Great Television Series of the 50s: 4-Episodes from "Telephone Time"

The anthology series "Telephone Time" ran 1956-'58, first on CBS and then on ABC, and was filmed at the famous Hal Roach Studios. The original host was John Nesbitt, later succeeded by Frank Baxter.

The Archbishop and Chico (1956): In 1870 Santa Fe, parish priest Father Salpointe takes into his care a young Mexican orphan consumed with anger and rebellion. Father Salpointe puts his reputation on the line, determined to show the boy the importance of reconciliation and education. Director Robert Florey's film credits include the Marx Brothers' classic The Cocoanuts (1929), the 1932 version of Edgar Allan Poe's "Murders in the Rue Morgue", The Face Behind the Mask (1941) and The Beast With Five Fingers (1946).

Grandpa Changes the World (1956): In 1735, New York publisher John Peter Zenger is sued for libel by Governor William Cosby, after accusing him of embezzlement in print. Zenger's case is taken up by legendary litigator Andrew Hamilton, roused from retirement for his final case -- one that essentially puts the freedom of speech on trial. Starring Thomas Mitchell and Reginald Denny.

Pit-a-Pit and The Dragon (1957): Filipino-born Hilary "Pit-a-Pit" Clapp converted to Christianity as a boy and later graduated from Trinity College in Ontario with a medical degree despite facing racism and bigotry. Returning to the Philippines, he faces the mistrust of his own people while desperately trying to save them from a smallpox epidemic.

The Intruder (1957): While her husband is away, housewife Victoria Henderson and her son Johnny are held at gunpoint by a cop-killer who demands they drive him across state lines. The ordeal brings mother and son together in a harrowing battle of wits.

The character of the gunman marked an early role for Joel Grey, a show-biz legend who later won a Tony Award and an Oscar for his most famous role, the leering emcee in the musical Cabaret. Starring Joel Grey and Phyllis Avery.

• television