"Cradle Song" is a 1956 American TV film for the Hallmark Hall of Fame, directed by George Schaefer.
Contents
Plot
An infant is reared by nuns in a convent.
Cast
Maurice Evans, host
Judith Anderson as The Prioress
Siobhán McKenna as Sister Joanna of the Cross
Evelyn Varden as The Vicaress
Dierdre Owens as Teresa
Barry Jones as The Doctor
Anthony Franciosa as Antonio
Production
Both Susan Strasberg–originally slotted to play "Teresa"—and Helen Hayes, cast as the Vicaress, were forced to bow out due to illness; Strasberg was going to star but had to pull out when her husband fell ill.
The episode was filmed at NBC Brooklyn in the Midwood section of that borough. Music was performed by guitarist Julian Prol. with costumes designed by Noel Taylor and settings by Robert Wightman.
Reception
New York Times Critic Jack Gould called it "one of the most beautiful and deeply stirring programs television has ever offered.".
1960 production
The play was filmed again in 1960 with the same director and many of the same cast.
1960 Cast
Judith Anderson
Siobhán McKenna
Helen Hayes
Kathy Willard
Charles Bickford
Geoffrey Horne