The Backbone of America

1953 television film by Robert E. Sherwood

The Backbone of America
Thomas Mitchell as Fred Tupple
Written by	Robert E. Sherwood
Directed by	Marc Daniels
Starring	Thomas Mitchell Wendell Corey Yvonne de Carlo
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
Production
Running time	60 minutes
Original release
Network	NBC
Release	29 December 1953 (1953-12-29)

The Backbone of America is a 1953 American TV movie written by Robert E. Sherwood and directed by Marc Daniels.

Plot

An account executive tries to find the perfect American family to use in a forthcoming advertising campaign.

Cast

Wendell Corey as Ben Bruce
Yvonne De Carlo as Victoria Johnson
Gene Lockhart as Uncle Cedric
Thomas Mitchell as Fred Tupple
Sammy Ogg as Wallie
Lee Patrick as Ethel
Gloria Talbott as Janet
Regis Toomey as Bill Carmody

Production

It was the first play Sherwood wrote for television. He did it under a contract with NBC to write nine original plays over three years.^[1]^[2]

The production was recorded in Hollywood. The cast had two weeks of rehearsals.^[3] De Carlo said she was "panicked" to do the show but it ended up well. Alec Guinness had a contract with Alex Korda to make one film a year and he agreed to star.^[4]

Reception

The New York Times said the play was "completely disappointing".^[5]

References

^ Lohman, Sidney (March 29, 1953). "News of TV and Radio – An Original TV Drama — Other Studio Items". New York Times. p. X11. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
^ "Comedy and Drama Will Share TV Spot – N.B.C. Lists Berle and Hope Shows, Plays by Sherwood for Tuesdays at 8 in Autumn". New York Times. April 6, 1953. p. 28. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
^ Lohman, Sidney (November 15, 1953). "News and Notes Gathered from the Studios". New York Times. p. X11. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
^ De Carlo, Yvonne; Warren, Doug (1987). Yvonne: an autobiography. St Martins Press. p. 179.
^ Gould, Jack (December 30, 1953). "Television Review: Sherwood – 'Backbone of America' is Disappointing Start in Playwright's Series – 'Average' U. S. Family Becomes Embroiled in High-Pressure Stunt". New York Times. p. 21. Retrieved September 1, 2019.