Associated-Rediffusion Television produced this early ITV drama anthology series, which initially aired fortnightly on Monday evenings (alternating with Inner Sanctum), before moving around the weekly schedule.
The series resurrected Victorian stage melodramas and was broadcast from the Granville Theatre in Fulham Broadway (a former Victorian music hall venue which was purchased by Bernard Delfont in 1947 and acquired by Associated-Rediffusion in 1955 for use as its first television studio- officially known as “studio 6”).
The debut offering – ‘Little Gerty’ (26/9/55) – had first been produced at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Liverpool on 18 May 1876 and traced (at breakneck speed) the story of a poor, abandoned waif who finds happiness and her long-lost father. Victoria Grayson starred in the title role.
The final production – ‘The Poor of New York’ (25/1/56) – was first performed at Wallack’s Theatre in New York in December 1857. Written by actor and dramatist Dion Boucicault, it told the story of treachery, blackmail and dire poverty.
The stock company for the 11 half-hour productions comprised Hattie Jacques, Erik Chitty and Victoria Grayson. They were supplemented by several fine actors, including Alun Owen, Frank Thornton, Aubrey Danvers-Walker, John Le Mesurier, and Helen Shingler.
The Granville Theatre was demolished in 1971.
Episodes
Little Gerty (26/9/55) | The Chain of Guilt (10/10/55) | The Silver King (24/10/55) | The Hawk of the Desert (7/11/55) | The Unwanted Child (30/11/55) | Clara, The Maid of Durham (6/12/55) | The Drunkard (13/12/55) | Puss in Boots (20/12/55) | Michael Erle, the Maniac Lover (27/12/55) | East Lynne (11/1/56) | The Poor of New York (25/1/56)
