If you pulled out a tape of an old radio drama, and then migrated it to television, this would be a great example. Most of the CBS Playhouse 90 dramas fit this logical mode but what makes them special is the fact they are done live like the old radio dramas were. It helps having a great script which Lehman & Rod Sterlings interpretation here sparkle.
Mickey Rooney gives a great performance as the over-bearing comic star who is the boss of his own comedy television show whose over-bearing on his brother & his staff are making everyone pay a toll to him. His ego knows no bounds as is illustrated many times throughout this drama. Rooney is fantastic as his work over the years illustrates the talent he has, but here in particular you understand how much talent he has.
The surprise is Mel Torme who plays Rooney's brother. He is the pin cushion in this drama as he has to take everything his brother dishes out including monologues on every show making fun of him. His brother tries to do everything he can to him including putting stress on his marriage. Kim Hunter is here to play that role and she proves again as in other live dramas (Req For A Heavyweight) she did in the 1950's that she is up to the role. Torme & Hunter provide great support here. Edmond O'Brien is great in support as the Head Writer who has his own tormented plot twist here.
A small role that I can't find a credit for here is the scandal sheet gossip columnist role who is trying to find dirt on Rooney. That's because either he has a twin brother or this role is filled by an uncredited Richard Basehart. This is a small but important role as this columnist is very much involved in the plot with Rooney's brother & the head writer.
This is a high class drama when live drama was the king of prime time in the 1950's. Especially haunting is the huge door with the blow up photo of Rooney on it. It is used to great effect here.
Mickey Rooney gives a great performance as the over-bearing comic star who is the boss of his own comedy television show whose over-bearing on his brother & his staff are making everyone pay a toll to him. His ego knows no bounds as is illustrated many times throughout this drama. Rooney is fantastic as his work over the years illustrates the talent he has, but here in particular you understand how much talent he has.
The surprise is Mel Torme who plays Rooney's brother. He is the pin cushion in this drama as he has to take everything his brother dishes out including monologues on every show making fun of him. His brother tries to do everything he can to him including putting stress on his marriage. Kim Hunter is here to play that role and she proves again as in other live dramas (Req For A Heavyweight) she did in the 1950's that she is up to the role. Torme & Hunter provide great support here. Edmond O'Brien is great in support as the Head Writer who has his own tormented plot twist here.
A small role that I can't find a credit for here is the scandal sheet gossip columnist role who is trying to find dirt on Rooney. That's because either he has a twin brother or this role is filled by an uncredited Richard Basehart. This is a small but important role as this columnist is very much involved in the plot with Rooney's brother & the head writer.
This is a high class drama when live drama was the king of prime time in the 1950's. Especially haunting is the huge door with the blow up photo of Rooney on it. It is used to great effect here.