The Classic TV Archive - US Reporter
Drama Series
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"The Big Story"
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Producer Bernard J. Prockter/ Narrated by Bob Sloane
Season
4 (NBC) (1952-53)
Episode Guide
compiled by The Classic TV Archive
with contributions by: Rina Fox Tom Alger
[Updated 18 Feb 2021 RF]
references:
TV Guide /
Library of Congress (telnet://locis.loc.gov)
Internet Movie Database (https://us.imdb.com)
UCLA Film and Television Archive
################ The Big Story ###############
############## season 4 1952-53 ##############
##############################################
NBC Fridays 9:00-9:30pm Eastern (Weekly)
Los Angeles was 3 weeks behind New York City.
San Francisco was (usually) 2 weeks behind New York City.
4.01 [--] The Big Story:
Reporter: EMILE GAUVREAU OF THE NEW HAVEN JOURNAL COURIER OF CONNECTICUT
29Aug1952 NBC Fri (delayed San Francisco broadcast 12Sep52)
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter / Director, Richard Schneider
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Bob Sloane
Guest Cast:
Leo Penn ........... Emile Gauvreau
Synopsis 1:
Emile Gauvreau solves the murder of a businessman by a playwright.
Synopsis 2:
A reporter from the New Haven Journal-Courier rediscovers an old friend and
solves a “perfect crime.”
[Oakland Tribune]
Synopsis 2:
Emile Gauvreau, formerly of the New Haven (Conn.) Journal-Courier and The
Philadelphia Inquirer,
as the prize-winning reporter. [Philadelphia PA Inquirer]
4.02 [101] The Big Story:
Reporter: DOLPH FRANTZ OF THE SHREVEPORT JOURNAL
05Sep1952 NBC Fri [Shreveport Journal]
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Script adapted by Norman Lessing
Musical direction Vladimir Selinsky
Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Frank Albertson ....... Dolph Frantz of the Shreveport (La.) Journal
Synopsis:
An editor questions a coroner's report and brings about a surprising solution to
a murder case.
[Long Beach Independent] [TA]
Synopsis 2:
Frantz' story concerns the slaying of a young woman in Shreveport. The coroner's
report
in the case upheld testimony of her husband, who claimed that the fatal bullet
was accidentally discharged as he struggled to take the pistol from her.
4.03 [102] The Big Story: "THE CASE OF THE MATCHBOX BANDIT"
Reporter: JACK WEEKS OF THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE
12Sep1952 NBC Fri [Courier Post]
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell /
Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Ray Walston ....... Jack Weeks of the Houston Chronicle
Synopsis:
Two men, arrested on suspicion of killing an elderly storekeeper, confused
witnesses.
One physically resembled the smooth-talking bandit; the other sounded like him.
On a hunch, Weeks probed the men's alibis and came up with two strange stories;
one about the terrifying ways of a murderer, the other about a man afraid of his
boss.
Synopsis 2:
Jack Weeks, of the Houston (Texas) Chronicle, as prizewinning reporter.
[Philadelphia PA Inquirer]
Synopsis 3:
Big Story, at 9 p.m. on WSYR-TV, will dramatize the experiences of Jack Weeks of
the Houston Texas,
Chronicle. [Syracuse NY Post Standard]
Synopsis 4:
A murder suspect talks his way to his own doom through a reporter’s efforts.
[Long Beach Independent] [TA]
*Note: The 05Sep51 radio version of this story was titled "The Killer Who Talked
His Way to Doom.”"
4.04 [103] The Big Story:
Reporter:
CLYDE MANN OF THE AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
19Sep1952 NBC Fri [Courier-Post]
10Oct1952 [Independent Press-Telegram]
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell /
Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Ernest Borgnine ....... Clyde Mann of the Akron Beacon Journal.
Synopsis:
The story of a man in prison and reporter Clyde Mann in helping to free
the innocent Canton man from a life in prison.
Synopsis 2:
An innocent man served 20 years in the penitentiary before another prisoner, ill
and dying, confessed to the crime.
When no action was taken by the Governor or the parole commission, a reporter
took on a campaign to see justice done.
Synopsis 3:
A veteran crime reporter who bucked police and public opinion and brought about
the release of a man wrongly accused of murder.
Synopsis 4: [Independent Press-Telegram]
Red-Tape An innocent man served 20 years in the penitentiary before another
prisoner, ill and dying confessed to the crime.
