Hallmark Hall of Fame: Born Yesterday (1956)

Paul Douglas repeats his Broadway stage role as corrupt, bombastic scrap-metal tycoon Harry Brock in this Hallmark Hall of Fame production of Garson Kanin's Born Yesterday. Taking over from Judy Holliday in the role of Harry's dimwitted mistress Billie Dawn is Mary Martin, while Arthur Hill is seen as Paul Verrall, the bespectacled Washington DC reporter whom Harry hires to instill "refinement" in the brash and unschooled ex-chorine Billie. Anxious to organize a covert business cartel with the help of a few bought-off politicians, Harry realizes that Billie's stupidity and tendency to say whatever pops into her head might queer the deal--thus, he engages the services of Verrall. What Harry doesn't count on is that Paul will "educate" Billie to the point that she develops a conscience, and a sense of patriotism that causes her to rebel against Brock's disreputable tactics. As in the original play and the 1950 film version, the highlight of the proceedings is the classic gin-rummy game between Harry and Billie, though running a close second is Billie's blockbuster response to Brock's brutishness: "Do me a favor, will ya Harry? Drop dead." Garson Kanin himself directed this production, which originally aired live and in color. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi