ABC: TV Miniseries & TV Series

Long-running as a radio program, this debate show made its television debut in 1948. The format was fairly simple: prominent persons, including politicians, writers, scientists and other experts, would come and debate various issues of the day. Subjects frequently were controversial, challenging popular opinion on subjects like the supposed spread of Communism, or the country's involvement in overseas wars.

Henry Morgan would thumb through copies of the trade newspaper "Variety" turning up the names of the guests, usually little-known nightclub performers and offer comments on the show's sponsor. The sponsor was not amused and canceled the show after five weeks.

One of the eariest prime-time television programs, this show originally started as the radio program "National Barn Dance," which began broadcasting all the way back in 1924. Hosted by emcees Jack Stillwell and Hal O'Halloran, this musical variety show featured contemporary dance music primarily in folk, country and western styles.

Produced during the earliest days of television, this program was essentially a series of short stage plays performed in front of a camera. Filmed in Chicago and starring little-known local actors and actresses in half-hour dramas, this show lasted for just under a year, during which time it went through two name changes, being later known as "ABC Tele-Players" and "ABC Penthouse Players."

A series of fifteen-minute films sponsored by Bell & Howell Cameras to demonstrate to viewers the power of film to bring people into places and situations they would never have seen before. Different episodes went to exciting travel spots, while others provided a look at unusual or entertaining events, while still others gave a glimpse of little-seen occupations.

Hosted by by noted comedienne Alice Pearce in the earliest days of the ABC network, this program offered viewers a mix of humor and music, provided by Pearce and her pianist partner Mark Lawrence, every Friday evening. Short in both episode and series length, the fifteen minute program ran for just slightly over two months in early 1949.

A prime example of days when television was seen more as an extansion of the live stage, the program was essentially a vaudeville show performed in front of the cameras. Among the various musical and comedy numbers were such regulars as Pick and Pat, a pair of comics performing in blackface, Mary Small and Jimmy Burrell, who would sing current popular songs.

Jacques Fray was a pianist who played classical music and show tunes on this variety/talent show. Most of the show was dedicated to upcoming talent who were judged by two judges in the studio and one person at home who voted by telephone.

The adventures of the masked hero and his Native American partner.

A comedy anthology with a supernatural twist, inspired largely by Arch Obler's Lights Out radio drama, which featured tales of horror and suspense.

Insurance agent Charlie and wife Margaret have their hands full with an active family. The teenagers Sharon and Chuck are anxious about things like first dates. The adorable twins Donna and Donald want to keep dad busy.

"The Boris Karloff Mystery Playhouse" was a 30-minute US television mystery anthology series, probably produced live. Boris Karloff hosted twelve episodes that aired from September to December 1949. All but five titles appear to be lost.

Claude Kirchner hosted this children's show with a mixture of cartoons, film shorts (like "Diver Dan", which combined a live action actor and sea-creature puppets), and occasional guests. Cocomarsh Milk Mix was a longtime sponsor.

Talent competition for teenagers.

Franklin Westbrook is a snooty theater critic who relishes showing disdain for everything. Midwestern Harold is his eager valet who thinks his job will help him become a successful actor and become more worldly.