When no action was taken by the Governor or the parole commission, a reporter
took on a campaign to see justice done when
he chopped his way through the legal red tape.
4.05 [104] The Big Story:
Reporter: PAUL CONAWAY OF THE MACON NEWS
26Sep1952 [Courier-Post]
17Oct1952 [Independent Press-Telegram]
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Robert P. Lieb ........ Paul Conaway of the Macon (Ga.) News.
Synopsis:
When an elderly Macon woman offered a friendless orphan boy a good home,
neighbors commended
her generosity. Soon after, they shared her grief when the youth was found
murdered on the banks of the
Ocmulgee River. Reporter Conaway seeking a motive for the violent death,
uncovered startling details
of an insurance murder scheme. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
A tale of love and murder. An orphan boy is taken into the home of an elderly
woman
and later he is found murdered. [TA]
4.06 [105] The Big Story:
Reporter: HUGH SPARROW OF THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS
03Oct1952 NBC Fri
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell /Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Ted Jacques ....... Hugh Sparrow of the Birmingham (Ala.) News. [RF]
Synopsis:
A veteran police reporter who revealed a cunning pattern for murder.
*Note: The 16May51 radio version of this story was titled "Thirteen Is A
Killer's Unlucky Number."
4.07 [106] The Big Story:
Reporter: JAMES FULLER OF THE SALEM NEWS
10Oct1952 NBC Fri [Courier-Post]
31Oct1952 [Independent Press-Telegram]
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter /
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
Synopsis:
Authorities had little to go on when an attractive young woman was found robbed
and murdered
at Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts. But persistent interviews by Salem News
reporter
James Fuller revealed her identity and his efforts helped lead to the capture of
the slayer. [RF]
Synopsis 2: [Independent Press-Telegram]
Reporter James Fuller of the Salem, Massachusetts News refused to give up
on a murder case until he got his "Big Story".
4.08 [107] The Big Story:
Reporter: FRANK WINGE AND PEG KENNEDY OF THE CHICAGO SUN TIMES
17Oct1952 NBC Fri [Daily Journal]
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Adapted by Alvin Boretz
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Russell Hardie ........ Frank Winge
Audra Lindley .......... Peg Kennedy
starring
Synopsis:
A veteran reporter and girl cub reporter cover a murder case and worked together
to
clear an innocent man and deliver the elusive killer into the hands of the
police. [RF]
4.09 [108] The Big Story:
Reporter: J. EDMUND DECASTRO OF THE BUFFALO EVENING NEWS
31Oct1952 NBC Fri [Atlanta Constitution] [Courier Post]
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell /Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Lee Philips ....... J. Edmund deCastro
Synopsis:
How J. Edmund deCastro solved a murder on his first day at work on the Buffalo
Evening News. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
A reporter solves a murder case during his first day on the job. [Long Beach
Independent] [TA]
4.10 [109] The Big Story: "THE CASE OF THE ALIAS MURDER"
Reporter: ERNEST A. WARDEN OF THE WICHITA BEACON OF KANSAS
07Nov1952 NBC Fri
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter / Director, Richard Schneider
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Bob Sloane
Guest Cast:
Edmon Ryan ......... Ernest A. Warden
Synopsis:
Patsy Osborne reports her parents missing, her father on a business trip and her
mother unreturned from a music lesson.
She has been left alone on their farm with the hired hand. The mother's body is
found. After a chase through four states
and having checked a number of assumed names, Ernie Blaine, the hired hand and
murderer, is caught.
—Probably the same episode:
4.xx [--] The Big Story: [Episode Title Not Known]
(delayed San Francisco date 14Nov1952)
(delayed LA broadcast 28Nov1952)
Synopsis 1:
A reporter from Wichita, Kansas, matches wits with a dangerous killer in the
course of a four-state manhunt.
[San Mateo Times][TA]
Synopsis 2:
A reporter and a fugitive killer indulge in a game of wits with death as the
prize on “The Big Story.”
