Jack and the Beanstalk (Producers' Showcase)
"Jack and the Beanstalk" was an American television play broadcast on November 12, 1956, as part of the NBC television series, Producers' Showcase.
| "Jack and the Beanstalk" | |
|---|---|
| Producers' Showcase episode | |
 Joel Grey in "Jack and the Beanstalk" | |
| Original air date | November 12, 1956 |
Plot
The production revived the fairy tale of a boy who trades the family's cow for a handful of magic beans. It included new characters and 11 original songs.[1]
Cast
The following performers received screen credit for their performances:[2]
- Joel Grey as Jack
- Celeste Holm as Mad Maggie
- Cyril Ritchard as The Peddler
- Peggy King as Tillie Hemmelpacker
- Arnold Stang as Mr. Fum
- Leora Dana as The Widow Tooper
- Billy Gilbert as Mr. Poopledoop
- Dennis King as Narrator
Production
Clark Jones was the director and Mort Abrahams was the executive producer. It was written by Helen Deutsch. The music was by Jerry Livingston with lyrics by Helen Deutsch.
Reception
In The New York Times, Jack Gould that the production had plenty of sets and stars but lacked "the spirit of make-believe" and "only achieved an intermittent glow." He also noted that Joel Grey was "much too old for the part."[3]
Bob Blackburn called it "sickeningly moral and harmless."[4]
References
- Gene Inge (November 10, 1956). "Producer's Showcase Revives Fairy Tale". Daily News-Post – via Newspapers.com.
- Kinescope of "Jack and the Beanstalk", aired November 12, 1956
- Jack Gould (November 13, 1956). "'Jack and Beanstalk' Lacks Make Believe; It's a Capt. Video in the Vegetable Patch". The Atlanta Constitution (via The New York Times) – via Newspapers.com.
- Bob Blackburn (November 13, 1956). "Make Magical Changes In Jack And Beanstalk". The Ottawa Citizen – via Newspapers.com.