Playhouse 90: Season 2
Season 2 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Playhouse 90 Season 1.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 2 Progress Shield
The Death of Manolete
Sep 12, 1957
The last hours in the life of Spain's most celebrated matador.
The Dark Side of the Earth
Sep 19, 1957
A drama set in 1956, during the unsuccessful Hungarian uprising against the Russians
Topaze
Sep 26, 1957
A mild-mannered schoolteacher gradually abandons all his principles - and finds the success which has always hitherto eluded him.
The Playroom
Oct 10, 1957
When a mother wins an award, she finds out a few things about her three grown-up children.
Around the World in 90 Minutes
Oct 17, 1957
October 17, 1957, the CBS Television Network diverted from its typical format of live dramatic presentations for "Playhouse 90" to cover Michael Todd's gigantic party commemorating
The Mystery of Thirteen
Oct 24, 1957
The story of William Palmer, one of the most notorious poisoners in Victorian England - or was he?
The Edge of Innocence
Oct 31, 1957
A lawyer's new brother-in-law disapproves of his specialty of defending murderers. But when he finds himself accused of murder, he asks for his help.
The Jet-Propelled Couch
Nov 14, 1957
Based on a case history in psychologist Dr. Robert Linder's book "The 50-Minute Hour." Unbeknownst to his friends and colleagues, the outwardly sane and secure atomic physicist Dr.
Panic Button
Nov 28, 1957
A Civil Aeronautics Board investigation determines that the reason a plane crashed, killing all aboard except one of the pilots, is that either the dead pilot or the survivor becam
Galvanized Yankee
Dec 5, 1957
In a Northern prisoner-of-war camp during the Civil War, a crippled Yankee commander has a rebellious Rebel executed. The dead man's brother, also a prisoner, vows vengeance. He vo
The Thundering Wave
Dec 12, 1957
Middle-aged actress Victoria Maxwell comes to terms with her destructive lifestyle as she struggles with the lead role in a Broadway-bound play. Matters are complicated by the fact
Reunion
Jan 2, 1958
A reunion party for old army buddies turns inexorably into something darker and more sinister.
The 80 Yard Run
Jan 16, 1958
Long ago, Christian made a run of 80 yards to make the winning touchdown in a football game. It was the greatest moment of his life. Or was it the beginning of his decline?
Before I Die
Jan 23, 1958
An innocent man, doomed to die for the murder of a cop that he didn't commit, is rushed from prison to the county hospital for an emergency operation. The surgeon becomes convinced
The Gentleman from Seventh Avenue
Jan 30, 1958
Mr. Golden wonders if he has wasted his life; but the news that he is to become a grandfather cheers him.
The Violent Heart
Feb 6, 1958
Photographer Paul is invited to a French estate to take pictures but a romance develops with the lady of the house. A sudden death creates a suspicion of murder.
No Time at All
Feb 13, 1958
An airliner flying nonstop at night from Miami to New York fails to check in, then disappears from radar. We see how its disappearance affects people on the ground. The Episode was
Point of No Return
Feb 20, 1958
Waiting to find out if he's obtained a valuable promotion, a banker returns to the small town he grew up in.
Portrait of a Murderer
Feb 27, 1958
Based on a true story, Donald Bashor robs and bludgeons two women to their deaths. While committing the crimes he maintains a normal existence with his girlfriend Florry.
The Last Clear Chance
Mar 6, 1958
A veteran lawyer must defend his own son when the latter is threatened with disbarment.
The Male Animal
Mar 13, 1958
The trustees of Midwestern University have forced three teachers out of their jobs for being suspected communists. Trustee Ed Keller has also threatened mild mannered English Profe
The Right Hand Man
Mar 20, 1958
The story of a struggle for control of a Hollywood talent agency.
Verdict of Three
Apr 24, 1958
A murder trial is followed through different jurors and their reactions.
Nightmare at Ground Zero
May 15, 1958
After the first atom bomb test, scientists realize the bomb was more powerful than they expected - which may have terrible results.
Bomber's Moon
May 22, 1958
A hard-hearted Colonel loses many men in his group's bombing missions over World War II Germany, but keeps on going and won't tolerate a young lieutenant losing his nerve under the
Natchez
May 29, 1958
A Civil War veteran returns home to find his father has become a social pariah.
The Innocent Sleep
Jun 5, 1958
When a rich man marries a much younger wife and his ailing health gets rather worse, the housekeeper suspects a murder attempt is looming.
A Town Has Turned to Dust
Jun 19, 1958
A weakling sheriff is unable to prevent a lynching. Can he redeem himself by preventing a second one?
The Great Gatsby
Jun 26, 1958
A Midwesterner becomes fascinated with his wealthy neighbor, who obsesses over his lost love.
Bitter Heritage
Aug 7, 1958
The James boys, being framed for a bank heist, are saved by the banker's daughter.