1 9 5 4 – 1 9 5 7 (USA)
107 x 30 minute episodes
This CBS comedy debuted on 12 September 1954 with platinum movie queen Ann Sothern (who was shot on television from the waist up, reportedly to obscure her less regal proportions below) playing Susie McNamara, private secretary to the founder of International Artists Inc – a talent agency located in Suite 2201 on the 22nd floor of a building at 10 East 56th Street in New York City – to whom she served up many an important contract as well as perfect cups of mid-morning coffee.
Susie’s main job requirement seemed to be getting her boss, Peter Sands (Don Porter – later the television father of Gidget) out of embarrassing situations.
His arch-rival in the business world was fast-talking, loudmouthed, cigar-smoking Cagey Calhoun (Jesse White). Violet (“Vi”) Praskins (Ann Tyrrell) was the agency’s receptionist and switchboard operator.
Gloria Winters appeared as Susie’s niece, Patty, and Alma Townsend was Peter’s mother, Mrs Sands.
The show closed on 10 September 1957 and on 6 October, The Ann Sothern Show began, with the star performing similar turns – this time as Katy O’Connor, assistant manager of the Bartley House Hotel in New York.
At first, her boss was played by Ernest Truex, then by Don Porter again, who turned up as Katy’s new boss, Mr Devery.
Private Secretary was syndicated under the title, Susie.
Susie McNamara
Ann Sothern
Peter Sands
Don Porter
Vi Praskins
Ann Tyrrell
Cagey Calhoun
Jesse White
Bailey Thornton
Gerald Mohr
Sylvia Platt
Joan Banks
Ben Moss
George E. Stone
Tommy Simpson
Joseph Corey
Scotty
Paul Smith
Blanche Colvey
Hillary Brooke
Tyler Boone
Charles Nolte
Patty
Gloria Winters
Mrs Sands
Alma Townsend
