General Electric Theater facts for kids
General Electric Theater was a popular American TV show. It was a special kind of show called an anthology series. This means each episode told a different story with new actors. The show was hosted by Ronald Reagan, who later became a US President. It aired on CBS radio and television. The company General Electric sponsored the show. It ran from 1953 to 1962.
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Discovering General Electric Theater
General Electric Theater was a well-known television program in the 1950s and early 1960s. It brought many different stories to homes across America. The show was unique because it wasn't about the same characters every week. Instead, each episode was a brand new play or short film. This made it exciting because viewers never knew what kind of story they would see next.
What Was an Anthology Series?
An anthology series is like a collection of short movies. Each week, a completely new story was presented. This meant new actors, new settings, and new plots for every episode. It was different from shows today that follow the same characters each week. This format allowed for a wide variety of genres, from dramas to comedies.
Ronald Reagan: Host and Storyteller
The show's host was Ronald Reagan. He was a famous actor at the time. Reagan would introduce each episode. He often shared interesting facts about the story or the actors. His role as host made him a familiar face to many American families. Later, Ronald Reagan became the 40th President of the United States. His time on General Electric Theater helped him connect with people.
Where and When It Aired
General Electric Theater was broadcast on the CBS network. It started on radio in 1953. Soon after, it moved to television. The TV show ran for nine years, ending in 1962. It was a Sunday night favorite for many families. The show was known for its high quality production.
General Electric's Role
The show was sponsored by General Electric. This big company made many different products. They used the show to connect with their customers. General Electric's Department of Public Relations supported the series. This sponsorship helped make the show possible. It also helped General Electric become a household name.
Images for kids
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Edie Adams and Louis Jourdan in episode "A Falling Angel" (1958).
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Harpo and Chico Marx performed "The Incredible Jewelry Robbery" in pantomime in 1959.
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Nick Adams and Elinor Donahue in episode "A Voice on the Phone" (1961).
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Groucho Marx and Brooke Hayward in "The Hold Out" (1961)
