The Arena (9 Apr. 1956)
"Studio One" The Arena (original title)

Director:

Franklin J. Schaffner

Writer:

Rod Serling (written especially for Studio One by)

Stars:

Wendell Corey, Chester Morris, John Cromwell

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Wendell Corey	...	James Norton
Chester Morris	...	Feeney
John Cromwell	...	Senator Rogers
Leora Dana	...	Margaret Norton
Edgar Stehli	...	Frank Norton
Peter Turgeon	...	Humphreys
Frances Sternhagen	...	Betty
Harry Holcombe	...	Senator Smithson
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Paul Brenson	...	Announcer (voice)
Betty Furness	...	Herself - Commercial Spokeswoman

Storyline

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 April 1956 (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

User Reviews

Well-crafted.

This live teleplay has an excellent pedigree. First, it's written by Rod Serling--a man who had an amazing ability to write dialog and fascinating characters. Second, it stars two wonderful character actors who are pretty much forgotten today but who are more than capable of anchoring a production--Wendell Corey and Chester Morris. Considering all these factors, it's natural that I would enjoy "The Arena".

The film stars Corey as a brand-new Senator who was just appointed to complete a term. It seems that Corey's father was also a Senator. However, to some he was a great man, but to the fellow Senator from his home state, the old man was a fraud. Corey naturally takes great umbrage at this and spends almost all his time and energy attacking his colleague--demanding he retract the accusations that his father was a crook.

As for Morris, he stars as a behind the scenes guru who the politicians consult to make their careers blossom. His newest pet project is Corey--and where this relationship goes is for you to see for yourself---I certainly don't want to spoil the film by giving away spoilers.

Overall, it's a very well-written and tight live TV film that was fortunately saved for rebroadcast using the Kinescope process. The only negative is something my wife noticed--some of the music (the drumbeat) was too intense and too heavy-handed. Still, it's a very well-crafted show and it's amazing they did this live!