Watch Playhouse 90

Playhouse 90 was a popular weekly television program that aired on CBS from 1956 to 1961. The show was known for its high-quality dramas and featured many notable actors and directors. Richard Joy, Paul Lambert, and Helen Kleeb were some of the regular cast members who appeared on the show.

Each week, Playhouse 90 presented a new drama, ranging from historical reenactments to contemporary tales of love and loss. Many of the episodes were adapted from popular novels, plays, and films of the time.

The show was unique for its format. Each episode was approximately 90 minutes long and aired live from a theater in Hollywood. The live format brought a sense of excitement and spontaneity to the show, as actors would often make mistakes or improvise on the spot.

One of the most famous episodes of Playhouse 90 was "Requiem for a Heavyweight," which aired in 1956. The drama starred Jack Palance as a washed-up boxer who is forced to retire from the ring. The episode was written by Rod Serling, who would later go on to create the iconic science fiction series, The Twilight Zone. "Requiem for a Heavyweight" was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the greatest teleplays ever written.

Other notable episodes of Playhouse 90 included "The Miracle Worker," which told the story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, and "Judgment at Nuremberg," which examined the trials of Nazi war criminals after World War II. The show also tackled controversial topics such as racism, the Cold War, and nuclear weapons.

Playhouse 90 was praised for its high production values and talented performances. The sets and costumes were elaborate, and the acting was often intense and emotional. The show featured many up-and-coming actors, such as James Dean, Charlton Heston, and Grace Kelly, as well as established stars like Fredric March, Ed Wynn, and Elizabeth Montgomery.

The show also attracted a wide range of directors, including John Frankenheimer, who would go on to direct films such as The Manchurian Candidate and Ronin, and Sidney Lumet, who directed classics like 12 Angry Men and Network. Many of the directors who worked on Playhouse 90 were known for their use of innovative camera techniques and editing.

Despite its critical success, Playhouse 90 faced some controversy during its run. Some episodes were considered too controversial or graphic for television, and the show received criticism from conservative groups for its portrayal of social issues. However, the show's popularity and cultural significance cannot be denied. Playhouse 90 paved the way for other ambitious television dramas and helped to establish television as a serious platform for artistic expression.

In conclusion, Playhouse 90 was an important and influential show that helped to shape the landscape of television drama. The show's commitment to high-quality storytelling and production values set a standard for future television dramas, and its legacy can be seen in shows like The Sopranos, Mad Men, and Breaking Bad. Richard Joy, Paul Lambert, Helen Kleeb, and the rest of the cast and crew of Playhouse 90 should be remembered for their contributions to the world of television and the arts.