Alfred Hitchcock Presents

(1955-65, CBS, NBC) ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS (and later, THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR, when the format changed to 60 minutes) was a very popular American television anthology series that was hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock; which bounced back and forth between CBS and NBC during its amazing ten year run. It featured dramas, thrillers, and … Continue reading Alfred Hitchcock Presents

Mystery! (aka “Masterpiece Theatre,” “Masterpiece Mystery”)

Public Broadcast, Private Eyes (1980-2006) Lord knows, the American public broadcasting network wasn't exactly known for its tough, gritty fare. Nope, its flagship crime anthology series MYSTERY! (and Masterpiece Theatre from which it sprang) have been mostly aimed at American Anglophiles of a certain class, and as such it's been largely domestics and cozies, featuring assorted Lord … Continue reading Mystery! (aka “Masterpiece Theatre,” “Masterpiece Mystery”)

The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes (Television Series)

Television Series This fondly remembered British television anthology series featured adaptations of short mystery stories featuring some of the literary contemporaries of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, inspired by the popular series of Rivals of Sherlock Holmes anthologies by Hugh Greene. The show was produced by Thames Television and originally aired on ITV in Britain. The first … Continue reading The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes (Television Series)

Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse

Television Anthology Series WESTINGHOUSE DESILU PLAYHOUSE was an American television anthology series produced by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's Desilu Productions. It ran on the Columbia Broadcasting System between 1958 and 1960, and was hosted byy Betty Furness in the first season, and Desi Arnaz in the second. Stories came from several genres, but there … Continue reading Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse

Climax!

Television Anthology Series (1954-58, CBS) An American television anthology series specializing in thriller and suspense stories that aired on CBS from 1954 to 1958. The series was hosted by William Lundigan and later co-hosted by Mary Costa. TELEVISION CLIMAX! (1954-58, CBS) Black & white Mono Among the shows of most interest to visitors to this … Continue reading Climax!

Kraft Mystery Theatre & Kraft Suspense Theatre

Television Anthology Series Originally called Kraft Television Theatre (which had started way back in 1947), in April 1958 it was revamped as KRAFT MYSTERY THEATRE, when the focus shifted to crime.  Alex March, one of the most acclaimed anthology directors, produced the series. It featured original dramas, for the most part, with many episodes doubling … Continue reading Kraft Mystery Theatre & Kraft Suspense Theatre