[Long Beach Independent] [TA]
4.11 [110] The Big Story:
Reporter: ALBERT J. SCHOTTELKOTTE OF THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER
14Nov1952 NBC Fri [Courier Post] (postponed from 24Oct52)
Produced by Everett Rosenthal
Announcer, Ernest Chappell /
Narrator, Robert Sloane
Synopsis:
The mysterious murder of a cab driver that had baffled the police of three
States
is solved through a reporter's efforts. The reporter Albert J. Schottelkotte of
the
Cincinnati Enquirer, who determined the identity of a "mystery woman", analyzed
the actions of an eccentric killer and came up with a surprise ending to the
case. [RF]
4.xx [--] The Big Story: Standby episode
(originally scheduled for 14Nov52 NBC. It didn't actually air until 07Oct1955)
7.05 [--] The Big Story: KILLER'S PROMISE
(Reporter: Harry Neigher of The Bridgeport (Conn.) Sunday Herald)
07Oct1955 NBC Fri
Prockter Productions, Inc.
Produced by Everett Rosenthal /Directed by Robert Gordon /
Director of Photography, Joseph Brun / Film editor, Werner Schott /
Music, Jack Shandlin
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Bob Sloane
Guest Cast:
Whit Bissell ....... Harry Neigher
Lois Wheeler ....... Jennie Logan
Haskell Coffin ..... George Loomis
Frank Stevens ...... Editor
Mary Davenport ..... Mrs. Neigher
Synopsis:
How Harry Neigher of The Bridgeport (Conn.) Sunday Herald prevented a murder.
[New York Times][TA]
*Note:
"Standby" appears on leaders, which indicate that this was a backup program
which was not telecast;
originally scheduled for 14Nov52 it didn't actually air until 07Oct1955;
The date is possible production date and is taken from leaders and original film
can.
4.12 [111] The Big Story:
Reporter: JAMES A. KELLEY OF THE BOSTON TRAVELER
21Nov1952 NBC Fri (delayed San Francisco broadcast 05Dec1952)
Synopsis 1:
Reporter James Kelley of the Boston Traveler wages an editorial fight for the
freedom
of a man unjustly accused of murder.[Oakland Tribune][TA]
Synopsis 2:
A veteran crime reporter who bucked police and public opinion and brought about
the
release from prison of a man
wrongly accused of murder. [San Mateo Times][TA]
4.13 [112] The Big Story:
Reporter: CLARK LOBB OF THE SALT LAKE, UTAH TRIBUNE
28Nov1952 NBC Fri
(delayed San Francisco broadcast 12Dec1952) (delayed LA
broadcast 19Dec1952)
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
James Daly ....... Clark Lobb
Synopsis 1:
Reporter Clark Lobb of the Salt Lake Tribune tells the story of how he risked
his life to quell a prison riot.
Synopsis 2:
“The Big Story” deals with a prison riot and an heroic reporter. [Long Beach
Independent] [TA]
Synopsis 3:
Rioting prisoners at a Utah prison are quieted by a daring reporter. [San Mateo
Times][TA]
4.14 [113] The Big Story: "INTENDED MURDER VICTIM"
Reporter: J. VICTOR BATE OF THE DETROIT TIMES
05Dec1952 NBC Fri [Courier Post]
26Dec1952 [Citizen News Calif]
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Walter Brooke ........ J. Victor Bate
Synopsis 1:
Reporter J. Victor Bate of the Detroit (Mi.) Times unveils how an intended
murder victim
outlived her "slayer" in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Synopsis 2:
The story deals with a murder case in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in which Bate, then a
reporter
for the Detroit Times, worked with police in solving the case. [Tucson Daily
Citizen]
4.15 [114] The Big Story:
Reporter: LEO SHERIDAN OF THE JOHNSTOWN DEMOCRAT
12Dec1952 NBC Fri [Miami Herald]
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Frank Overton ....... Leo Sheridan
Synopsis 1:
Leo Sheridan of the Johnstown Democrat played an important role in the
investigation of the
murder of a young socialite who was engaged to a Johnstown district millworker.
[RF]
Synopsis 2:
Expert sleuthing and reporting of Leo Sheridan solves a case that parallels the
“American Tragedy.”
[San Mateo Times][TA]
4.16 [115] The Big Story:
Reporter: JOE SALDANA OF THE LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
19Dec1952 NBC Fri
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter / Director, Richard Schneider
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Bob Sloane
Guest Cast:
Ralph Stanley ...... Joe Saldana
Synopsis 1:
A young ex-convict is killed by his wife whom he was beating. His mother is
found to be very much
against the wife. Saldana uncovers the fact that the mother is running a school
for juvenile delinquents.
