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FORD STARTIME TV'S FINEST HOUR: TURN OF THE SCREW (TV)

Summary

One in this series presented by the Ford Motor company. In her American television debut, Ingrid Bergman portrays a governess hired to care for two orphans, Flora and Miles, in this adaptation of Henry James's classic psychological ghost story. At first the two children appear sweet and innocent to the governess, but she soon begins to suspect that something evil is attempting to take hold of them. The governess spots a sinister man looking into the house and when she goes to investigate, he suddenly disappears. She questions the housekeeper about what she has seen and learns that the children had formerly been looked after by Peter Quint, a friend of their uncle, who died a suspicious death. After further prying, the governess learns that her predecessor, Miss Jessel, also died mysteriously. Then, one afternoon, while sitting with Flora, the governess notices strange comments coming from the little girl's mouth. When the governess turns around, she sees a woman dressed in black, whom she assumes is Miss Jessel. The governess decides that before their souls are lost forever, she must free the children of the evil pair who have returned from the dead. In the end however, the governess wonders whether her exorcism of the children was really necessary. Includes commercials. (This is a black-and-white copy of a color telecast. This program contains minor technical problems. This represents the best copy of this program currently available to the Museum.)

Details

  • NETWORK: NBC
  • DATE: October 20, 1959 Tuesday 9:30 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 1:20:21
  • COLOR/B&W: B&W copy of a color telecast
  • CATALOG ID: T:31167
  • GENRE: Drama, mystery/suspense
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, mystery/suspense; Ghosts; Literature - Adaptations
  • SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1959-1960
  • COMMERCIALS:
    • TV - Commercials - Ford automobiles and trucks

CREDITS

  • Hubbell Robinson … Executive Producer
  • John Frankenheimer … Producer, Director
  • Gordon Rigsby … Associate Producer
  • James Costigan … Writer
  • Henry James … Based on the novella by
  • David Amram … Music by
  • Ingrid Bergman … Cast, the Governess
  • Isobel Elsom … Cast, Mrs. Grose
  • Hayward Morse … Cast, Miles
  • Alexandra Wager … Cast, Flora
  • Paul Stevens … Cast, Peter Quint
  • Laurinda Barrett … Cast, Miss Jessel