The Silver Theatre (TV Series) Closeup (1950) User Reviews

Overall, it's pretty good.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 28 September 2014]

A couple, Shirley and Albert (Ann Dvorak and John Gallaudet), are having financial trouble. To make it worse, their daughter is ill and they were told by doctors to send her out in the country for a rest. They are desperate and Albert tries everything he can to get the money--all to no avail. Later, however, a rich guy (Donald Woods) loses his wallet and Albert gives in to temptation and takes the money-filled wallet. Later, however, he begins to have second thoughts--especially when he finds a touching letter inside the wallet that indicates that without the wallet, Mr. King (the rich guy), will have his life ruined.

The plot is interesting if a bit preachy and schmaltzy. However, what interested me the most was seeing Dvorak in the 1940s. While she'd been a top actress in the 1930s, she sure looked old and far from the more glamorous lady she'd been. Still, she and the rest of the cast did a nice job in this engaging tale.

There's a story in every one of us.

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 6 February 2021]

Nearly forgotten 30's actors Ann Dvorak and Donald Woods were Warner Brothers contract players who never became big names like Cagney, Bogart, Davis or Blondell. They have been rediscovered fortunately through TCM and Dvorak at least is now considered the legend that nearly was. Her unique look and masterful talent made her a character actress even as a young woman, and by the 1950's was perfect for world weary women like her housewife here.

Dvorak is married to the out of work , John Gallaudet, suddenly lucky when he finds a wallet loaded with cash which belonged to Woods. He doesn't care about the money, just a letter from his estranged wife asking to meet her to discuss a possible reconciliation. Without the address on the letter, he doesn't know where to meet her and becomes very despondent.

Woods' boss, Thurston Hall, is quite supportive, a nice change from the greedy businessmen and pompous blowhards he usually played. Dvorak is suspicious that Nagel gets a train ticket for their daughter and is stunned by the truth about where he got the money and even more concerned when she reads the letter. It's a nice story of doing what's right and conscience and helping strangers in a time of need, a very well done early TV anthology drama.