''That Wonderful Guy'' is an American situation comedy television program that was broadcast on ABC from December 28, 1949, through April 28, 1950. It featured

Jack Lemmon John Uhler Lemmon III (February 8, 1925 – June 27, 2001) was an American actor. Considered proficient in both dramatic and comic roles, he was known for his anxious, middle-class everyman screen persona in comedy-drama films. He received num ...

in his first starring role on TV.

Premise and cast

Set in New York, ''That Wonderful Guy'' focused on drama critic Franklin Westerbrook ( Neil Hamilton) who was pompous and demanding, and his valet, Harold (Lemmon), who was bumbling but enthusiastic. Harold was a recent drama school graduate who endured his boss's demands while he hoped for a big break to get into show business. The cast included Jo Hurt and Cynthia Stone.

Production

Charles Irving Productions packaged the program, and Hal Gerson and

Babette Henry Babette Henry (born Babette Louise Kohn;"United States, Census, 1950", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6XRQ-F6WK : Wed Mar 20 06:46:59 UTC 2024), Entry for Babette L Henry, 10 April 1950. January 19, 1915"California, Dea ...

directed. The writers were Charles Gussman and Russell Beggs. Bernard Green's orchestra provided music. The program was sustaining. It was broadcast live on ABC at 9 Eastern Time on Wednesday nights until March 1, 1950, and at 8:30 on Friday nights from March 10, 1950, through April 28, 1950. ABC's original plans called for ''That Wonderful Guy'' to debut on TV in the fall of 1949, but financial problems at the network caused delays in putting it and some other programs on the air. Also in October 1949, ABC considered moving the program to AM radio rather than going on TV.

Critical reception

Mary Wood, radio and television critic for ''

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'' described ''That Wonderful Guy'' as "a well done show, full of sprightly adult humor -- an engaging farce". A review in the trade publication ''

Variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...

'' said the program "shapes up as a pleasant, engaging farce . . .". It also commended the show's writing, music, humor and charm. Leon Morse, writing in the trade publication ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertis ...

'', said, "With a bit more work ''That Wonderful Guy'' should blossom forth into a fine situation comedy." The review commended the casting of Lemmon and Hamilton and said, "the camera work was slick", except that more closeups were needed.

References

{{Authority control 1949 American television series debuts 1950 American television series endings 1940s American sitcoms 1950s American sitcoms American Broadcasting Company sitcoms American live television series