Golden Age of Television - Volume 10

Four episodes from early TV anthology series spotlight famous film stars close to either the beginning or the ending of their big-screen careers.

Dick Powell's role as a television producer began with the formation of Four Star Productions in 1952. The debut offering of what would become a persuasive and powerful force within the newly developing television industry was the anthology series, "Four Star Playhouse" (1952-1956). Powell oversaw production and appeared as various characters along side alternating stars Charles Boyer, David Niven and Ida Lupino. Some of Dick Powell's most memorable roles include 42nd Street (1933), Stage Struck (1936) and Murder My Sweet (1944).

Finale: A struggling actor contemplates murder when he discovers that his career is being sabotaged by a Broadway star. Starring David Niven, John Litel, John Eldredge; Directed by Roy Kellino.

Press Conference: A freshman senator is ambushed at his first press conference by a citizen publicly accusing him of scandalous activity. Starring Dennis Morgan, Russ Conway; Directed by Arnold Laven.

The Answer: The luminaries in all areas of human knowledge program a super computer to calculate a solution to World Peace. Starring David Niven, Nestor Paiva, Carolyn Jones; Directed by Roy Kellino.

To Die at Midnight: A prison warden begs the Governor to grant a stay of execution for a young man who faces the electric chair. Starring Dick Powell; Directed by Don Weis.

• television