Golden Age Theater - Volume 10

The 1950s were an especially fertile time for television drama. Day after day, a cavalcade of brilliant actors, writers and directors brought America's home audiences into the very center of the theater experience. In 1955, an inspirational series called "Crossroads" debuted. Each week it presented powerful, nondenominational and spiritually uplifting programs. Here are four episodes depicting the selfless work of true men of God.

Hostage: Three death row inmates with nothing to lose take a guard hostage during a failed prison break. A young priest risks his life in an attempt to rescue the captive.

Sky Pilot For The Cumberlands: In the hills of Kentucky, Methodist minister Hiram Frakes tries to bring peace and education to warring hillbilly clans.

The Strange Request: Working feverishly to the point of exhaustion, Father Boyle does everything he can to help the downtrodden of his Reno, Nevada parrish. His mission is sorely tested when a killer comes to him for guidance.

Timberland Preacher: Traveling preacher Dick Farrell lands a job with the Mitchell Lumber company, creating a conflict between the atheist owner and his son.

• television