Play of the Week, The

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Play of the Week is an American anthology series of televised stage plays which aired in NTA Film Network syndication from October 12, 1959 to May 1, 1961. The series presented 67 (35 in the first season, 32 in the second) videotaped Broadway-style productions, broadcast nightly and Sunday afternoons on New York City's independent, WNTA Channel 13, which served as NTA's flagship station, and at varying times and days on the approximately 100 other stations affiliated with NTA. Because well-known performers were willing to accept minimum payments (top salary was $750) for the prestige of appearing in the critically-praised showcase, production costs were kept to an average of $40,000. Although the budget was low, the show had a high distinction which, combined with its reputation as an innovative production, gave it momentum and propelled it into winning a Peabody Award.

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