Synopsis 2:
Joseph Saldana, L.A. reporter, turns up a femme Fagin who trains youngsters for
crime. [Long Beach Independent] [TA]
4.17 [116] The Big Story: "THE HOFFNER CASE"
Reporter: EDWARD J. MOWERY OF THE NEW YORK WORLD TELEGRAM
26Dec1952 NBC Fri [Pittsburgh Press]
16Jan1953 [Los Angeles Evening Citizen]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
Synopsis:
Edward J. Mowery of the New York World Telegram and Bernard Arluck, a
New York policeman through their efforts were able to vindicate a man
serving time for a crime he did not commit. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
In 1940 Louis Hoffner was sent up for a murder which Mowery insisted
Hoffner didn't commit. Having served 12 years Hoffner is a free man because
Mowery got him a new trial and acquittal. [RF]
4.18 [117] The Big Story: "TEENAGE GANGS"
Reporter: J. ORIE COLLINS OF THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE
02Jan1953 NBC Fri [Courier Post] [Times Herald]
16Jan1953 [Oakland Tribune]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Adapted by Norman Lessing / Musical Direction,
Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
Synopsis:
The story of J. Orie Collins who risked his life covering a crime wave in
Houston. He faced
the violence of teenage gangs in reporting his paper's fight against juvenile
delinquency. [RF]
Synopsis:
A Houston Chronicle reporter braves the fury of organized teenage gangs to
accurately
report his paper's fight against juvenile delinquency.
4.19 [118] The Big Story: "TRIPLE MURDER"
Reporter: JOHN A. CORKERY OF THE AURORA BEACON NEWS OF ILLINOIS
09Jan1953 NBC Fri
30Jan1953 [Oakland Tribune]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Director, Richard Schneider
Script by Alvin Boretz / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Glenn C. Gordon ....... John A. Corkery
Synopsis:
Through the descriptions given by children, Corkery finds the psychopathic
murderer
of a family of three in the Aurora area.
4.20 [119] The Big Story: "FIRE AND MURDER"
Reporter: ALBERT O. JAMES OF THE PONTIAC DAILY PRESS
16Jan1953 [Courier Post]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
Synopsis:
Albert O. James was covering a dwelling fire when he learned that the woman who
had owned the
house had been found murdered. Mrs. James accompanied her husband in his search
for the killer. [RF]
4.21 [120] The Big Story: "TIGER GIRL"
Reporter: WILLIS O'ROURKE OF THE CHICAGO HERALD-AMERICAN
23Jan1953 [Courier Post]
13Feb1953 [Independent Long Beach]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
Synopsis:
Reporter Willis O'Rourke of the Chicago Herald-American relates his experience
with the "Tiger Girl". [RF]
Synopsis 2:
How a gun-toting "Tiger Girl" was induced to surrender to authorities will be
told on "Big Story." [RF]
Synopsis 3:
A Chicago newsman fares up to a gun-toting "Tiger Girl" and persuades her to
surrender. [RF]
4.22 [121] The Big Story:
Reporter: JAMES POOLER OF THE DETROIT FREE PRESS
30Jan1953 NBC [Courier Post]
13Feb1953 [Independent Long Beach]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
James Gregory ....... James Pooler of the Detroit Free Press
Synopsis 1:
A sentimental telling of a heart-warming story of a 10-year old boy who became
the focus of
city wide philanthropy. A dramatic rescue of a family from complete destitution.
[RF]
Synopsis 2:
When a 10-year-old boy appears in court in the place of his mother, who was at
work,
and tried to fight eviction from his home, there's a "Big Story".
*Note: The 03Sep52 radio version of this story was titled "A Man in the Person
of a Small Boy.”"
4.23 [122] The Big Story:
Reporter: WILSON MCGEE OF THE ORLANDO SENTINEL-STAR
06Feb1953 NBC [Courier Post][San Antonio]
20Feb1953 [Independent Long Beach]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
John Rodney ....... Wilson McGee
Synopsis 1:
Reporter Wilson 'Red' McGee of the Orlando (Fl.) Sentinel-Star went digging for
facts and aided in the
capture of a criminal brought to justice.
Synopsis 2:
A reporter investigates the accidental poisoning of a beautiful girl, he
stumbles on a strange plot for revenge.
Synopsis 3:
A reporter investigates an "accidental death" and finds a strange plot for
revenge.
