Cleopatra Collins
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| "Cleopatra Collins" | |
|---|---|
| Star Stage episode | |
 Betty Grable and Casey Adams in a "Cleopatra Collins" promo image | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 27 |
| Directed by | Sidney Lanfield |
| Written by | |
| Presented by | Jeffrey Lynn |
| Cinematography by | John L. Russell |
| Editing by | Michael R. McAdam |
| Original air date | March 9, 1956 |
| Running time | 30 mins |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Cleopatra Collins" is a 1956 American comedic television play starring Betty Grable, in her first television role.[1][2] It was released as part of the Star Stage anthology series.[3] It also features Max Showalter (credited as Casey Adams) and Rick Jason.[4]
Intending to be the pilot episode for a continuing series, Grable was initially disappointed it was passed on but she was then able to guest star on an episode of The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour, "Lucy Wins a Racehorse", and later expressed happiness that "Cleopatra" had failed as a pilot and that "Television is a much harder grind than the movies ever were. You have to work that much faster."[5] The pilot was filmed in three days with no rehearsals.[6]
The play was Grable's first dramatic television performance. It was soon followed by Twentieth Century.
Plot
Betty Grable plays a former Miss America who has been married to Pete for eight years. Her birthday party attracts many former romantic partners, including a Rajah called Pooke. Her current husband, jealous from all the attention given to her, ends up scaring them off.[3]
