Twentieth Century (TV play)
| "Twentieth Century (TV play)" | |
|---|---|
| Ford Star Jubilee episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 8 |
| Directed by | Paul Nickell |
| Written by | Robert Buckner |
| Based on | play Twentieth Century by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur |
| Original air date | April 7, 1956 |
| Running time | 90 mins |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Twentieth Century" is a 1956 American television play starring Betty Grable.[1]
Reception
Variety called it "a funny show with several crackling and irreverent lines that had fresh impact on tv. The performances were uneven but overall were adequate to capture some of the madcap quality of this saga... When Welles played with his accustomed flamboyance, he carried the play with him. Unfortunately, he did not maintain the pace... Betty Grable showed a part of the brassy quality that was needed for this role. She suggested the role rather than fulfilled it."[2]
The New York Times felt Welles and Grable "did little to brighten" the script, with "Welles employed from time to time an elusive Continental accent. It evoked disturbing memories of dialect comedians in the declining days of vaudeville. Miss Grable had less to do than Mr. Welles and this was, perhaps, her good fortune. The cameras devoted some attention to close-ups of Miss Grable's ankles. They were better turned than any of the phrases she uttered during the performance."[3]
References
- ^ "Betty Grable signs for Jubilee". Independent Tribune. 26 February 1956. p. 18.
- ^ "Twentieth Century". Variety. 11 April 1956. p. 30.
- ^ Shanley, J.P. (April 9, 1956). "Television: Dated 'Twentieth Century'; Betty Grable's Ankles Out-Turn the Phrases Stage Farce Adapted on 'Ford Jubilee' Puppet 'Pinafore' Masterful Shots 'Telephone Time' Bows Judy Garland Returns '$64,000 Challenge'". New York Times. p. 51.