DuPont Show of the Month (1957)
A landmark CBS anthology series that brought the great works of world literature to American living rooms during television's Golden Age.
DuPont Show of the Month - Series Information
- Original Title: DuPont Show of the Month
- First Air Year: 1957
- Last Air Year: 1961
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (90 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 34
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: Talent Associates, CBS Studios
DuPont Show of the Month - Plot
DuPont Show of the Month is an acclaimed 90-minute television anthology series that aired monthly on CBS from 1957 to 1961. The DuPont Company also sponsored a weekly half-hour anthology drama series hosted by June Allyson, The DuPont Show with June Allyson. During the Golden Age of Television, DuPont Show of the Month was one of numerous anthology series telecast between 1949 and 1962. Superficially, it resembled Playhouse 90 and other anthologies, but DuPont Show of the Month focused less on contemporary dramas and more on adaptations of literary classics, including Oliver Twist, The Prince and the Pauper, Billy Budd, The Prisoner of Zenda, A Tale of Two Cities and The Count of Monte Cristo.
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DuPont Show of the Month - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Hurd Hatfield
- Fritz Weaver
- Arthur Malet
- Douglas Campbell
- Farrell Pelly
- Max Adrian
- Rosemary Harris
- Shelley Winters
- Art Carney
- Peter von Zerneck
Writers
- Leslie Slote
- A.J. Cronin
- Mark Twain
- Thornton Wilder
- Ludi Claire
DuPont Show of the Month - FAQs
What literary classics did DuPont Show of the Month adapt?
The series brought beloved literary works to life on screen, including Oliver Twist, The Prince and the Pauper, Billy Budd, The Prisoner of Zenda, A Tale of Two Cities, and The Count of Monte Cristo. This focus on classic literature set it apart from most other anthology series of the era.
How did DuPont Show of the Month differ from Playhouse 90?
While both were prestige anthology series of the Golden Age of Television, DuPont Show of the Month leaned heavily toward adaptations of beloved literary classics rather than original contemporary dramas. Its monthly 90-minute format also gave each production more breathing room than weekly anthology competitors.
Who were the notable actors in DuPont Show of the Month?
The series attracted a remarkable roster of talent, including Shelley Winters, Art Carney, Rosemary Harris, Fritz Weaver, Hurd Hatfield, Boris Karloff, Michael Rennie, Maureen O'Hara, and Farley Granger. This caliber of casting reflected the show's prestige status during television's Golden Age.
Where can I watch DuPont Show of the Month today?
DuPont Show of the Month is a vintage series from the late 1950s, so streaming availability is limited. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options in your region, as availability may vary depending on where you are located.
How many seasons and episodes does DuPont Show of the Month have?
The series ran for four seasons between 1957 and 1961, comprising 34 episodes in total. Each season featured a slightly decreasing episode count: 10 in Season 1, 9 in Season 2, 8 in Season 3, and 7 in Season 4, reflecting the monthly broadcast schedule.
What network aired DuPont Show of the Month?
CBS broadcast the series throughout its entire run from 1957 to 1961. The DuPont Company sponsored the show, lending its name to the title — a common practice in early television when corporate sponsors played a central role in funding and branding major productions.
Who wrote episodes of DuPont Show of the Month?
The writing credits are notably diverse, drawing on both original television writers and celebrated literary figures. Contributors included James Costigan, Thornton Wilder, S.J. Perelman, Sumner Locke Elliott, Jacqueline Babbin, and Leslie Slote, among others — a testament to the show's literary ambitions.
What are similar series to DuPont Show of the Month?
Fans of classic anthology television may enjoy Ford Star Jubilee, Gulf Playhouse, The Great Adventure, and Seven of One for a similar vintage feel. For more modern anthology experiences, Small Axe, The Romanoffs, and Tales of the Unexpected offer compelling episodic storytelling across diverse genres.
More About DuPont Show of the Month
Explore further details about this classic anthology series through these authoritative resources.