An Almanac of Liberty (8 Nov. 1954)
"Studio One" An Almanac of Liberty (original title)

Director:

Paul Nickell

Writers:

William O. Douglas (based on the book by), Reginald Rose (written for Studio One by)

Stars:

P.J. Kelly, Archie Smith, Ethel Remey

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
P.J. Kelly	...	Mr. Neary
Archie Smith	...	Harmon
Ethel Remey	...	Mrs. Church (as Ethel Everett)
Bruce Marshall	...	Mikey
Ginger MacManus	...	Susie
Florence Sundstrom	...	Ottile Sweetster
Brandon Peters	...	Horace Sweetser
Dorothy Patten	...	Matty Wilkinson
Karl Lukas	...	Hank
Jock MacGregor	...	Sam Hunt
Clarice Blackburn	...	Sybil Hunt
Fred Herrick	...	Ted Franklin
Gene Sultan	...	Billy Sweetser
James Winslow	...	Dr. Slattery
Eli Mintz	...	Mr. Nathan

Storyline

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 November 1954 (USA)

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

As the townspeople try to recall specific measures from the Bill of Rights, they leap from the First Amendment to the Fourth before going back to the First. In the order they are mentioned: Freedom of speech, press and religion (First Amendment), protection from unreasonable search and seizure (Fourth), freedom of assembly (First), just compensation (Fifth), due process (Fifth), self-incrimination (Fifth), double jeopardy (Fifth), right to face accuser (Sixth), to be informed of charges (Sixth), to have legal counsel (Sixth), trial by jury (Sixth and Seventh), no excessive bail or fines (Eighth), no cruel or unusual punishment (Eighth). Not all amendments and their key rights are covered: The right to keep and bear arms (Second), protection from quartering troops (Third), protection of rights not enumerated in the Constitution (Ninth), retention of power by the states and people (Tenth).

User Reviews

an allegory on the rights of man

This Studio One production, set almost completely in a town hall (apart from one pre-title scene) in a small American town, looks at what happens when a town's people start looking so inwardly that they forget about their rights and the rights of others.

John Carter, a stranger, has come looking for work, but in fact finds hatred, fear, and suspicion. The nominal leader of the town, Wilkinson, has men and women alike bowing down to his will - and only the local newspaperman Phillips has the nerve to question his authority.

When all the townsfolk come together for a meeting that no one remembers being invited to, things start to go strangely. Only by taking a step back and looking at the situation from an outside perspective can the normal pace of life reassert itself.

A fascinating period piece, 'An Almanac of Liberty' uses words and characters to put a powerful point across. Well worth watching.