Movies Similar to Philco Television Playhouse: "Ernie Barger Is 50" (1953)

In this rare kinescope from the early years of the long-running dramatic anthology Philco Television Playhouse, Ed Begley Sr. stars as Ernie Barger, the bombastic, conservative but withal likeable co-owner of a successful dinner-plate manufacturing firm. Having spent his life imposing his will on those around him, Ernie cannot admit that he is out of step with the times professionally, nor that he might be responsible for the shyness and recurring illnesses of his wife Mariella (Carmen Mathews). But Ernie is certain of one thing in life: That once his beloved son Roy (John Connell) has graduated from college, he and Ernie will be inseparable buddies. Alas, it at Roy's graduation that Ernie is dealt the first in a series of devastating disilllusionments. Most existing prints of Ernie Barger Is 50 include the original Philco commercials, as well as a plug for the following week's episode of Goodyear Television Playhouse (which alternated with the Philco show). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi