"Studio One" The Night America Trembled (1957)

Director:

Tom Donovan

Writer:

Nelson Bond (writer)

TV Series:

"Studio One" (1948)

Original Air Date:

9 September 1957 (Season 10, Episode 1)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Company Sponsor Name In Title | Anthology | Number In Title

Cast

Edward R. Murrow	...	Himself / Narrator
Alexander Scourby	...	Phillips - Host
Robert Blackburn	...	Director
Casey Allen	...	First Announcer
Norman Rose	...	Second Announcer
Ray Boyle	...	First Actor
Frank Marth	...	Second Actor
Edward Asner	...	Third Actor
Freda Holloway	...	Mary
John Gibson	...	Mary's Father
Clint Kimbrough	...	Bob
Tom Clancy	...	Tom
Vincent Gardenia	...	Dick
Fred J. Scollay	...	Harry
James Coburn	...	Sam (as Jim Coburn)

John Cannon

...

Himself / Announcer 1950-1959 (voice) (uncredited)

Runtime:

60 min

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Trivia:

Edward Asner's TV debut.

Stardust Memories

"Another classic dramatic presentation brought to you by 'Studio One', originally a radio program brought out as an Emmy winning weekly television program shown on the CBS television network from 1948 to 1958.. This particular episode centers on the tale of the 1939 (sic, it was 1938) Halloween night radio broadcast of the Mercury Theater's 'The War of The Worlds'." (originally by H.G. Wells)

"Narrated by Edward R. Murrow, this program presented a dramatization of the studio end of the broadcast as well as audience reactions through vignettes. Guest stars abound in this episode (which opened the tenth season of this program), including Ed Asner, Vincent Gardenia, James Coburn, Warren Oates and a youthful Warren Beatty," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.

Alexander Scourby (as Phillips, the host) is a good substitute for the original Orson Welles, who should have been mentioned, at least. Mr. Welles was (along with John Houseman) largely responsible for "The Mercury Theatre on the Air". And, it was Welles' confident, convincing voice that helped throw listeners into a panic. (What did Welles do, turn down an interview with Edward R. Murrow?)

This teleplay does seem to capture the "moment" well, with a large cast performing necessarily small roles, given the actual running time. Don't overlook the uncredited John Astin, when perusing the cast; in his first appearance before a camera, Mr. Astin is as good as fellow débuting Jim Coburn. Warren Beatty and Warren Oates are ordinary college card players. Ed Asner has great hair. And, as always, Vincent Gardenia shows up any Tom, Dick, or Harry.

****** The Night America Trembled (9/9/57) Tom Donovan ~ Alexander Scourby, Vincent Gardenia, John Astin