PLAYHOUSE 90: TOPAZE (TV)
Summary
One in this dramatic anthology series. This adaptation of Marcel Pagnol's comedy tells the story of Topaze, a priggish, idealistic schoolteacher dedicated to truth and virtue. The hapless Topaze is regularly abused and exploited at Muche's school, until his refusal to alter the grades of influential city councilman Regis's son results in his dismissal. When the despondent instructor appeals to Regis with an impassioned defense of his honor, the councilman's beautiful "confidential secretary," Suzy, pegs him as the perfect dupe to front their graft schemes. The bewildered and grateful Topaze is installed as the head of a dummy corporation, where he unwittingly operates as a bagman and money launderer under Suzy's seductive supervision. As the truth gradually dawns on Topaze, his disgust with his own actions is matched by his growing love for Suzy. The conflict inspires a shocking apostasy as Topaze embraces worldly ambition and discards heavenly virtue to achieve ill-gotten success beyond his corruptors' wildest imaginings. Includes commercials, promos, and public service announcements.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: September 26, 1957 Thursday 9:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:26:45
- COLOR/B&W: B&W
- CATALOG ID: T86:1469
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama; Teachers
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1956-1961
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Commercials - American Gas Association
- TV - Commercials - Ipana tooth paste
- TV - Commercials - Marlboro cigarettes
- TV - Commercials - Theradan anti-dandruff shampoo
- TV - PSA - Higher Education
- TV - Promos - "Playhouse 90"
CREDITS
- Martin Manulis … Producer
- Peter Kortner … Associate Producer
- Vincent J. Donehue … Director
- Marcel Pagnol … Based on the play by
- Ellis St. Joseph … Adaptation by
- Robert Drasnin … Music by
- Sterling Hayden … Host
- Ernie Kovacs … Cast, Topaze
- Carl Reiner … Cast, Regis
- Richard Haydn … Cast, Muche
- Sheree North … Cast, Suzy
- Stephen Wooton … Cast, Young Castel-Benac
- Roxanne Arlen … Cast, Germaine
- Moira Turner … Cast, Ernestine
- William Roerick … Cast, the Count