"The 80 Yard Run"
Playhouse 90 episode
Paul Newman in "The 80 Yard Run"
Episode no.Season 2
Episode 19
Directed byFranklin Schaffner
Written byDavid Shaw (adaptation), Irwin Shaw (story)
Original air dateJanuary 16, 1958 (1958-01-16)
Guest appearances

"The 80 Yard Run" is an American television play broadcast on January 16, 1958, as part of the second season of the CBS television series Playhouse 90. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward co-starred. Franklin Schaffner directed, and David Shaw wrote the teleplay as an adaptation of a story written by his brother Irwin Shaw.

Plot

A college freshman, Christian Darling, runs 80 yards for a touchdown to establish himself as a star. His girlfriend, Louise, is a rich and beautiful girl. The two marry, but Christian's football career falters after an injury. Louise's career working at a magazine is very successful. Christian is frustrated by his inability to support Louise, and the marriage fails.

Cast

The following performers received screen credit for their performances:[1]

Production

David Shaw wrote the teleplay, as an adaptation of a story by his brother, Irwin Shaw.[2] The story originally appeared in the May 1955 issue of Playboy magazine. Franklin Schaffner directed. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward starred.[1][3]

Prior to the broadcast, Woodward expressed concern about the production: "We agreed to do it because Paul loved the story so much. But I think they have stretched it too much, padded it."[4]

On January 29, 1958, 13 days after their appearance in The 80 Yard Run, Newman and Woodward were married by a judge in a bungalow at the El Rancho Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.[5] They also appeared on screen later in the year in the film The Long, Hot Summer.[6]

UCLA football head coach Red Sanders made his acting debut in the production. He played the part of a college football coach.[7]

Reception

In The New York Times, John P. Shanley praised that the "sensitive and effective" performances of Newman and Woodward, and opined that the "expert direction" of Franklin Schaffner, "gave distinction to what might otherwise have been a routine presentation."[2]

United Press television critic William Ewald rated it as the best offering from Playhouse 90's second season. He was especially effusive in his praise of Newman and Woodward: "I don't think it would be possible to heap too much praise upon Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward . . . Newman and Miss Woodward turned out a team performance that spoke of deep respect for each other's craft, a meshing together that indicated understanding of their parts and, I imagine, lots or rehearsal sweat."[8]

A review in the Los Angeles Times called it a "remarkable story" with the "ingredients of a great show."[9]

References

  1. 1 2 "Playhouse 90, Season 2". Classic TV Archive. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  2. 1 2 John P. Shanley (January 17, 1958). "TV: 'Eighty-Yard Run'; Paul Newman Is Unhappy Star, Joanne Woodward His Wife in Shaw Story". The New York Times. p. 47.
  3. ↑ "TV: 'Eighty-Yard Run'; Paul Newman Is Unhappy Star, Joanne Woodward His Wife in Shaw Story". The New York Times. January 17, 1958. p. 47.
  4. ↑ Cecil Smith (January 16, 1958). "Recommending a Show Is Risky". Los Angeles Times. p. II-10 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ Peter Shelley (2019). Joanne Woodward: Her Life and Career. McFarland & Company. pp. 36–37. ISBN 9781476675800.
  6. ↑ "Film Showmen Continue Dubious On Stars' Pre-Release Telecasting; Shaken by Suzy Parker Roast". Variety. January 22, 1958. p. 7. Retrieved October 20, 2021 – via Archive.org.
  7. ↑ "Red Sanders In TV Play". Tampa Bay Times. Associated Press. January 15, 1958 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ↑ William Ewald (January 18, 1958). "Program Is Called Show's Best Work". The Paducah Sun. United Press. p. 2A.
  9. ↑ "David Shaw, 90". Los Angeles Times. July 30, 2007. p. B7 – via Newspapers.com.
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