6.8 /10 1 Votes
5.9/10 TV Country of origin United States No. of seasons 2 First episode date 7 October 1955 Number of seasons 2 | 7.8/10 IMDb Original language(s) English No. of episodes 78 Final episode date 28 June 1957 Number of episodes 78 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Directed by Justus AddissNathan JuranRichard KinonPaul LandresLeslie H. MartinsonRalph MurphyRalph NelsonGeorge Waggner Cast James Dean, Douglass Dumbrille, Jeff Morrow Similar Science Fiction Theatre, The Millionaire, Letter to Loretta, Telephone Time, Four Star Playhouse | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Crossroads is an American television anthology series based on the activities of clergy from different denominations. It aired from October 1955 to June 1956 on ABC. The series' second season aired from October 1956 to June 1957 in syndication.
Contents
Overview
The episodes, which often had deep spiritual themes, were usually set in the 1950s, but some were framed for an earlier era. The series featured numerous guest stars, many of whom appeared in several episodes throughout the series' run. James Dean appeared in a 1955 episode, "Broadway Trust", along with Lloyd Bridges and Mary Treen. The episode aired five weeks after Dean died in an automobile crash in September 1955.
Victor Jory was cast in the 1957 episode "Lone Star Preacher", a dramatization of the Texas Baptist pastor George Washington Truett, with Barbara Eiler as his wife, Jo Truett.
Other guest stars include:
Broadcast history
In its first season on ABC, Crossroads followed the long-running sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet on the Friday evening schedule. It was scheduled opposite Our Miss Brooks on CBS and The Life of Riley on NBC. ABC canceled the series after one season. The series was picked up for a second season where it aired in syndication from October 1956 to June 1957, for a total of 78 episodes.
Sample Episodes:
A Bell for O'Donnell – A reverend (Edmund Lowe) learns a lesson in forgiveness when he is swindled by a fast-talking con man.
Cleanup – A pastor (Vincent Price) exhorts his parishioners to take back their city from the gangsters and corrupt politicians who have taken it over.
Call for Help – A priest (Richard Carlson) works with troubled youths, when a gang fight leads to a fatal shooting.
Dig or Die, Brother Hyde – A new preacher (Hugh Marlowe) on the harsh Dakota frontier is severely tested.
God's Healing – Vincent Price plays a priest who heals an old woman's embittered heart.
The Good Thief – A US Army chaplain (James Whitmore) is tortured by Red Chinese captors for ministering to his fellow prisoners of war.
The Judge – Brian Donlevy does double duty in a lawless town as a preacher and a judge.
Mother O'Brien – A police detective is torn between family and duty when his younger brother is involved in a petty crime.