The Arena

"The Arena" is an American television play broadcast live on April 9, 1956, as part of the CBS television series, Studio One. Written by Rod Serling and directed by Franklin Schaffner, the story concerns a young U.S. Senator who seeks to avenge his father's political downfall by destroying his father's rival. He threatens to reveal the rival's membership 25 years earlier in "The Vindicators", an organization that the government has now classified as subversive. Plot Act I James Norton arrives in Washington, D.C. as a freshman senator. He is taking over his father's seat after being appointed by the governor. Jack Feeney, an experienced Washington hand, is Norton's aide. Senator Rogers is the senior senator from Norton's state. Norton blames Rogers for his father's political downfall. In his first press conference, Norton is asked about Rogers' having said that Norton's father was the worst member of the Senate. Norton loses his cool, and a newspaper reports on the front page that Norton has called Rogers "big mouthed". Act II Norton and Rogers debate on the Senate floor. Rogers accuses Norton's father of inserting illegitimate pork barrel spending into bills. When Norton tries to defend his father, he is ruled out of order. Feeney cautions Norton about continuing a feud with Rogers. In a television appearance, Rogers says he finds the junior senator to be more interested in fighting than the issues. Norton and Rogers continue to feud, and the newspapers report that Norton is no match for Rogers. Norton feels out-maneuvered by Rogers. While drunk, Feeney reveals to Norton that Rogers was once a member in good standing of "The Vindicators", an organization that is now on the Attorney General's subversive list. Norton leaves, and Feeney calls Mrs. Norton asking her to tell Norton to forget what he said.