West Point (1956)
A gripping military anthology series drawn from the real dramatic history of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
West Point - Series Information
- Original Title: West Point
- First Air Year: 1956
- Last Air Year: 2007
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 39
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: CBS
- Alternative Titles: The West Point Story (US)
West Point - Plot
The West Point Story is a dramatic anthology television series shown in the United States by Columbia Broadcasting System during the 1956–57 season and by ABC during the 1957–58 season. The West Point Story, produced with the full cooperation of the United States Department of Defense and the United States Military Academy, was said to be based on actual files documenting many of the real-life dramatic occurrences at West Point over the years. Names and dates were altered in order to protect the privacy of the real people portrayed, however. The program was at first hosted by a fictional cadet, Charles C. Thompson, but this device was discontinued prior to the end of 1956. During its second season on ABC, The West Point Story was in competition with NBC's The Californians, set in San Francisco during the gold rush of the 1850s, and with The $64,000 Question quiz series on CBS. The West Point Story was replaced on the summer schedule in 1958 by Jack Wyatt's Confession, which continued to air during the first half of the 1958–1959 season in the 10 p.m. Tuesday evening time slot. At the time that The West Point Story was broadcast, four other military dramas aired either through syndication or on the major networks: Harbor Command, Navy Log, The Silent Service, and Men of Annapolis.
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West Point - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Donald May
- Richard Jaeckel
- Brett Halsey
- Larry Thor
- Dick Sargent
- Russell Hicks
- Chuck Connors
- William Traylor
- Larry Pennell
- Peter Baldwin
West Point - FAQs
What is West Point the TV series about?
West Point is a dramatic anthology series that dramatizes real events from the United States Military Academy's history. Produced with full cooperation from the Department of Defense, each episode drew from actual academy files, with names and dates changed to protect the individuals involved.
When did West Point first air on television?
West Point premiered during the 1956–57 television season on CBS. It then moved to ABC for its second season in 1957–58, where it competed against NBC's The Californians and CBS's The $64,000 Question quiz show.
Who are the main actors in West Point?
The series featured Donald May as host Cadet Lt. Charles C. Thompson, alongside Richard Jaeckel, Brett Halsey, Larry Thor, Dick Sargent, Russell Hicks, Chuck Connors, William Traylor, Larry Pennell, and Peter Baldwin as Cadet Ike Saunders.
How many episodes does West Point have?
West Point ran for a single season comprising 39 episodes in total. The series aired across two broadcast seasons — first on CBS during 1956–57, then on ABC during 1957–58 — before being replaced on the summer schedule in 1958.
Is West Point based on a true story?
Each episode was drawn from actual files documenting real dramatic events at West Point over the years. The United States Department of Defense and the Military Academy cooperated fully in the production, though names and dates were changed to protect the privacy of the real people depicted.
What network originally aired West Point?
West Point debuted on CBS during the 1956–57 season before moving to ABC for its second and final season in 1957–58. It was one of several military-themed dramas on American television at the time, alongside shows like Navy Log and Harbor Command.
What are shows similar to West Point?
Fans of West Point may enjoy other anthology and military dramas such as Amazing Stories (1985), Tales from the Darkside (1984), North and South (1985), and Behind Closed Doors (1958). Murder Most Horrid and Cruel Summer also share the anthology format that defined West Point's storytelling approach.
Where can you watch West Point online?
Streaming availability for West Point varies by region and platform. For the most current and complete list of viewing options — including any streaming, rental, or purchase options — check JustWatch, which tracks availability across all major platforms in your area.
More About West Point
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