4.24 [123] The Big Story: "FAMILY TRAGEDY"
Reporter: EDWARD L. BLAKE OF THE JACKSON DAILY NEWS
13Feb1953 NBC [Post-Standard] [Courier Post]
27Feb1953 [San Mateo Times]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
Synopsis:
Reporter Edward L. Blake of the Jackson (Miss.) Daily News investigates the
cause of a
child's poisoning revealing a family tragedy.
Synopsis 2:
A reporter in Jackson, Miss., investigates a case of child poisoning and turns
up a family tragedy.
Synopsis 3:
Edward L. Blake visited the sick child in the hospital and then learned that
several other
children in the same family had been ill and one had died within recent months.
The cause appeared natural or accidental, but Blake probed further and learned
the shocking truth.
4.25 [124] The Big Story: "INNOCENT MAN"
Reporter: BILL GAGNON OF THE WICHITA (Kans.) BEACON
20Feb1953 NBC [Courier Post]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
Synopsis 1:
A reporter’s findings helps clear an innocent man in a murder case. [Long Beach
Independent] [TA]
Synopsis 2:
When the body of a woman was found stuffed in a barracks bag under the porch of
a house, police suspected
her estranged husband, but reporter Bill Gagnon of the Wichita Beacon proved
otherwise. [RF]
4.26 [125] The Big Story: "SHERIFF MYSTERY"
Reporter: JIM HART OF THE TUCSON DAILY STAR
27Feb1953 NBC [Post-Standard] [Daily Star]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
Synopsis:
Reporter Jim Hart of the Tucson (Ariz.) Daily Star helped solve the death of a
Pima County investigator
John D. Anderson who tragically fell to his death while engaged in the rescue of
youths marooned on a
ledge in Upper Sabino canyon. Anderson had not disclosed details of facts he
told Hart he had gathered,
and the reporter aided in the investigation which solved the murder mystery. [RF]
4.27 [--] The Big Story:
Reporter: CHESTER A. POTTER OF THE PITTSBURGH PRESS
06Mar1953 NBC Fri
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter / Director, Richard Schneider
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Bob Sloane
Guest Cast:
Robert McQueeny .... Chester Potter
Larry Haines ....... Charlie Duval
Jack Warden ........ Teddy Merrill
Lewis Charles
Royal Beal
Jack Klugman
Jean Tighe
Donald Keyes
Synopsis:
Charlie Duval, a stoolie, accuses Mickey Noonan of the murder of a jeweler.
Suddenly, Potter begins to get information from
other sources, which seems to involve Duval. Potter gets a message to see Teddy
Merrill in Western Penitentiary. Duval,
fearing other underworld characters, goes to the assistant district attorney to
see a picture, and Teddy Merrill is there.
The picture leads up to the crime. Charlie admits to shooting the jeweler, and
Merrill proves he was only a lookout.
—matching episode?
4.xx [--] The Big Story:
delayed 27Mar1953 LA airdate
Synopsis:
Too many leads to a murderer give the cops a bad time but also give a reporter
his “Big Story.”
[Long Beach Independent] [TA]
4.28 [127] The Big Story:
Reporter: RUDY HAAS OF THE SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER
13Mar1953 NBC Fri [Miami Herald]
27Mar1953 [San Mateo Times]
Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Murray Hamilton ......... Rudy Haas
Synopsis:
Rudy Haas of the San Francisco Examiner found a new angle which helped
him solve the case of one of the city's best known women golfers. [RF]
Synopsis:
Reporter Rudy Haas, formerly with a San Francisco newspaper, helps solve the
murder of a
noted woman golfer who was fatally shot as she opened her garage door to put the
car away.
[Oakland Tribune]
4.29 [128] The Big Story:
Reporter: EDGAR E. FRADY OF THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
20Mar1953 NBC Fri
10Apr1953 [Valley Times Calif]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Wesley Addy ......... Edgar E. Frady
Synopsis:
Reporter Edgar E. Frady of the Chicago Sun-Times and his efforts in bringing to
justice
a youth who killed a Stickney policeman and wounded another. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Reporter Edgar Frady helps officers track down a man who had fatally shot a
policeman in
a panicky attempt to escape prosecution for a car stealing rap. [RF]
4.30 [129] The Big Story:
Reporter: JOSEPH O. HAFF OF THE NEW YORK TIMES
27Mar1953 NBC Fri [Daily Times]
17Apr1953 [San Bernardino County Sun]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Rusty Lane ........ Joseph O. Haff
Synopsis:
Joseph O. Haff of the New York Times and how he helped clear an innocent man of
forgery. [RF]
4.31 [130] The Big Story:
Reporter: ARTHUR PFLANZ OF THE UTICA OBSERVER-DISPATCH
03Apr1953 NBC Fri [Miami News]
24Apr1953 [Citizen News Calif]
Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Henry Jones ........... Arthur Pflanz
Synopsis:
Arthur Pflanz of the Utica Observer-Dispatch reunited a mother with her son
who had been missing for 24hrs.
