The Dick Powell Show (1961)

A landmark NBC anthology series hosted by Hollywood legend Dick Powell, delivering dramatic and comedic stories with an unmatched roster of golden-age stars.

The Dick Powell Show - Series Information

  • Original Title: The Dick Powell Show
  • First Air Year: 1961
  • Last Air Year: 1963
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama, Comedy, Talk
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 2
  • Number of Episodes: 60
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Networks: NBC
  • Alternative Titles: The Dick Powell Theatre (US)
  • Production Companies: Four Stars Productions
  • Production Countries: United States of America

The Dick Powell Show - Plot

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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The Dick Powell Show - Cast & Crew

Main Cast

  • Dick Powell
  • June Allyson
  • Peter Falk
  • Mickey Rooney
  • Jackie Cooper
  • Theodore Bikel
  • Michael Rennie
  • Carolyn Jones
  • Alejandro Rey
  • Berkeley Harris

Writers

  • Richard Alan Simmons
  • Jules Maitland
  • Ed Spiegel
  • James Poe

Executive Producers

  • Dick Powell

The Dick Powell Show - FAQs

What happened to The Dick Powell Show after Powell died?

When Dick Powell passed away from lymphatic cancer on January 2, 1963, a rotating roster of Hollywood legends stepped in as guest hosts. Gregory Peck was first, opening with a heartfelt tribute to Powell. He was followed by Robert Mitchum, Frank Sinatra, Steve McQueen, John Wayne, Dean Martin, and many others.

What is The Dick Powell Show about?

The Dick Powell Show is an NBC anthology series that aired from 1961 to 1963, presenting self-contained dramatic and comedic stories each week. Hosted by veteran film star Dick Powell and primarily sponsored by Reynolds Metals Company, it showcased a wide range of Hollywood talent across 60 episodes.

Who were the notable guest stars on the show?

The series attracted an extraordinary lineup of Hollywood talent. Among the notable guest stars were Peter Falk, Mickey Rooney, Steve McQueen, William Shatner, Tuesday Weld, Dana Andrews, and Jackie Cooper — a remarkable cross-section of film and television stars that gave the anthology its prestige and variety.

Where can you watch The Dick Powell Show today?

Streaming availability for The Dick Powell Show varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your area, including any streaming, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.

How many seasons and episodes does The Dick Powell Show have?

The Dick Powell Show ran for two seasons on NBC, with 30 episodes in each season for a total of 60 episodes. The series aired from 1961 to 1963, ending shortly after Dick Powell’s death in January 1963, with guest hosts completing the remainder of the run.

Did William Shatner appear in The Dick Powell Show?

Yes, William Shatner appeared in the series, playing a character named Eric Tegman — one of several early television roles that helped establish his career before he became iconic as Captain Kirk in Star Trek. The show served as a launching pad for many actors who would go on to major fame.

What network aired The Dick Powell Show?

The Dick Powell Show aired on NBC. It was primarily sponsored by the Reynolds Metals Company and ran on the network from 1961 to 1963. The series was produced by Four Stars Productions, the company Dick Powell co-founded, which was one of the most successful independent TV production outfits of the era.

What are some shows similar to The Dick Powell Show?

Fans of classic anthology television may enjoy Gulf Playhouse (1952), Ford Star Jubilee (1955), and The Great Adventure (1963) for their similar era and format. For more modern anthology experiences, Tales of the Unexpected (1979) and The Hitchhiker (1983) offer compelling episodic storytelling in the same tradition.

More About The Dick Powell Show

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