The Star and the Story
Henry Fonda hosted this anthology of dramatic stories.
The Star and the Story, also known as Henry Fonda Presents The Star and the Story, is an American television anthology series that aired in first-run syndication from 1955 to 1956.
Quick Facts
- Full title
- Henry Fonda Presents The Star and the Story
- Type
- Anthology series
- Country of origin
- United States
- Original release
- 1955–1956
- Running time
- Approximately 25 minutes (excluding commercials)
- Production company
- Four Star Productions
Facts from the source article.
Synopsis
Henry Fonda served as host, primarily acting as spokesman for the show's beer sponsor. He became the first actor of stature to deliver commercials for another's program, a role that sparked controversy. Fonda defended the work as a form of acting, stating that dignified commercials were acceptable, and noted his pay exceeded what he would have earned for a film. Rheingold sponsored the program in markets where it was sold. Each week featured a new cast, including well-known character actors like Edmond O'Brien and emerging stars such as Joanne Woodward. Notable directors included Blake Edwards and Robert Stevenson. The premiere episode, "Dark Stranger," starred O'Brien. The series has entered the public domain, with episodes appearing on budget DVD releases.
Overseas syndication
During the late 1950s, the series was exported to Australia, where it often aired under the title Whitehall Playhouse, combined with episodes of Studio 57. Australian broadcasters, limited by budgets, could not produce their own weekly anthology series in the 1950s, so several American anthology series were shown there, including Ford Television Theatre (retitled Kraft TV Theatre), Short Short Dramas (retitled Playhouse 15), and Science Fiction Theatre, along with British and Canadian anthologies.
More in Television Series by Four Star Television
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