Noah’s Ark

1 9 5 6 – 1 9 5 7 (USA)
24 x 30 minute episodes

Produced and directed by Jack Webb of Dragnet fame, this NBC series launched in September 1956 and revolved around elderly veterinarian Dr Sam Rinehart (veteran radio actor Victor Rodman) – who was crippled by arthritis and confined to a wheelchair – and his young partner Dr Noah McCann (Paul Burke).

Their pretty redhead receptionist (who had her eye on Noah) was Liz Clark (May Wynn). Agnes Marshall (Natalie Masters) was Sam’s widowed daughter and the mother of Davy (Paul Engle).

The stories revolved around the human interest problems of these three characters, with the animals they treated – including a lion, a kangaroo, a monkey and an ostrich – as supporting players.

Noah’s Ark was the first half-hour weekly series to be telecast in colour, and the theme song, Noah, was sung a capella by The Hi-Los.

Unfortunately, the series was scuppered by the sponsor early the following year and – despite a flood of letters of protest from the viewing public – only ran for 24 episodes.

Dr Noah McCann
Paul Burke
Dr Sam Rinehart
Victor Rodman
Liz Clark
May Wynn
Agnes Marshall
Natalie Masters
Davy Marshall
Paul Engle

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