Menasha the Magnificent is an American television situation comedy that was broadcast on NBC from July 3, 1950, through September 11, 1950.[1]
| Menasha the Magnificent | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | NBC |
| Release | July 30 – September 11, 1950 |
Overview
editAlthough Menasha ("a little fellow with a hop-like walk and a tragicomic mien") began each day on an optimistic note, trouble usually occurred.[1] The meek Menasha managed a restaurant, where he was regularly pushed around by the dominant owner, Mrs. Davis. Menasha Skulnik played the title role. Mrs. Davis was portrayed by Jean Cleveland in the initial episode, but Zamah Cunningham had the role thereafter.[1] The supporting cast included Vinton Hayworth and Danny Leane.[2]
Production
editMenasha the Magnificent was a summer replacement[3] for The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre.[4] It was produced by Martin Goodman Productions,[5] with Goodman as the producer.[6] Alan Neuman was the director. Writers included Matt Brooks and Louis Quinn as writers.[5] The sustaining program[7] was broadcast live on Mondays from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time.[1] A pilot episode (advertised as "A Test Attraction"[8] and called "The Magnificent Menasha"[5]) of the show was broadcast on February 20, 1950.[6]
Critical response
editA review of the July 3, 1950, episode in the trade publication Variety said that the show's writers "missed both the tragedy and the comedy" in creating a tragicomic character.[4] The review said that the script and the performances were "wan and cliched", resulting in "a tedious and trite half-hour".[4]
Writing in The Sunday Star newspaper, Harry MacArthur called Skulnik "a highly talented Yiddish comedian" and added, "His wonderfully woeful countenance and his superb comedy timing and delivery are sometimes better than his material, but it is a pleasure to have him around."[9]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle F. (June 24, 2009). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. Random House Publishing Group. p. 887. ISBN 978-0-307-48320-1. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ Terrace, Vincent (January 10, 2014). Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010, 2d ed. McFarland. p. 682. ISBN 978-0-7864-8641-0.
- ^ Shanley, J. P. (September 25, 1955). "TV Views from Performer and Producer". The New York Times. p. X 11. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Menasha the Magnificent". Variety. July 5, 1950. p. 28. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ a b c Leszczak, Bob (November 16, 2012). Single Season Sitcoms, 1948-1979: A Complete Guide. McFarland. p. 121. ISBN 978-0-7864-6812-6. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ a b McNeil, Alex (1996). Total Television: the Comprehensive Guide to Programming from 1948 to the Present (4th ed.). New York, New York: Penguin Books USA, Inc. p. 543. ISBN 0-14-02-4916-8.
- ^ "Summer Sustainers". Variety. August 23, 1950. p. 22. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ Terrace, Vincent (19 September 2019). Encyclopedia of Television Pilots: 2,470 Films Broadcast 1937-2019, 2d ed. McFarland. p. 2. ISBN 978-1-4766-7874-0. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ MacArthur, Harry (July 16, 1950). "Television-Radio: Menasha Skulnik and Some Other Brighten Summer TV Fare". The Sunday Star. District of Columbia, Washington. p. C - 8. Retrieved October 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.