The Dick Powell Show
The Dick Powell Show is an American anthology series that ran on NBC from 1961- 1963, primarily sponsored by the Reynolds Metals Company. It was hosted by longtime film star Dick Powell until his death from lymphatic cancer on January 2, 1963, then by a series of guest hosts until the series ended. The first of these was Gregory Peck, who began the January 8 program with a tribute to Powell, recognizing him as "a great and good friend to our industry." Peck was followed by fellow actors such as Robert Mitchum, Frank Sinatra, Glenn Ford, Charles Boyer, Jackie Cooper, Rock Hudson, Milton Berle, Jack Lemmon, Dean Martin, Robert Taylor, Steve McQueen, David Niven, Danny Thomas, Robert Wagner and John Wayne.
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Plot Summary
The Dick Powell Show was a classic American anthology television series that aired during the 1961-1962 season. Hosted by actor Dick Powell, each episode featured a different self-contained story, showcasing a variety of genres including drama, westerns, and thrillers. Powell himself would often appear in sketches or introductions, lending a personal touch to the anthology format.
Critical Reception
The show received a mixed to positive reception during its initial run. While not a ratings juggernaut, it was appreciated for its diverse storytelling and the opportunity to see a variety of guest stars in different roles. Critics often highlighted the quality of individual episodes, though the anthology format sometimes led to inconsistent quality across the series.
What Reviewers Say
- Appreciated for its variety of stories and guest stars.
- Sometimes struggled with consistent episode quality.
- Nostalgic viewing for fans of classic television anthologies.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the show's age, but contemporary reception indicated it was a solid, if not groundbreaking, television program that offered entertaining and diverse stories each week.
Fun Fact
While the show ran for only one season (1961-1962), it was originally conceived as a potential vehicle for Dick Powell to return to acting after a career setback due to his health, and it served as his final regular television series before his death in 1967.
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