playhouse was a popular anthology series that aired on CBS from 1952 to 1956. The series featured a rotating cast of four actors, including David Niven, Dick Powell, Charles Boyer, and Ida Lupino, who would alternate starring in each episode. Each episode was a self-contained story, ranging in genre from drama to comedy and everything in between. The series was unique in that it gave each actor the opportunity to showcase their range and versatility, as they would play different characters each week.

David Niven was a British actor known for his suave demeanor and debonair charm. His episodes often featured him portraying well-dressed playboys or witty socialites. One of his most memorable episodes was "Vote the Bullet", in which he played an American businessman who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation while on a business trip in Mexico.

Dick Powell was a multi-talented performer who had already made a name for himself as a singer and movie star before joining the cast of Four Star Playhouse. Powell's episodes often featured him as a tough guy with a soft spot for the ladies. One of his most memorable episodes was "The Hard Way", in which he played a private detective hired to investigate a woman's past.

Charles Boyer was a French actor known for his romantic roles in classic films like "Algiers" and "Gaslight". In Four Star Playhouse, Boyer's episodes often featured him as a sophisticated European with a hint of danger. One of his most memorable episodes was "The Doctor and the Countess", in which he played a physician who falls in love with a notorious countess.

Ida Lupino was the only female actor in the series and often portrayed strong-willed women who refused to be victimized by the men in their lives. Lupino's episodes often dealt with social issues, such as domestic violence and sexual harassment. One of her most memorable episodes was "The Impact of Fear", in which she played a woman who is stalked by her ex-husband.

In addition to the rotating cast, Four Star Playhouse also featured guest stars in many episodes. Some of the notable guest stars included Vincent Price, Angela Lansbury, and Barbara Stanwyck.

The series was created by William T. Orr, who also produced other popular anthology series such as The Adventures of Superman and Maverick. The show was well-received by both critics and audiences and won several awards during its four-year run, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Film Editing in 1955.

Four Star Playhouse paved the way for future anthology series, such as The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Its rotating cast format allowed the actors to take on a variety of roles and pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the television medium at the time.

In conclusion, Four Star Playhouse was a groundbreaking anthology series that showcased the talents of four of Hollywood's finest actors. Its impact on the television industry is still felt today and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of TV creators and performers.

Four Star Playhouse is a series that is currently running and has 7 seasons (174 episodes). The series first aired on September 25, 1952.