The Next Half Hour
February 26, 1956 - June 25, 1956 (scheduled monthly)

Produced in KPTV's studios, this program was a standout effort to air locally-produced dramas featuring local actors and playwrights. Airing irregularly, the casts often featured KPTV personnel including Gene Brendler and Gordon White.

"One for the Road" featured Bob Brennan and Mary Marsh (foreground) and Scott Beech and Ed Gilbert (background) in a story about a marine deserter and his blind girlfriend. The drama was written by Von Stuart of Portland, who had created scripts for such network programs as The Web (CBS, 1950-54) and Danger (1950-55).

"Black Orange Blossoms" featured Glenna Page as the girlfriend of a killer, hiding from the authorities in a chapel.

Sunday, February 26, 1956 • 8:30pm "ONE FOR THE ROAD" The story of a marine deserter and his blind girlfriend. Cast includes Bob Brennan, Mary Marsh, Scott Beech, Ed Gilbert, Hazel McGee and Gene Brendler. Written by Von Stuart. Directed by Skeets McGrew. Sunday, April 15, 1956 • 8:30pm "BLACK ORANGE BLOSSOMS" A notorious gunman and his girlfriend seek refuge in a deserted chapel, along with another couple. Conflict arises between the mother superior and the criminal. Cast includes Glenna Page and Ric Dorio. Written by Von Stuart. [Originally scheduled for March 24, 1956. Postponed to this date.] Monday, April 30, 1956 • 7:30pm "FOR ALL WE KNOW" A young couple marry after a short courtship, then a man from the girl's past appears and threatens to expose her. Cast includes Mary Marsh, Bob Miller and Margretta Ramsey. Written by Von Stuart. Monday, May 28, 1956 • 7:30pm "A HANDFUL OF STARS" A story about three people in a New York tenemant; a crippled war vetaran, a little girl, and her mother, a callus nightclub singer, and their three separate wishes. Cast includes Bob Brennan, Mary Haas and Ric Dorio. Written by Von Stuart. Monday, June 25, 1956 • 7:30pm "CAROLINA IN THE MORNING" A Charleston, South Carolina bus is commandeered by a fleeing bank robber and his seriously wounded partner. Cast includes Glenna Page, Ric Dorio and Ed Cogan.

In "Carolina in the Morning," Glenna Page starred as Crystal LaFleur, a passenger on a bus that is commandeered by a fleeing bank robber and his seriously wounded partner. The entire production took place on a bus.

This page last updated on September 07, 2025