4.32 [131] The Big Story:
Reporter: C.D. JOHNSTON OF THE ST. PAUL DISPATCH-PIONEER PRESS
10Apr1953 NBC Fri
24Apr1953 [Miami News]
01May1953 [Mirror News Calif]
Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
John Hudson ...... C.D. Johnston
Synopsis:
Reporter C.D. Johnston exposes a confidence game to recover the alleged
estate of Sir Frances Drake. [RF]
Synopsis:
How a reporter for the St. Paul Dispatch-Pioneer exposes a "con" man is
the theme for tonight’s story. [Oakland Tribune]
4.33 [132] The Big Story: "ACCIDENTAL MURDER"
Reporter: ROLFE EDMUNDSON OF THE ATLANTA (Ga.) JOURNAL CONSTITUTION
17Apr1953 NBC Fri
08May1953 [Long Beach Independent]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Paul Tripp ....... Rolfe Edmondson
Synopsis:
A housewife who died as a result of a fall down a stairway was thought to have
met with an
accidental death until reporter Edmundson uncovered convincing evidence of
murder. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
The sleuthing experience of a newsman in the case of a housewife who was thought
to have met with accidental death will be dramatized.
The reporter who uncovers convincing evidence of murder is Rolfe Edmondson of
The Atlanta (Ga.) Journal-Constitution.
Synopsis 3:
Reporter Rolfe Edmundson of the Atlanta (Ga.) Journal Constitution uncovers
evidence of murder
after a woman is thought to have accidentally died from a fall down the stairs.
[tv.com]
Synopsis 4:
What looked like an accident is proved to be murder by a Georgia reporter. [Long
Beach Independent][TA]
4.34 [133] The Big Story:
Reporter: EUGENE PARKER OF THE PARSONS SUN
24Apr1953 NBC Fri [Philadelphia Inquirer]
15May1953 [Mirror News Calif]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Dick York ............. Eugene Parker
Synopsis:
Reporter Eugene Parker of the Parsons (Kansas) Sun uncovers the facts in the
fatal shooting of an elderly farmer which enabled police to apprehend the
killer.
4.35 [134] The Big Story:
Reporter: LU HAAS OF THE LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
01May1953 NBC Fri [Times Dispatch]
22May1953 [Long Beach Independent]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Richard Kronold ........ Lu Haas
Synopsis:
Reporter Lu Haas of the Los Angeles Daily News helps discover the murderer of
two bodies which were never recovered by Lu Haas reporter for the LA Daily News,
discovered the murderer in a real-life drama. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Bloodstains, a recently fired shotgun and a forged check were added to the
list of strange clues suggesting murder in the disappearance of a mail-order
bride
and her aged father. A Los Angeles reporter Lu Haas was instrumental in coming
up
with some good answers on "The Big Story". [TA]
Synopsis 3:
The missing persons, a mail-order bride and her elderly father had drowned while
duck hunting, the bridegroom insisted. But Reporter Haas produced evidence that
they had been murdered. [RF]
4.36 [135] The Big Story:
Reporter: NULL ADAMS OF THE MEMPHIS PRESS-SCIMITAR
08May1953 NBC Fri [Courier Post]
29May1953 [Long Beach Independent]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
Synopsis:
Null Adams helps clear a Memphis detective in a murder case.
Synopsis 2:
A Memphis detective suspected of murder until an enterprising reporter from the
Press-Scimitar elicited evidence which led to the actual killer.
