Matinee Theater
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About
Matinee Theater is an American anthology series that aired on NBC during the Golden Age of Television, from 1955 to 1958. The series, which ran daily in the afternoon, was frequently live. It was produced by Albert McCleery, Darrell Ross, George Cahan and Frank Price with executive producer George Lowther. McCleery had previously produced the live series Cameo Theatre which introduced to television the concept of theater-in-the-round, TV plays staged with minimal sets. Jim Buckley of the Pewter Plough Playhouse recalled: When Al McCleery got back to the States, he originated a most ambitious theatrical TV series for NBC called Matinee Theater: to televise five different stage plays per week live, airing around noon in order to promote color TV to the American housewife as she labored over her ironing. Al was the producer. He hired five directors and five art directors. Richard Bennett, one of our first early presidents of the Pewter Plough Corporation, was one of the directors and I was one of the art directors and, as soon as we were through televising one play, we had lunch and then met to plan next week’s show. That was over 50 years ago, and I’m trying to think; I believe the TV art director is his own set decorator —yes, of course! It had to be, since one of McCleery’s chief claims to favor with the producers was his elimination of the setting per se and simply decorating the scene with a minimum of props. It took a bit of ingenuity.
Cast
Episodes
Season 1
Beginning Now
Make Believe Mother
A man who left his wife and infant son turns up years later. He drops in for a visit at the home of his now-married son and grandchildren. His sudden appearance and penchant for gambling wreak havoc in his son's home.
The Persistent Image
A once successful writer, who now verges on the alcoholic, makes one last attempt to sell his latest work. When this fails, he must decide which is more important, personal integrity or money.
I'm Straight with the World
This is the tragic love story of a man and woman who fall in love as youngsters, but each married another.
Progress and Minnie Sweeney
A young intern tries to convince his fiance she shouldn't have the responsibility of supporting her divorced sister and the sister's child.
The House on Wildwood Lane
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
One for the Road
Where does Matinee Theater rank today?
Matinee Theater is #382 on the Bowood.TV Daily Streaming Charts today.
- Highest: #382
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Watch Matinee Theater Online Free — All Episodes in HD
If you've been searching for Matinee Theater all episodes in HD, Bowood.TV has you covered. This talked-about English drama title from 1955 is available to stream instantly — no ads to fight through, no paid subscriptions, no annoying redirects.
About Matinee Theater
Matinee Theater is an American anthology series that aired on NBC during the Golden Age of Television, from 1955 to 1958. The series, which ran daily in the afternoon, was frequently live. It was produced by Albert McCleery, Darrell Ross, George Cahan and Frank Price with executive producer George Lowther. McCleery had previously produced the live series Cameo Theatre which introduced to television the concept of theater-in-the-round, TV plays staged with minimal sets. Jim Buckley of the Pewter Plough Playhouse recalled: When Al McCleery got back to the States, he originated a most ambitious theatrical TV series for NBC called Matinee Theater: to televise five different stage plays per week live, airing around noon in order to promote color TV to the American housewife as she labored over her ironing. Al was the producer. He hired five directors and five art directors. Richard Bennett, one of our first early presidents of the Pewter Plough Corporation, was one of the directors and I was one of the art directors and, as soon as we were through televising one play, we had lunch and then met to plan next week’s show. That was over 50 years ago, and I’m trying to think; I believe the TV art director is his own set decorator —yes, of course! It had to be, since one of McCleery’s chief claims to favor with the producers was his elimination of the setting per se and simply decorating the scene with a minimum of props. It took a bit of ingenuity. Across 3 seasons and 574 episodes, originally airing on NBC.
Matinee Theater Cast and Characters
The cast features John Conte (as Host). Their performances are a major reason Matinee Theater has built such a passionate audience.
Where to Watch Matinee Theater Online
Want to watch Matinee Theater online without paying? Bowood.TV is the easiest way. Click play and the series starts in seconds. No popups, no "5 day trial that auto-charges" — just the show.
▶ Watch Matinee Theater NowWhy People Are Watching Matinee Theater
Matinee Theater flies under the radar but it deserves your attention. What makes it work is emotional weight that hits where it counts. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about Matinee Theater
Where can I watch Matinee Theater online for free?
You can watch Matinee Theater online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does Matinee Theater have?
Matinee Theater has 574 episodes across 3 seasons. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is Matinee Theater good? What's the rating?
Matinee Theater holds a 5.3/10 rating based on 7 reviews — a niche pick worth checking out.
Who is in the cast of Matinee Theater?
The main cast includes John Conte.
Is Matinee Theater available in English?
Yes — Matinee Theater was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.
When was Matinee Theater released?
Matinee Theater first aired in 1955.
Do I need an account to watch Matinee Theater on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch Matinee Theater without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
Similar Series You Might Like
If you enjoyed Matinee Theater, check out Door Into Darkness, Inga Lindström, Masters of Horror, Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey, and BlackBoxTV Presents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Matinee Theater for free?
You can watch Matinee Theater online for free on Bowood.TV. All 574 episodes across 3 seasons are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does Matinee Theater have?
Matinee Theater currently has 3 seasons and a total of 574 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
What is Matinee Theater about?
Matinee Theater is an American anthology series that aired on NBC during the Golden Age of Television, from 1955 to 1958. The series, which ran daily in the afternoon, was frequently live. It was produced by Albert McCleery, Darrell Ross, George Cahan and Frank Price with executive producer George Lowther. McCleery… It belongs to the Drama genre.
In which language is Matinee Theater originally available?
Matinee Theater was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was Matinee Theater first released?
Matinee Theater first premiered on October 31, 1955 (1955). The series has since concluded its run.
All Seasons
Browse every season of Matinee Theater — 3 seasons in total
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