4.37 [136] The Big Story:
Reporter: TED PRAGER OF THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
15May1953 NBC Fri [Daily News] [Courier Post]
05Jun1953 [Long Beach Independent]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
James Nolan ........ Ted Prager
Synopsis:
A New York newspaperman who twice risked his life in encounters with murderous
gangsters
will be honored in "The Big Story". [TA]
Synopsis 2:
The dramatization will be based on Prager's part in tracking down a holdup man
who caused a cop to kill two innocent men by mistake. [RF]
Synopsis 3:
Prager was in a crowded tavern when gunmen robbed customers and fatally injured
two men they
used as shields. Prager searched criminal hideouts in the area until he found
the guilty men. [RF]
4.38 [--] The Big Story:
Reporter: MARGUERITE BROWN OF THE IDAHO FREE PRESS
22May1953 NBC Fri (delayed LA broadcast 12June53)
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Bob Sloane
Synopsis 1:
Reporter Marguerite Brown discovers startling clues regarding
the mystery surrounding the poisoning of a man. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Reporter Marguerite Brown of the Idaho Free Press got her “Big Story” by
covering a wedding
and winding up with murder. [Long Beach CA Independent][TA]
4.39 [--] The Big Story:
Reporter: WILLIAM J. MILLER OF THE CLEVELAND OHIO PRESS
29May1953 NBC Fri (delayed LA broadcast 19June53)
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Bob Sloane
Cast:
Russell Hardie … William J. Miller
Synopsis 1:
Reporter William J. Miller of the Cleveland Ohio Press and now editor of Time
Magazine,
finds twelve honest people in order to save an innocent man. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Russell Hardie portrays a reporter of Cleveland who freed a prisoner from an
unjust sentence.
[Long Beach CA Independent][TA]
4.40 [139] The Big Story:
Reporter: JACK ADAMS OF THE L.A. EXAMINER
05Jun1953 NBC Fri [Courier Post] [Hartford Courant]
Producer Bernard J. Prockter / Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Robert Sloane
starring
Louis Charles ....... Jack Adams
Synopsis:
Jack Adams, reporter for the L.A. Examiner joins a Counterfeiting gang to get
evidence on them. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Reporter Jack Adams after notifying the FBI about the counterfeiters ferreted
out their methods of operation from the inside. [RF]
4.41 [--] The Big Story:
Reporters: JOE DINEEN OF THE BOSTON GLOBE & LAWRENCE GOLDBERG OF THE BOSTON
POST
12June1953 NBC Fri
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter / Script by Alvin Boretz
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Bob Sloane
Guest Cast:
James Gregory ...... Joe Dineen
Ralph Stantley ..... Lawrence Goldberg
Joseph DiReda
John Boyd
Truman Smith
Byron Sanders
Nellie Burt
Billy M. Greene
John Sheldon Davis
Synopsis:
Two rivals join forces to save two innocent men from the electric chair. [RF]
4.42 [--] The Big Story:
Reporter: BILL BAILEY OF THE HARLINGEN TEXAS VALLEY MORNING STAR
19June1953 NBC Fri
Produced by Bernard J. Prockter
Musical Direction, Vladimir Selinsky
Announcer, Ernest Chappell / Narrator, Bob Sloane
Synopsis 1:
Reporter Bill Bailey solves a slaying aboard a deep-sea fishing boat. [RF]
Synopsis 2:
Bill Bailey, no relation we understand, to the guy who beat it many years ago
and whose gal friend pleaded so frantically
for him to “come home” (in fact they must have sold a million copies of that
song) will appear on the “Big Story” tonight.
This Bill Bailey happens to be a reporter on the Valley Morning Star in Texas
and quite a smart reporter at that. For working
at his job as a scribe Bailey became convinced that a man thought to have been
accidentally drowned, actually had been murdered.
Following his hunch he proved his point and even helped capture the killer.
[Albany NY Times Union]
4.43 [--] The Big Story:
Reporter: WILLIAM CHANCE OF THE WASHINGTON (D.C.) EVENING STAR.
26June1953 NBC Fri (delayed LA broadcast 17July53)
Cast:
Nelson Olmsted as William Chance
Synopsis 1:
William Chance, of the Washington (D. C.) Evening Star. [Philadelphia PA
Inquirer]
Synopsis 2:
Nelson Olmsted will portray reporter William chance of the Washington (D.C.)
Evening Star who turned up a murder
from an “accidental death.” [Long Beach, CA, Independent] [TA]
Summer replacement : "Doorway to Danger" (season 2) Spy Drama Series with Roland Winters
################# The Big Story
##############
################ end of season 4 #############
##############################################
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